Jetsettersblog

Top luxury villa company CV Travel has come up with its top choice of romantic retreats for 2012, from cosy villas for two on the Greek islands, to a boutique London hotel, a town-house in rural France, to a Spanish cottage.

Coastal sun-kissed Greek villa for two
Pelagia Cottage, Messinia, Greece

What could be more romantic than sitting in a hot tub overlooking the Greek coastline as the sun sets across the Gulf ofMessinia. CV Travel’s Pelagia Cottageisa beautifully restored villain a superb setting on the edge of a low headland on the Peloponnese.

The property has two outdoor dining terraces, one dappled by shade and the other with a private jacuzzi on the headland with rock bathing just below and within walking distance of beautiful sandy beaches, local shops and tavernas in the Greek village of Stoupa.

A 7 night stay in Pelagia Cottage costs from £1680 – £1925 per week including car hire, maid service and food hamper, based on 2 guests sharing. Contact CV Travel on 020 7401 1026,www.cvtravel.co.uk

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/en/destinations/europe/greece/peloponnese/stoupa/accommodation/pages/pelagia-cottage.aspx

Just a diamond’s call away
The Draycott Hotel, Kensington, Great Britain

Romantics and lovers of tradition will enjoy the afternoon tea and biscuits, champagne at six and bed-time hot chocolate at the 5* Draycott Hotel, a red-brick house in the heart of Kensington and Chelsea, close to Sloane Square and temptingly close to London’s high end shops.

The Draycott recalls an era of Edwardian grandeur in style, with high ceilings, period antiques and theatrical memorabilia and is set around a peaceful private garden square. 24-hour concierge service ensures that a call for a large diamond at 2am will at least be answered.

Those falling for the hotel’s charms, and each other, can also book a wedding reception there at a future date.

A two night stay at the Draycott Hotel costs from £318 per person in 2012 (based on a standard double bedroom), including breakfast, available through CV Travel, 020 7401 1086, www.cvtravel.co.uk

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/en/destinations/europe/great-britain/england/london/accommodation/pages/the-draycott-hotel.aspx

`Wedding cake’ villa above the sea
La Ventana, Siesta, Ibiza

For those with nuptials on the mind La Ventana in Ibiza is a real `wedding cake’ of a whitewashed Spanish villa, tucked up in a private location on the cliffs above the small town of Siesta. Its immensely intimate setting, with wide-open sea views from its raised private terrace and its own hexagonal swimming pool make it a very special romantic retreat. The villa is private, but within a romantic stroll of a spa, lovely beaches and the bars and restaurants in the town.

La Ventanacan be rented through CV Travel from £2,170 per week between April and October 2012. Sleeps up to 4.

Contact CV Travel on 020 7401 1035 or visit www.cvtravel.co.uk

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/en/destinations/europe/spain/ibiza/siesta/accommodation/pages/la-ventana.aspx#/

Centuries of love
The Cockloft, Cotswolds, Great Britain
Stroll in the grounds of Wiltshire’s oldest inhabited manor house, with its 13th century porch and 15th century chapel, and amid the ancient yews, stumble across a love folly and pluck a bloom from the profusion of old fashioned rose species that fill the gardens in May and June. This historic manor house has witnessed centuries of romance and modern-day romantics can enjoy a week’s stay at `The Cockloft’ in the grounds of the manor house, a heavily-beamed, ancient, stone-built house with traditional polished wood floors, furnished with antiques.

A week’s stay at The Cockloft can be booked with CV Travel (020 7401 1086, www.cvtravel.co.uk) costs from £600 for two.

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/en/destinations/europe/great-britain/england/cotswolds/accommodation/pages/the-cockloft.aspx

Villa for two on the island of Corfu
Villa Akrothalassia, St Spiridon, Corfu

Akrothalassia on the North east coast of Corfu is a very romantic, secluded property situated deep within a private olive grove, just a few steps away from the sea. The property’s romantic charm includes a Jacuzzi bath which has superb views of the sea with an eye-catching silhouette of an offshore island.

