Jetsettersblog

TASTE BUDS JOURNEY AT LONDON’S MAY FAIR BAR

Tapas & Cocktail Flight Pairings Become New Trend in London Bar Offerings

Libation Flights Include Martini, Whiskey and Champagne

Tapas Include Quail Eggs, Haloumi Fritters and Pear Tart

LONDON – Already named the “Best Hotel Bar” in London by readers of The Evening Standard, The May Fair Bar (www.themayfairsuites.com) is further staking its claim with the introduction of cocktail and tapas flight pairings. Fuelling the bar’s reputation as London’s most fashionable hotspot, the inspired additions – part of a growing global trend – use fresh fruit, house-infused liquor and fresh-snipped herbs to create cocktails of striking originality.

All individually prepared under the direction of Mixologist Marios Elias and a team of 15 bartenders, the Cocktail Flights include: a destination-themed Martini Flight that offers a tasting trip through Milan, London and Amsterdam with such ingredients as basil, aged balsamic vinegar and fennel – a Long-Haul Whiskey Flight of Johnnie Walker; and a Champagne Flight, named after the hotel’s color-themed signature suites.

To add further dimension to the experience, Chef Bert Muhle invites guests to choose from a trio of Tapas Flights, each specifically created to be paired with a May Fair cocktail flight. Tapas designed to accompany the Champagne Flight, for example, feature ingredients such as haloumi fritters, pomegranate jelly and Champagne granite. Whiskey’s depth of flavor is captured in a tapas flight, featuring ingredients such as sweet cherries, bitter chocolate, balsamic vinegar and smoked caramel. The May Fair Bar’s new flight menu with cocktail and tapas pairings include:

May Fair Bar’s New Cocktail and Tapas Flights

Martini Flight

Destination Milan: Grey Goose Vodka L’Orange, Basil, Grapefruit,

Blood Orange, Olive Oil and Campari

To accompany Pink Grape Fruit Macaroon, Basil and Citrus Sorbet

Destination London: Stoli Strasberi, Double Cream, 21-Year-Old Balsamic Vinegar, Fresh Lemon Juice and Sugar

To accompany English Strawberry Compote with Smoked Duck

Destination Amsterdam: Fennel, Liquorices, Beefeater Gin and Sugar

To accompany Iced Fennel Salad with Black Pepper, Fennel Juice and Poached Quail Egg

Long-Haul Whiskey Flight

Johnnie Walker® Blue Label

To accompany Sweet Cherry and Balsamic Vinegar Chocolate Dip Finger

Johnnie Walker® Gold Label

To accompany Salted Almonds with Bitter Chocolate Cookie

Johnnie Walker® Black Label

To accompany Smoked Caramel with Peanuts and Chocolate Fudge

Champagne Flight

Schiaparelli: Watermelon and Champagne

To accompany Watermelon with Haloumi Fritters and Fresh Black Olive Powder

Opium: Pomegranate and Champagne

To accompany Pomegranate Jelly, Golden Raisin Puree and Champagne Granite

Amarillo: Amaretto, Grey Goose La Poire, Hennessy XO. Maraschino Cherry Liquor, Apple Juice and Pear Purée, topped with Champagne

To accompany Hot Pear Tart

The drinks complement the bar’s sleek ambiance, which combines glass, bronze and slate surfaces with soft lilac banquettes and an open fireplace. On Wednesday through Saturday evenings, some of London’s leading DJs – including Dan Bewick, Jamie Richards, DJ Urban Soldier and DJ Tobie – strike the right musical note.

For further information on The May Fair Bar and The May Fair hotel, visit www.themayfairsuites.com. To reserve an area at The May Fair Bar call 011 44 20 7915 3894.

