Jetsettersblog

Visitors can now book their Cornish cottage holiday or winery tour at Camel Valley at the click of a mouse direct through www.camelvalley.com

Camel Valley has been offering winery tours and accommodation in sunny Cornwall for over 20 years, and always relied on a cottage booking agent.

However, Bob and Annie Lindo, Camel Valley’s founders, noticed that increasingly tour visitors were trying to book accommodation direct for the next holiday season following their tour. Bob’s Wednesday evening ‘Grand Tour and Tastings’ have been described as ‘Britain’s best’ by Wine magazine

One of the two holiday cottages has recently been refurbished and now boasts a terrace overlooking the vineyard – providing an idyllic surrounding to sit back with a glass of wine.

Said Bob: ‘The great thing is that the accommodation and the vineyard have become integrated into one big ‘wine’ theme and everybody is speaking the same language. In the past, many cottage bookings were made regardless of the fact that we were a vineyard, but now the cottages are being booked almost entirely because we’re a vineyard’. Bob added: ‘Of course we put some wine in the fridge and the Grand Tours are all-inclusive for all cottage bookings’.

The whole family need not be mad on wine to stay at Camel Valley. The Lindos offer a private stretch of salmon and trout fishing on the River Camel and guests can cycle the Camel Trail, which runs right through the vineyard, to Padstow for lunch in one of Rick Stein’s famous restaurants. The Eden project is just 8 miles away and the glorious Cornish coastline just 10 miles.

Camel Valley holds 4 of the UK Trophies including the coveted Vintners Trophy for the UK’s best sparkling wine for the second successive year. Camel Valley was awarded the Gold Medal for the 2008 Cornwall Tourist Board Small Visitor Attraction of the Year and Bob has previously been awarded a Gold Medal for ‘Outstanding Services to Tourism’.

African Spa And Private Villa Concert

This Valentine’s Day, luxury operator Sanctuary Retreats is offering a special three night romantic package including a hot air balloon safari and half-price spa treatments at one its luxury lodges in Kenya, Olonana. The company also has availability at a number of its stunning villas in Europe, where couples can enjoy a romantic and memorable short break with some outstanding extras, including a private villa concert; luxury motorcar rentals; and the services of a private chef who can prepare a romantic meal in the privacy of the guests’ own villa.

Private pampering at luxury lodge Olonana, Kenya

As well as the chance to spend three nights in one of Kenya’s most deluxe properties, Sanctuary Retreats’ special Valentine getaway package also includes: a balloon safari and champagne breakfast in the bush; game viewing drives with a professional driver; private breakfast on the tent deck by the Mara River; return flights from Nairobi, plus airstrip transfers in the Mara; all meals and drinks (excluding champagne and premium brands); and a 50 per cent discount at Olonana’s new mini-spa offering pampering massages, facials and many more beauty treatments.

Olonana is a small luxury camp perfectly nestled in the heart of Kenya’s big game country, which is home to Africa’s largest concentration of lion, cheetah and giraffe. Resting on the banks of the Mara River, the camp consists of 14 spacious permanent tents, each featuring an en-suite bathroom with shower, as well as large verandas with picturesque views and fantastic star gazing opportunities. The camp boasts its own secluded swimming pool and a riverside dining room and lounge.

This special Valentine’s package is valid from 1st February – 20th June 2009 (except the Easter period). Prices start from £1,326 per person sharing and exclude park fees.

To book or for more information, please see: www.sanctuaryretreats/lodges.com  or telephone 01780 784 368.

Romance and relaxation at villa L’Affresco, Tuscany

Situated within the vast estate of the historic Villa di Geggiano, this charming Tuscan villa makes the perfect retreat for couples wishing to spend some quality time with one another in a secluded and beautiful setting. Located nearby to the picturesque city of Siena and characterful villages of the Chianti area, couples can cruise the romantic winding Tuscan roads in style, with the use of a luxury car. Clients can choose to drive a selection of opulent cars, ranging from a Bentley to an Aston Martin VE, which can be delivered to guests’ villas.

Guests also have access to the beautiful gardens of Villa di Geggiano, which includes an open-air theatre with two late-baroque arches surmounted by statues. Here, Sanctuary Retreats can organise a private classic music concert for an extra special Valentine’s Day treat. This can be followed with a delicious intimate meal presented on a decadently prepared table with flowers, champagne and candles.

