Jetsettersblog

Visitors can now book their Cornish cottage holiday or winery tour at Camel Valley at the click of a mouse direct through www.camelvalley.com

Camel Valley has been offering winery tours and accommodation in sunny Cornwall for over 20 years, and always relied on a cottage booking agent.

However, Bob and Annie Lindo, Camel Valley’s founders, noticed that increasingly tour visitors were trying to book accommodation direct for the next holiday season following their tour. Bob’s Wednesday evening ‘Grand Tour and Tastings’ have been described as ‘Britain’s best’ by Wine magazine

One of the two holiday cottages has recently been refurbished and now boasts a terrace overlooking the vineyard – providing an idyllic surrounding to sit back with a glass of wine.

Said Bob: ‘The great thing is that the accommodation and the vineyard have become integrated into one big ‘wine’ theme and everybody is speaking the same language. In the past, many cottage bookings were made regardless of the fact that we were a vineyard, but now the cottages are being booked almost entirely because we’re a vineyard’. Bob added: ‘Of course we put some wine in the fridge and the Grand Tours are all-inclusive for all cottage bookings’.

The whole family need not be mad on wine to stay at Camel Valley. The Lindos offer a private stretch of salmon and trout fishing on the River Camel and guests can cycle the Camel Trail, which runs right through the vineyard, to Padstow for lunch in one of Rick Stein’s famous restaurants. The Eden project is just 8 miles away and the glorious Cornish coastline just 10 miles.

Camel Valley holds 4 of the UK Trophies including the coveted Vintners Trophy for the UK’s best sparkling wine for the second successive year. Camel Valley was awarded the Gold Medal for the 2008 Cornwall Tourist Board Small Visitor Attraction of the Year and Bob has previously been awarded a Gold Medal for ‘Outstanding Services to Tourism’.

Australia’s closest international destination, Norfolk Island, has responded to the Prime Minister’s call for Australians to spend up by offering a hot holiday special that will appeal to history lovers.

For less than AUD$1000, Aussies can spend a week on the island immersed in history and watching the locals re-enact a dramatic chapter in their rich heritage, the Burning of the Bounty.

“What must have been going through the minds of the original Pitcairners who decided to destroy their one link with civilisation after the infamous Bounty mutiny,” said Norfolk Island Tourism General Manager Terry Watson.

“Here’s a way for visitors to get an inkling of all that when Pitcairner descendants clad period costume to re-enact the burning beside beautiful Emily Bay as part of a festive beach carnival and picnic on January 23, 219 years to the day from the original event.”

Mr Watson said the special history packages were set up to take advantage of Prime Minister Rudd’s call to Australians to spend a $1000 bonus the Government was sending to Australia’s four million pensioners, carers, seniors and veterans.

“As part of Australia and a great place to enjoy low tax shopping, a relaxing Pacific island ambience and become immersed in wonderful examples of our colonial history, we cannot think of a better way to carry out the PM’s directive.”

History package prices start at $899 per person from Brisbane and $959 pp from Sydney or Newcastle and include return airfares with pre-paid taxes, seven nights twin share accommodation, seven days car hire (insurance and petrol extra), return airport transfers on the island, a Burning of the Bounty picnic lunch plus free entry to the island’s three museums and Fletcher’s Mutiny Cyclorama.

The special packages are available from the Norfolk Island Travel Centre toll free on 1800 140 066 or via email at joanne@travelcentre.nf

If you are unable to visit Norfolk Island for the Bounty Burning or wish to travel to the island on Norfolk Air’s direct Melbourne service, ask the Travel Centre about other super hot packages on sale now for travel through to next March.

Norfolk Island is less than three hours by jet from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Newcastle. Australian visitors need a valid passport or document of identity that can be obtained from any Australia Post outlet.

For general information visit www.norfolkisland.com.au

Photo shows an image of HMAS Bounty in Fletcher’s Mutiny Cyclorama on Norfolk Island.

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

Great Southern Rail has released a special offer of a Free Upgrade from Red Sleeper to Gold Service, making rail travel both more affordable and more relaxing. The Free Upgrade to Gold Service is available to holidaymakers booking a rail holiday package onboard The Ghan or Indian Pacific for travel anytime from 1 January to 30 June 2009.

Great Southern Rail Chief Executive Officer, Tony Braxton-Smith said “This offer is outstanding value with savings of up to $675 per person compared to normal fares.”

Guests will save hundreds of dollars per person with the Free Upgrade to the classic comfort of Gold service with more space, more facilities and more inclusions like a private cabin, welcome drinks, use of the licensed Gold Service lounge carriage and all dining in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant carriage, all included in the price.

The Free Upgrade Offer is expected to be extremely popular. Mr. Braxton-Smith pointed to recent economic developments creating conditions that will lead to more Australians foregoing overseas travel and exploring their own backyard next year. “The features offered in Gold Service give Aussies further incentive to get on board and experience the rich diversity of landscapes you can see as you cross Australia by train” he added.

The Free Upgrade Offer is being marketed with the tag line “Its Time to See Australia”. Exploring Australia’s outback in the classic style of Gold Service, guests can choose from twin or single sleeper cabins. Twin cabins have a comfortable three-seater lounge for relaxing during the day that converts to an upper and lower sleeping berth at night. Each twin cabin has a private en-suite with its own toilet, wash basin and shower. All meals are included in the fare and are served in the stylish Queen Adelaide Restaurant Carriage. Gold Service also offers a Lounge Car and this is the perfect place for a relaxing drink at the bar, a chance to socialize with fellow travelers and meet people from around the world.