The May Fair Bar is located in The May Fair hotel, set in the heart of London, within close proximity to the city’s best shopping districts on Piccadilly and Bond Street; Knightsbridge, Green Park and Buckingham Palace. Following a $150 million renovation, the celebrated hotel’s 406 guest rooms have been completely refurbished, bringing an eclectic luxury style to the historic West End hotel that first opened in 1927 with King George V and Queen Mary in attendance. From Fendi furnishings; Baccarat chandeliers, including the largest Baccarat chandelier in Europe; the largest private theater inLondon, to ten new spacious signature suites, and the Asian-inspired May Fair Spa, The May Fair is leading a renaissance of luxury hotels in London.

Amathus Beach Hotel Paphos

Book Your Summer Holiday Now

Cyprus even easier to reach as BA launches new flight this summer

There’s still some limited availability at the Amathus Beach Hotel in Paphos over the summer holidays – and with the launch of a new flight from London Gatwick to Paphos with British Airways this suumer, getting to Cyprus is even easier!

Four More Reasons To Visit!

The Amathus Beach Hotel Paphos re-opened in March following the second phase of a €2.3million hotel-wide refurbishment in which all 273 rooms were refurbished.

Amongst the improvements made are a host of fabulous family-friendly extras for the hotel’s younger guests such as complimentary ice cream, movies and cookies, which are sure to make the family holiday go smoothly.

12 new luxurious Junior Suites with impressive large private pools and a contemporary design have recently opened.

Amathus Beach Hotel Paphos has also just opened Luna Rosa, a new Mediterranean restaurant serving the best in local cuisine. Luna Rosa joins Asiachi, the new pan-Asian restaurant and bar which opened in 2007 to great reviews from guests and the local community alike.

BA Holidays offers 7 nights at the 5* Amathus Beach Hotel in Paphos from £1147 per adult and £643 per child in August 2008. Includes return BA flights from Gatwick and bed & breakfast accommodation. Subject to availability, based on two adults and one child (age 2-11) sharing. To book click the banner above.

Context London Partners with Thames 21

Launches Walk of the Thames

Scholars in the Context network launch a new walk of the Thames River

A unique walking seminar of the River Thames organized by scholars in the Context network takes travelers on a journey through London’s history

London – As part of its continued quest to give curious travelers new ways to learn and discover the great cities of the world, the scholars and specialists at Context Travel announce a collaboration with Thames 21, a charity dedicated to cleaning up the River Thames, on a new walking tour of London and its storied river.

The TIDES OF TIME, as the walking seminar is called, follows the course of the Thames as its winds through the heart of London, passing by many of the city’s landmarks. Moving mostly along the recently regenerated and pedestrianized South Bank, from Tower Bridge to the Houses of Parliament, participants will explore how the river and the city have shaped each other through history. Along the way we’ll pass the rebuilt Shakespearean Globe Theatre, ruins of a medieval palace, and the former Bankside Power Station, now the Tate Modern, accompanied by a historian from the Context network in London who will weave an interactive narrative about the city, its architecture and landscape, and the role of the river throughout it all.

“This is an exciting addition to our expanding range of London walks,’ says Petulia Melideo, city manager for Context London. “The Thames has defined London through its history and so makes the perfect subject for one of our walking seminars. At the same time, this is also a chance to make people aware of the Thames clean up and reclamation efforts specifically and importance of urban rivers, more generally, in Western culture.”

Royal palaces and modern government buildings will illuminate the river’s role as a power base; old warehouses and wharfs will illustrate the working river and the bridges will tell the story of the development of areas previously divided by the river. In addition, TIDES OF TIME will chart how London has cleaned up its act—and its river—since the ‘Big Stink’ of 1858, allowing the Thames to once again become a diverse wildlife habitat with over 120 species of fish and an ever-growing population of Chinese mitten crabs.

Part of the proceeds from the walk are donated through the Context Foundation for Sustainable Travel, a 501c3 U.S. charity, to Thames 21, an organization charged with cleaning the Thames. As part of its commitment to the river, Context is hosting a special cleanup day on the Thames on September 20, 2008, during which travelers can spend several hours with a scholar exploring the rich heritage and then engage with member of Thames 21 to help pick up litter and trash along the river. It’s an excellent voluntourism opportunity and part of Context’s sustainable tourism initiative.

