Jetsettersblog

Trafalgar is celebrating 65 years of providing unique travel experiences to its customers by offering up to $1,000 savings per couple ($500 per person) on most of its air-inclusive 2012 European vacations. This limited-time anniversary sale is aimed at counteracting the increasing flight costs set by the airlines, something a number of tour operators and cruise lines have introduced in the past few weeks.

Trafalgar’s offer is valid on new 2012 air-inclusive bookings only when booked and paid in full Feb. 6, 2012 through March 30, 2012. Savings will vary by itinerary length, departure date, destination and airline. The offer is not valid on itineraries heading to London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Russia, Scandinavia and Eastern Mediterranean, and is subject to availability.

“As the travel industry sees airline costs rise, Trafalgar recognizes that consumers are looking for ways to save wherever they can,” says Paul Wiseman, president of Trafalgar USA. “By introducing this limited-time Anniversary Sale, clients can take advantage of impressive savings that will cover increasing flight costs and still leave extra spending money to bring home memories from their trip.”

Savings are valid on most of Trafalgar’s most popular trips, including the nine-day Madrid, Seville and Barcelona itinerary.

This At Leisure getaway combines several included dining and sightseeing highlights with lots of free time for clients to explore the cities on their own.

In Seville, guests are introduced to Trafalgar’s Be My Guest dining experiences as they enjoy a meal at an authentic Andalusian hacienda.

Other highlights of the trip include hop-on/hop-off sightseeing in Barcelona and a fiery Flamenco show in Seville.

Travelers also have the opportunity to win the Madrid, Seville and Barcelona trip for two, courtesy of Trafalgar and Patricia Schultz, bestselling author.

For more information and to enter to win this fantastic holiday, visit

www.workman.com/1000places/events

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

Valentine’s Package at the Gran Hotel Son Net

Son Net is an exquisite 16th century estate surrounded by its own grounds with Mediterranean gardens, rolling countryside and the magnificent Sierra Tramuntana Mountains. Inside the classic décor is combined with original sculptures by Ben Jakober and artworks by Hockney, Chagall, Warhol and Frank Stella.

The impressive Oleum Restaurant with its sandstone walls built around the estate’s original historic olive oil press and all the hotel’s 31 rooms and suites are different with generous proportions and possibly some of the largest bathrooms on the island! Son Net offers the ideal setting to enjoy a romantic break in great comfort. The hotel is easily accessed from Palma and is approximately 30 minutes drive from Palma’s International Airport.

The Son Net Valentine Package includes one night’s accommodation in a luxury room, a bottle of cava and fruit in the room, a romantic candlelit 3 course dinner with a piano concert, breakfast, early check in and late checkout and 20% discount on massage and beauty treatments. Prices start at 290€ per person to include local tax. Extra nights can be booked at 125€ per night, per room.

Information/reservations: + 34 971 147000 or email: info@sonnet.es  www.sonnet.es

Cox & Kings, The Americas unveiled new itineraries to what it’s calling “Exotic Europe.” The programs are designed to bring out more of the adventurous possibilities for a region that many feel they have already “done.” The programs are built to provide more adventure, insider access and off-the-beaten-path experiences. It’s Cox & Kings own approach to a destination that it has only come to lately, adding it to its portfolio last year.

Cox & Kings is offering the destination in a way that goes beyond the standard packages for Paris or Rome. The programs dig deep down under the surface to bring enchanted folklore to life with experiences such as exploring Medieval citadels and traveling beyond the Arctic circle.

“We’re proud of this new collection of European journeys that embodies the values and experiences Cox & Kings is noted for — offering travelers moments that go far beyond providing typical sightseeing,” said Thomas Stanley, center head and COO of Cox & Kings, The Americas. “Our expert Europe Destination Specialist Thor Forsberg has cultivated these unique journeys so that travelers can have rare experiences and see the continent in a new way, with under-the-radar activities, adventurous culinary options and breathtaking sights.”

The selection includes Sweden & The Midnight Sun; A Journey through Northern Spain on Gran Lujo; Albania: Lost in Time; and Gourmet Scotland. For more information, call 800-999-1758.

