Jetsettersblog

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

Experience Sardinia with Just Sardinia….the island specialist

With the most comprehensive guide to holidays in Sardinia, Just Sardinia offer hotels and beach resorts, villas, apartments, farms and yacht charter throughout the island with inspirations and recommendations for the best accommodation and location for family holidays, spa breaks, luxury hotels, honeymoons and weddings, tours and multicentre holidays and combinations with Corsica and mainland Italy.

Sardinia Sophistication at Affordable Prices

Sardinia doesn’t have to be expensive - Just Sardinia has an exclusive collection of holidays with 7 night accommodation only prices for apartments from £54pp (Buganvillea Apartments opposite the beach in Alghero), villas from £100pp (Villa L’Arco in the beautiful countryside), hotels from £116pp (Hotel Oasis with large swimming pools), agriturismi from £210pp (Tenuta Pilastru near the Costa Smeralda) and yacht charter (strategic base in the north to visit the islands and Corsica) from £199pp. And fantastic Early Booking Offers! Holidays can be tailor made with flexible durations, low cost flights from regional UK airports, car hire or airport transfers.

Why feature Sardinia?

2 hour flight from the UK

Not a mainstream Mediterranean destination but a sophisticated Italian island
Caribbean-like coastline with wonderful beaches, great diving and snorkelling
Diverse island with mountainous interior and beautiful countryside
Vibrant towns with local traditions, colourful festivals and warm friendly people
Great restaurants, pizzerias and gelaterias with Sardinian specialities and excellent local wines

Activities including watersports, cycling, golf, tennis and horseriding
Excursions including boat trips, scenic train journeys, 4 wheel drive safaris, trekking and climbing, wine tasting, archaeology sites and Roman ruins
Accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets

Why feature Just Sardinia?

*Financially protected holidays * Personally chosen properties * Flexible durations * Prices based on accommodation only or tailor made packages * Regional UK flights, airport transfers/car hire priced separately * Online booking * 5% Loyalty discount * Local Resort Staff

British Travel Awards 2008 Silver Winner

Just Sardinia are delighted to be a Silver Placed Finalist at this year’s British Travel Awards in our nominated category of Best Health & Beauty Holiday Operator. To celebrate we have some great Spa Hotel Special Offers for 2009.

AITO Responsible Tourism 4 Star Award
Just Sardinia are very proud to have been awarded the AITO 4 star RT award, for our commitment to the environment with special commendation for initiating the Just Sardinia Green Award to help encourage our suppliers to get involved.

Villa Las Tronas Hotel & Spa and Conde Nast
Villa Las Tronas, our best selling 5 star hotel in Alghero, has been nominated by Conde Nast Johansens readers for the ‘Most Excellent Romantic Hotel’ award and the new Spa was officially opened on 29th November. Watch out for special offers for the New Year.

The Rhine Valley Music Festival (24–31 May 2009) features seven private concerts performed by top rank musicians in a variety of historic buildings along one of Europe’s great rivers. The audience lives on a modern and comfortable ship, chartered exclusively for the week, disembarking for concerts or to explore historic towns and sites along the way.

Some of the finest musicians in Germany and Switzerland (and Britain), including the Baden-Baden Philharmonic, Andreas Scholl, Basel Chamber Orchestra, Cantus Cölln, Natalie Clein, Basel Chamber Orchestra and Amphion Octet, perform music by Mendelssohn, Haydn, Nikolaus Bruhns, Matthias Weckmann, Schumann, and others.

The historic venues, often dating from the same period as the music performed in them and in some cases with even more specific links, include the Kurhaus in Baden Baden, Church of the Holy Trinity in Speyer, Hambacher Schloss and the Residenzschloss in Mannheim.

The spoken word contributes to the audience’s experience and there are daily talks by musicologist Roderick Swanston and Timothy Blanning, Professor of Modern History at Cambridge.

Launched in 2006, the MS Helvetia II is one of the most modern and comfortable passenger ships on European waters.

Prices range from £2,660 to £4,390 per person and include admission to all seven private concerts, a choice of flights from London, Manchester and Birmingham, accommodation for seven nights on board the river cruiser, all meals including wine, water and coffee, coach travel, talks by a musicologist and historian, interval drinks, all tips, taxes and admission charges, practical and historical information and a detailed programme booklet.

