Jetsettersblog

African Spa And Private Villa Concert

This Valentine’s Day, luxury operator Sanctuary Retreats is offering a special three night romantic package including a hot air balloon safari and half-price spa treatments at one its luxury lodges in Kenya, Olonana. The company also has availability at a number of its stunning villas in Europe, where couples can enjoy a romantic and memorable short break with some outstanding extras, including a private villa concert; luxury motorcar rentals; and the services of a private chef who can prepare a romantic meal in the privacy of the guests’ own villa.

Private pampering at luxury lodge Olonana, Kenya

As well as the chance to spend three nights in one of Kenya’s most deluxe properties, Sanctuary Retreats’ special Valentine getaway package also includes: a balloon safari and champagne breakfast in the bush; game viewing drives with a professional driver; private breakfast on the tent deck by the Mara River; return flights from Nairobi, plus airstrip transfers in the Mara; all meals and drinks (excluding champagne and premium brands); and a 50 per cent discount at Olonana’s new mini-spa offering pampering massages, facials and many more beauty treatments.

Olonana is a small luxury camp perfectly nestled in the heart of Kenya’s big game country, which is home to Africa’s largest concentration of lion, cheetah and giraffe. Resting on the banks of the Mara River, the camp consists of 14 spacious permanent tents, each featuring an en-suite bathroom with shower, as well as large verandas with picturesque views and fantastic star gazing opportunities. The camp boasts its own secluded swimming pool and a riverside dining room and lounge.

This special Valentine’s package is valid from 1st February – 20th June 2009 (except the Easter period). Prices start from £1,326 per person sharing and exclude park fees.

To book or for more information, please see: www.sanctuaryretreats/lodges.com  or telephone 01780 784 368.

Romance and relaxation at villa L’Affresco, Tuscany

Situated within the vast estate of the historic Villa di Geggiano, this charming Tuscan villa makes the perfect retreat for couples wishing to spend some quality time with one another in a secluded and beautiful setting. Located nearby to the picturesque city of Siena and characterful villages of the Chianti area, couples can cruise the romantic winding Tuscan roads in style, with the use of a luxury car. Clients can choose to drive a selection of opulent cars, ranging from a Bentley to an Aston Martin VE, which can be delivered to guests’ villas.

Guests also have access to the beautiful gardens of Villa di Geggiano, which includes an open-air theatre with two late-baroque arches surmounted by statues. Here, Sanctuary Retreats can organise a private classic music concert for an extra special Valentine’s Day treat. This can be followed with a delicious intimate meal presented on a decadently prepared table with flowers, champagne and candles.

The villa sleeps four people across two bedrooms and contains a large living room, fully equipped kitchen and well-manicured garden. It also benefits from a DVD/CD player; flat screen satellite TV; and a hot whirlpool tub that rests under the shade of olive trees. Couples can also enjoy the services of a professional chef who can visit the villa and prepare a sumptuous and special dinner for two.

L’Affresco is available to rent from 14th-21st February 2009. Prices start from £5,831 on a Tailor Made (villa only) basis. Luxury vehicle rental, music concerts and private dining can be arranged on a bespoke basis, subject to supplements.

To book or for more information, please see:

www.sanctuaryretreats/villas.com  or telephone 01780 784 368.

About Sanctuary Retreats

Sanctuary Retreats’ luxury lodges and camps in Africa and stunning villas in Europe form part of the Sanctuary Retreats portfolio, which also encompasses river and expedition cruises around the world.

The Nam Hai’s indulgent gourmet and spa break

Valentine’s Day celebrations at Vietnam’s most luxurious beach front resort, The Nam Hai, are set to seduce guests with gourmet cuisine, indulgent couple’s spa treatments and the most opulent accommodation in Vietnam.

Resident Executive Chef, Richard Wilson has prepared a romance inspired menu designed especially for sharing to be enjoyed over a poolside candlelight setting with sweeping views over China Beach and to the Cham Islands beyond.

With the resorts resident pianist setting the mood for the evening’s celebrations, guests can enjoy the Nam Hai’s special Champagne cocktail served with fresh strawberries.

The Valentine’s Dinner is US$250++ per couple and begins with Chilled Cream of Asparagus Soup with Truffle Oil.