The TIDES OF TIME lasts three-and-a-half hours and runs Wednesdays. The cost is 35 pounds per person, with a 5 pound donation to the Thames 21 project, or the walk can be booked privately by request. All inquires should be directed to Context Travel’s website, www.contexttravel.com, or by calling (+44) 207 193 9158. Other London walks available include: an introduction to London Architecture; Roman and Medieval Canterbury; and The Labyrinth: a tour of the Sir John Soane’s Museum.

Founded by National Geographic writer Paul Bennett and designer Lani Bevacqua, Context is a network of English-speaking scholars and professionals—including art historians, writers, architects, and gastronomes—who organize and lead didactic walking seminars in seven cities: Paris, New York, London, Rome, Naples, Florence, and Venice. In May 2006, Travel + Leisure named Context one of the top European tour companies for its innovative approach to travel and the depth of its programs. To learn more about Context visit its website at: www.contexttravel.com

Non-stop to SKB Any Day of the Week

Starting on November 03 of this year, American Airlines will upgrade its non-stop Miami-St. Kitts service to a daily flight, providing more choices for traveling to and from the island. Currently, this non-stop flight operates five days a week - Wednesday through Sunday - and three days during the fall. This new schedule, however, will remain in tact all year round, as opposed to the seasonal fall reduction described above.

American Airlines Flight AA-2299 leaves Miami at 10:50 a.m. and arrives in St. Kitts at St. Kitts at 2:50 p.m., while the return flight, AA-2280, departs SKB at 3:45 p.m. and gets into MIA at 6:05 p.m. This schedule allows easy connections from many gateways across the continental United States. Nonetheless, residents of the northeastern United States have the additional option of using the non-stop service to the island from New York’s JFK International Airport, on a Wednesdays and Sundays. Kindly click here for details on these and other flights into St. Kitts.

Fall in Love with St. Kitts & Nevis, Again

In order to increase savings and make your money go even further, St. Kitts is once again offering the dollar-stretching “Fall in Love with St. Kitts & Nevis” programme*, a destination-wide value-added promotion. The offer includes reduced airfares (up to 25%) on flights booked in conjunction with a stay at a participating hotel, through American Airlines’ AA Vacations.

The programme offers hotel stays of 4 nights for the price of 3 (a 25% savings) or 7 nights for the price of 4 (nearly 30% savings) at participating hotels. The promotion also includes daily complimentary continental breakfast at select properties on St. Kitts, and a special discount card for savings on tours and at various shops, restaurants and other establishments. To take full advantage of the “Fall in Love with St. Kitts & Nevis” offer in conjunction with discounted air from AA Vacations, you must make your reservations between now and December 12, 2008 for travel up until December 14, 2008. Reservations for air travel in conjunction with a hotel stay can be made through AA Vacations, but hotel only reservations can be made directly with the properties, via a local travel professional or by going to Explore St. Kitts.

* Other applicable surcharges and fees are not included. Seats are limited. Blackout dates and additional charges, rules and restrictions may apply. Rates and conditions are subject to change without notice. Please check with your booking agent for details. The “Fall in Love with St. Kitts & Nevis” offer is subject to taxes and service charges, cannot be combined with any other hotel offer. For those who are booking hotel only, the “Fall in Love with St. Kitts & Nevis” offer may be booked directly with the participating hotel at which you want to stay between now and the newly extended deadline of December 12, 2008 for travel now through December 14, 2008.

Sea Trek: Boldly Go & Explore St. Kitts’ Aqua-world

One does not need to have gills, know how to scuba dive or even be a good swimmer in order to explore the undersea world of St. Kitts. Sea Trek, the newest addition to the island’s growing list of attractions, allows enthusiasts to experience a walk on the bottom of the ocean by donning a helmet with an air supply.

