Jetsettersblog

The Fogo Island Inn, located on Fogo Island, off the remote northeast coast of Newfoundland, has opened its doors. The 29-room-and-suite property overlooks the rocky coastline, providing panoramic views through its wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows.

It was opened by Zita Cobb, founder of the Shorefast Foundation, who was born on the island. One of the goals of the foundation is to create jobs; the Inn will be fully operated by a staff of 90 Fogo Island residents.

The inn is home to the Fogo Island Contemporary Art Gallery; the Dr. Leslie A. Harris Heritage Library, which specializing in literature of the Northeast Coast of Newfoundland; and the Fogo Island Cinema, a partnership with the National Film Board of Canada.

The Shakti Ladakh, a Himalayan ‘village house’ offering visitors a cultural immersion, has opened for the season on May 1. During the four-month period through the end of September (when the season in Ladakh closes), travelers can embrace what Shakti promotes as “inner journeys…outdoors” through village walks. Accompanied by local porters and private guides, travelers trek between remote mountain villages.

Shakti offers gentle walks, treks for more active travelers, camping, river rafting, visits to local schools, monasteries, museums and markets. Guests dine on freshly-prepared food made from all local ingredients – guests and private chefs even select their own food for a true farm-to-table experience.

Shakti has six village houses in Ladakh – in Stok, Likhir, Shey, Egoo, Taru and Nimoo. Houses have been enhanced to provide a “sophisticated simplicity” to the fully-furnished accommodations, featuring modern comforts (such as comfortable beds, full bathrooms/showers, fresh linens, and terraces affording scenic views) and gracious hospitality without compromising the houses’ authenticity. Situated in the far north of the India Subcontinent, over 11,500 feet up on the high plateau, Ladakh is often referred to as “little Tibet.” Convenient flights from Delhi to Ladakh (Leh Airport) take approximately one hour. Shakti village houses are located anywhere from 20 minutes to one hour away from the airport.

Prices start at $3,609 per person for a six-night stay / $4,290 per person for a seven-night stay, based on double occupancy, and feature private accommodations in village houses; all meals and beverages; all activities including two rafting trips; an English-speaking guide accompanying travelers throughout the journey; an additional guide and porters; private chef; transfers between Leh Airport in Ladakh and the village houses; car at disposal; and taxes. Prices do not include international air transportation to/from India; domestic India flights; visa charges; and personal incidentals, gratuities and travel insurance.

After a long day in the saddle, even the most grizzled of wranglers would enjoy a soothing massage, delicious food and wine, and a starlit soak in a hot tub. Besides offering traditional trail rides, cookouts and hikes, many of Arizona’s fabled guest ranches are pampering guests with gourmet meals, wine tastings, spa services and more. Here are a few places that serve up a side of luxe along with cowboy steaks and beans.

Rancho de los Caballeros
Northwest of Phoenix, Wickenburg’s dude ranches are iconic, including Rancho de los Caballeros, a historic resort ranch and golf club on 20,000 wide-open acres of Sonoran desert. After a long ride or a round of golf, mosey over to the spa for a “rusty” brown-sugar body scrub and a Hassayampa hot-stone massage, then enjoy an evening meal in the charming lodge, which dates to the ranch’s founding in the late 1940s.
Hidden Meadow Ranch

Hidden Meadow Ranch is all about rustic luxury. Located in Northern Arizona’s White Mountains near the town of Greer, its pine-scented setting is perfect for horseback riding, fly fishing, canoeing, mountain biking, hiking and even archery. In winter, the ranch takes care of everything to get you skiing at nearby Sunrise Park Resort. Retreat to your straight-out-of-a-Ralph-Lauren-catalog cabin, made cozy with turndown service and firewood delivery. Can’t sleep? Stroll over to the meadow for a relaxing soak in the hot tub or request an in-cabin massage.
Tanque Verde Ranch

In Southern Arizona, Tanque Verde Ranch, founded in 1868 by a wealthy Mexican estate owner, harkens back to old Tucson. It’s been a guest ranch since 1908, known for desert horseback treks, team penning, hiking, fishing, tennis and mountain biking. After you burn calories during a water aerobics class, head to the ranch’s La Sonora Spa, where you can scrub off trail dust with the Sonoran Sunrise body treatment, relax with The End of the Trail massage or just soak in the whirlpools.
Rancho de la Osa Guest Ranch Resort

Near the Mexican border in Sasabe, Rancho de la Osa has been operating as a guest ranch since 1924, and it was also part of an original Spanish land grant dating to 1812. Pancho Villa is said to have been an uninvited guest; others, such as John Wayne and President Lyndon Johnson had reservations. Hang out in the historic adobe buildings that are the main lodge and rooms, or go horseback riding in this remote piece of desert – it’s easy to imagine you’re no longer in the 21st century.