A week’s stay starts from £1415 based on 2 people sharing and includes car hire maid service and food hamper. Contact CV Travel on 020 7401 1026 or visit www.cvtravel.co.uk

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/en/destinations/europe/greece/corfu/kalamaki-st-spiridon–perithia/accommodation/pages/akrothalassia.aspx

A tower for two in rural Umbria
`Renato’s Tower’, Borgo San Biagio, Umbria

This quirky, restored medieval tower in a hilltop Umbrian hamlet with a hot-tub on the roof terrace, is absolutely perfect for a romantic weekend or honeymoon retreat. From the rooftop terrace couples enjoy beautiful views of the undulating countryside while the tower offers rustic and comfortable accommodation on 4 floors and is in close proximity to historic towns and places of interest for plenty of romantic excursions.

Renato’s Tower can be booked for two from £995 per week. Call CV Travel on 020 7401 1039 or visit www.cvtravel.co.uk

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/EN/Destinations/Europe/Italy/Umbria/Umbria–Tuscany-Borders/Accomodations/Pages/Renatos-Tower.aspx

Wake up to the waves
`La Trasita’, Positano

Wake up to the sound of the waves and the scent of the sea in a 14th century Saracen tower, perched on the headland on a coastal path leading away fromPositano, making it a unique venue, with its own roof terrace, galleried double bedroom and sitting room with balcony. Sea views are, naturally, unrivalled.

La Trasita is available to book through CV Travel from £1445for two to share per week. Tel 020 7401 1039 or visit www.cvtravel.co.uk

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/en/destinations/europe/italy/campania/amalfi-coast-sorrento–ischia/accommodation/pages/la-trasita.aspx

Town house on Sicily’s coastline
Casa Cefalu, Sicily Coast

Wander through the streets and squares of Cefalu with its palazzi, churches, old fashioned bars and a sandy beach, before returning a short stroll to Casa Cefalu, a pretty town house in the medieval centre of Cefalù, on the north coast of Sicily.From the house’s two terraces magnificent views over the roofs of the medieval town, the twelfth-century Norman cathedral and out to sea can be seen.

Casa Cefalu can be booked through from CV Travel from £895 for two to share per week. Call CV on 020 7401 1039 or visit www.cvtravel.co.uk   

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/en/destinations/europe/italy/sicily/sicily-coast–countryside/accommodation/pages/casa-cefalu.aspx

Charming rural retreat, inland Mallorca

Son Siona, Mallorca, Spain

Son Siona is a traditional cottage with plenty of rural atmosphere and secluded countryside for a very peaceful and romantic stay. The local village of Buger is a short walk away and is one of the smallest municipalities on the island of Mallorca and one of the most attractive. Bursting with character and cosiness, the house has its own private pool and large private gardens, making it perfect for seclusion and romance.

Son Siona is available to rent through CV Travel (020 7401 1035, www.cvtravel.co.uk ) from £805 to £1565 per week.

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/en/destinations/europe/spain/mallorca/bay-of-pollensa–surrounds/accommodation/pages/son-siona.aspx

Town house a deux in one of France’s most beautiful villages

La Petit Gordes, Gordes, France

Take a leisurely stroll together through the stone paved streets of one of France’s most beautiful villages, Gordes, a picturesque hillside town with spectacular views overlooking the hills of Luberon, and a place where film stars and local artists have made their home. Visitthe Saint-Firmain Palace cellars, the Sénanque Abbey and the Village des Bories. CV Travel’s La Petite Gordesis a charming two bedroom stone town house with a large private pool, just 5 minutes walk from the centre ofGordes, and driving distance fromthe beautiful town of Bonnieux and the city of Avignon.

La Petit Gordes can be booked through CV Travel (020 7401 1044,www.cvtravel.co.uk) A 7 night stay in La Petite Gordes costs from £2,360 to £3,655 per week including villa hire and maid service, for up to 4 guests sharing. Return flights, transfers and car hire can be arranged on request.

http://www.cvtravel.co.uk/en/destinations/europe/france/provence/goult–surrounding-areas/accommodation/pages/la-petite-gordes.aspx

Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda overlooking Italy’s Lake Garda is offering a special Valentine’s break, which includes an indulgent chocolate candle massage for two.