The tour takes approximately one and a half hours after a ten-minute boat ride to the launch platform. After a brief orientation, the participant, along with an accompanying guide and diver, descends a ladder to the ocean floor - about 18-23 feet below - then walks along a designated path to see a beautiful reef wall and abundant, colorful marine life. The path is complete with ropes and handrails for added safety, protecting both the client and the coral reefs. The cost is US $70 per person for an exhilarating yet safe adventure that the whole family can enjoy.

New Found Hands Over First Ocean’s Edge Building

St. Kitts & Nevis — Cable Bay Hotel Development Company and Newfound NV, the award-winning international developer of luxury resorts, are pleased to announce that keys have been handed over to the owners of the first apartments at Ocean’s Edge Resort, located in North Frigate Bay on St. Kitts. The first Hillside apartment building includes two luxuriously finished and furnished two-bedroom apartments with private plunge pool offering spectacular views across the Atlantic Ocean. Over the course of the next three months a further 14 apartments are scheduled for completion.

“Returning to the island for the hand-over of our unit, we were extremely impressed by the quality of the materials and finishes employed. The granite and marble are beautiful, and quality details abound, including the barely audible air conditioning, the top of the line appliances and electronics, and the gorgeous — and functional — ceiling fans,” remarked Dr. Charles & Judith Stoopack, owners at Ocean’s Edge. “We look forward to the completion of this luxury resort, and are glad that we have chosen to be a part of Ocean’s Edge.”

Sales of the units at Ocean’s Edge are progressing well with the first release of one-bedroom beach-front apartments completely sold out. In order to meet the increasing demand, a further eight one-bedroom beach-front apartments were released in June. Prices for these units start from US$359,000 to US$379,000 therefore making purchasers eligible for St. Kitts’ Citizenship by Investment Programme which requires a minimum investment of US$350,000.

“We are very excited about handing over the first units at Ocean’s Edge and reaching this next phase in the development. In fact, reservations for a number of recently released units have already been made.” said Justin Ladha, VP of Operations for Newfound NV. “With phase one almost sold out, this continues to show how popular the Federation is as a vacation home destination and we are very proud to be one of the first resorts of this kind on St. Kitts.”

Ocean’s Edge is a resort development in St. Kitts overlooking Frigate Bay that combines luxury outdoor and indoor living. The development covers 40 acres and comprises 170 condominiums including one- and two-bedroom beach-front apartments, two-bedroom hillside apartments with individual plunge pools and two-bedroom semi-detached garden cottages. In addition, 23 villa plots offering some of the finest views on the island are available with the option of building a three or four-bedroom villa. The first phase of construction on the initial sixteen hillside apartments is near completion with construction of the villas in progress and beach-front apartments commencing shortly. A variety of leisure and entertainment facilities are planned, including a clubhouse, fitness centre, restaurants, pools and tennis courts.

The resort is designed by OBM International, one of the Caribbean’s leading architectural consultancies. Ocean’s Edge is owned by Cable Bay Hotel Development Company Limited, a consortium of stakeholders comprised of Newfound NV and locally based partners TDC Ltd., Mansha Ltd. and SKNA National Bank Ltd.

Ocean’s Edge Resort is located within ten minutes of the R L Bradshaw International Airport and is adjacent to the Royal St. Kitts Golf Club - one of a few golf courses in the Caribbean with views over both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. St Kitts welcomes guests on non-stop flights from New York (JFK), Miami FL, Atlanta GA, Charlotte NC and San Juan PR; daily arrivals from other Caribbean islands; weekly flights from the UK and seasonal service from Canada.

