Jetsettersblog

Crystal Cruises is scheduling wellness programming for the Crystal Symphony’s Sept. 5 voyage from London to New York.

The voyage visits Dublin, Iceland and Greenland.

Instructors from The Mayo Clinic and Tai Chi Cultural Center are on the agenda, as well as a Major League Baseball coach.

The 14-day voyage offers two-for-one fares, $1,000 per person shipboard credits and free air transportation from more than 20 North American gateways.

The 2010 fares are up to 15 percent lower than 2009 prices.

Wellness experts leading complimentary classes and talks include Dr. John McMichan, the former Mayo Clinic critical care, anesthesiology and medical education specialist; Jerry Kindall, a former MLB coach and player; Dr. Martin Lee, the founder of the Tai Chi Cultural Center; and Pat Laster, a veteran yoga instructor and specialist in relaxation therapies.

Ashore, guests can visit Reykjavic’s Blue Lagoon, whose waters are reputedly filled with healing minerals.

Fares start at $5,710 per person, double occupancy, including free air from 20 cities and the $1,000 bonus spending credit.

For more information, call 800-446-6620 or visit www.crystalcruises.com

ACP Rail International is adding a free day to BritRail’s most popular passes — the BritRail FlexiPass, BritRail Consecutive Pass, BritRail England FlexiPass and BritRail England Consecutive Pass if purchased between March 15 and April 30.

Passes are valid for six months from the date of purchase so travel dates can extend to the end of October.

The promotion can be combined with BritRail’s range of discount passes, including the BritRail Party Pass (up to 50 percent off on the third through ninth passengers), BritRail Family Pass (one child per adult travels free), BritRail Senior Pass (up to 15 percent off in first class), BritRail Youth Pass (up to 20 percent off in first or standard class), Eurail Pass Holder Rate (up to 50 percent off for youth with a valid Eurail Pass) and the BritRail Guest Pass (up to 25 percent off for you and a British resident).

A BritRail Pass is good for travel throughout the U.K., with a wide range of validities and the option to travel on consecutive or flexi rail days.

Remember to buy before taking flight as BritRail Passes cannot be purchased in Britain.

British Rail Products: BritRail, Freedom of Scotland & more

Chelsea Flower Show ticket and hotel packages from just £92.50 pp

The biggest and most spectacular horticultural event in the world is back, and London breaks website Show and Stay has ticket and hotel packages for the Chelsea Flower Show from just £92.50pp.

Every spring the RHS Chelsea Flower Show’s mixture of inspiration and imagination attracts Royalty, celebrities and other greenfingered fans, and this year will be no different.

Chelsea Flower Show breaks with Show and Stay combine tickets to the country’s hottest horticultural extravaganza and a room at a nearby hotel, just a short walk from the breathtaking show ground.

With tickets and hotel starting at just £92.50pp, booking with Show and Stay offers great value and unrivalled convenience.

Last year’s event sold out, so book your package now to make sure you’re definitely there to experience the imagination and inspiration of the 2010 Chelsea Flower Show.

Go to www.show-and-stay.co.uk/CFS  for more information

Long-haul tour operator, Tropical Sky, has expanded with the acquisition of www.familydiving.co.uk .

Already a successful brand, Family Diving focuses on providing a broad range of tailor-made diving packages for families travelling with children to Egypt, Maldives, St Lucia and Tobago.

All resorts have children’s clubs whilst some also offer qualified childcare. Other services important to those travelling with younger family members include a personalised fly-and-stay nanny service where a personal nanny is made available for the full duration of their holiday.

Under the new branding, Family Diving has introduced a choice of exotic new destinations for 2010 including Mauritius, Turks & Caicos and Grenada. Packages include;

May Half-Term in the Maldives

Take the family to the Maldives in May and stay for seven-nights on an all-inclusive basis at Biyadoo Island Resort from £3,599 for a family of four.

Valid for travel on 28 May, the price includes flights from London Gatwick with British Airways and accommodation in a Beach Front Villa.

Situated in South Male Atoll the island has one of the Maldives finest house reefs and offers perfect diving conditions for diving enthusiasts whilst providing ideal learning conditions for adult and junior divers.

Summer Holidays in Grenada

Spend the summer holidays in Grenada with seven-nights on an all-inclusive basis at the Grenadian by rex resorts from £3,999 for a family of four. V

alid for travel in July and August, the price includes flights from London Gatwick with Monarch and accommodation in a hillside room. Set in 30 acres of landscaped gardens on the sandy beach of Tamarind Bay, the hotel offers great value and is well-suited to families with its excellent facilities including a children’s club, two swimming pools, floodlit tennis courts, beach volleyball and non-motorised watersports.