The massage uses oils from a chocolate candle, which fills the air with chocolate aromas and perfumes. The couple are massaged together in one of the resort’s spa suites and afterwards they can enjoy hot chocolate and pastries prepared by Lefay’s chef.

The resort is offering the special two night Valentine’s package between 9 and 19 February 2012. The break costs from £324 (€ 390) per person in a Prestige Junior Suite, based on two sharing with breakfast, a la carte dinner, sparkling wine and chocolates on arrival, a chocolate candle massage and entrance to the spa and use of its saunas and pools.

Flights are available with easyjet.com and ryanair.com  to Verona.

For reservations and more information visit www.lefayresorts.com .

Lefay Resort & Spa is set in 27 acres of woodland and olive groves in the Alto Garda National Park overlooking Lake Garda.

There are five different types of sauna; a salt water lake for flotation therapies; a state-of-the-art gym and outdoor and indoor swimming pools.

It offers a new type of holiday that combines environmental sustainability, luxury accommodation and innovative wellness experiences with all the style of Italy.

This year the resort became the first wellness resort in southern Europe to obtain the Green Globe environmental certification.

The resort has also won Best Destination Spa in the European Health and Spa Awards and Best Spa in Italy in the Spafinder Readers’ Choice Awards and the best spa in Europe and the Mediterranean in the Conde Nast Johansens Awards.

Hedonistic Hiking will offer a new gourmet guided walking holiday from Slovenia into Italy in 2012. The nine-day hiking tour starts in the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana, which many liken to a mini Prague. It continues through the Julian Alps, crosses the border between the two countries into Friuli, Italy’s north eastern region, and finishes in Venice.

The hike includes Lake Bled with its castle and three nights beside Lake Bohinj encircled by the Julian Alps. Following the course of the Soca river leads to historic Kobarid, today the culinary capital of Slovenia with many fine restaurants. Crossing into Italy on foot brings clients to Friuli with an opportunity to visit the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Cividale and Aquileia, and sample the wines of the Collio region.

The package runs twice in the year from June 3 to 11 and Oct. 2 to 10. The walking groups are small (maximum 16 people) and the support vehicle enables clients to walk as much or as little as they please each day. The price for the Slovenia and Friuli Tour is 2,625 euros per person and is fully inclusive. For more information, call 011-61-(0)3-5755-2307.

Sicily-based Basula Tours’ 15-day Jewels of Southern Italy, designed for group bookings, explores Sicily, Calabria, Campania and Rome, including Catania, Taormina, Etna, Siracusa, Piazza Armerina, Agrigento, Selinunte, Marsala, Trapani, Erice, Palermo, Monreale, Cefalù, Messina, Reggio di Calabria, Scilla, Capo Vaticano, Tropea, Paestum, Costiera, Amalfitana, Amalfi and Roma. Prices begin at 1,050 euros per person and include half board, 14 nights in standard hotels, coach and winery visit with tasting. For more information, call 011 39 (0)95 8369275 or email booking@basula.com

General Tours World Traveler unveiled a new eight-day Small Group Journey to Italy, including Venice, Florence and Rome. One of the tours prominent features is its group size, which is limited to 16 people. The company’s objective in limiting group size is to be able to provide more attentive service from the company’s on-the-ground staff, more intimate engagement with their tour directors and more manageable groups on guided sightseeing trips. The package includes first class city-center hotels, private transportation, and high-speed Eurostar rail with complete transfer and luggage handling services.