For more information on Ocean’s Edge Resort, please contact Newfound NV by calling 1(869) 466-7991 in St Kitts, 1(888) 450-0080 in North America or +44 (0) 207 470 2430 in the UK, or send an email to: info@oceansedgestkitts.com  or visit http://www.oceansedgestkitts.com

Cricket, Croquet & Crumpets: A Taste of the UK in SK

Blimey! You didn’t know there was some English heritage in St. Kitts? It’s true - St. Kitts was the first Caribbean island to be colonized by the British. Indeed, Americans thinking twice about the expense of visiting London this year can do the next best thing and experience “jolly old England” closer to home in St. Kitts instead. Stroll through capital city Basseterre and see The Circus Berkeley Memorial, modeled after Piccadilly Circus in London, along with many examples of British Colonial Architecture. Explore the magnificent Brimstone Hill Fortress, built using slave labor during British rule and towering almost 800 feet. above sea level, it boasts the island’s most spectacular views as well as a dose of history. “Steep” yourself in a typically British experience by taking high tea on one of the spacious porches or terraces of the island’s plantation inns or Try your hand at lawn croquet followed up by a glass of pimms.lain Or, ask a Kittitian about the national pastime of cricket and learn much about this exciting sport.
Christophe Harbour: An Incomparable Resort for St. Kitts

Launching in 2011, Christophe Harbour will be a luxury resort that will propel St. Kitts to the forefront of high-end tourism in the Caribbean. Christophe Harbour Company, a joint venture between Kiawah Development Partners (KDP) and HT St. Kitts Holdings is the master development company for Christophe Harbour. KDP, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, and several prominent real estate, golf design, architecture, environmental and engineering companies have joined forces to create an incomparable master-planned resort. Christophe Harbour, located on the more than 2,500-acre southeastern peninsula of St. Kitts, will include a mega-yacht harbour as well as an impressive collection of restaurants, shops, boutiques, five-star hotels, oceanfront and hillside home sites, villas, and a must-play Tom Fazio championship golf course.

For more information on Christophe Harbour, please visit www.christopheharbour.com

Continental Airlines Flat BusinessFirst Sea

CONTINENTAL AIRLINES LIE-FLAT BUSINESSFIRST SEAT

CONTINENTAL AIRLINES LIE-FLAT BUSINESSFIRST SEAT 2

Innovative seat design offers 180-degree recline; installation begins in Fall 2009

HOUSTON– Continental Airlines today announced details of a new 180-degree lie-flat seat for the BusinessFirst cabin on its Boeing 787, 777 and 757 aircraft. Customers will begin seeing lie-flats seats on Boeing 777 aircraft that primarily serve trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific routes in the fall of 2009, with installation on Continental’s 757-200 fleet beginning in 2010 and on its Boeing 787 fleet as the aircraft are delivered to Continental.

Unveiled today at the National Business Travel Association International Convention and Exposition in Los Angeles, the new 180-degree lie-flat seats are the centerpiece of Continental’s award-winning BusinessFirst service that provides the extra space and fine amenities of traditional international first class at a business class price.

“Continental continues to invest in its product to make flying more comfortable for our global customers,” said Larry Kellner, chairman and chief executive officer of Continental Airlines. “We created a brand-new seat designed to lie completely flat, without compromising functionality or effective use of cabin space.”

Lie-flat Design

Continental’s new BusinessFirst seats allow customers to lie completely flat, reclining 180-degrees and providing 6 1/2 feet (2 meters) of sleeping space in the fully extended position on its widebody aircraft. The lie-flat seat is one of the widest business-class seats in the air, measuring up to 25 inches when the adjustable armrest is positioned flush with the seat cushion, allowing customers to sleep more comfortably. Electronic “one-touch” controls enable customers to easily move the seats to pre-set upright, cradle and fully extended sleep positions and additional controls allow customers to adjust the seat back, lumbar support and leg and foot rests to the custom position most comfortable for them.

The lie-flat seats provide more individual storage space for personal items. Laptop power, headset and USB plugs are conveniently tucked above the customer’s shoulder. There is additional storage under the ottoman, on a shelf under the monitor and on an amenity storage alcove that provides room for small personal items such as a book or magazine and a water bottle.

iPod connectivity will also be available at the seat, allowing each customer to view their personal videos and enjoy their music, all while the iPod is charging. BusinessFirst seats on the 787 and 777 aircraft will feature a 15.4-inch video monitor for customers to enjoy on-demand movies, music and games. Seats on the 757 aircraft will feature 10.6-inch monitors.