October Half-Term in Sharm El Sheikh

Tropical Sky Family Diving is offering seven-nights staying at the Savoy Hotel in Sharm El Sheikh on a bed and breakfast basis from £3,099 for a family of four. Valid for travel on 23 October, the price includes flights from London Gatwick with British Airways and accommodation in a garden room.

A popular hotel for families, the surrounding national park and large private beach is a haven for divers, snorkellers and watersport enthusiasts.

All packages include transfers, taxes and surcharges with babysitting available at all resorts on request.

Prices quoted are for a family of four, which is based on two adults and two children under 12 sharing.

For more information visit www.familydiving.co.uk  or call 01342 310585.

To help you plan an enjoyable rural getaway, either for business or pleasure, the 2010 International Logis Guide (3 000 hotel-restaurants in France and Europe) is available free of charge from January 2010 in a brand-new format.

Still as comfortable and welcoming as ever, Logis hotels allow their guests to travel with peace of mind and help them make the most of their leisure time by offering the best possible service: time to take your time.

A guide which is both practical and easy to browse…

2010 International Guide: choose from a selection of 3 000 Logis where you’re guaranteed a straight-forward, personalised and friendly welcome

The 3 000 hotel-restaurants listed in the guide provide their guests with an opportunity to recharge their batteries, take time to enjoy themselves, to relax and explore. The guide includes information on hotels across Europe, including France, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg and Italy.

=> New for 2010:

o Detailed information on each Logis.
o A double-page spread entitled “Envies” at the beginning of the guide, highlighting the different themes on offer.

Pictograms of the different themes make it easy to find the hotel which best suits the particular requirements of guests.

These themes can also be viewed on the logishotels.com website.

With 850 000 copies published, the 2010 International Logis Guide is available free of charge.

=> About Logis hotels

Founded in 1949 in the Auvergne region, the International Logis Federation, which has just celebrated its 60th birthday, is the leading independent hotel chain in Europe with 3 000 hotels in France, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg and Italy.

Although each Logis hotel is different, they all share the same values and are appreciated by guests looking for somewhere where they can relax, enjoy themselves and explore the surrounding region.

Logis hotels bring with them a guarantee of quality and comfort which is graded according to a classification system which awards 1-3 “fireplaces”, in addition to a new category known as Logis d’Exception for hotels, a new 1-3 “pot” classification system for restaurants, plus a Table Distinguée category.

Logis hotels have four basic priorities:

• A warm, friendly, informal and personalised welcome which encourages customer loyalty.
• Accommodation which combines comfort, modern facilities and traditional surroundings.
• Inspired regional cuisine which focuses on natural ingredients and local produce, enhanced by the chef’s skill and expertise.
• Personalised advice on local sights and activities to make your stay a memorable one.

For further information, log onto www.logishotels.com

CV Travel (020 7401 1086, www.cvtravel.co.uk ) is offering a new `high adrenaline’ weekend that includes surfing lessons on Cornwall’s breakers, accommodation in a luxury apart-hotel set amid 3 acres of grounds and woodland, 5 minutes from the coast, bike rides and optional massages.

The price of £550 per person is based on a minimum group of 10 and includes return train travel, private transfers, meals and surf school.

The weekend starts at London’s Paddington station at 11.50pm on a Friday night with a welcome drink on board First Great Western’s night train to Penzance, Cornwall, where cabin accommodation is included in the holiday price.

The train arrives into Penzance at 8am where guests (min 10 persons) are met and transferred to `Creek View’ a luxury apart-hotel set in 3 acres with a private heated pool. After a hearty breakfast it’s off to Surf School at nearby Sennen Cove, lunch, more surfing then back to Creek View for a 5 course dinner, optional massages, sauna and swim.

Sunday could include a bike ride on the Camel trail, or a return to the beach for more surfing, concluding the weekend with the night train back to Paddington, arriving back in at 6am on Monday morning.

The price of £550 per person is based on a minimum group of 10, includes return train travel, private transfers, meals and surf school (three 2 hour sessions, with private instruction for a group of 10, including wet suit and surf board)

Won’t Break The Bank

Keeping track of the best last minute skiing bargains is about to get easier this season with the launch of a new ski price index from Teletext Holidays.