The company also cites a strong selling point in its tour directors, which it calls trip leaders, and who are highly educated professionals based in the tour cities. They’re chosen for their qualifications of being well-versed in Italy’s history, architecture and art as well as having the insider’s perspective that can enhance clients’ appreciation of Italy’s cultural traditions. “Their knowledge and insight don’t come from a text book or a semester abroad,” said Bob Drumm, General Tours president. “As lifelong residents, they turn even ‘ordinary’ sightseeing like a gondola cruise or museum visit into meaningful cultural experiences that are more rewarding and enjoyable.” For more information, call 800-221-2216.

From Feb. 13 to 15, Venice’s Bauer L’Hotel and Bauer Il Palazzo is offering a two-night St. Valentines’ Day package that includes a welcome cocktail at the BBar Lounge, homemade chocolate and cookies in the room, daily buffet breakfast, complimentary entrance to Venice’s Casino, and Rose’ Ferrari Italian Champagne in the room when booking a suite at Il Palazzo.

The Bauer properties are also offering a Valentine’s Day Tango Carnival Soiree on Feb. 14 featuring silent film icon Rudolph Valentino in three separate rooms decorated in the style of 1920s and 1930s, with performances throughout the dinner. Guests will become actors and actresses in a Hollywood-style love affair.

Tango couples will alternate Charleston steps with oriental dances during a seated buffet dinner made especially for two. Guests and actors will trade places on the dance floor at the De Pisis Restaurant by Chef Ciresa. The package is 400 euros per person, wines included. For more information, email booking@bauervenezia.com

The seven-room Villa le Scale has just completed months of renovations. Now the gardens offer views of the Bay of Naples. Beginning May 1, the 19th century “Villa of the Steps” will reopen for its ninth season. Owner Anna Maria Coronato, a leading international antiquarian, personally selected the collection of museum-caliber statuary, paintings and objets d’art that distinguish each guestroom.

Guests checking into the Artist’s Room, for instance, will find a Marchigana Era bookcase in the bedroom and two 18th century marble basins in the bathroom. The Venetian Room is dominated by an 18th century bookcase that frames the entrance to the boudoir, while the Louis XV1 Room comes with boiserie panels and a terrace overlooking cetrella garden.

All the rooms come with air conditioning, personal safes, mini bars, plasma-screen television sets, surround sound and high-speed wireless Internet access. Most of the rooms have expansive views of the Bay of Naples and they all look out on or open on to private gardens almost three times the size of the villa itself — including a Secret Garden down a flight of flower-draped weathered stone steps.

Villa Le Scale offers its guests private dining (indoors and outdoors, never more than 14 guests at each meal), room service, turndown service, 24/7 concierge service, an eight-station gym with the latest gear, and a fully stocked wine cellar. The heated swimming pool is ringed with fountains, stone grottoes, a spacious sun terrace and masses of foliage and flowers to create an air of seclusion and privacy.

Rates range from 350 to 650 euros and include a la carte breakfast and taxes for individual bookings. Rates for exclusive rentals are on request. The season runs from May 1 to Sept. 30. When it’s time to reserve a room (and with only seven rooms to choose from, early reservations are recommended) bookings can be made by calling 800-783-6904.

In celebration of the launch of its new ships and new itineraries, Variety Cruises, the global small ship cruise company, announces 10 to 20% off fares and free land pre-and post-cruise tours (where noted) on 2012 itineraries for bookings made by February 29, 2012.

The company, which got its start in Greece and the Greek Islands, is positioned as a leader in a time when the cruise industry is at its most difficult. New 2012 itineraries include stops in buzzed-about hotspots such as Abu Dhabi, Dubrovnik and the fascinating island of Malta, in addition to its popular sails through Greece and the Mediterranean.

Please note: reservations must specify VC1-2012 Special Offer and cannot be combined with any existing or future offers. Port charges are excluded from these discounts and all reservations are on a first come first served basis.

For more information, please visit www.varietycruises.com  or call 1-800-319-7776 (US) and 1-866-944-8498 (Canada).

Deals on New 2012 Cruises

DODECANESE MOSAIC: Travel aboard the Panorama three-masted sail cruiser embarking from Rhodes or Aghios Nikolaos sailing through the beautiful ports of Bodrum, Santorini and the islands of Karpathos and Amorgos. Begins June 19, 2012.