The villa sleeps four people across two bedrooms and contains a large living room, fully equipped kitchen and well-manicured garden. It also benefits from a DVD/CD player; flat screen satellite TV; and a hot whirlpool tub that rests under the shade of olive trees. Couples can also enjoy the services of a professional chef who can visit the villa and prepare a sumptuous and special dinner for two.

L’Affresco is available to rent from 14th-21st February 2009. Prices start from £5,831 on a Tailor Made (villa only) basis. Luxury vehicle rental, music concerts and private dining can be arranged on a bespoke basis, subject to supplements.

To book or for more information, please see:

www.sanctuaryretreats/villas.com  or telephone 01780 784 368.

About Sanctuary Retreats

Sanctuary Retreats’ luxury lodges and camps in Africa and stunning villas in Europe form part of the Sanctuary Retreats portfolio, which also encompasses river and expedition cruises around the world.

Northumberland’s tallest, smallest and most unique self catering accommodation – The Outchester Ducket. Standing at 65ft high this is no ordinary holiday cottage or villa it is a remarkable and unusual 5 Star holiday experience for two able people.

With over eight year in the planning and restoration, The Ducket’s qualifications are impressive. An 18th century grade 11 listed dovecote on a medieval site scheduled under the Ancient Monuments Act, with 21st century facilities, located about half a mile from Budle Bay near Bamburgh. It’s a place for a dream honeymoon, whether you’ve been married for 5 minutes, 5 years or 50!

The word Ducket comes from dovecote - a place where pigeons roosted - now it has been transformed into a five storey holiday residence. Formerly an empty shell, the materials used in its transformation link the past together with the present. Throughout, original features are carefully combined with features of today. Stone and timber are complemented by state of the art bathroom and kitchen facilities, Wi Fi and underfloor ground-source heating.

Each of the five floors contain a single circular room and are accessed by a hand crafted wrought iron staircase. The entrance hall in the base of the tower also contains the bathroom. The first floor, the double bedroom, with views of open country towards the Cheviots. The second floor features a well equipped kitchen and dining area. The sitting room on the third floor looks towards the Cheviot Hills, Lindisfarne Castle and the coast. Finally, the library crowns the tower, with opportunities to contemplate The Ducket’s best views, a personal watercolour or a good book!

The isolation of the Ducket – it stands at the edge of a field, near the dunes of Budle Bay – is actually an illusion. The beaches are almost on the doorstep, the A1 is 5 minutes away and Alnwick with its castle and gardens and Berwick upon Tweed are 20 minutes south and north.

Any single couple staying in The Ducket is guarenteed a romantic holiday, in a location where only the setting is more magnificent!

The Ducket is available for weekly lets from £495 and short breaks from £395 Full details can be found on web site – www.theducket.co.uk.

Summer in the Queenstown is the perfect time to explore the magnificent Queenstown region by foot. New trails including the Lake Hayes Loop and Jardine’s to Jack’s Point have this year been added to the already rich range of walks within easy reach of the resort. Visitors and locals alike enjoy one-day adventures and world famous multi-day hikes.

Some of the world’s great walks start from Glenorchy, a 45 minute scenic drive from Queenstown and venture into the heart of the Fiordland and Mt Aspiring National Parks and include the Milford, Hollyford, Routeburn, Dart/Rees, Caples and Greenstone tracks.

Close to downtown Queenstown, a number of scenic walks can be enjoyed. You can scale the heights with the historic Queenstown Hill time walk for magnificent view or take a leisurely stroll around Queenstown’s beautiful lakeside gardens. . For a more challenging day walk, try the Ben Lomond Trail traversing over Bob’s Peak.

Destination Queenstown Acting CEO Graham Budd said that for many people, Queenstown’s walking options are the mainstay of their holiday experience.
“Walking is a great way to explore the region, and one of this region’s most long standing attractions. The wide range of walks mean you can be physically challenged, or enjoy a sedate stroll. It’s a great way to take in our stunning scenery, from Glenorchy, to Kingston, Gibbston and Arrowtown. We have an active Trails Trust which ensures new walks are continually added to our already considerable network.”