The new index, which is designed to help people manage their winter holiday budget and will be updated on a weekly basis, is online at www.teletextholidays.co.uk/skipriceindex

The index makes Teletext Holidays the first company to track not only the typical cost of the ski holiday itself, but also the cost of essential items such as boot hire and lift passes giving a complete picture of the overall cost of a break away, helping snow seekers keep a check on their holiday budget.

To keep the index bang up to date the Teletext Holidays team will be tracking thousands of last minute holiday prices from hundreds of different companies every week.

Bulgaria and Andorra top the index for the lowest ski holiday destinations.

“The ski market is set for a bumpy ride this year,” said Alison Steed, financial expert and editor of mymoneydiva.com: “For anyone who isn’t a die-hard skier, a winter snow sports holiday could be seen as a luxury especially when people are living on a tight budget. But ski holidays don’t have to break the bank.”

“Prices are likely to come down as the season progresses and – because of the recession – we could potentially see much lower ski prices than they have done for years. That makes it the ideal time to get a bargain break.”

“The index is a really useful tool. It’s essentially an online “shop window” to show where the best prices are at a glance.”

Despite the Euro strengthening against the pound this year, there are more deals available in popular resorts European resorts which show great value.

Example prices include:

- Three star self catering in Tignes, France £ 319
- Three star self catering Les Deux Alpes, France £252
- Three star half board, Pas de la Casa, Andorra £283
- Three star half board La Plagne, France £318
- Three star half board Borovets, Bulgaria, £233
- Three star half board Courmayeur, Italy £351

Mark Bloxham, head of marketing, Teletext Holidays, said: “The in-resort extras which go alongside a ski holiday, such as boot hire, lift passes, eating and drinking must be considered alongside the actual cost of the break to get a true picture of the total cost.

“The winter sports market was down last year and it’s likely to be a similar story for the 2009/10 season which means tour operators are likely to stimulate demand by dropping prices. The index will allow people to keep track of the best deals.”

For clever ways to save money on a ski break Teletext Holidays has teamed up with financial expert Alison Steed and her tips are online at www.teletextholidays.co.uk/skipriceindex

Tour operator TrekAmerica is spreading some New Year cheer by throwing in free activity vouchers on tour bookings made during January 2010.

The vouchers entitle travellers to a free sight-seeing activity in the city where their tour starts or finishes.

Options include ‘must-do’ American experiences such as admission to the observation decks at the Empire State Building in New York and the Seattle Space Needle; and free full-day bike hire in Venice Beach, Los Angeles.

The vouchers also cover further sight-seeing activities in the gateway cities of San Francisco, Las Vegas, Boston, Chicago and Anchorage.

This added-value offer is valid with any TrekAmerica tour in North America booked before 31st January 2010.

Activity vouchers can be redeemed at the start or end of a tour, so passengers booking non-circular routes – a coast-to-coast road trip for instance – will be able to choose between two different activities.

The full list of free activities being offered by TrekAmerica is:

• NEW YORK – Free admission to the Empire State Building observation deck. Experience the panoramic views of Manhattan from the 86th floor of this historic landmark

• LOS ANGELES – Free full day bicycle hire on Venice Beach. Soak up the sunshine and cruise along California’s world-famous Santa Monica and Venice beaches

• SAN FRANCISCO – Free Open Top Sightseeing Hop-on-hop-off City Tour. Visit the city’s most iconic sights including the Golden Gate Bridge, Haight-Ashbury, China Town and Fisherman’s Wharf

• LAS VEGAS – Free admission to the Eiffel Tower viewing platform at the Paris Hotel. Take in the inimitable skyline at the most romantic spot in all of Vegas, 460 feet above the Strip

• SEATTLE – Free admission to the Seattle Space Needle observation deck. The 360 degree view incorporates the city, the sparkling waters of Puget Sound and even the snow-capped peak of Mount Rainier

• BOSTON – Free 40-minute Codzilla Thrill Boat Ride with Boston Harbour Cruises. Brave the fastest speedboat tour in Boston on a heart-pounding, wild ride in Boston Harbour

• CHICAGO – Free Bicycle City Tour with Bobby’s Bike Hike. Chicago has been voted the best bicycling city in America and this tour offers a great perspective on the Windy City

• ANCHORAGE – Free admission to the Alaska Native Heritage Centre. Share the rich heritage of Alaska’s eleven cultural groups and learn about the traditions that endure

For further information and reservations visit www.trekamerica.co.uk  or call 0845 863 8214.