• 10% reduction on cruise fares plus two nights FREE pre or post cruise stay at a four-star hotel in Rhodes or Aghios Nikolaos OR a 20% reduction on cruise fares

• Regular fares begin at $2,390 USD per person, per week

ROMANTIC RIVERAS: The French and Italian Rivieras come to life as the new 223-foot Variety Voyager mega yacht travels through chic hotspots such as Nice, St. Tropez, Portofino, Monte Carlo and more. Begins July 14, 2012.

• 20% reduction on cruise fares

• Regular fares begin at $2,990 USD per person, per week

TREASURES OF SOUTH ITALY AND MALTA: Crystal blue waters and ancient history await travelers aboard the new Variety Voyager mega yacht as it cruises around Sicily exploring Taormina, Syracuse, Agrigento and Cephalu, with stops on the islands of Capri, Malta and Lipari.

Begins September 15, 2012.

• 20% reduction on cruise fares

• Regular fares begin at $2,990 USD per person, per week

THE ADRIATIC ODYSSEY: Travel the Ionian and Adriatic Seas aboard the Harmony G setting sail from Dubrovnik or Corfu. Discover the hidden and historical treasures of Croatia, Albania and Montenegro.

Begins July 22, 2012.

• 10% reduction on cruise fares and two nights free pre or post cruise stay in a four-star hotel in Dubrovnik or Corfu or 20% reduction on cruise fares

• Regular fares begin at $2,690 USD per person, per week

ARABIAN JOURNEYS: Experience the wonders of the Arabian Gulf and the Omani Coast departing from Abu Dhabi to Muscat aboard the new Variety Voyager mega yacht.

Begins November 29, 2012.

• 20% reduction on cruise fares

• Regular fares begin at $2,790 USD per person, per week

Deals on 2012 Greek Cruises

ANTIQUITY TO BYZANTIUM: Discover the treasures of Ancient Greece aboard the Harmony G; the trip starts in Athens and includes visits to the tombs at Mycenae, Olympia and the spectacular Oracle Temple of Delphi.

Begins March 23, 2012.

• 10% reduction on all cruise fares and two night FREE pre or post cruise stay at a four-star hotel in Athens, OR 20% reduction on cruise fares

• Regular fares begin at $1,590 USD per person, per week

JEWEL OF THE CYCLADES: Board in Athens on the M/S Galileo, a classic steel motor sailer, en route to the Aegean Islands with stops in Santorini, Mykonos and off the beaten path islands such as Paros and Folegandros. Begins April 13, 2012.

• 10% reduction on all cruise fares and two night FREE pre or post cruise stay at a four-star hotel in Athens, OR 20% reduction on cruise fares

• Regular fares begin at $2,150 USD per person, per week.

CLASSICAL GREECE: Board the Harmony V mega yacht in Athens and explore stops in Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, the hidden-gem island of Kythira and more. Begins April 20, 2012.

• 10% reduction on all cruise fares and two night FREE pre or post cruise stay at a four-star hotel in Athens, OR 15% reduction on cruise fares

• Regular fares begin at $2,835 USD per person, per week

AEGEAN ODYSSEY: Cruise through the Aegean Islands and Turkey aboard the Panorama (spring/fall) or Panorama II (summer) experiencing the sights and sounds of the Mediterranean’s rich cultural heritage. Begins April 20, 2012.

• 10% reduction on all cruise fares and two nights FREE pre or post cruise stay at a four-star hotel in Athens OR 20% reduction on all cruise fares

 Regular fares begin at $2,655 USD for spring/fall cruises and $2,950 USD for summer cruises per person, per week

TURQUOISE COAST & ISLANDS OF THE EASTERN AEGEAN: The splendor of the Turquoise Coast of Turkey and Greek Islands awaits travelers aboard the Panorama II as it travels through Marmaris, Rhodes, Symi, Patmos and more. Begins April 27, 2012.