Mr Budd said multi-day walks are extremely popular at this time of year but warned visitors to book ahead.

“If you walk independently, be aware that Department of Conservation huts on the Milford Track are currently booked out for this summer, and the Routeburn is also popular, so consider alternatives such as the Hollyford, Caples, Dart/Rees or Greenstone Tracks. If you are looking to walk with a bit more comfort, there is availability on the guided options.”

Guided options are available to walkers looking to tramp in comfort and style. The trips cover accommodation in luxury lodges along the tracks, with hot showers, and three course meals to soothe the weary walker at the end of the day.

The Department of Conservation has a wealth of information about what to take, when to go and track information. The Department also offers free advice for walkers about the specific dangers of this region, including vastly variable weather and difficult off-trail navigation.

Mr Budd said walking is a part of Queenstown’s many attractions and activities.

“There are many options for a summer holiday in Queenstown, and walking can be complemented with everything from the sedate to extreme adventure activities. A flightseeing trip, spa treatment or booking in for a luxurious night’s accommodation are just some of the ways to recharge after a walk. Summer is a great time to get out on the water, or take to the air, so we certainly encourage visitors to allow time for these activities as well.”

For more information on guided walks and Queenstown activities, visit the Destination Queenstown website. For self-guided options, book your hut and learn about the track via the Department of Conservation website: http://www.doc.govt.nz

THE ALBANY is a little gem of a boutique hotel in South Yarra, and is rapidly evolving into a coveted Melbourne destination for the savvy, stylish traveller as well as the city’s most discerning personalities. The hotel is developing a reputation for it’s personal service and up-beat hospitality. The bar at THE ALBANY is renowned for locals and guests alike as a great place to drop in, have a drink and soak up the quintessentially Melbourne atmosphere. As the ultimate celebration of summer, this month THE ALBANY will open a pink-glowing, rooftop lap pool with majestic views of the Melbourne skyline.

“Our vision for THE ALBANY began when we first saw the property. The location and architecture give our guests a quintessential Melbourne experience and we could immediately see that it presented an authentic, stylish and personal option for savvy travelers as well as a lively gathering spot for our local clientele,” said owner Sally Bloomfield. “To see our vision now become reality only reaffirms the unique offer that THE ALBANY brings to Melbourne.”

Located in one of Melbourne’s most exclusive enclaves, and within walking distance of some of Melbourne’s top restaurants and bars, THE ALBANY is situated on the corner of Toorak Road and is just a couple of blocks from Chapel street, Melbourne’s prime shopping area, and only 2 km’s away from the city itself. Combining warmth, quirkiness and an eclectic sensibility,

THE ALBANY was originally a 1960’s motel attached to a stately South Yarra mansion. Embracing the 21st century, it has been transformed cleverly into a funky, chic and intimate destination whilst retaining the affordability and friendliness that was central to it’s original concept.

THE ALBANY offers something special; a Rolls Royce service for a 3 and a half star property. The hotel has also announced an exciting new alliance with respected Melbourne bar, restaurant and café consultants, Terry Strudwick and Benjamin Canavan. Terry and Ben, known locally as ‘The Boys’, saw the alliance as the perfect opportunity to launch their evening dining concept of “Grazing”. There is a healthy and delicious menu of fourteen items, with rotating “Special Dishes” and a focus on regional produce. This exciting affiliation creates a new and unique dining experience at THE ALBANY, as well as increased service to in-house guests and locals alike, who can soon enjoy the best of Melbourne fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The new restaurant at THE ALBANY will open in January 2009.

After recently undergoing it’s remarkable transformation, THE ALBANY has been reborn with a style that could best be described as ‘fashion meets music’. With black and white striped walls in the new bar, floor to ceiling photographs, murals and artwork, quirky bedheads and red hallways, the hotel has become one of Melbourne’s most enchanting and delightful place to stay.

All budgets and tastes are catered for when selecting accommodation at THE ALBANY. The suites are highly contemporary and artistically styled so that no two are the same. With five rooms in the Mansion, plus the two bedroom Penthouse and a further 80 rooms in the adjoining hotel, THE ALBANY caters for the needs of a diverse range of travellers. The Mansion rooms and suites provide plenty of space for families, while the Superior and Executive rooms offer a new, invigorating feel for the business guest to relax and unwind. All rooms beyond Standard offer fully-stocked mini-bar, Foxtel, In-house movies and ADSL. A hearty breakfast is provided daily in the Breakfast Room. On the warmer days, the alfresco courtyard which fronts the hotel, provides a casual atmosphere to appreciate an espresso or freshly brewed tea.