Activity vouchers can be requested via the online booking form or directly with the reservations team if booking by phone.

Established in 1972, TrekAmerica specialises in small group adventure tours of North America for 18-38 year olds. The company recently received a Silver Award for Best Special Interest / Adventure Tour Operator at the British Travel Awards.

The company does not charge single supplements, making it a popular choice for solo travellers.

Star Clippers (www.starclippers.co.uk ), which offers holidays on three of the world’s tallest and most beautiful clipper ships, has added 40 maiden calls to its 2010 and 2011 sailing itineraries, including some of the world’s most remote islands and lesser known ports and islands in Europe and South America.

The new sailing itineraries are on board the four masted Star Clipper, its twin ship Star Flyer and on Royal Clipper, the tallest full sail ship in the world.

New Star Clippers destinations include the Marquesas Islands in the open Pacific, the furthest islands from any land mass in the world, and lesser known European ports, such as Sanary-sur-Mer in Provence, France, the Greek Cyclades islands of Milos and Tinos, and new Caribbean and South American destinations including three of the British Virgin Islands, the Pearl islands in the Gulf of Panama and the Coco Islands off Costa Rica.

New exotic islands:-

In spring 2010, Star Flyer makes the 34-night voyage from Papeete in Tahiti to the Mediterranean, calling at Hiva Oa and Nuku Hiva, two of the twelve volcanic islands that make up the Marquesas Islands, the furthest islands from any land mass in the world, 853 miles off the north east coast of Tahiti.

Continuing through the Panama Canal during the same voyage, Star Flyer makes calls at the Cocos Islands, off the coast of Costa Rica, and the Pearl Islands in the Gulf of Panama.

New European ports

From May 2010 new seven-night, western Mediterranean itineraries on board Star Flyer from Monte Carlo include yachting favourites St. Tropez, Portofino and Portoferraio (Elba), as well as new ports such as Sanary-sur-Mer, France, and Lerici, Italy.

In the eastern Mediterranean, new itineraries through Greek and Turkish waters in July and August will include off-the-beaten-track sailing destinations along the Turkish coast such as Olympus, Antalya, Kemer, Kekova, Fethiye, Gocek and Marmaris, while in Greece the ship calls at Kastellorizon, Simi, Amorgos and Elafonisos for the first time.

Royal Clipper, the company’s flagship, will sail a 12-night cruise from Malaga to Civitavecchia (for Rome) in April 2010 introducing the glamorous yacht marina of Puerto Banus.

After a summer sailing round trip from Civitavecchia or between Civitavecchia and Venice, the ship repositions to the Caribbean via a maiden call at Essaouira, Morocco.

New Costa Rica itineraries

From November 2010 the four-masted Star Flyer will operate two seven-day, round-trip itineraries from Puerto Caldera on the west coast of Costa Rica.

The first itinerary calls at San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua; and Cuajiniquil, Playas del Coco/Flamingo, Puerto Carrillo and Islas Torguas, Costa Roca.

The second itinerary calls at Isla Coiba, Panama; and Golfito, Isla del Cano/Drake’s Bay, Quepos and Islas Tortugas, Costa Rica.

Each itinerary includes a day at sea to enjoy the experience of sailing on board a true tall ship.

BVI in 2011

For the first time Star Clippers has added new sailing for guests to cruise the British Virgin Islands with port calls that include Norman Island, reputedly the inspiration for `Treasure Island’, the yachting centre of Tortola, the `barefoot island’ Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda, the third largest island in the BVI.

The new itineraries represent a total of 40 new destinations and maiden ports, among the most exciting and least featured sailing destinations for any commercial cruising operation, largely due to the ships’ relatively small size.

Commenting on the new itineraries, passionate yachtsman Mikael Krafft, owner and president of Star Clippers, said

“We wanted to freshen up our itineraries so that both our loyal past guests and new Star Clippers cruisers would have exciting reasons to select a Star Clippers sailing adventure in 2010.

I’m introducing our guests to more of my favourite ports; places I have been fortunate enough to visit while sailing with my family, and these maiden calls truly are spectacular.”

Escape to warmer climes, superb beaches and the opportunity to get up close and personal with wildlife (without suffering from jetlag – only one hour time difference with the UK*) on a family break in Cape Town staying in your own villa.

Situated in the exclusive Newlands Village, with jaw dropping views of Table Mountain from the second floor balcony, Beaumont Villa have put together a great ‘Family Escape’ to Cape Town for the months of March to May.