The Network of Cities and Medieval Villages, which includes 10 Spanish and two Portuguese localities, will launch soon. Tour packages go on sale through travel agencies and online. The organization plans to promote the network as a destination, and will develop specific offers for travel agencies.

The project allows the localities to promote together. To attract tourists, the Network of Cities and Medieval Villages will develop a series of initiatives, such as the IV International Competition for snacks and tapas, held in January. Marvão and Vila Viçosa are, for now, the only two Portuguese districts that have joined the project.. The Network of Cities and Medieval Villages brings together Spanish and Portuguese towns whose common denominator is the heritage of medieval origin and is expected to add more communities in Portugal and Spain, and also in southern France.

Boost your immune system and beat the winter blues with some of the best detox holidays around the world. Health and Fitness Travel (www.healthandfitnesstravel.com), who provides tailor-made active and wellness holidays worldwide share their top five detox holidays to get your new year off to a healthy start.

Detox yourself through good nutrition, carefully chosen treatments and holistic activities to achieve mental clarity, body detoxification and stress reduction with guidance from health professionals. Detoxing is a great way to increase energy levels, clear our skin, boost our immune system and improve overall health. With a carefully tailored programme that suits our body and mindset, a detox holiday can be the first step to a fresh outlook and change of lifestyle.

If you want to re-energise and awaken your senses, take a look at our top five detox destinations. Banish those winter blues and say hello to a new, healthier you! These holidays allow you to relax and enjoy your detox in beautiful surroundings.

SHA Detox
Spain

The world’s first macrobiotic wellness resort focuses its detox programme on the removal of toxins by actively purifying the body, and educating guests on how to maintain their new healthy habits. Experiment with juice fasting, macrobiotic detox specific foods, acupuncture and lymphatic drainage after consulting with a doctor and nutritionist to ascertain your specific needs. Guests are supported post-stay with a personalized post treatment health plan and receive follow up email consultations for two months.

Health and Fitness Travel offers 7 nights at SHA Wellness Clinic from £2,790pp including the detox programme, return flights and transfers

Ananda Detox
India

This secluded Himalayan retreat offers a serene space to free yourself from negative thoughts. Guests are shown how to control and improve their diet, speed up their metabolism, and revitalise their body and mind. The programme begins with wellness and culinary consultations, a fitness test and a body composition analysis. A range of detoxifying baths, massages, showers, salt scrubs, aroma cocoons and a personalised yoga session will follow. You are also invited to participate in scheduled wellness activities, such as meditation, cooking demonstrations, workshops and lectures.

Health and Fitness Travel offers 7 nights at Ananda from £2,859pp including the detox programme, return flights and transfers

Kamalaya Detox
Thailand

Thailand’s award-winning Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa Resort is the perfect location for cleansing and detoxing beginners. After an initial consultation, you will experience a range of low intensity holistic therapies such as massage, meditation, sauna, yoga, and Shakti fitness. Through these you will learn how to improve your health and increase your energy, leading to rejuvenation, personal growth and optimum wellbeing.

Health and Fitness Travel offers 7 nights at Kamalaya from £2,929pp including the detox programme, return flights and transfers

Longevity Essential Detox
Portugal

This luxurious mountain resort overlooking the Algarve coastline offers seasonal detoxing by cleansing the organs and returning harmony to your system. Enjoy massages, wraps, deep skin cleansing and personal training sessions. Through highly personalized evaluations and consultations, guests can expect improved mental clarity, inner balance, a lessening of tension and a complete re-energisation of body and mind. Expert to experience improved health on all levels including internal balance and increased vitality.

Health and Fitness Travel offers 7 nights at Longevity Wellness Resort from £1,990pp, including the detox programme, return flights and transfers

Kempinski Detox
Turkey

The seven day detox programme at this stunning wellness resort over the Aegean Sea above Barbaros Bay in Turkey, is designed to treat your entire body. Aiming to filter out and reduce your bodily toxins, the Sense of Detox programme uses an integrated mix of Anika detox treatments, delicious healthy cuisine and the option of wellness activities to cleanse your body and mind. With improved mental clarity and focus, increased energy levels and firmer skin, you will feel relaxed and refreshed.