THE ALBANY is fast becoming one of Melbourne’s most interesting and desirable places to stay.

Voyages Hotels & Resorts is preparing for a strong 2009 season at El Questro Wilderness Park, following the region’s starring role in Baz Luhrmann’s Australia movie.

The magnificent Cockburn Range, located entirely on the million-acre El Questro Wilderness Park, provides much of the backdrop for many scenes in Australia, including the cattle droving shots, water crossings and the backdrop to Faraway Downs, the cattle station inherited by Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman).

With an anticipated rise in bookings due to the film, Voyages will be launching fantastic deals in January, to encourage holidaymakers to visit El Questro Wilderness Park as soon as it reopens after the wet in April 2009.

The El Questro Early Bird deal is a Stay Three, Pay Two special offer, representing a 33% saving off the nightly room rate at Emma Gorge Resort www.elquestro.com.au/emma-gorge-resort, and El Questro Station Township www.elquestro.com.au/township *

Three nights in a Tented Cabin at Emma Gorge Resort (twin-share) is priced at $540 per room with the Stay Three, Pay Two special offer. Three nights in a Bungalow at El Questro Station Township (twin-share) is priced at $624 per room with the Stay Three, Pay Two special offer.

El Questro Wilderness Park offers three accommodation types – Emma Gorge Resort El Questro Station Township and the exclusive El Questro Homestead – and opens from 1 April to October 31 every year, allowing for the dramatic thunderstorms to pass over the Kimberley and replenish its numerous gorges and waterfalls during the annual wet season.

Re-create your own Australia movie adventure with gorge cruises on the Chamberlain River, dips in Zebedee Springs thermal pools, horse-riding and barramundi fishing in helicopters. At the end of each day, relax in the outback in riverside bungalow accommodation at the Station Township or try the tented cabins at Emma Gorge Resort.

For a spot of luxury, treat yourselves at El Questro Homestead, the most luxurious cattle station property in the region and an icon of the Kimberley www.elquestrohomestead.com.au The private Chamberlain Suite offers a double bathtub on the verandah perched above the Chamberlain Gorge below, and is so popular can often be booked out months in advance.

Voyages El Questro Homestead in particular has already experienced strong demand for next year’s season, with a total of 40% of 2009 room capacity already sold.

Anna Guillan, Executive General Manager Sales & Marketing, Voyages Hotels & Resorts, said: “We’ve never seen sales this strong before. Now that the film is out on general release, we’re expecting sales to soar. It’s unprecedented and very exciting – but to avoid disappointment, people should book early.”

*Conditions apply, subject to availability. Rates are per room, valid for travel from 1 April 2009 – 30 April 2009 and 1 October 2009 – 28 October 2009. Package must be booked as a minimum three-night stay per room. On early check out the regular nightly rate will be charged. Quote TSA at time of booking.

The temperatures are up in the Outback, and come April as they drop, it’s the action that increases with festivals celebrating everything from music to opals and sporting events where horses, camels and humans are the stars. This is a bite size collection of what’s happening in the Outback in 2009.

Julia Creek’s popular Dirt ‘n’ Dust Festival (3 –5 April) returns for its 14th year in the tiny town in the north-west of the State complete with the popular Cow Poo Throwing Competition and Outback Bog Snorkelling Race. This annual festival is also famous for the Outback Triathlon, Australia’s Best Butt Competition and PBR Touring Pro Bull Riding Rodeo.

Music lovers need look no further than the Hughenden Country Music Festival (10-12 April), an annual Easter Weekend event. Crooners of all ages compete at the festival which has 10 adult sections and four sections each for Junior and Juvenile contestants. The Grand Champion takes homes $2000 and the Junior and Juvenile Champions, $1000 each. There is also a People’s Choice award and Encouragement award.

2009 welcomes back the biannual Cunnamulla Outback Masters Games (27 April-10 May) – the event with no participation criteria, except a minimum age and where one of the most popular events is the 470km bike ride from Cooper Creek to Cunnamulla. New events in 2009 will include woodchopping, kayaking and shearing.