11th April 2013…// A refuge of peace and tranquillity in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, the luxurious Abu Camp shares its location with one of the largest populations of elephants in the world.

Embracing this heritage with the greatest respect for the elephants and their natural habitat, the six-tent safari camp offers an exquisite “Elephant Experience” to guests. Focusing on Abu Camp’s resident herd, this experience provides the opportunity to intimately engage and physically interact with elephants through varied activities, including: walking, riding, observing and sleeping adjacent to the Abu Camp elephant herd.

Shortly after arriving at camp, guests are personally introduced to the herd of seven elephants at Abu Camp: Cathy, Shireni, Kitimetse, Abu, Lorato, Paseka and Warona – all whom have been rescued from the wild, brought in from captivity or born at Abu Camp. Guests will have the opportunity to sleep on a star bed platform overlooking the Elephant Boma and to engage in other activities available at Abu Camp, including: day and night game drives, bird watching, fishing, boating and Mokoro excursions.

Over the course of their stay, guests will be able to walk with the elephants and interact with the herd, participate in or just observe activities such as: mud-bathing, training, veterinary care and enjoy elephant back safaris. With education at the very heart of visits to Abu Camp, visitors will also be encouraged to discuss elephant conservation and care with local researchers, and learn how to interpret elephant behaviour.

With three nights recommended for a fully immersive safari at Abu Camp, the elephant experience can be woven into any stay and can be tailored as to guest preferences.

The Elephant Experience is one of the highlights of Abu Camp and is highly recommended for anyone from an individual traveller to couples and even families (children from the ages of six upwards). Offering a rare African experience that showcases the magnificent wildlife and landscape of one of the few remaining wetland wildernesses on the African continent; this is a safari that will transform perceptions of elephants, wilderness, and maybe even life itself.

Rates start from $1,916/£1,244* per person per night (valid for 1st April – 14th June and 1st November – 19th December 2013), or $2,431/£1,578* per person per night, valid from 15th June – 31st October 2013. Price includes include accommodation, all meals, twice daily scheduled camp activities, park fees, all local drinks and laundry – excludes premium imported brands and champagne.

*Prices in Pounds Sterling correct to today’s exchange rate

For further information on Abu Camp and the Wilderness Collection or to make a reservation at Abu Camp, please visit www.wilderness-collection.com or call + 27 11 807 1800.

Tongabezi Lodge on the shore of the Zambezi River in Zambia near Victoria Falls, is opening new and rebuilt accommodations and commemorating the 200-year anniversary of David Livingstone’s death with a Livingstone Immersion Package.

The five-star Tongabezi will open its new 3,875-square foot luxury chalet in June. The chalet goes by the name “Dog House” because a portion of the proceeds from renting it is donated to help save Africa’s endangered wild dogs. The new construction replaces the former Dog House, which was razed after it was severely damaged by fire.

The Dog House has two large bedrooms with a dining/living area between, a double-sided fireplace and an infinity plunge pool. The bedrooms are raised nine feet from the ground at the edge of the river. The rooms are air-conditioned, or can be ventilated with open air by sliding back glass doors. The Dog House rents for $720 a night all inclusive.

Tongabezi also rebuilt its Tree House, a suite built into the branches of a riverine ebony tree. The house has a pine deck and is suspended over the water of the Zambezi River. It is furnished with air conditioning, a king-sized canopy bed with mosquito netting, Anatolian carpets, Asian chests and West African artwork. The room is offered for $620 a night on a fully inclusive basis, with all food and drinks except for some wines or champagnes. Activities are included in the rate, such as canoeing, a picnic on Livingstone Island, a candlelit dinner on a floating Sampan, a visit to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, sunrise and sunset boating, visits to Victoria Falls, guided bush walks, a tour of the Livingstone Museum, fishing, game drives and shopping at local markets. Museum and park fees are extra.

The chalets come with valets who are on call at all hours to take care of the needs of guests. The property is managed with a green ethos, with timber from sustainable forests in Zambia’s copper belt, water bottled through the Vivreau system without using plastic bottles or cans, and water that is used run through filters and re-used for irrigation. Each chalet is unique, including the Honeymoon House, the Bird House, the Tree House, the Nut House, the Garden House, Tangala House, River Cottages, and in June the rebuilt Dog House.