Eden Rock – St Barths is unlike any other resort on the French island of St Barths - often referred to as the Saint Tropez of the Caribbean. Situated on a rock high above the ocean and surrounded by turquoise waters and white sand, Eden Rock – St Barths provides the ultimate in service and quality and offers a quiet haven for uninterrupted relaxation by guests, clients and friends.

Eden Rock – St Barths, boasts a wide range of accommodation, from individually designed diamond suites to the brand new Villa Rockstar (which launches in January 2009) and is an ultra luxe 6 bedroom beachside villa.

Designed for luxury living, Villa Rockstar will rival any villa in the Caribbean; with 16,000sqft spread over three floors, facilities will include a screening room, a private gym, a business office, use of a couple of house cars being a mini cooper and a Landrover, dining facilities for 12 people, a pool table and sports area, lawns for croquet, two pools and a fully equipped recording studio. Guests will also have a dedicated butler service to look after their every need.

The same goes for next door brand new Villa Nina which is available now and comprises about 6,000sqft of ultra luxury living and with just two suites and a private art gallery and a couple of pools - and much else besides…

Eden Rock – St Barths has an ongoing relationship with key figures in the music industry with the sound engineer partner for the Villa Rockstar recording studio being the market leading Oceanway, Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood which studio recorded the ‘Thriller’ album for Michael Jackson and very much else besides. Oceanway’s proprietor – Allen Sides – links the legendary work of Frank Sinatra with that of Paul McCartney…

At Eden Rock – St Barths music, art and food combine to be three creative sources joining perfect accommodation and friendly affirmative staff in making for a uniquely world-class holiday resort.

French cuisine is brought to a new level at the two Eden Rock restaurants ‘On the Rocks’ and ‘The Sand Bar’. On The Rocks has become a landmark destination offering first class service and perfectly executed cuisine in a glorious setting high above the coral reef and the Caribbean ocean beyond. Since opening, the restaurant has achieved a loyal following of guests and visitors and friends and celebrities. The menu interprets timeless French favorites and includes new ones of delicate flavour devised by Head Chef Jean-Claude Dufour. The Sand Bar’s lunchtime approach to food offers healthy cuisine made from the most beautifully fresh and well chosen ingredients. For instance most of the fish is flown in ice (not frozen) via Air France from Paris…

Janes Gallery and its art is another highlight and passion of Eden Rock – St Barths. Set on the beach next to the ocean Janes Gallery is the perfect relaxed place to exhibit art collections which range from young scholarship artists participating in the Eden Rock ‘Artist in Residence Program’ – to exhibits of some of the most successful artists in the world today. Guests too are invited to paint… or perhaps arrange lessons for their children who are able then to combine art and beach…

For St Barths frequent visitors and guests, Eden Rock also invites people to join its limited fractional ownership development - The Eden Rock Owners Society (EROS). Also, the society provides the opportunity to own part of one of five newly built one, two or three bedroom houses. Owners have the right to stay in their vacation home for four weeks a year for a period of 71 years, which affords them all the benefits of owning their own beachside property in St Barths without the hassles of day to day management – and at a fraction of the cost and commitment of buying a house in the hills on the island.

For further information please contact chloe@quintessentiallyestates.com

15 Trophy-winning Properties, 4 New Grands Chefs Relais & Châteaux

In exclusive partnership with prestigious brands, Relais & Châteaux has just revealed the list of the winners of the Relais & Châteaux Trophies which are awarded every year in recognition of expertise and excellence in the art of hospitality and fine dining.

Welcome Trophy with Moët & Chandon
The art of receiving is one of the fundamental virtues of Relais & Châteaux; ensuring your stay is unforgettable is always the priority in these properties.

Hotel Jagdhof Glashütte - Germany

Grand Chef Trophy with Taittinger
Amongst the Relais & Châteaux members, the contemporary elite of fine dining are grouped within the family of the Grands Chefs Relais & Châteaux. Passion, creativity, experience and expertise are the essential criteria for admission to the highly select circle of these Grands Chefs.