Barcaldine’s annual Tree of Knowledge Festival (1-4 May) enters a new era in 2009 when it welcomes home the main feature of its festival – the preserved remnants of the Tree of Knowledge which was tragically poisoned several years ago, are returning to the town. The Tree celebrates the town’s proud history as the birthplace of the Australian Labor Party and this year the festival will include the opening of the Tree’s new memorial. Visitors will also enjoy the Tree of Knowledge Race Cup, drag racing and the Speed Shears Competition.

The camels will be off and racing again at the famous Boulia Camel Races (17-19 July). The town’s regular population of 300 swells to 3000 for the weekend of racing which includes fireworks and entertainment. The event kicks off with a 400 metre Twilight Camel Race on the Friday night and continues over the weekend with Camel Race Heats for the Quarter Mile Flyer and Camel Cup. If you can’t make July, pencil in August for the Hughenden Camel Races, now known as the Sheikh Zayed International Camel Endurance Race (21-23 August), where camels from around the world race for a $50,000 prize purse.

July is opal month in the Outback with the towns of Winton and Yowah each hosting festivals to celebrate our national gemstone. Opal Expo (7-11 July) in Winton, where the Boulder Opal was discovered, showcases the stone in the rough and polished form. Miners sell their opals from the back of their vehicles, there is street entertainment, competitions, dinners and fashions parades. The tiny four block town of Yowah – a two hour drive from Cunnamulla – also hosts an annual Yowah Opal Festival (17 –19 July) each year. Home to the Yowah Nut Opal which was first discovered here at the end of the 19th century, the festival celebrates our national stone and gives visitors the chance to talk to friendly miners, have a fossick themselves, check out priceless collections and enjoy entertainment and markets.

The Mount Isa Rodeo (7-9 August) plans to continue where it left off at its 50th anniversary last year – with plenty of action and adventure. The largest event on the Australian rodeo calendar attracts the best of local and overseas competitors for events at the multi-million dollar, purpose-built Buchanan Park rodeo arena that can accommodate over 5,500 spectators.

Join thousands of visitors who flock to the tiny Outback town of Birdsville for the annual Birdsville Races (4-5 September), an event which has been running since 1882. The remote location lures characters from all over who cheer on the winners and sleep under the stars for this nationally famous event.

Celebrate Cunnamulla’s heritage at the end of year for the Cunnamulla Fella Festival (13-14 November). The Matilda Highway and Adventure Way lead right to this famous Outback town where a bronze statue of the ‘Cunnamulla Fella’ sits on his swag in the centre of town, immortalising the larrikin in all Australians. This action-packed Outback adventure is held in conjunction with the Bundaberg Rum Pro Series PBR Bull Ride.

For more information on these and other events in the Queensland Outback visit www.adventureoutback.com.au

Popular Landing Spots For British Skiers & Snowboarders

Leading flight search engine, Skyscanner (www.Skyscanner.net), dips into its data to see where British winter sports enthusiasts are flying to this winter. Despite economic woes, European ski searches appear healthy with a small rise in flight search traffic for ski airports compared to last year. With a strong US dollar, it seems many Brits are avoiding transatlantic mountains and favouring the more local European peaks.

1. Geneva (Switzerland) – at number one by quite a long way it’s Geneva. Close to the French border (the airport even has a French sector), Geneva is an ideal landing zone for skiers and snowboarders, offering the choice of over 100 ski resorts within two hours’ drive. One of the closest is Lelex, a small resort served by 13 ski lifts, ideal for families and beginners, and at the other end of the scale – Morzine, part of Les Portes Du Soleil ski area, a huge interlinked domaine offering some 650 different pistes, served by over 200 ski lifts.

2. Nice (France) – located for good access to the ski resorts of the Southern French Alps and the Italian Alps, Nice offers access to 12 ski resorts within 3 hours’ drive. Isola 2000 is one of the best in range, rising to 2610m, offering about 50 pistes and around 120km of downhill skiing and snowboarding. Alba, about 2.5 hours from Nice is an ideal choice for beginners, a compact area which is also good for cross country skiing, boasting 52km of Nordic trails.