The new BusinessFirst seats also have a six-way adjustable head rest, an individual overhead reading light and an adjustable seat light allowing a customer to read in bed without disturbing their neighbor and a privacy shell that allows for seclusion from other travelers.

Two Years to Design and Perfect

Continental’s product marketing team began researching new seat options in the fall of 2006 when planning BusinessFirst service for the new 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The airline visited with numerous seat manufacturers worldwide before selecting BE Aerospace, which created five different design concepts. Concurrently, Continental sought feedback from a focus group of BusinessFirst frequent flyers that identified and prioritized key needs of global travelers and worked closely with the airline’s project team and the seat manufacturer to help create the new seat. The important features requested by the focus group were to install a wider seat that could lay completely flat and be easy to operate.

Seats are the Centerpiece of Premium Service

BusinessFirst service features an extensive gourmet menu served with premium wines and champagnes created by Continental’s Congress of Chefs and Sommeliers. International Concierge Service provides individualized pre- and post-flight services for BusinessFirst customers at 42 airports around the world. Customers traveling in BusinessFirst may also access any of Continental’s 27 Presidents Clubs and more than 60 airline affiliated lounges worldwide.

Continental Airlines has won numerous awards for its BusinessFirst product. The Official Airline Guide has awarded Continental’s BusinessFirst as the Best Executive/Business Class for five consecutive years (2003 - 2007), and Conde Nast Traveler magazine rated Continental’s premium BusinessFirst service the highest among all U.S. carriers for trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific flights 10 years in a row.

Continental currently operates the Boeing 777 on routes between Newark and Beijing, Delhi, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, London/Heathrow, Mumbai, Paris, Rome, Tel Aviv and Tokyo, and between Houston and London/Heathrow, Paris and Tokyo.

BusinessFirst on the Boeing 757 is currently offered on routes between Newark and Amsterdam, Barcelona, Belfast, Berlin, Birmingham, Bristol, Copenhagen, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Hamburg, Lisbon, London/Gatwick, Madrid, Manchester, Oslo, Paris, Shannon and Stockholm.

Birmigham, UK Hotel Fights the Recession

nitenite fights the recession! nitenite cityhotels have decided to combat the credit crunch, instead of joining the growing numbers of companies that are raising the prices of their products, causing a knock on effect to other companies and the bottom line of the consumers.

BIRMINGHAM, UK - nitenite have decided to lower their costs, thus appealing to the new wave of penny savers and have come up with an appealing ongoing promotion that gives consumers the opportunity to tighten their belts as long as they plan ahead and spend wisely. On the first Monday of each month, nitenite will have a “Fight the Recession Machine” day - whereby rooms for the following month can be booked at a snip of the price. This is where their concept of ‘affordable luxury’ really comes into its own - 20% of rooms will be up for grabs for just 29.95 each!

The message is that anyone who really wants to get a grip on their finances and save a bit of cash needs to think ahead. The early birds will triumph and for individual consumers and corporate companies alike, this is an offer that can’t be missed. With even the biggest names in corporate business tightening the purse strings, nitenite will be a welcome breath of fresh air and will provide guests with the opportunity to continue with their business or leisure plans without having a detrimental effect on their bank balance.

nitenite cityhotels are a new generation of smart, boutique-style value hotels that use cutting edge design and innovative thinking to create a hotel product that offers cost-conscious accommodation for travellers. The micro-boutique model provides high quality and stylish accommodation within a compact space and this unique design enables the company to look at unconventional sites, such as offices and warehouses.

The 104-room nitenite Birmingham offers high quality accommodation with upmarket touches, high tech electronics and stylish furnishings. The ergonomically designed, seven metre square rooms evoke the feel of a luxury yacht cabin. Although compact, the soundproofed rooms have full sized double beds with Egyptian cotton bed linen, a 42 inch plasma screen TV, WiFi access, en-suite power shower with heated mirrors and climate control. There is also a caf -restaurant and a spacious foyer. The neutral d cor is enhanced by the use of high quality furnishings and natural materials, such as cherrywood and leather.