Firmin & Philippe Arrambide
Les Pyrénées - France

Jonathan Gushue
Langdon Hall Country House Hotel & Spa - Canada

Christopher Brooks
Blantyre – United States

Jason Robinson
The Inn at Dos Brisas – United States

Rising Chef Trophy with All-Clad
We single out young chefs whose creativity, imagination and commitment earmark them as the future grand masters of fine dining in the world.

Davy Tissot
Villa Florentine - France

Art de la Table Trophy with San Pellegrino
The arts of the table, atmosphere and decoration are all part of our philosophy of “receiving well”. They reflect the soul of our properties and express their personality.

Ristorante Le Calandre - Italy

Spa Trophy with Laurent Perrier
There are 5 categories of spa: Spas de Charme, Spas de Rêve, Thalassotherapy, Thermalism and Beauty.

Georges Blanc & Spa - France

Woman of the Year Trophy with Pommery
A disciplined approach to work organisation, exacting standards, the giving of themselves and a sense of welcome and detail make these women the flagship ambassadresses of our family.

Johanna Maier
Hotel Hubertus - Austria

Passion Trophy with Hennessy
Launched in 2004, the Passion Trophy is awarded to Relais & Châteaux owners who know how to make your stay truly unique: harmonious setting, perfect service, remarkable style.

Sam Beall
Blackberry Farm – United States

Corporate Trophy with Glenmorangie
Relais & Châteaux launched this trophy in 2005 to single out property owners who have distinguished themselves through their high-performance meeting facilities and the quality of the welcome afforded to business meetings or residential seminars.

Sheen Falls Lodge – Ireland

Lounge Trophy with Grand Marnier
With the Lounge Trophy, Relais & Châteaux pays tribute to the expertise of these friendly settings, a real invitation to tasting.

Eden Rock - St Barthélémy - France

Environment Trophy with Orlane
This award pays tribute to properties which have shown tenacity, commitment, impressive initiatives and respect for the environment and the natural setting.

Longueville Manor – United Kingdom

Garden Trophy with Rozes
This pays tribute to properties which have succeeded in reconciling abundant nature, expertise in enhancing the horticultural heritage and respect for the original beauty of the landscapes.

Las Mañanitas Hotel Garden Restaurant & Spa - Mexico

Innovation Trophy with Nespresso
To guarantee unique experiences and intense moments of discovery, each Relais & Châteaux member must know how to reinvent itself and be innovative.

Thierry Marx
Cordeillan-Bages - France

About Relais & Châteaux

Relais & Châteaux is an exclusive collection of 480 of the finest charming hotels and gourmet restaurants in 56 countries. Established in France in 1954, the Association’s mission is to spread its unique art de vivre across the globe by selecting outstanding properties with a truly unique character.

Furthermore, Relais & Châteaux is also a family of hoteliers and Grands Chefs from all over the world who share a passion for and a personal commitment to ensuring their guests are privy to moments of exceptional harmony, an unforgettable celebration of the senses.

From the vineyards in Napa valley to the beaches in Bali, from the olive trees in Provence to the lodges in South Africa, Relais & Châteaux offers all the stops on the finest route for discovering each special place and country.

Europe’s Largest Regional Airline Makes The Second Of Its Three Planned Announcements About Its 181 Routes

Flybe, Europe’s largest and most successful regional airline, today announces its summer schedule for 2009 which sees the carrier offering travellers access to 181 routes for Summer 09, including the introduction of brand new routes from Jersey as well as increased frequency on key services across the UK. The announcement follows the first batch of summer sun routes and precedes more new routes to be revealed later this week.

Key National facts
• 181 routes operating for Summer 09, including the 28 routes operated by Loganair, Flybe’s franchise partner.
• New routes to Jersey from Inverness, Dundee and Manston in Kent
• Increased frequency from Birmingham, Doncaster/Sheffield, Cardiff, Exeter and Newcastle.

The summer schedule is available for booking today at www.flybe.com for travel between 29th March and 24th October 2009.

Key routes for summer ’09 include:

• Exeter to Avignon, Brest, Nice and Rennes
• Southampton to Bergerac, Brest, La Rochelle, Nice and Perpignan
• Birmingham to Brest, Bergerac, La Rochelle and Toulouse
• Jersey to Belfast, Doncaster, Glasgow, Inverness, Nice, Southend, Dundee and Manston in Kent.