Based on 7 nights for the price of 5, the package includes a few special treats such as gourmet family picnic and dinner for two at one of Cape Town’s best restaurants so Mum and Dad can capture a little romance after a busy day out wildlife spotting.

A spacious three-storey property, decorated and furnished in an elegant contemporary style, Beaumont Villa has two bedrooms on separate floors, each with their own balcony, making it a perfect retreat for families with older children who like to have their own space.

Conveniently located to explore the Cape Town area with its numerous attractions and pristine beaches, families can go wild at Africa’s largest bird sanctuary, get up close and personal with a cheetah, monkey around with a few primates, watch whales and hang out with some of Cape Town’s most amusing birds at the local African penguin colony, all within an hours drive from the villa.

Within easy walking distance to an excellent selection of neighbourhood restaurants (including a great family-friendly Italian) and local shops for picking up supplies, the villa has a fully equipped kitchen and dining area for home entertainment as well as a private plunge pool to relax in after a busy day sightseeing.

With the convenience of having a freshly prepared breakfast hamper delivered each morning from the sister property Beaumont House, a daily maid service and personal concierge service, Beaumont Villa is a relaxing haven for families who like complete independence and privacy with the added comfort of knowing that there is always someone on hand.

Family Package

7 night ‘Beaumont Villa Family Package’ starts from R8950/person (approx £730/person) based on 4 people staying includes 7 nights accommodation for the price of 5 with a daily gourmet breakfast hamper, complimentary house wines and spirits, gourmet picnic with entrance to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, romantic dinner for two at Myoga – one of Cape Town’s best restaurants – with babysitting services for the children if required, airport and restaurant transfers and services of the concierge. Valid for March – May 2010.

Extra nights from £530/night (R6500/night) for the villa.

For details on Beaumont House or Beaumont Villa call 0027 21 761 5540 or visit www.beaumonthouse.co.za

(* Depending on daylight savings.)

Beaumont Villa’s Top Family Ideas:

- For amazing views, take the revolving cable-car up Table Mountain and have a walk around the top, keeping an eye out for rock rabbits.

- Take the ferry out to Robben Island to see where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner and go on a tour taken by a former prisoner. Look out for the islands African penguins – the island is home to the world’s largest colony (8,500 breeding pairs) of the endangered species.

- Visit the Two Oceans Aquarium on the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and explore this lively area watching the boats and ships glide in and out of the harbour as buskers and the local seal population keep everyone entertained.

- Explore the Tokai Forest, a national park on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, which is popular for shaded walks, mountain-biking, horse-riding and braai (BBQs) or visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens with its amazing collection of South African plants, streams, hiking trails, picnic lawns, cafés and restaurants.

- Seek out Africa’s biggest bird sanctuary, World of Birds, home to 3,000 birds and small mammals in a natural setting at Hout Bay, just southwest of Table Mountain.

- Meet the jackass penguins, all 3,000 of them, at Boulders Beach about 40 minutes from Cape Town, in Simon’s Town. Swim at the nearby beach and have your own close encounter.

- Visit the other Simon’s Town attractions, the Scratch Patch, where kids enjoy ‘scratching’ for tumble-polished gemstones, and the Makula Mine Experience, an ancient volcanic pipe where miners used to hunt for gold and gemstones (not for the claustrophobic or anyone afraid of the dark or of bats, spiders or snakes!)

- Continue 25km south of Simon’s Town to Cape Point within the wild Table Mountain National Park where you can spot various unusual plants and animals, including ostriches, baboons and several types of bok, before climbing the steps to the lighthouse for great ocean views.

- Indulge in some of the world’s finest whale-watching just over an hour down the coast at Hermanus – just stand on the cliffs and see the mighty beasts for yourself – September to November only. Fish for chokka (squid) off the harbour wall but remember to buy a bait licence from the Post Office first!.

- On the ‘Whale Route’ down to Hermanus, make a stop off at the Monkey Town Primate Centre, a conservation centre with more than 220 species from around the world.

- Venture to Spier, a wine estate in the heart of the Cape Winelands at Stellenbosch, 56km east of Capetown. Ideal for a lake side picnic with an on-site deli selling home-made bread and other treats including a good selection of local wines, it is also home to the Cheetah Outreach – a conservation fund where you might get the chance to pet hand-raised cheetahs and the Eagle Encounters raptor rehabilitation centre with daily flying demonstrations. With walks and trails, horse-riding and supervised pony-and-cart rides for kids, it makes for an excellent day out.