Colin Hatt, CEO of nitenite comments, “nitenite fills a gap between budget travel and expensive boutique hotels, making it ideal for leisure travellers who want a convenient base for shopping and entertainment, as well as professionals who may have an early morning meeting or are working late and decide to stay in the city.” nitenite’s strategy is to establish the brand as a serious contender in the global economy hotel sector and to launch 15 hotels in the next five years. “Our aim is to attract business travellers who are looking for value for money without scrimping on style,” says Colin, “Why spend 200 for a room you only sleep in for six hours?”

A growing number of people are choosing to stay at hotels like these, a fact that is born out by the continuing rise of the economy hotel sector, which according to Mintel, is set to grow by 38 per cent over the next five years. Since its launch two years ago, the company and its CEO, Colin Hatt, have won a number of awards, including the ‘Rising Star’ award at the inaugural Hotel Report Awards held in London in February 2008. The company’s Birmingham property also won the ‘Excellence in Innovation’ category and finalist for ‘Excellent Customer Service’ at the HRS Hotel Excellence Awards. nitenite Birmingham also features in the top 3 ranking out of 122 hotels in Birmingham on the highly acclaimed website ‘Tripadvisor’.

“England, Midlands-The North” “A premier map maker for over 100 years, Michelin maps are a world-class choice for driving adventure! When it comes to traveling by automobile, particularly in Europe, Michelin maps are a useful tool in any glove box. Punctuated by extensive road classific”

Britain Outdoors

Indulge in all that Britain has to offer with its many varied outdoor activities.

There’s lots to do outdoors in Britain, whether you fancy a walk, or something more adrenaline-fueled, such as coasteering – the Welsh pastime of scrambling up a cliff and jumping off it. Other outdoor options include hiking or horseback riding, going up, up and away in a hot air balloon, checking out Britain’s waterways, and much more.

To learn more about the British outdoors, go to www.visitbritain.us

yoga, sailing, Pilates or windsurfing holiday in Greece

this September –

In our busy lives, time can often seem in short supply; so it’s important that couples make the most of their holiday time together. If you’re stuck for ideas on where to go or what to do this summer, why not try a “He said, She Said” holiday with sister companies Wildwind Holidays (the UK’s leading independent sailing specialist to Greece) and Healthy Options (the wellbeing holiday experts)?

He Said: Wildwind offers all the RYA’s windsurfing, dinghy and catamaran courses (from beginner to advanced). With a reputation as one of the best equipped and professionally run sailing and windsurfing companies in the Mediterranean, all sailing courses are comprehensively taught and thoroughly looked after by a dedicated member of staff in both the morning and afternoon sessions.

She Said: The ‘Healthy Options’ programme consists of a week long exercise itinerary designed around an irresistible blend of exercise, pampering and fresh air; with daily yoga, aerobics, body conditioning, aqua aerobics and pilates classes, nutrition and vitality advice, herbal walks, aqua safaris, cycling tours and therapeutic massages.

Both holidays take place on the unspoilt Greek island of Lefkas, whilst based in the grounds of a small family run, beachfront hotel in Vassiliki Bay (recognised as one of Europe’s water-sports capitals). The Healthy Options programme exercise area is situated amidst landscaped gardens over looking the sun-kissed Mediterranean, where Wildwind’s championship winning instructors are on hand to offer guidance and assistance to those enjoying a water-sports holiday this summer.

A seven night stay throughout September costs from just £469 pp. Prices are based on two adults sharing and include return flights from Gatwick to Prevesa, overseas transfers, en-suite accommodation (room only) and selected Wildwind sailing/windsurfing course or Healthy Options package.

To book, or order a brochure, please telephone 0844 499 2909, or logon to the websites

: www.wildwind.co.uk or www.healthy-option.co.uk  for further information

London Guest Lodging Offers More for Families

The Holiday Inn London Kensington Forum steps it up for family travel with affordable dining specials and an exclusive free room and board program.