Today’s announcement follows the early release in October of the first phase of the summer schedule to sun and sea destinations from bases across the UK, and shows Flybe continuing to demonstrate its commitment to the regions it serves by providing affordable and cost effective travel from convenient local bases. The schedule is proof that the airline continues to thrive in spite of challenging economic circumstances. Record profits in 2007-08 and a 08-09 first quarter performance ahead of last year put Flybe in a position that few of its rivals can match.

Mike Rutter, Flybe’s Chief Commercial Officer, comments: “Our summer schedule shows us continuing to strengthen our operations across the UK and Europe with many of our summer routes from the 07/08 schedule returning from March next year as well as increased frequency on many of our services from key bases including Birmingham, Doncaster/Sheffield, Cardiff, Exeter and Newcastle.

“Over the last twelve months we have continued to grow and develop Flybe to provide the most cost-effective, efficient and flexible service for business and leisure passengers, and it is paying off; our customers keep coming back and consumer confidence in Flybe remains strong as we were recently recognised as the biggest mid-market private company in Britain by the Sunday Times HSBC Top Track 250 league table.

“Flybe continues to grow strongly despite tough economic conditions as we attract passengers from high-price, full service airlines and no-service, low cost airlines. Over the last 12 months, Flybe has cemented its leadership of the UK regional domestic market, become the fastest growing airline at London Gatwick and grown strongly in continental European business-only services. This year will deliver more of the same”.

‘European Boating Holidays’ announce fixed Euro to Pound exchange rate for 2009 bookings With brochure prices currently in Euros, EBH will offer existing and new travellers a fixed rate of 1.30 to 1 for holidays booked to any destination by the end of January 2009.

European Boating Holidays is the 1st independent inland water cruise company in Europe operating two brands Locaboat with the classical P nichettes and Cardinal with its modern fleet of Europas Call 0845 450 5229 or visit Locaboat.com or cardinalboating.com

LONDON, UK - ‘European Boating Holidays’ announce fixed Euro to Pound exchange rate for 2009 bookings

This week, EBH will freeze the Euro to Pound exchange rate in order to pass significant savings onto customers for 2009 holidays. With brochure prices currently in Euros, EBH will offer existing and new travellers a fixed rate of 1.30 to 1 for holidays booked to any destination by the end of January 2009.

‘We are determined that our existing and new clients are able to continue enjoying boating holidays across Europe in the New Year despite the economic downturn. This fixed exchange rate, will save a family of four more than 225* for a week in April onboard a P nichette 1020FB in Ireland or France,’ says Matthieu Glasson, Sales and Marketing Manager at EBH.

EBH can be contacted on 0845 450 5229 or enquiries made online at
http://www.locaboat.com or http://www.cardinalboating.com.

Notes to Editors:
* Based on today’s rate of 1, 09 to 1

About EBH
With Locaboat and Cardinal EBH has 450 boats, traditional or modern, for 2 to 12 people, with no need for a boat licence, spread across 28 bases through France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Holland and Ireland. Whether you’re a couple, family or group of friends the differing models are designed to suit any sailor.

During your cruise, an abundance of activities are available, from discovering gastronomic delights, historical sites, biking along the tow paths, fishing for catch of the day or simply relaxing on deck with a glass of the regions finest wine.

Example Pricing based on fixed exchange rate: ( 1.30 to 1)

Prices for the 4th May bank holiday weekend onboard a Locaboat Penichette in France, Italy or Holland, start at 184 per person based on four sharing.

Prices for the 25th May Bank Holiday weekend onboard a Locaboat Penichette (P1400FB) in Ireland start at 1182 - so 148 per person based on 8 people sharing.

Prices for a week in April onboard a Cardinal Europa in Germany start at 1292, so 646 per couple based on two couples sharing.

Prices for a week in June onboard a Locaboat Penichette (P935R) in Ireland start at 759, so 253 per person based on 2/3 sharing.

Prices for a week in June onboard a Locaboat Penichette (P935R) start at 985, so 328 per person based on 3 sharing.

New features provide online services and put ski holidaymakers directly in touch with holiday providers.