Health and Fitness Travel offers 7 nights at Kempinski from £1,695pp, including the detox programme, return flights and transfers

For more information visit www.healthandfitnesstravel.com/detox-holidays or call 0845 5441936

Spanish hotel group Meliá Hotels International announced the addition of the Villaitana resort, on the Costa Blanca in Alicante, Spain, to the company’s portfolio. The property will be operated under a lease agreement and will open shortly under the company’s Meliá Hotels & Resorts brand.

The resort occupies 1.6 million square meters and is located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra de Finestrat mountains, set amidst two Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses. The property consists of 25 separate buildings that are intended to emulate a Mediterranean village with its own church, main square and 455 rooms. The new Meliá Villaitana also boasts 5,000 square meters of outdoor swimming pools, 12 restaurants and bars, tennis and paddle tennis courts, kids club, artificial beach and a fully equipped spa with treatment rooms, thermal pools, gym and relaxation area. The 6,000-square-meter convention center can be divided into 17 rooms, as well as a main function room.

The Spanish hotel company has also begun work on a comprehensive regeneration project in Magalluf. The first phase of the project will be ready to open in June of this year. Calvià Beach Resort by Sol Hotels is the name of the resort which will open its doors this summer, integrating four different hotels — the Sol Antillas and Sol Barbados, and the two hotels added in 2011 through a joint venture with its partner Evert — the Royal Beach and Mallorca Beach. Both hotels are being fully renovated.

The Royal Beach Hotel will feature outdoor sports and the installation of two wave pools by Wave House, accompanied by a modern bar, a sports bar, a grill and snack bar, and a Wave House store. In addition, the hotel will also renovate all of its guestrooms and public areas. The Mallorca Beach Hotel will change its name to Beach House Hotel by Sol, boasting a Nikki Beach club.

The Iberostar Grand Mencey Hotel reopened in the city of Santa Cruz, Tenerife, in Spain’s Canary Islands after a 25 million euro renovation. Originally opened in 1950, the colonial-style property now features a restored lobby; 261 fully-refurbished rooms and 52 suites; a gourmet a la carte restaurant, Los Menceyes; the Bar Iballa, offering evening cocktails and afternoon tea and coffee service; along with 10 multi-functional meeting and event spaces equipped with full audio-visual equipment.

A new offering for the hotel includes a spa with over 6,500 square feet of treatment rooms, serene water ritual pools and relaxation areas. Additionally, the property’s gardens have been expanded to nearly 22,000 square feet, where an outdoor pool, bar and solarium are located. Furthermore, the Casa del Duque — an individual estate located within the hotel grounds — has been acquired and transformed into an exclusive space dedicated for events, featuring direct access to the botanical gardens. Guests of the hotel are also provided complimentary access to the Casino de Santa Cruz, also located on the grounds.

Spanish low-cost airline Vueling has announced a new service from Southampton to Barcelona, starting on June 22. It will operate three flights a week from the city.
The news follows confirmation yesterday that the carrier will also launch flights from Cardiff to Alicante and Palma in June, in addition to new flights from the Welsh city to Barelona, starting in March.
Vueling said the new route from Southampton had been made possible following its acquisition of a smaller, A319 aircraft. It has also bought four Airbus A320s, boosting its fleet to a total of 28 aircraft.

Villas of Distinction added new private homes to its collection ranging from a three-bedroom Santorini hideaway to a surreal seven-bedroom property in Marbella, Spain.

Additionally, the company is touting a variety of special offers with discounted rates and limited-time perks.

“The value a villa vacation presents to travelers is unprecedented, with inclusions only VIPs and celebrities can typically afford,” said Steve Lassman, vice president and general manager of Villas of Distinction.

\\“In comparison to a traditional hotel stay, a villa rental lets couples, families and groups save money while enjoying extra space, stress-busting amenities and the comforts of home.”

The newest properties added to Villas of Distinction’s collection include properties in Baan Chirawan, Thailand (Phuket), Bambu, Jamaica (Montego Bay), Gran Villa San Pietro, Spain (Marbella), Il Cigna del Lago, Italy (Lake Como), La Maison 1809, Greece (Santorini) and Le Chemin, France (St. Tropez).

For more information, call 800-289-0900 or email

info@villasofdistinction.com