With this great offer, in 2009 it’s time to see Australia. You will certainly see more of Australia when seeing it by train. The offer ends on 28th February 2009.

Conditions apply. For bookings contact Great Southern Rail on 13 21 47 or visit www.gsr.com.au

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

Malaysia has been positioned as one of the world’s best “Value for Money” countries in a global study conducted by FutureBrand, the leading brand consultancy firm.

Director of Tourism Malaysia Sydney, Mr Shahrin Mokhtar, said Malaysia will remain a top choice for many astute travellers who are still keen to go away despite the current economic climate.

“Affordability and accessibility are more than ever the two major factors travellers consider today when planning a holiday, and fortunately for us, Malaysia is both very affordable and easily accessible from all major ports around Australia,” says Shahrin.

“Despite the downturn in the world economy, keen travellers continue to travel, looking for the best value for money destinations, and they are finding it in Malaysia.

“Many travellers are spending a week or more luxuriating in Malaysia as opposed to a weekend in a resort spa in Australia for the same amount of money.

“For example, the 6-star Pangkor Laut Resort just off the west coast off Peninsular Malaysia offers an affordable AUD330 a night for an oversized garden villa with an outdoor spa; while other 5-star hotels and resorts around the country start at about AUD200 a night for a room or villa.

“For example, the Ritz-Carlton in Kuala Lumpur, which was recently awarded ‘South East Asia’s Hotel of the Year 2008-2010’, offers a deluxe king room with breakfast and butler service for about AUD206.

“Also, cheap flights via Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia X and Singapore Airlines have been selling through the roof recently for the Savings Sales period which ends on 5 January 2009.

“We are also confident that the new Kuala Lumpur to London route via Air Asia X commencing in March 2009 will attract many more long-haul travellers to break up their route in Malaysia.

“So far, we are delighted with the consistent double digit growths in Australian arrivals to Malaysia, with the latest figures showing a 26.4% growth in October this year when compared to the same month last year.”

Cumulatively, 346,423 Australians visited Malaysia this year, with 38,408 in October alone.

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

Kipling & Clark unveiled its 2009 Luxury Family Travel Itineraries: Cambodia-Laos-Thailand for Families, 17 Days; Thailand-Laos-Cambodia Family Tour, 16 Days; Cambodia-Thailand Family Expedition, 13 Days; Japan Spring Break Family Tour-Tokyo-Takayama-Kyoto, seven Days;

Thailand and Laos Travel for Families, 12 Days; Cambodia and Vietnam for Families, 16 Days; India Travel for Families-India Highlights, 11 Days; China Summer Luxury Adventure for Families, 17 Days;

China Summer Tour for Families-Hong-Kong-Yunnan, 17 Days; Chengdu-Yangzi River Cruise-Beijing-Shanghai, 17 Days; China-Hong Kong Summer for Families, 14 Days; and China & Japan Cultural Contrasts for Families, 16 Days.

Kipling & Clark provides high-touch, private, luxury travel arrangements to greater China, Japan and Southeast Asia. Long-standing, intimate relationships and extensive experience with the finest hotels, resorts, restaurants and guides enables Kipling & Clark to create custom, unique journeys for discriminating travelers who want to immerse themselves in the culture, food, art and architecture of the beautiful and exotic Pacific Rim.

For more information, call 312-836-9071 or see www.kiplingandclark.com

The first edition of the Hong Kong-Macau Michelin guide was released last week. The 26th in the Michelin series, it marks the guides’ expanding coverage of Asia.

For its first venture into Hong Kong, the Michelin guide offers a selection of the best hotels and restaurants in the city in several comfort and price categories. Reflecting the great diversity of the gastronomic scene in Hong Kong (more than 30 different types of cuisine are represented in the guide), the list includes 202 establishments, of which 169 are restaurants and 33 are hotels.

A restaurant that receives one or more stars is considered not only one of the best in its country but also one of the best in the world.

Hong Kong’s starred restaurants are as follows:

Three stars - exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey:
Lung King Heen

Two stars - excellent cooking, worth a detour:
Amber
Bo Innovation
Caprice
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon
Shang Palace
Summer Palace
T’ang Court

One star - a very good restaurant in its category:
Fook Lam Moon (Wanchai)
Forum
Hutong
Lei Garden (IFC)
Lei Garden (Tsim Sha Tsui)
Ming Court
Petrus
Pierre
Regal Palace
Shanghai Garden
The Golden Leaf
The Square
Tim’s Kitchen
Yung Kee

As in all destinations covered by the guides, a consistent selection is ensured by awarding stars based on the same criteria: product quality, preparation and flavours, the chef’s personality as revealed through his or her cuisine, value for money, and consistency over time and across the entire menu.

The guide also includes 24 Bib Gourmand restaurants, which offer a high-quality dining experience at an affordable price, a full three-course meal for HK$300 (around £25) or less.

For further information on the Michelin guides visit http://www.michelin.com . For more information on visiting Hong Kong please go to http://www.discoverhongkong.com