• Two nights FREE pre or post cruise stay at a four-star hotel in Istanbul and a 15% reduction on all cruise fares

• Regular fares begin at $1,990 USD per person, per week

Protect your cruise investment with Trip Cancellation Insurance from Seven Corners at www.sevencorners.com

Castello di Vicarello has designed an exclusive ‘Nest Close to paradise’ Package especially for groups.

Castello di Vicarello, in the Maremma region of Tuscany, is surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards and orchards with stunning views down to the sea, providing a wonderful setting for intimate getaways with your nearest and dearest. This 12th Century ultra-luxury retreat offers floral-filled gardens, striking scenery and cool sea breezes, as well as two secluded infinity pools and a spa.

Perfect for family and friend celebrations, such as milestone birthdays, the exclusive package allows intimacy in a gorgeous setting which will truly make you appreciate the things that truly matter in life. The Castello’s Villa Chiesina (Suite Chiesina, Deluxe Grotta) and Suite Sassi will be transformed into a private nest for 6 persons, and will include a dedicated butler, private breakfast, lunch & dinner (including room service), mini-bar drinks, private access to Villa Chiesina’s infinity pool and use of the sauna & hot tub. With your every need catered to, you can live in the lap of luxury with your nearest and dearest, without a care in the world.

The package is offered at €4,800 per night. Guests can also opt for a yoga version of this package for an additional €240 per day.

Luxury family travel specialist, Scott Dunn has announced the opening a new Scott Dunn children’s club at Rocco Forte Hotels’ Verdura Golf & Spa Resort in Sicily.

Opening for its first little guests on 01 June 2012 – in time for half term – the new addition will be the fourth summer children’s club in the Mediterranean operated and managed by Scott Dunn’s experienced childcare experts.

Scott Dunn’s children’s clubs welcome children from just 4 months to 13 years and work with one of the best nanny to child ratios in the industry; 4 months to 2 years, one nanny to every two children; 3-4 years, one nanny to four children; 5-7 years, one nanny to six children; 8-13 years, one nanny to eight children.

Andrew Dunn, Scott Dunn’s founder commented; “Verdura is the perfect setting for our ever-expanding Scott Dunn children’s club portfolio. Many families travel with us year after year especially for our children’s club offering and we are delighted to be able to provide guests with a growing collection of handpicked family-friendly holiday destinations.”

Located on the south coast of Sicily near the seaside town of Sciacca, Verdura Golf & Spa Resort is one of Europe’s most exciting new resorts set within 230 hectares of gentle rolling Sicilian countryside with nearly 2km of untouched private coastline.

The new children’s club will be situated in a converted wing of a former single storey schoolhouse with its own fenced garden surrounded by scented orange orchards – ideal for playing hide and seek.

Scott Dunn’s junior guests can perfect their serve and swing at the tailored tennis and golf clinics, and enjoy some lively team games of volleyball and football. The resort’s private sandy beach is within easy reach, where the nannies will arrange a game of beach cricket, sand sculpture competitions or rounders.

Older children will love exploring the resort’s nooks and crannies by bike, whilst the younger ones will be transported around on the designated children’s club golf buggy. In the heat of the day, kids can try their hand at baking tasty treats or medal making in the fully air-conditioned club.

Mums and Dads can unwind at the Verdura Spa, which features four outdoor Thalassotherapy pools and offers a full programme of pampering or play golf on the three championship golf courses. For active guests, Verdura also features six tennis courts, a full size football pitch, water sports centre, two 60m-infinity pools, a fully equipped gym and a selection of running tracks.

Seven nights at Verdura Golf & Spa Resort start from £2,845 per adult, £1,610 per child based on a family of four sharing two interconnecting deluxe rooms on a bed and breakfast basis, private transfers and fully inclusive Scott Dunn children’s club membership (6 days per week). Price excludes flights.

For more information call Scott Dunn’s family team on 020 8682 5040 and visit www.scottdunn.com for full details of Scott Dunn’s exclusive summer children’s clubs across the Mediterranean.