The Chalets Direct Solutions Room has recently had an upgrade to provide a better service for both holidaymakers and those providing the holidays. First launched in 1999, the Solutions Room is a bulletin board where people can state their requirements and Chalets Direct advertisers can come back to them with proposals and “solutions”. This feature is unique to Chalets Direct and has become popular amongst both skiers and snowboarders, trying to organise their holidays, and with ski holiday companies with available beds to sell.

The Solutions Room allows people to post up their requirements and to let the solutions come back to them. Their ski holiday can be tailor-made to suit their needs.

The visitor has to fill in a simple form to post his or her request, which asks for key details such as dates required and number of beds. Once the request has been posted it is then sent to the owners/operators of matching properties in the extensive Chalets Direct database. The owners can then respond to the request in the Solutions Room. With the improved matching process skiers can get better, more targeted responses to their requests.

Launched earlier this month the new Solutions Room has shown that there is a still a lot of demand for ski holidays, with the number of requests growing each day.

Replies will usually be posted within the hour, and someone searching for a holiday will have several propositions to look through.

The Solutions Room is part of the Chalets Direct Interactive area which also features a reviews area, and the Ski Blog.

There are also other ways to find ski holiday accommodation, including chalets, apartments and hotels using the Chalets Direct search or the Promotions area.

Martinique is offering several travel bargains for winter 2009.

 Travelers can take advantage of free night offers, special savings and discounts on air service. Club Med Buccaneer’s Creek’s Half Off Your Better Half promotion rewards couples, or any two people traveling together, with 50 percent savings for one member of the traveling party.

Eligible bookings must be made by Feb. 28 for travel between Feb. 14 and Oct. 31. A minimum seven-night stay is required, and blackout dates apply. For more information, call 888-WEB-CLUB or visit www.clubmed.us

La Batelière Hotel’s Pay 5-Stay 7 or Pay 10-Stay 13 allows travelers to opt for two free nights on seven-night stays, or three free nights on 13-night stays when selecting the four-star, 193-room La Batelière Hotel (www.hotel-bateliere.com) for winter 2009. Eligible bookings must be made by May 31 for travel between Jan. 6 and June 30.

This offer is available exclusively through travel agents and tour operators, and additional restrictions may apply.

For reservations and information, travel professionals are encouraged to contact Corinne Picaut, sales and promotions manager at La Batelière, via email at corinne.picaut@orange.fr  or call 011-331-426-39762.

American Eagle is offering round-trip flights from its hub in San Juan, Puerto Rico, starting at $298.

The new low rate represents a discount of 36 percent over previously published fares and is available exclusively through travel agents and tour operators subject to space availability. American Eagle operates four times weekly, offering connections with American Airlines flights from cities across the U.S.

 For more information, call 800-433-7300. The Martinique Promotion Bureau can be reached at 212-838-6887, email at info@martinique.org  or visit www.martinique.org

Rail Europe, a distributor of European rail products in North America, announced the launch of Trenitalia’s new Milan to Rome high-speed rail link. The new line shaves an hour off the route, connecting Italy’s political and financial capitals in 3 hours and 30 minutes. The new route establishes Milan as Italy’s main point of connection with Europe’s high-speed larger rail network for the benefit of business and leisure travelers alike. Milan is currently served by Artesia trains from Paris, Cisalpino from Basel, Bern and Geneva, Riviera from Nice and Elipsos overnight trains from Barcelona.

Trenitalia’s ETR500 AV Red Arrow Train, which will service the new route and will be available for reservations on www.agent.raileurope.com in January, was designed by Italian automotive designer, Giorgetto Giugiaro. Giugiaro was recently named Automotive Designer of the Century for his achievements in designing for Audi, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Maserati, Volkswagen and others. The Red Arrow reaches a maximum speed of 186 miles per hour, offering rail travelers in Italy an equivalent level of speed, service and convenience as other European countries.
Passengers can order from a menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner selections from the restaurant car, as well as snacks and beverages from the bar car. TrenItalia’s InterCity Plus and Eurostar Italia trains, offer speedy connections between Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, Bologna and Naples and convenient access to many smaller Italian towns. Rail Europe offers a full range of TrenItalia tickets that can be tailored toward each traveler’s individual needs.

To book any of Rail Europe’s wide range of economical railpasses and point-to-point tickets on trains throughout Europe, call 888-382-7245 or visit Rail Europe’s website at the banner at the right.