Duck rillete with cornichions and dill pickles served with melba toast follows leading into the main event offering a sumptuous fresh seafood plate of king prawns, langoustine, oysters, lobster and tuna tartare served with crunchy fennel coleslaw, potato and bean salad and lemon mayonnaise and tomato basil salsa.

Dessert is a grand mariner and chocolate parfait, decedent chocolate tart and lush strawberries.

Couples at The Nam Hai also have the opportunity to indulge at the award-winning spa, a sanctuary for relaxation and renewal of body, mind and spirit. Surrounded by a tranquil lagoon, the facilities include eight luxurious private spa villas, four single and four double. Each spa villa is appointed with a changing room, steam shower, separate private bath and a relaxation room which houses an oversized day bed perched at the edge of the lagoon.

Designed with lovers in mind, the Love Bath Ceremony Bathing Ritual (US$100) including Champagne and canapés, invites guest to luxuriate in a bath strewn with rose petals and infused with a pure blend of aromatherapy oils and Himalayan bath salts.

Unrivalled 5-star all villa accommodation at The Nam Hai amid the unique culture of Central Vietnam combines gourmet cuisine and abundant recreational pursuits in an atmosphere of unsurpassed opulence at Vietnam’s most exclusive oceanfront resort.

Accommodation ranges from one-bedroom villas to a five bedroom beach front pool villa with prices starting at US$750++ per villa per night.

The resort also offers four floodlit tennis courts, badminton courts, basketball court and a state of the art health club. An 18-hole golf course is opening nearby in the near future with bespoke local cultural, historical, shopping and sightseeing tours available on request.

The Nam Hai is 10km from UNESCO World Heritage listed Hoi An, a colourful and well preserved traditional Asian trading port with a fusion of Vietnamese, Chinese and French cultures dating from the 15th century. It is also close to numerous historic attractions, including World Heritage-listed My Son, site of the ancient Cham civilization, and Hue, the former Imperial capital.

The resort is connected to the world via Danang’s international airport, just 30 minutes from the resort, offering direct flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore and Bangkok.

The Nam Hai is managed by GHM, one of the world’s leading creators and operators of award-winning, distinctive luxury hotels and resorts, throughout Asia and the USA. The five-star resort is a member of the prestigious The Leading Small Hotels of the World.

For more information on The Nam Hai Resort and for reservations, visit: www.ghmhotels.com

12 Years In A Row

Sydney’s leading group of restaurants and venues, Dockside Group, has again dominated the 2008 Australian Bridal Industry Academy (ABIA) Awards.

At a glittering function attended by over 150 wedding industry professionals at Waterview Sydney Olympic Park, Dockside Group’s WatersEdge Restaurant entered the ABIA Hall of Fame and Theodore Drivas, Principal Partner of the Dockside Group was named first ever ABIA Ambassador.

L’Aqua, WatersEdge, Dockside, Star Room and Waterfront were all Finalists in a swathe of categories and the 2008 NSW ABIA was awarded to L’Aqua for ‘Reception Centre’ and WatersEdge for ‘Restaurant Reception’.

These awards were on the back of the recent announcement as the inaugural National Winner of the ABIA Designer of Dreams for the categories of ‘Restaurant Reception’, ‘Function Coordinator’ and ‘In-house Advisor’.

After winning for twelve consecutive years, Theodore Drivas said “I am honoured to be named ABIA Ambassador and keen to continue to support the industry and further the quality and innovation standards in delivering weddings in Sydney.”

From successfully converting WatersEdge at Pier 1 from an a la carte restaurant to Sydney’s premium wedding venue in 1997, the Dockside Group and Theodore in particular, has been instrumental in building an unique Wedding specialist team within Dockside Group’s water front venues – WatersEdge, Waterfront, Wolfies and Italian Village at the Rocks and Dockside, L’Aqua and Star Room at Darling Harbour.

Dockside Group has won 27 ABIA awards and their nine wedding specialists have over 70 combined years experience in delivering magical weddings. Wedding Manager, Sally Dolman, and her team of specialists create the perfect match for brides-to-be with sparkling harbour views and fine attention to detail.

Dockside venues can deliver contemporary or traditional dinner receptions, intimate cocktail receptions or relaxed luncheons matched with the perfect atmosphere and an exquisite, restaurant quality menu for anywhere between 20 – 600 guests.

For media enquiries and images: please contact Maree Reason-Cain, C4 Marketing & Communications on +61 (0)438 730 752 or email maree@c4marketing.com.au

For wedding and venue enquiries: please contact Dockside Group on +61 (0)2 9261 3777, visit the website www.docksidegroup.com.au  or email weddings@docksidegroup.com.au

VALENTINE’S WEEKEND OF ROMANCE AT COMBE HOUSE, DEVON
STAY IN THATCHED COTTAGE OR ELIZABETHAN MANOR
FROM £190 PER NIGHT B&B FOR TWO SHARING

For a very special treat this Valentine’s, book the weekend at Combe House, a wildly romantic Elizabethan manor hotel on a huge, secluded Devon country estate near Exeter. Couples can chose to stay in the main house or a beautifully restored thatched cottage for two hidden in the woods at the entrance to the mile long drive with prices from £190 B&B per room per night.

A Michelin Rising Star, Combe is offering a special Valentine’s lunch and dinner on Saturday, 14 February in a choice of two intimate dining rooms. Created by the hotel’s two resident Master Chefs of Great Britain, the three-course lunch is priced at £39 per person to include canapés, coffee and petit fours while the special six course Valentine’s night menu is £69 and also includes a welcome glass of pink champagne.

Created to set the mood for romance, the special Valentine’s dinner menu starts with a white onion and truffle velouté and either crab raviollo or foie gras, while for mains guests can choose from turbot or fillet of beef. For pudding there’s passion fruit jelly with ice cream followed by a plate of desserts to share including hot chocolate fondant, passion fruit mousse and a classic crème brulée.

Accommodation at Combe is in fifteen en-suite bedrooms and suites including a four poster; a special treat is the Linen Suite which occupies part of the original Victorian laundry. Individually styled to reflect the charm of an old English manor with fine antiques and handcrafted quilts, many rooms have stunning views down the valley and across the beautiful Devon countryside to Dartmoor beyond. Guests can also stay at Combe Thatch Cottage, a romantic hideaway for two with its own walled garden.

For details call Combe House on Tel: 01404 540400 or visit www.thishotel.com

Several Orient-Express Hotels are offering special packages for Valentine’s Day 2009. Among the participating properties is the Inn at Perry Cabin www.perrycabin.com , in Maryland, where the three-night Valentine’s Day package includes dinner for two in Sherwood’s Landing Restaurant, a candlelight turndown, a couple’s spa treatment and yoga class, room service breakfast for two, and a romantic movie delivered to the room as well as a late check-out at 3 p.m. Rates start at $1,590 for arrival on Feb. 13, 2008. Other Orient-Express Hotels with similar Valentine’s Day Getaways include Keswick Hall, Charleston Place and Casa de Sierra Nevada.

For more information, visit www.orient-express.com

Dylan hotel announces romance concierge in time for St. Valentine’s Day

Dylan, Dublin’s hottest and sexiest boutique hotel, is delighted to announce the appointment of two dedicated romance concierges whose newly created roles will begin at Dylan next February – perfect timing to welcome guests for the most romantic day of the year - St. Valentine’s Day.

The romance concierges will arrange for a dozen roses and chilled champagne to welcome couples on arrival, as well as ensuring that guests’ favourite music is playing when they are shown to their rooms. They will also draw a romantic “Love Bath”, complete with rose petals and candles and bring guests Dylan’s specially designed Valentine’s cocktail for couples to enjoy in the intimacy of their room.

The Dylan romance experience does not stop there! For the ultimate in indulgence and luxury, couples can take pleasure in an exclusive in-room dining experience, relishing the flavours and textures of a special and very private ten course tasting menu, delivered to their suite. Romance concierges will also bring lazy lovers a champagne breakfast-in-bed the following morning, while inside the mini-bar, guests will find a complimentary Karma Sutra book and intimacy kit!

With beautifully appointed rooms, gorgeous frette linen, a sumptuous pillow menu, king size 7th Heaven beds and some of the most stylish interiors in Dublin, the Dylan is the ideal destination for couples to cosy-up and discover each other this Valentine’s.

For those who wish to explore more of the city with their partner, Dylan’s romance concierge can also recommend restaurants and bars for a romantic evening and make reservations wherever the couple decides to go. The romance concierge role will also consist of shopping for valentine’s gifts if required, providing maps and details of romantic riverside walks, as well as arranging beautiful rose petal and candlelight turndowns for when guests retire to their rooms.

“Dylan’s romantic in-room experience”, from just €649.00 and based on 2 people sharing, includes:

- Overnight accommodation in king bedded Style rooms

- Bottle of champagne with strawberries in room on arrival with a dozen red roses

- Love Bath – Romance concierges will run a rose petal bath with candles at a time chosen by guest

- Karma Sutra kit with essential oils

- In-room specially designed Dylan ‘Valentine’s’ cocktail for two

- Champagne breakfast in bed

- In room dining for 2 option of 10 course taster menu from €180.00

‘Enjoy Romantic Dublin with Dylan’, from just €649.00 and based on 2 people sharing, includes:

- Romantic concierge who will take care of booking dinner, recommend romantic restaurants & bars.

- Romantic concierge who will provide maps and destinations for romantic walks and tours of Dublin.

- Overnight accommodation in king bedded Style rooms

- Bottle of champagne with strawberries in room on arrival with a dozen red roses

- Karma Sutra kit with essential oils

- Rose petal turndown

- Champagne breakfast in bed

Siobhan Delaney, General Manager commented: ‘After the huge popularity of our Valentine’s packages last year we thought we would provide our guests with some super luxurious alternatives so they can spoil their loved one this coming February and indeed any other month! Dylan is always trying to introduce new and innovative ways to spoil guests and with the appointment of two dedicated romantic concierges, we aim to look after every couples’ need.’

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London is offering a complimentary bottle of Jo Malone Red Roses Bath Oil for Valentine’s Day and throughout February.

The Romance and Roses package includes one night in a deluxe room sprinkled with fresh rose petals, a wrapped and packaged gift of Jo Malone Rose Oil, and a full English breakfast. Based on double occupancy, Romance and Roses is priced at GBP 309 valid for Valentines Day and throughout February 2009, exclusive of VAT and 5 percent discretionary service charge, subject to availability. Reservations can be made by contacting the hotel directly on 011-44-(0)207-201-3773, or through the direct on-line reservations service, www.mandarinoriental.com/london

The beautiful Caribbean island of St. Lucia has once again achieved the prestigious accolade of the ‘World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination’ by the World Travel Awards 2008.

St. Lucia’s spectacular rainforests, world famous Pitons, sparkling turquoise waters, friendly Caribbean vibe and soft, sandy beaches as well as their world class resorts, makes it a perfect choice for romantic honeymoons.

Hailed as ‘the Oscars of the Travel Industry’, The World Travel Awards is one of the most prestigious events in the travel industry. Awards are voted for by almost 170,000 travel professionals, and the event is attended by the elite of the travel and media world.

“We’re delighted to have won the award for the ‘World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination’ for the eighth year running. St. Lucia has long been recognised as one of the most stunning islands in the world, and every year we’re ensuring we meet the needs of our holidaymakers whilst remaining true to the beauty of the island.” Debbie Melchor, St. Lucia Tourist Board.

St. Lucia boasts a variety of accommodation, from simple St. Lucian style guesthouses and exclusive boutique hotels, to spacious villas and romantic ‘couples only’ all-inclusive resorts.

Honeymooners can’t fail to sink blissfully into married life engulfed in the romantic ambiance of St. Lucia. The extraordinary twin Pitons, the bubbling Sulphur Springs, dramatic scenery and miles upon miles of lush tropical rainforest, set the perfect scene for couples in love.

Travel to this stunning Caribbean island has never been easier, with direct flights three times a week from Gatwick with Virgin Atlantic, as well as a direct flight once a week from Manchester. British Airways now also fly direct to St. Lucia three times a week from Gatwick.

British brides seeking an intimate, friends and family-focused wedding, will be queuing up to say ‘I do’ thanks to a new bridal experience package launched by much talked-about boutique hotel, the Fallen Angel, in Durham.

Britain’s most opulently themed hotel, which opened its doors in October 2008, is enticing couples with an offer of an exquisite bridal penthouse suite as accommodation and a fabulously indulgent suite of wedding services.

Together these are a marriage made in heaven. The bride and groom’s bridal suite is a Dr Zhivago inspired, stunning cream and bamboo paradise, with fur accents, totally luxurious furnishings and all the romance of revolutionary Russia.

The happy couple can lounge on a huge sofa, relax in a glass-fronted sauna, or wallow in a wonderfully roomy bath, as well as enjoying views across the city of Durham to the World Heritage Site, comprising Cathedral and Castle.

This penthouse suite can be hired at a cost of £300 per night, for couples wanting to indulge in luxury once they have tied the knot.

The package backing this is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to hire The Fallen Angel Hotel for the exclusive use of the wedding party. All ten rooms, including the bridal suite, can be booked for £2300, with a complimentary half bottle of champagne in each room.

A three-course meal for forty, in the beach café themed restaurant with terrace overlooking the River Wear, can be enjoyed for £25 per head. Flowers, cake and photography can also be arranged.

Classic cars can be hired individually, or as a fleet of three. The immaculate vehicles on offer are valued at over £125,000 as a trio and are a 1930 Rolls Royce, a Rolls Royce Corniche convertible and a 1957 Chevy Belair.

All three can be hired for £1200, or one for £400, if the couple wish to have a classic, traditional or rock and roll feel to their big day. The cars can be hired solely for use in photography, at a cost of £58 each.

An evening bar and buffet can also be arranged, with entertainment options including table magic, a piper under the magically-lit tree, piano music, a wedding themed quiz, party games or a murder mystery night for smaller groups. Fireworks, fire juggling and trapeze can be staged in the garden.

A highly memorably, truly quirky or simply exquisite evening event can be accessed for £2000. A package can also be tailored to suit lower budgets.

Exclusive hire of this unique, exquisite and theatrical hotel, cake, cars, flowers and photography and both daytime and evening events can cost less than £9000, if the hotel is booked on a Sunday or mid-week.

Friday and Saturday weddings would increase the cost by £3000, for two nights in the bridal suite and hire of the restaurant, or by £5000 to include this plus all rooms for two nights.

Having exclusive use of the Fallen Angel Hotel would be a dream come true for many brides and grooms and an irresistible treat for guests.

As well as making decisions on menus and table plans, brides could also have added fun allocating rooms. Determining who is best suited to Cruella, who could go off the rails in the Edwardian Express room, or who should sauna in a garden shed in Le Jardin, could only be outdone by assessing who should ride the 3-speed rodeo saddle in New York, or enter the Tardis, in Sci-Fi.

Possibilities are endless at the Fallen Angel and couples arriving in the Jules Verne themed reception will most certainly have the journey of a lifetime ahead of them.

For more details on the Fallen Angel Hotel and its wedding packages, visit www.fallenangelhotel.com  or call 0191 384 1037.

a growing request from customers to offer weddings in Italy has led Citalia, the Italian specialist, to relaunch this part of their programme with their expert knowledge.

Citalia has been organizing holidays to Italy for over 80 years, and is now firmly established as the UK’s Leading Italian Specialist with a unique level of experience and passion for this beautiful country. Italy is the perfect honeymoon destination and remains one of the hottest choices for weddings. Citalia is the perfect specialist for your wedding and honeymoon - Now you can plan your wedding or honeymoon in Italy with the knowledge and confidence that Citalia will take care of all the finer details.

Citalia offer civil weddings in Rome and Sorrento, Capri and the Amalfi Coast and packages to suit your every need. Let Citalia take away the stress of organising abroad. Sit back and relax while Citalia take care of everything from the services of a personal wedding co-ordinator to the detail of the posy for the bride, the cake, wedding car and even mini buses for the guests. The bridal couple will be allocated a dedicated wedding co-ordinator who will take care of every need.

Wedding packages cost from £1119 for the basic Sorrento wedding package.

For further information or booking, please call Citalia on 0871 664 0253 or visit the website at www.citalia.com