The lodge is offering a package commemorating the bicentennial of David Livingstone, the first European to discover Victoria Falls. The package includes extras that are usually priced as additional services. It includes a picnic on Livingstone Island, a World Heritage site on the Zambezi River; a visit to the David Livingstone Museum and a tour of the city of Livingstone following the footsteps of Livingstone with an expert guide, with shopping opportunities in local markets where Africans sell handcrafted jewelry, textiles and souvenirs.

Sat in the middle of the Mediterranean is the beautiful island of Sicily. Here’s 5 reasons why you should put Sicily on your 2013 ‘To Do’ list:

Hot, hotter, hottest! Nearer to North Africa than Rome, it enjoys more sunshine than anywhere else in Europe. Top tip: don’t restrict yourself to the summer months; spring and autumn are fantastic times to visit.
Life’s a beach Golden coastlines & warm turquoise waters, quiet coves or water-sport havens. Your choice as most of our properties are located near to the beach. Top tip: take a day trip to the beautiful unspoilt Pelagaie Islands.
Get out there The island has a long tumultuous history of invasion and conquest and is seen in the architecture & felt throughout the landscapes. Top tip: throw on your walking boots and get a map. Palermo Cathedral is also one of the capital’s great examples of art, architecture & history combined.
Tasty Fresh fish and seafood, home grown fruits, capers, olives……. And that’s just for lunch! Top tip: jostle & enjoy one of the local food markets.
Just do it Visiting Sicily means making some tough choices; festivals ranging from chocolate to dance, to music, wine and food, tradition and historic events, religious processions and events, golf, sport, races, the list is endless. Top tip: visit the website www.eventiturismo365.it/en for events throughout 2013 & get excited!
Cottages to Castles features several properties on this fascinating island.

These properties hand-picked by the owners of Cottages to Castles. Other unique properties can be found in Liguria, Tuscany, Lazio, Le Marche, Umbria, Piedmont, Molise, Abruzzo, Basilicata, Apulia, the Neapolitan Riviera and Sardinia.

For bookings and further information call Cottages to Castles on
01622 775217 or make a booking online at
www.cottagestocastles.com

Asilia Africa and Gorongosa National Park are delighted to announce their new partnership. From February 4th 2013 Asilia Africa is the National Park’s newest eco-tourism partner in the development of Gorongosa National Park – and Asilia will open its new Kubatana Camp in the Park on July 1, 2013.

Gorongosa National Park, in Mozambique, is perhaps Africa’s greatest wildlife-restoration story: a 20-year public-private partnership between the Government of Mozambique and the Gorongosa Restoration Project, a US non-profit organization. The 4,067 square kilometer Park is located at the southern end of the Great East African Rift Valley and supports an unparalleled level of species diversity. In the 1960s, Gorongosa supported some of the densest wildlife populations in all of Africa, including the big cats, herbivores and over 500 bird species. Whilst Mozambique’s civil conflict took its toll on the wildlife in the following decades, the habitat remained intact. The ground breaking work and dedication of Gorongosa National Park and the Gorongosa Restoration Project have ensured that Gorongosa is today once again one of Africa’s most exciting wilderness experiences – with even brighter prospects for the future of the park.

By adopting a 21st century conservation model based on balancing the needs of wildlife and people, the Government of Mozambique and the Gorongosa Restoration Project are protecting the Park’s rich biodiversity, while aiming to enable tourists to enjoy Gorongosa’s natural beauty. Today, the Park provides employment for many local people and health and education programs have been established in surrounding communities. Now, Asilia Africa will be joining Gorongosa National Park as a tourism partner,providing an innovative high end eco-tourism product and assisting in formulating and delivering an eco-tourism strategy which will not only contribute to the restoration of the Park but also create an economy and further opportunities for local people.

On 1st July, 2013, Asilia Africa will open Kubatana Camp (www.kubatanacampgorongosa.com). Kubatana means ‘co-operation’, ‘hand-in-hand’ and ‘working together’ in the local Sena/Chigorongosa language, and therefore could not be a more fitting name for this exciting new joint venture. The 6 luxurious tents will have en-suite bathrooms and there will be a comfortable mess area for relaxing. The light-weight camp will aspire to leave nothing behind but foot prints and will adhere to Asilia Africa’s high eco- and sustainability credentials. Activities will include traditional game drives and walking safaris, as well as boating on Lake Urema, visiting the rainforest on Mount Gorongosa for hiking and birding and fly camping. But a safari at Gorongosa will also afford the unique opportunity to be part of the restoration project – be part of a rare species relocation or get involved in a game census. This is sustainable tourism in action.

Bas Hochstenbach, Co-Founder and Commercial Director of Asilia says; “We are honoured to be part of what is certainly Africa’s most exciting conservation story. Today, Asilia Africa has a backbone of properties in the most famous nature and wildlife areas in the world and we want to use this knowledge and experience to help protect and develop Gorongosa National Park and to put Mozambique firmly back on the safari map.”

Greg Carr, President of the Gorongosa Restoration Project, says: “Asilia is known as one of the top ecotourism companies in East Africa. We are thrilled that they will be joining us in Gorongosa. Asilia will not only provide a once-in-a-lifetime wilderness experience to their guests, but also, they’ll join us as allies in our effort to create opportunity for local people and protect the ecosystem.”

To discover more about Gorongosa’s inspiring story tune into BBC’s ‘Africa’, narrated by David Attenborough. In the final episode (aired on 06.02.2013 at 21.00GMT on BBC 1 in the UK and on 16.02.2013 at 22.00 on Discovery Channel in the USA) Gorongosa is introduced as a beacon of hope in Africa today. We welcome you to join us on that journey.

ABOUT ASILIA AFRICA

Founded in 2004, Asilia has a strong presence in the main safari destinations in Tanzania and Kenya – and is now expanding into Mozambique. Asilia aspires to grow its footprint, its positive impact and to be a leader in improving and expanding natural habitats. Asilia is the first Sustainable Safari / Lodge Company in Africa to receive a 5-star rating for Sustainability from GIIRS. Currently, Asilia’s portfolio of camps includes: In Tanzania: Sayari Camp, Dunia Camp, Olakira Camp, Oliver’s Camp, Ubuntu Camp and Rubondo Island Camp.

On Zanzibar: Matemwe Lodge, Matemwe Retreat and Matemwe Beach House.
In Kenya: Rekero Camp and Naboisho Camp.
In Mozambique, as per July 1, 2013: Kubatana Camp

CONTACT INFORMATION

mercedes@asiliaafrica.com (Asilia Africa PR)
Tel: +27 21 418 0468
www.asiliaafrica.com
www.kubatanacampgorongosa.com

After a full day of play on a Colorado getaway, there’s nothing more important than to relax in accommodations that fit your style.

These seven places to stay in Colorado are a start to get your imagination going. Use our Colorado hotels and lodging booking tool to find rates and other places to stay.

1. Luxe Hotels

Just because you’re in casual Colorado, doesn’t mean you have to forgo frills.

Check into the Little Nell, Aspen’s only ski-in, ski-out five-star resort, to see a favorite playground for luxury lovers. Wishes for high-end amenities, like in-room massages or bottles from the award-winning wine cellar, come true at this mountain retreat. More Colorado resorts

2. Colorado Camping

Pitch your tent at Rocky Mountain National Park’s Moraine Park campground. campers are surrounded by ponderosa pine forest and more than 300 miles of world-class hiking trails. Nearby, Estes Park’s shops, restaurants and family fun await. in the fall, the unforgettable mating calls of the resident elks can often be heard. More Colorado campgrounds

3. Colorado Huts

Cross-country skiers and hikers should add the 10th Mountain Division hut system to their must-experience lists. Thirty high-altitude huts nestled in the Rocky Mountains are a welcome, safe respite for those traversing the 350 miles of trail between them. Similarly no-nonsense accommodations are available through Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s year-round yurt system.

4. Cozy Comforts

For an escape with a homey feel, check into the Tarabino Inn Bed & Breakfast in Trinidad, which takes you back in time to experience the hospitality of the Victorian era in a home originally built in 1907. Tarabino’s gourmet breakfasts include Italian stratas, frittatas and lemon-blueberry pancakes. More Colorado B&Bs

5. Happy Trails, Dude

Toasting marshmallows and singing campfire songs are just the start of family dude ranch experiences, which are sprinkled throughout the state and offer everything from get-your-hands-dirty, honest- to-goodness working ranches to ranch-gone-resort. C Lazy U Ranch in Granby has perfected the vacation balance with a renowned kids’ program that leaves adults with lots of alone time, while Latigo Ranch in Kremmling offers spectacular views of the Continental Divide and a historic log lodge with all the modern comforts. More about Colorado dude ranches

6. Historic Hotels

Come see what Calvin Coolidge missed! he was the only U.S. president who did not visit Denver’s Brown Palace hotel while serving in the White house since it opened in 1892. We appreciate the Brown’s luxury amenities, first-class service and luxurious spa, but it’s walking in the footsteps of those that have gone before that we crave. Many Colorado hotels including the Strater Hotel in Durango, New Sheridan Hotel in Telluride, The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs and the Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs serve history along with a restful place to spend the night.

7. RV Parking Here

Perched on 23 acres along the Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway, Arrowhead Point Campground and Cabins in Buena Vista offers RVers well-appointed sites that accommodate pull throughs and slide outs. Lounge under a zillion stars at the site that was an original 1800s Pony Express and stagecoach stop and get active at the resort’s putt-putt golf course, heated pool or playground. More about Colorado RV camping

Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts, which operates eco-lodges in Florida and the Bahamas, has assumed management of the Iguana Crossing Boutique Hotel, a 14-room boutique hotel located near the Wolf Volcano on the Galapagos’ Isabela Island, the Northern Hemisphere’s only natural penguin habitat.

In addition, Guy Harvey will open a new 30-unit Guy Harvey Outpost Lodge on San Cristobal Island in 2016. Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts currently operates the Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour at West End on Grand Bahama Island and the Green Turtle Club and Blackfly Bonefish Lodge in the Abaco Islands in the Bahamas. The company is planning additional developments in the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica.

Celebrate a special occasion such as a birthday or anniversary or simply enjoy a weekend away with your nearest and dearest at luxury camping escape Spicers Canopy this summer.

Spicers Canopy is the perfect place to spend some quality time with your extended family or closest friends, offering all-inclusive safari-style camping escapes for groups of up to 20 in Queensland’s spectacular Scenic Rim.

Just two hours’ drive south west of Brisbane, Spicers Canopy boasts 10 luxury tents which can be booked out exclusively for any special event with your own personal host, private chef and bushman guide tending to your every need.

Special group packages are now available with five tents from $2495* per night ($495 per tent) and 10 tents from $4500* per night ($450 per tent). Valid 1 January 2013 – 28 February 2013 and subject to availability.

The packages include accommodation, a guided 90 minute walk in to the site with bushman guide Russell, afternoon tea on arrival, pre-dinner canapés, a gourmet banquet dinner, all beverages including beer, wine and champagne, breakfast the following morning and a kiddies cooking school.

“Spicers Canopy is ideal for extended family gatherings and parties with friends during summer and perfect for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries,” Spicers Canopy General Manager Leasa Harris said.

“Every stay at Spicers Canopy is all-inclusive which means the rate includes your guided walk into the eco-site, all accommodation, food and beverages.

“This also means that a stay at Spicers Canopy is wonderfully easy to organise and you don’t have to worry about a thing once you’re there so you can get on with the business of enjoying your special occasion and the company of family and friends.”

Spicers Canopy’s tents are fully furnished with a king bed or twin beds, luxury bed linen, lamps, armchairs, bedside tables, polished floorboards and a covered deck with deckchairs. One extra child is allowed per tent at $100 a night.

Spicers Canopy is a certified eco site and permanent private campsite located just a few minutes’ drive from famous sister property Spicers Peak Lodge, adjacent to the World Heritage-listed Main Range National Park.

Sitting on top of a grass covered hill, Spicers Canopy enjoys stunning views towards Mount Mitchell, Spicers Peak and Mount Cordeaux.

A rich ecotourism experience and up close and personal encounters with Australia’s unique plant and animal life are very much part of a visit to Spicers Canopy, with the campsite situated close to a private nature refuge which is home to wildlife including the Eastern Bristle Bird, koalas, glossy black cockatoos and brush-tailed rock wallabies.

And at Spicers Canopy you can do as little or as much as you like.

“Go horse-riding, walk to the nearby waterhole and bat cave, play games with friends on the open lawn, relax on your private deck with a good book from the extensive library or toast marshmallows around the outdoor fire pit,” Ms Harris said.

“You can even take on a more challenging guided walk such as the Cedar Mountain Walk up to sister property Spicers Peak Lodge. Whatever you want to do, Spicers Canopy offers a truly unique experience and the ideal venue for your next celebration or get together.”

Spicers Canopy is located at Spicers Peak Station, Gross Road, Maryvale, 4370, Scenic Rim, Queensland, Australia.

Contact 1300 286 295 email canopy@spicersgroup.com.au

*Terms and conditions apply.