3. Salzburg (Austria) – located in the north of the country, Salzburg is surrounded by over 100 resorts to the south, east and west, all of which are less than 2 hours drive from the airport. Mayrhofen is one of the most famous in the area and one of the highest resorts in Austria; part of the Zillertal ski area, it offers access to 130 pistes. If you’re looking for a family ski area and need something with shorter drive times, try St Wolfgang – one of the closest ski areas to Salzburg, this small resort has 9 ski lifts as well as 30km of cross country trials.

4. Munich (Germany) – another good access point with almost 100 ski resorts within 2 hours of the airport. Choose from a great selection of Northern Austrian resorts, or for something a little different, why not visit a German ski resort? Though little known as a skiing destination, Germany has some great options; Sankt Englmar is a small ski area best suited to beginners and young families in the east of Germany – or try Grainau – one of the bigger resorts in Germany offering an impressive vertical drop of over 2000m and 44 pistes.

5. Grenoble (France) – there are over 50 ski resorts within 1.5 hours of the airport, including some of the biggest and best such as Alp d’Huez, Courchevel, La Grave, Meribel and Valmorel. For somewhere a little more secret, try Autrans - a quieter area with 16 lifts and about 18km of downhill slopes as well as 160km of cross country ski trails.

Best of the Rest:

Toulouse (France) – offers access to Pyrenean ski resorts in France, Spain and Andorra. Pas de la Casa is a firm favourite with the Brits, renowned for its excellent value and lively après ski action.

Innsbruck (Austria) – great for getting to resorts in the Tyrol region and the city of Innsbruck itself is home to Nordkette, a small ski area with slopes overlooking the city, which boasts one of the steepest runs in Europe.

Milan Bergamo (Italy) – good for Northern Italian resorts. Try Livigno, a duty free ski resort with an excellent terrain park and good off piste options, a quaint alpine town untouched by overdevelopment.

To find more cheap flights, fast – visit www.Skyscanner.net

The world’s largest land predator has long been adored in films and documentaries however, long-haul travel specialist, Canadian Sky, can now offer one better with a six-night polar bear expedition to Churchill, Canada. For those wanting to learn about and observe these formidable creatures in their natural habitat The Great Ice Bear Tour is an experience not to be missed!

Taking place in October and November 2009, it is undoubtedly the most diverse polar bear viewing package as it combines a number of polar bear expeditions at the Seal River Lodge, aerial tours and a Tundra Buggy adventure. As all the 2008 tours were sold out, holidaymakers are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.

Highlights include a stay at Canada’s most exclusive Polar Bear Lodge where guests are flown in by helicopter and a full-day Tundra Buggy adventure where intrepid explorers are transported across the Tundra on large rubber tired buggies. Bear watchers are positioned 10 feet above ground and with a rear viewing deck and large windows the buggies offer a truly unique vantage… and picnic spot!

It is this ability to see polar bears in the most natural setting possible combined with the luxurious wilderness lodge and an unobstructed view of the northern lights in the night sky that sets The Great Ice Bear adventure apart from any other packages.

Canadian Sky (www.canadiansky.co.uk  0870 904 0930) is offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience on their Polar Bear Adventure Tour with departures throughout October and November 2009 from £3,999 per person. Based on two sharing, the price includes return flights from London Heathrow with Air Canada, two nights’ accommodation in Winnipeg on a room only basis, a five-day guided tour on a full-board basis with air transfers to Churchill and a float plane transfer to Seal River Lodge.

With one of the fastest transfers from passport control to piste to be found anywhere in the world, Slovakia can claim another superlative, the fastest descent from pistes to pools, from frozen water to geothermal water.

Award winning AquaCity resort is welcoming skiers with a daily free bus transfer service to the High Tatras, allowing skiers to enjoy the slopes and return to bask in bubbling warm water in a choice of 14 geothermal pools and a spa center that includes saunas, inhalation rooms, massages and for those who can’t get enough of it, a real snow room.

A three night stay at AquaCity in January 2008 costs from £331 per person, including return Sky Europe flights from Luton, transfers, free entry to AquaCity’s geothermal waterpark and spa, free ski bus to the slopes and half board accommodation in the 3*

AquaCity Seasons Hotel. Europe Travel Services tel 0845 2703800 and www.aquacityresort.com

www.slovakia.travel