LONDON, UK, - The Holiday Inn London Kensington Forum, one of the preferred hotels in Kensington, London, is making family travel even more satisfying with a duo of affordable dining offers. Located in the Royal Borough of Kensington, the London lodging is already conveniently located for visiting families to enjoy the most popular sightseeing of the city, and terrific family-friendly dining options round out the experience.

Available to hotel guests only, the “Family Breakfast Offer” provides a wholesome start to a busy day of visiting famous attractions like Harrods, the Science Museum, Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park. On Saturday and Sunday mornings between 7:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., families can enjoy a bountiful buffet breakfast in the on-site Forum Restaurant. All the favorites of a traditional English breakfast such as bacon and eggs are on display with a few surprises as well. Vouchers for this special breakfast are available at reception for 10.50 per person, and children 12 and under eat free with a paying adult.

Sundays get even better with another affordable meal deal. For a limited time, the Kensington lodging is offering visiting and resident families alike a little something extra for less with hearty two-course lunches featuring a choice of entr e from the main menu (some exclusions apply) and a dessert for only 9.95 per person. Vouchers must be presented at the start of the meal. Kids Eat Free does not apply with this offer.

Delicious dining offers are just a small part of the Holiday Inn commitment to affordable and rewarding family travel. All over the globe, children 19 and under stay free when sharing a parent’s room, and children 12 and under eat free off the kid’s menu in several territories including the U.S., Canada and participating central London hotels. It’s all a part of how Holiday Inn gives you more. And more is better.

For more information on the Holiday Inn Kids Stay and Eat Free Program, these family dining offers, or the Holiday Inn London Kensington Forum hotel, please call 44-870-4009100 or visit the website at

www.hikensingtonforumhotel.co.uk

About Holiday Inn London Kensington Forum

Along with being the largest Holiday Inn in the world, Holiday Inn London Kensington Forum hotel stands apart from other central London hotels for its cozy London accommodations and convenient walking-distance location near Earls Court Exhibition Centre, Olympia Exhibition Centre, Royal Albert Hall, and Hyde Park. This smart combination, along with extensive meeting facilities and several popular dining options, makes the Holiday Inn among the most popular Kensington hotels in central London for both leisure and business travel.

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Summer free nights on European city breaks

Cities Direct has planned a great offer for those who are planning to have holidays in Europe. Their offer includes August free night available on European city breaks

CHELTENHAM, UK - Those still looking for a great value peak season getaway should check out the choice of August free night offers available on European city breaks with specialist operator, Cities Direct.

For example, head to Prague and save 45 on a ‘three-nights-for-the-price-of-two’ deal at the three-star St George Hotel - centrally located in the new town and just 10 minutes’ walk from Wenceslas Square - with a revised price from just 199 inclusive of return Manchester flights departing 12 August.

The same deal is available in Paris at the two-star superior Antin Trinite Hotel - situated close to the Opera and just a few minutes walk to the major department stores of Galeries Lafayette and Printemps. For departures on 20 August, the three-night break now costs from just 199 (saving 43) inclusive of return East Midlands flights.

Or save 60 on a ‘five-nights-for-the-price-of-four’ offer at the four-star Athenaeum Hotel in Florence which now costs from just 399 inclusive of return flights from East Midlands to Pisa on 14 August. The hotel is close to the Duomo, the Galleria dell’Accademia - with Michelangelo’s David - and the Florence Exhibition Centre.

Alternatively, enjoy a ‘three-nights-for-the-price-of-two’ offer - saving 60 - at the five-star Reval Ridzene Hotel - centrally located overlooking the park and the historic Old Town - in Riga. The revised price is now from just 279 inclusive of return flights from Bristol for departures on 10 August.

All prices are per person, based on two-sharing and include breakfasts. Other dates, hotels, flights and destinations for city breaks are also available.

Cities Direct Limited
118 Eagle Tower
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire