THE LOGBOOK D E C E M B E R
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Supplier of completely furnished safari tents and lodges
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Contents Editors note................................................................ 4 Celebrate New Year’s Eve with ultrapremium Don Julio 1942 Tequila...................... 6 Jumeirah Group adds Capri Palace to its expanding international portfolio..................... 8 Exclusive Tents.......................................................11 Outstanding Tent..................................................12 Lima Escape.............................................................22 Mukwa Lodge..........................................................24 Uros Waliski Lodge...............................................26 Quinta Del Mar Resorts, Colombia...............28 Kasbah du Toubkal (Discover Ltd).................32 Wine and Ride.........................................................36 Girolibero - Easy Cycling Holidays................ 38 Silver Compass Tours......................................... 40 Organic Paradise Tour.........................................42 Bodega Amalaya (Grupo Colome)................ 44 Humura Safaris Uganda.................................... 48 Transtrek Safaris Limited.................................. 50 Desert Day Tours..................................................52 Nile Safari Lodge....................................................56 Glampro.....................................................................62 Ebony Home............................................................66 Karoo Lavender Ltd............................................. 68 Kamper Planet........................................................70 Glampsan..................................................................72
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Editors note
RELATIONSHIP JINGLES
What has made 2019 magnificent and what can be done to make 2020 even better? This is the question that we have been asking the businesses included in our end of year edition.
Every business will testify to the importance of relationships with their clients but for many this is mostly lip service. Then, you find a business such as Exclusive Tents who consider their clients more as friends and family members than just paying customers. In late 2017 one of their client’s resorts were devastated by a flood and Exclusive Tents donated essential component parts to them. Thanks to this and their ongoing support the resort re-opened a year later.
It is an important question to ask, and it’s something we’ve asked ourselves as well. We’ve found that as the end of this year approaches it is a waste to bundle all the experiences, both good and bad, into a package and label it “2019.” What a waste to simply categorise and store the experiences of an entire year! Every challenge and hurdle, every obstacle thrown into the road and every unexpected turn is a lesson that should be valued. Every solution, split-seconddecision and leap-of-faith is a triumph that should be celebrated.
There is a business trend to automate as much as possible, the aim of this is to encourage less time to be spent on processes and more time to be spent with customers. But the result seems to be causing many customers to be alienated as the gap between client and provider widens.
MAJOR IMPORTANCE
Thankfully, 2019 has seen businesses of all sizes devote an increasing amount of time and resources to full this gap and engage their customers. If anything, this year has proven that engaging clients and customers more will always have positive outcomes and there is always room for further growth.
No business is absolute. Every single company in the world, from those dreamy start-ups to those fifth-generation monopolies run and prosper off the ingenuity, united focus and ambition of the people involved. In this issue, we’ve taken the time to speak with a number of businesses in the glamping, safari and cruise industries regarding what has made this year magnificent. With a focus on their staff and what they consider to be their triumphs, one of the most important things for them all were the relationships.
Family is important. Remember who is in yours. Happy End of Year.
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The Team Published by The Lost Executive LTD Co-founder and Creative and Editorial Director Don Campbell Co-founder Jerome Smith Head Writer Donnie Rust Copy proofreader Daemon Sands Magazine Designer Louise Smith
Working with Glampinghub.com
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CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH ULTRA-PREMIUM DON JULIO 1942 TEQUILA One of the most anticipated party nights of the year, New Year’s Eve, is the ultimate time to celebrate with loved ones, dancing the night away, feasting on delicious food and drinking extraordinary drinks. This year, Don Julio, the world’s original luxury tequila, is offering partygoers the ultimate spirit to celebrate and toast to 2020. Don Julio González created this unique 1942 batch using a personal selection of prime agave, aged for at least two and a half years, resulting in a tribute tequila with the highest standards of quality and astonishing depth. Don Julio 1942 Tequila presented in an elongated bottle whose design is inspired by the agave leaf, elevating your usual drinks selection this New Year. Don Julio 1942 is a remarkably smooth and incredibly complex Tequila with notes of tropical fruit, agave and a hint of cinnamon spice, encompassing sweet aromas of caramelized cherries. This extraordinary tequila is best enjoyed served neat or over ice in a flute glass or alternatively, can be enjoyed in a selection of cocktails, which are sure to impress your guests this New Year’s Eve. Recommended serves:
Method: • Build the ingredients together in a champagne flute, in the order above
DECADENCIA Ingredients:
• Gently stir to ensure the liqueur isn’t sitting at the bottom of the glass
• 20ml Don Julio 1942 • 10ml Chestnut Liqueur
EL AZTECA
• 2 x drops of walnut bitters
Ingredients:
• Top up with demi sec Champagne
• 35ml Don Julio 1942 • Drop of water • Aztec chocolate bitters
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Method: • Gently warm a large brandy glass, leaving a little water at the bottom of the glass • Add 3 drops of Aztec Chocolate bitters and swirl around the glass • Discard the contents • Add a single measure of Don Julio 1942 • Enjoy neat Don Julio 1942 is available from The Whisky Exchange RRP £145.25
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JUMEIRAH GROUP ADDS CAPRI PA INTERNATIONAL PORTFOLIO
Hotel will re-open as Capri Palace, Jumeirah in April 20 for contemporary art continues in The White Museum collection, dispersed throughout the hotel, which recounts the spirit of Anacapri and includes pieces by De Chirico, Keith Haring, and Pomodoro, amongst others. The tasteful interiors of the open spaces flow into the 68 guest rooms. White, blue and neutral tones create an unmistakably Mediterranean atmosphere, whilst the ceramic tiles and bespoke furniture evoke the sense of an Italian family home, ensuring guests are well rooted in their surroundings. Jumeirah Group, the global luxury hospitality company and a member of Dubai Holding, today announced it has been appointed to operate and manage the renowned Capri Palace in Italy.
“We are proud and excited to welcome Capri Palace, Jumeirah into our portfolio. It is one of Europe’s most recognised and well-respected hotels, with a global reputation and following,” José Silva, Chief Executive Officer of Jumeirah Group, says, “We are pleased to announce that the hotel’s current General Manager Ermanno Zanini will continue in his role, taking on additional responsibilities as Regional Vice President for Italy and Spain for Jumeirah Group. Capri Palace, Jumeirah embodies our brand values of providing excellent service, unrivalled culinary experiences and inspiring design, and joins our existing collection of European properties in London, Mallorca and Frankfurt.”
Reopening as Capri Palace, Jumeirah in April 2020, this beautiful Italian property enjoys an idyllic location in bustling Anacapri; one of the most exclusive and unspoiled parts of the island. The hotel, founded by Tonino Cacace, stands high up on a hill overlooking the Gulf of Naples and fully embodies the Italian Dolce Vita; with an authentic Capri style and far reaching sea views. Designed in the style of an eighteenth-century Neapolitan palazzo, Capri Palace has attracted the great and the good since it first opened its doors in the 1960s, swiftly establishing itself as the island’s most iconic hotel. Under Jumeirah’s direction, the property is set to continue to go from strength to strength with exciting upgrades and refurbishments in the pipeline.
In line with Jumeirah’s commitment to offering exceptional culinary experiences, Capri Palace, Jumeirah is home to three of the island’s Michelin stars. The hotel’s signature restaurant L’Olivo, which serves Mediterranean classics with an extensive wine list, has been awarded two stars; whilst Il Riccio- the hotel’s private beach club- has one, and is the only beach club in the world to do so. Il Riccio, which clings to the rocky coastline, is known for providing some of the best local seafood on the island, especially their sea urchins from which the restaurant takes its name.
Art and design are at the heart of this hotel; and the elegant white-washed walls, arched ceilings, and columns create a sense of serenity as soon as guests step through the door. The light and airy interiors are filled with historic and contemporary artwork with tributes to the works of Mirò, Magritte and Warhol. The reverence
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ALACE TO ITS EXPANDING
020 Capri Palace, Jumeirah is also revered as a wellness destination, with the exclusive Capri Beauty Farm upholding a loyal international following. Under the direction of the esteemed Professor Francesco Canonaco, this world classmedical spa facilityon the cutting edge of medical researchoffers highly specialised signature treatments including the ‘Leg School®’ and the ‘Metabolic Response’ which have won acclaim the world over.
“We are delighted that Jumeirah Group have embraced Capri Palace to be a part of its portfol,”
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History Meets Modern Art on the Island of Capri
Ermanno Zanini, General Manager of Capri Palace, Jumeirah and Regional Vice President for Italy
“With the warmth of our team, the big smiles and the even bigger hearts, we look forward to build on greatness and reach new frontiers as part of this renowned global luxury hospitality company.” and Spain says,
Capri Palace, Jumeirah will open for the 2020 season on April 23, 2020, bringing the existing Jumeirah international portfolio to six hotels in Europe, including Jumeirah Frankfurt, Jumeirah Port Soller, Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel, Grosvenor House Suites Jumeirah and The Carlton Tower, Jumeirah. In addition to the group’s portfolio of hotels in the Middle East, Jumeirah further manages hotels in China and Maldives with additional properties planned for 2020 in Indonesia and Oman. For more information on Capri Palace, Jumeirah, visit www.capripalace.com
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EXCLUSIVE TENTS The only place to be is in the thick of it Glamping Hub, the world’s leading booking platform for unique outdoor accommodations, today unveiled a reimagined logo and kicked off the first phase of a comprehensive rebranding effort across all channels. The company partnered with Origin -- an outdoor-centric creative agency based in Canada -- to distil its brand essence, simplify its message and cement its position as a leader in the space.
be worth over $4.8B in 2025, and with over 31K accommodations in 115 countries, Glamping Hub is an established leader in the space.
“With our new logo and branding, we are taking the experience back to nature,” said founder David Troya. “Glamping is about spending quality time in the places and spaces that are truly special.”
Kristmanson, Principal and Creative Director at
“Glamping has grown from a passing trend into its own solidified niche within the hospitality industry,” says Danielle “With this project, Origin was able to get down to the core of Glamping Hub’s brand identity, then reimagine it and express it in fresh new ways.” Origin.
The new and improved web experience will be simpler, more visual in nature and rooted in the idea that glamping is about connecting with the world’s most special places and spaces. Accommodation photos will be larger, the content will be richer, and the brand will have a more consistent look and feel across every channel. These updates will roll out in phases over the coming months, starting this week with the new logo and colours. To learn more about what it means to glamp with Glamping Hub, check out our Why Glamping Hub video, here.
Troya designed the original Glamping Hub logo himself: a simple red yurt with leaves sprouting from the roof. Later it was recast as a shaded tent, but he never truly felt that this camping-oriented visual was representative of all that is glamping: amazing treehouses, decked-out domes, cosy huts, rustic A-frame cabins and everything in between. The new logo depicts a treehouse (one of Glamping Hub’s most popular accommodation types) neatly interwoven with a leaf and uses a fresh green colour scheme.
ABOUT ORIGIN
“Glamping means many things to many people, but extraordinary spaces are always at the core,” Troya explained. “We wanted a logo that reflects the inherent uniqueness of these kinds of experiences.”
Origin is an outdoor-focused, digitally-driven creative, content and marketing agency. Founded more than 20 years ago, the agency has worked with a multitude of prominent outdoor brands such as Whistler Blackcomb, L.L.Bean, Lululemon, Smartwool, The North Face, and many more. With offices in both Montreal and Whistler, Origin provides a bilingual suite of capabilities to the outdoor brands it helps succeed and grow in both Canada and the U.S.
The rebranding effort represents not only the evolution of Glamping Hub as a company but also the transformation of the industry as a whole. According to a September report from Grand View Research, the glamping market is expected to
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OUTSTANDING TENT
just business as usual. Product development, innovation, team development and expanding our boundaries is very much what we do, and it is built into the company’s DNA.”
When Outstanding Tent set about their journey in 2014, they did so with a carefully laid out plan of action. Their business, which is based in the Netherlands, has not only kept up with the industry’s development but has kept one step ahead of it, and achieving this has been down to a key principal and philosophy of action over reaction. During 2019 their business has enjoyed a year of growth, expansion and new developments and 2020 is looking to offer more of the same and then some.
THE YEAR PAST
Leaving one year and entering another we spoke again with Robin Van Kooten, co-founder of Outstanding Tent and all round glamping champion.
From a number of prominent developments in the last year, one of the key aspects that identified 2019 was the development of a new interior style for their tents. As we have covered previously, Outstanding Tent offers a full kitted out tent solution for their clients and after five years it was decided that it was time to offer a new and updated interior style.
“We’ve made a lot of progress this year along our growth plan,” Robin says, “But really it’s 12
Chic”. This has since become a base style for their tents. Glamping equals luxury, and the question was how to translate the comfort of a sofa back home into the glamping arena. Now, the Glamping Chic range gives guests the sense they are staying at a stylish luxury hotel, combined with the camping feeling of glamping.
“There were a number of reasons why we did this,” Robin explains, “Firstly, after five years we wanted to offer our clients, both new and old, different stylish options for their sites. Secondly, a lot of our competitors were using the same materials as we were, and it was no longer really a USP for us. This made us think of developing something completely different because you always need to have a good unique selling point. Something that immediately identifies you.”
The business has worked hard on this new line throughout the year. The intention was to give luxury camping a whole new dimension. Anyone, site owner or guest, can appreciate the allure of combining a wonderfully designed bathroom, a luxury kitchen with all the mod-cons to prepare a delicious meal and the ambience of being surrounded by a canvas tent.
GLAMPING CHIC To ensure the best results were achieved, they enlisted the skills of an interior architect and stylist firm who guided them through the process of developing what Robin refers to as “Glamping
“The Glamping Chic line offers two styles to suit all tastes,” Robin reveals, “Stockholm and Paris. Stockholm equals Scandinavian beauty and is characterized by its minimalist, often white details while Paris lives up to its name and bustles with full-on activity that’s absolutely chic and stylish.” In 2019 the Glamping Chic line was very well received at the eight exhibitions they attended across six countries. It demonstrated the appetite of the industry and those working in it for innovative ideas and products that offer high material and aesthetic standards and great style.
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“The glamping industry relies on innovation and creative ideas to drive it forward and it doesn’t seem about to slow down,” he says.
ideas, or the best tents made of the newest materials. This is the beauty of the industry, as it develops its scope grows. However, as a business that prides itself on its market awareness and long term vision, Outstanding Tent have seen the drive for more complete, comprehensive packages to serve an industry that has outgrown its cottage and kitchen-tent roots.
INDUSTRY AWARENESS AND COMPANY GROWTH Robin explains that when glamping was younger and not as developed it was enough to just have an idea and offer an accommodation that was different to the standard. Now everything is moving in the direction of offering a complete and entirely unique experience. The stakes are higher than ever.
“Because of the growing number of local and international distributors that we have,” he says, “It has meant that we’re able to gather local knowledge from the frontlines and can continuously optimize our assortment and service.”
“Early in the industry, if you had a kitchen in a tent, it was considered new and innovative and glamping but as the industry has matured the expectations have changed,” he says, “Now it has to be massively different and have that wow factor. A completely new experience that is planned and executed on all fronts. I can see this as being the movement that will define glamping in 2020.”
And, as they continue to both deepen their existing markets and enter into new ones, they have expanded their operations and moved into new premises to accommodate the expected workload of the new year.
NEW WAREHOUSE FOR WORLD DOMINATION
He concedes that the industry is still wide and diverse enough, with enough categories and sub categories, to have a place for all sorts of sites and not everyone is looking to make use of the newest
One of their strengths is that they deliver from their own stock and this allows them to stay flexible and deliver quickly to clients. Their new
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“Glamping,” he says, “Is worldwide now and we saw the potential right at the start and did not want to grow a little per year, we wanted to tap it. Nobody really knows what the full potential of the industry is because new markets are developing every year and current markets are moving too. Guests may think that glamping is about relaxing and leisure, but supplying glamping is the complete opposite. You have to keep running!”
move into the new warehouse has resulted in both a better work environment for the logistic team and an easier job of keeping up with the growing orders. The new building offers more warehouse and office space as they grow in terms of people heading up individual departments, such as logistics and administration, buying and planning as well as recruitment and basic management. Moving to a larger base of operations is an important step for any business and Robin explains that they didn’t get to this position by allowing the industry to determine their role. They made the decision.
Even a small slice of such a vibrant market place would sustain their plans for ongoing growth and expansion for years to come, but their journey to world domination in this sector may already be underway. Supplying their clients through their distribution channels and increasing their share of these sectors while keeping current clients and partner relationships strong and polished is always the immediate priority… however… “So far we’ve sold tents in forty nine countries,” Robin says, “There are still over a hundred to go.”
“We had an ambitious growth plan from the start,” he says, “And that allowed us the confidence to take risks along the road we wanted to follow. We are always moving and preparing for new growth and investing in advance. It wasn’t that we were short of space at the old site, but we see and expect new growth in the new year and preemptively need to be ready to meet it.”
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It’s official, Christmas Day is the most popular day of the year for couples to get engaged - that’s according to a survey by Wedding Wire. Christmas Eve, New Year’s Day and New Year’s Eve all follow closely behind, meaning that the festive period is a hit for romantics – but planning the perfect proposal can be stressful, especially when it comes to picking out the perfect location. If you’re in need of some inspiration, Angelic Diamonds have put together this guide to the top locations for an unforgettable Christmas proposal.
2. An Ice-Skating Adventure at The Natural History Museum
1. Your Local Christmas Tree Farm
Unless your partner has two left feet on the ice, proposing at an ice rink is one of the most romantic things you could do this Christmas. With a Christmas tree in the centre, the Natural History Museum’s ice rink is enveloped in trees illuminated by hundreds of fairy lights. A romantic atmosphere is set with the 12th century gothic Natural History Museum as the backdrop to your question. Day or night, your partner is bound to be in awe of the location.
If you think your partner would prefer more of a low-key proposal, an understated yet traditionally festive location such as a Christmas Tree Farm could be what you need. This is also an excellent way to catch them off guard whilst in the midst of a festive activity. It’s worth getting in contact with your local Christmas tree farm and asking if there’s a secluded area where you can decorate, and maybe even hire a photographer to hide and snap pics of the unforgettable, private moment. You could even take the Christmas tree you got engaged next to home!
If you contact your local ice rink, they’re usually happy to help you plan the engagement and may even offer special discounts and treats. Hiring professional flashmob ice skaters is a fun way to surprise the person you’re proposing to, turning fellow ice skaters from strangers on the rink to a unique event dedicated to him or her. And chances are, they won’t be expecting it at all.
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4. A Cosy Lake District Getaway You could plan a cosy Christmas getaway for you and your loved one this year. If you both love the outdoors, the Lake District offers plenty of scenic winter walks to embark on together, during which you could pop the question against a backdrop of magnificent mountains and frost-coated trees. Afterwards, nothing beats relaxing in a snug cottage with a roaring fire to keep you warm and toasty.
3. A Christmas Market or Christmas Carol Concert
The Lake District also offers plenty of Christmas events throughout the month of December. From Carlisle Christmas market, to the Keswick Proms. For a more luxurious proposal experience, Lake District Country Hotels are offering a three-night Christmas package, where you can enjoy mulled wine and gourmet food.
Christmas Markets are now in almost every city, so you don’t have to travel too far to find one. To make this engagement extra special, you could plant small, thoughtful gifts at different stalls, commemorating your relationship together — these could be inside jokes, things you know they love. Make your way around the stalls until you get to a Christmas tree where you can drop to one knee and ask those special words, ‘will you marry me?’
So, there we have some of the best Christmas settings to pop the question this year, check out Christmas events at cities near you for more inspiration.
You could also take your partner to a Christmas Carol Concert. If they’re a fan of taking part in traditional Christmas songs, you could check out local events and surprise them during one of their favourite carols.
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You are running out of time to see the world 18 Photo by Tobias Bjørkli from Pexels
19 www.amalaya.com
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Accommodation
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REVIEW
LIMA ESCAPE Glamping. Portugal.
Offering a rustic escape to nature, Lima Escape was created in 2012 by Anna and her boyfriend Artur. Together they had won a public competition for the opportunity of developing an old campsite which had become quite rundown. The glamping concept was eagerly applied, introducing the very recognizable tents and of course the treehouses, which were designed and carefully made by Artur.
wooden bungalow made in the style of treehouses and shepherd huts. Living in an era of people fettered to their phones, too many of us spend our lives experiencing the world through our devices. When we see something beautiful, we don’t appreciate it unless we get a picture of it on our phones. It seems that we are slowly losing our ability to appreciate the beauty of something just for what it is and not for the responses we get from our social peers.
According to Anna the inspiration for the project came from a deep love of nature and the outstanding beauty of the area located in the very heart of Peneda-Geres National Parc (biggest natural parc of Portugal). The concept is intended for people with the same desires i.e., those wishing to escape the over-connected hubbub of daily life. The only television or internet connection is at the reception area and the restaurant, encouraging guests to explore the surroundings.
At Lima Escape, the real escape is being able to sit and enjoy the sound of birds in the trees, the leaves being moved by the wind and the sound of the small waterfall trickling down to the river that surrounds the site.
ACCOMMODATION When they began in 2012, they had two lodges and two tents. Today, the site offers eight units in total comprising of one apartment, 5 treehouses and Coloured Lodges and five glamping tents which are in place during the long Portuguese Summers lasting from May until the end of October.
LOCATION Sitting on a peninsula flanked by the rivers Lima, Froufe and Tamente and with Serra Amarela in the background, Lima Escape Camping and Glamping is a true nature retreat. Smoothly aligning camping areas with romantic glamour tents and charming
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The tents offer an oriental crossed Portuguese style and the lodges are modern and simple with some wood elements to enhance the feeling of wilderness and freshness. Anna explains that the aim was to offer something simple but comfortable as to not detract from the unique experience of feeling surrounded by nature.
are introduced to the site or updated on new developments, they’re also made aware of the “secret” places like the hidden waterfalls and small lagoons where the special memories that last a lifetime are made.
2020 In the upcoming year there are plans to improve their bar, which plays a significant community role and to put up another treehouse lodge and a fully restored double decker bus where guests can feel like rockstars on holiday. Otherwise, to continuing welcoming guests new and old. PRICE: Lodges from 45.00€ per night (minimal booking is 2 nights), tents – from 50€ per night, with breakfast normally served at the tent’s terrace WEBSITE: www.lima-escape.pt TELEPHONE: +351 258 588 361
WHAT GUESTS CAN EXPECT
MOBILE: + 351 964 969 309 351 926 503 332
At Lima Escape, guests can glamp and camp their own way as there are not too many rules and it isn’t as official or boring as a hotel business. Their main offering is the chance to enjoy the “simple pleasures” and to drop a gear or two and just enjoy relaxing.
EMAIL: info@lima-escape.pt
Since opening, there has been a steady increase of guests returning year on year, saying that they have a very special feeling about the place. Considering the challenge involved in getting return business in the hospitality industry, it is a mark of how strong their appeal is. Anna reveals that while the location and the accommodation and the access to nature is a strong element, it is their commitment to guest relations that has secured the loyalty of their guests. Upon check in at the reception, guests
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REVIEW
MUKWA LODGE Zambia
With a distinctly executive/African feel Mukwa Lodge and Restaurant is the ideal destination for families and tourists looking to experience the natural wonders and delicious flavours of Zambia.
At the same time, it’s location near the city centre of Kitwe, the Hub of the Copperbelt makes it the perfect base of operations for business people and investors wanting to visit Zambia and secure a place for themselves in the country’s shining economic future.
LOCATION AND ACCOMMODATION Ideally located near the city centre, Mukwa Lodge provides easy access into and around the city as well as reliable access to the tourist sites around the country. Perfectly situated in a secure and excellent location along Mpezeni Avenue, the surrounding area of the lodge makes it a perfect place for a retreat. As is often found in Africa, it is possible to be both near the heart of a commercial hub while
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WHAT GUESTS CAN EXPECT
still being surrounded by the sort of lush nature one would expect in an isolated retreat.
Mukwa Lodge is very proud of the reviews that it has received, which frankly rave about the cleanliness, the privacy and comfort that can be found and how all the rooms offer as much luxury and comfort as possible.
The lodge offers outside decking, a pool, leisure spaces and many locations for relaxing and enjoying the splendid Zambian evenings. There are a number of rooms available, including one family sized, two twin, eleven standard and six executive suites benefiting from air conditioning, flat screen televisions, WIFI, tea and coffee, mineral water and room service.
The restaurant’s staff and desire to offer the best experience stands out from other local eateries and has turned this into as much a culinary destination as an accommodation. Room prices are very reasonable and set to encourage longer stays for those wishing to explore all the aspects of this great country.
RESTAURANT AND ACTIVITIES The onsite restaurant offers a comprehensive menu including local and international dishes, for anyone wishing to introduce their pallets to a uniquely African flavour. African cuisine is known for its variety of tastes, its love of native spices and a deep passion for food. For centuries meal times throughout African nations and tribes was a time for community and feasting, where the flavouring and the use of spices told a story for the taste buds.
COMPANY ADDRESS: 26/28 Mpezeni Ave, Kitwe, Zambia TELEPHONE: 0 0260 212 230 389 00260 212 224266 EMAIL: reservations@mukwakitwe.com WEBSITE: www.mukwakitwe.com
Being so close to the city centre also means that there are a number of activities available, including local tours, restaurant visits and historical sites to see. The lodge has also positioned itself well to support the investor-interested business mind and the hubs of interest for the number of fast growing industries are close at hand.
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REVIEW
UROS WALISKI LODGE Peru
ACCOMMODATION
Drifting along the calm waters of its namesake lake, UROS WALISKI LODGE offers travellers to Peru something truly unique and inspiring. Standing out amongst other luxury and eco lodges in the world, let alone just in Peru. It is a magical destination and a pioneer in alternative luxury accommodation, introducing guests to a local tradition and culture unlike anything else.
The lodge sits upon an organic but artificial island which is made by using reeds woven into the island’s body to maintain it. Great efforts have been made to keep the traditional building methods alive and this includes the construction of the reed houses. All of the rooms are made almost entirely from reed and wood and the buildings of the floating islands are constructed using traditional tools and methods to protect the environment and the people that live on Uros Floating Island.
INSPIRATION A completely 100% local business that continues to live and operate in a sustainable manner that offers the perfect method of educating and engaging guests with the local culture and supporting the local community. UROS WALISKI LODGE Uros Floating Island is an insight for any one staying there.
With little light or air pollution, at night time the stars are startingly bright and sunsets and sunrises are mesmerising. It is the sort of destination that inspires novels to be written, paintings to be painted and life’s priorities to fall into place.
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BREAKFAST AND MEALS
COMPANY ADDRESS: Uros Floating Island
Meals are prepared with fresh local ingredients and organic products served in their dining room at specific times and certain liquors and special wines are available on request for an additional cost.
TELEPHONE: +51950049279 +51973228945 EMAIL: info@uroswaliskilodge.com uros.waliski.lodge.travelers@gmail.com WEBSITE: https://www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100014585049022
AMENITIES Completely self-sustaining the electricity is solar generated, and a separate gas system heats the main dining area. Bed heating is provided by hot water bottles and all lighting both internal and external use low wattage bulbs with solar energy. Guests are encouraged to carefully consider the environmental impact of their stay and so in order to minimize water and detergent use, there is not a routinely daily change of sheets and towels during a guest’s stay. Before new guests arrive, the sheets and towels are laundered using environmentally friendly washing powder. In line with this all the soaps, body wash, shampoo and conditioner are all environmentally friendly.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND Not just a place to stay but offering an actual uncommon chance for a real experience, guests need to remember they are visitors and need to follow certain courtesies. The owners are working very hard to conserving all that is beautiful and special about this incredible region.
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QUINTA DEL MAR RESORTS, COLOMBIA. Escape To The Islands
We spoke with owner Andrés Barrera regarding the islands and what they offer, and he highlighted that what guests really pay for is the complete indulgence of privacy.
Comprising of three dream like island paradises, Quinta Del Mar Resorts was founded in July 2015 by a couple of Colombian entrepreneurs who dreamt of offering people a place where they could enjoy complete luxury with complete privacy. The three locations are Quinta del Mar Sunset (The Sunset), Quinta del mar El Paraíso (The Paradise) and Quinta del Mar Tintipán.
“It is completely private,” Andrés explains , “There are limited staff working in the background, a butler ready to serve each and every need and otherwise it is just the guest and the island lifestyle which starts from the crystal waters to the thick tropical island vegetation.”
Two of the properties, Quinta del Mar Tintipán and Quinta del Mar Sunset are located on the island Tintipán, the biggest island in the Archipelago of San Bernardo, and are surrounded by water. The third property, El Paraiso rests on a glorious coastline alongside the clearest ocean. In no uncertain terms, this really is an opportunity to indulge the “islander” in all of us.
For those guests seeking even more privacy, El Paraiso holds that as the highest priority and combines the opportunity to indulge the senses with the chance to enjoy the most spectacular
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LOCATION AND ACCOMMODATION There is a great duality cooperation taking place on the islands that goes largely unnoticed by guests. The islands are protected and so there are restrictions to what can be built there, this means that there is no infrastructure in terms of energy or water because it would involve disturbing the natural environment and habitat of the very islands greatest value, its flora and fauna. Andrés says, “This is firstly to help keep the pristine condition of the island untouched, but guests don’t notice this as we have a power plant and a desalination water plant to supply more than enough energy and water. It is worth mentioning because guests and travellers are becoming more conscious about their own footprints.” Tintipán, is a coastal island belonging to Colombia, in the Gulf of Morrosquillo in the Caribbean Sea. It is the largest island in the San Bernardo archipelago and this exotic location is one of the jewels of the Rosario National Coral National Park. Its varied marshes form labyrinths that serve as a refuge for fish, making it a true paradise. Quinta del Mar is 40 km from Cartagena (a journey that takes two hours by boat), 41 km from Tolú and 81 km from the nearest Rafael Núñez International Airport.
THE RESORTS Quinta del Mar Tintipán Island With a capacity of twenty four people and located in Tintipán, the largest island in the San Bernardo archipelago, Quinta del Mar is a perfect place to enjoy water sports and visit natural aquariums with complete privacy. Due to its location in the Corales del Rosario National Natural Park, it is well known and internationally recognized for its biodiversity and crystal clear waters.
views. Offering bonfires on the beach sand and sumptuous luxurious comfort in the rooms, guests can enjoy a location that is good weather all year round.
AREA
Four bedrooms, sixteen beds, five bathrooms and all of the modern conveniences including satellite television and WIFI, all rooms come with air conditioning and even a butler!
Quinta del Mar is located in El Islote. The property is 29.2 miles from Coveñas and features direct access to the beach. Barú is 26.7 miles from Quinta del Mar, while Tolú is 25.5 miles away. The nearest airport is Rafael Núñez International Airport, 50.3 miles from the property.
On site there is a food service, managed by an expert chef to delight guests with the most exquisite dishes of the Colombian Caribbean. In addition, guests can explore the islands of the San Bernardo archipelago through a tour
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in the planchón, while enjoying a bottle of wine accompanied by a select cheese board. This is a great chance to see the wild dolphins that usually swim next to the boat. Quinta del Mar Sunset Tintipán Island Also located on Tintipán Island, the aptly named Sunset has a capacity of twenty five people. Offering six beds and seven bathrooms, the accommodation is equipped with everything needed for a stay combining enthralling activities and gloriously lazy mornings. Like its sister there is a butler available and a resoundingly talented chef and the activities that have made this island renowned are readily available. The rooms are comfortable, there are many outdoor activities and the sunset is, well… the sunset has to be seen to be properly appreciated. Quinta del Mar Paradise Tolú Accommodating nineteen people in six rooms with sixteen beds and five bathrooms, Paradise has earned its title. Located in the area of Sucre, exactly six kilometres from Playa El Francés in Tolú, guests can easily arrive by car which makes it more accessible.
“Of all the resorts Quinta del Mar Paradise is perfect for those travelling with family or perhaps wanting to explore,” Andrés says, “Those with restless feet who want more adventure and culture.”
In addition to the standard modern conveniences that guests soon come to expert of any Quinta del Mar resorts, which include great connectivity, outdoor sports, a butler and of course a chef- here guests can explore the Gulf of Morrosquillo, the most exclusive site in the area, surrounded by nature, rivers that flow into the sea and the joy of the locals.
TEAM MEMBERS Not only is privacy a guarantee at the island, but the high-end, palatial customer service presented to guests is almost entirely local as well. The authentic feel is magnified by the majority of the team of twenty being recruited from the local area. Following a detailed check list, procedures are set in place for the employees to follow before a guest arrives in terms of changing linen, painting floors and thoroughly cleaning every small detail. During a guest’s stay things are maintained and a lot happens in the background beyond the guest’s awareness to guarantee the highest level of enjoyment.
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“Thanks to the united and faultless efforts of our team,” Andrés says, “We have been recognized by Diners Magazine as the number one resort to visit in Colombia.” RELATIONSHIP BUILDING According to Andrés what makes a resort truly magnificent and the key factor in differentiating oneself from the competition is less about the location than one may think. “Of course, the old saying of location, location, location is important,” he concedes, “However even the most beautiful surroundings can be tainted if the customer service and relationship isn’t there.” He goes onto explain that relationship is everything and that one of the key reasons why Quinta Del Mar Resorts has the reputation and appeal that it does is because, as a team, they have worked tirelessly to fuse astonishing beauty and luxury with the highest standard of customer relationship building. “Realistically, the only way to be the best is to offer the best of everything,” he says, “This includes the best scenery, best comfort, best customer service and relations, best after sale service and the best levels of experience.”
2020 While there is the potential to open a place at Playas el Francés which is less than a kilometre away from El Paraíso’, the main aim is to keep providing the guests to the current sites the finest standards. “Expansion of any business is important,” Andrés says, “In the hospitality industry however, maintaining and improving on standards for the guests is the priority. Every one of our resorts needs to add to that level of consummate luxury and service that our guests have come to expect. Our guest experience is everything to us.” PRICE: see website WEBSITE: www.quintadelmar.co EMAIL: reservas@quintadelmar.co WHATSAPP SUPPORT: (+57) 311 899 9176
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REVIEW
KASBAH DU TOUBKAL (DISCOVER LTD)
Due to its unique location and it’s singular backstory, guests staying at Kasbah du Toubkal, are in for a real adventure. In the literary sense of the word.
It is quiet up here, with the only animal sounds coming from the inquisitive birds or from the domesticated cats that prowl the premises at night and lounge about in the shade during the day. Birds are the main form of animal life that can be seen here, not including the domesticated sheep and goats grazing the mountain side. While rare, it is not impossible to see mouflon, a subspecies of horned sheep along the hills and owls hunting at night.
As regular readers will recall from when we reviewed Kasbah du Toubkal earlier this year, this destination is located on top of a mountain, 100m above the reception and the only way to reach the hotel doors is via a 15 minute walk with mules carrying your luggage.
During winter the mountains are snow-capped, and the air becomes fresh and crisp while during the springtime the walnut trees, cherry trees and apple orchards farmed in the valleys fill the air with a fruity scent. The lack of pollution is a big factor in the air quality of the area and it also means that at night, the sky is alive with stars.
This unique positioning promises great chestfuls of fresh mountain air and expansive views of the surrounding land. Additionally, when considering the challenge that the proprietors overcame to get the construction materials, furniture, decoration and even the food for the kitchens up the same track, it adds to the overall sense of value.
EXPANSIVE CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
ACCOMMODATION AND STAFF
The Berber culture, defined by its pride and it’s simple lifestyle, has remained unchanged for centuries and a stay at Kasbah is an opportunity to learn more about it. Five separate settlement areas create the nearby village of Imlil which has a population of only 1500 and is located at the end
At the award-winning hotel there are fourteen comfortable en-suite rooms, three of which can be used as a private self-contained house. In addition, there are three family rooms and the garden with large terraces that offer unparalleled views of the surrounding mountains.
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colleague meeting into something definitive and moving.
“… beyond its food and unabashed luxury is the friendliness of its staff.”
Or as the Financial Times put it,
AWARDS As we covered in our last review, Kasbah du Toubkal has won numerous travel awards due to its unique approach to tourism. And, while it is certainly a stand-alone example of providing the best location and comfort, it was also restored very sympathetically to its original design so that guests often believe it to be a hundred years old. This approach of maintaining strong ties to the past without necessarily influencing it has been followed in Morocco since His Majesty, King of Morocco set it as a regional standard, ensuring other developments follow but do not sever the connection to the past. After all, in this quiet realm, on the edge of the world the past defines the present. of the main road system, beyond that point the only channels of communication to the outside world is via narrow footpaths and precarious mule tracks where the Berbers call home.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND Guests should allow as much time as possible when booking because Kasbah du Toubkal’s popularity amongst visitors to this location speaks for itself. Bookings can be made on their website or via telephone.
CONFERENCES Offering a location that inspires and captivates, Kasbah du Toubkal has formed quite the reputation as being a conference centre for businesses seeking to create a sense of majesty. Providing the best modern equipment their conference facilities have been lauded by many businesses as offering that special something else which turned what would have been a simple
PRICE: Between €175 and €960 depending on room. WEBSITE: www.kasbahdutoubkal.com TELEPHONE: 00 44 (0}1883 744667 EMAIL: bookings@discover.ltd.uk
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Food & Drink 34
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REVIEW
WINE AND RIDE Food and Drink Focus, Argentina. THE LOCATION Mendoza is one of the eight wine capitals in the world and the pioneer of wine tourism in Argentina. A city in the Cuyo region of Argentina it forms the very heart of the vineyard region and is famous for its Malbecs and other red wines. The many different wineries offer tastings and guided tours around the city which, over and above the wine, offers leafy streets surrounded by modern buildings and art deco, and many places to relax and enjoy the time in the small squares that surround Plaza independencia.
THE TOURS With the tour maps available on their website, Wine and Ride provide the riders with a route itinerary along the wine roads, highlighting the most beautiful wineries and vineyards of Mendoza. Guests can stroll or ride, but it is advised to try everything because wine tasting is a treat for all the senses.
Wine tasting is best when it includes fun, the outdoors and the chance to have a bit of an adventure. Promising exactly this, with tours along the much visited paths of wine and olive trees in Maipu, Wine and Ride provide guests an ecological and healthy way of partaking, which benefits both the environment and the guests.
A SENSUOUS EXPERIENCE Not only a chance to enjoy some of the best wines in the area, the tours which combine wine tasting at different wineries and vineyards, with cycling along the tour paths, give the guests the chance to see the countryside at a calm and leisurely pace. Promising lungful’s of fresh air carried on breezes that will leave participants dishevelled but immensely invigorated, the scent of roses on the rose bushes, wonderful views of the countryside and a feeling of triumph at every stop. There is no better way to experience enotourism.
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WHERE TO GO Wine and Ride is easy to find with the Metro. In Mendoza City head up Belgrano Street and fifty metres from the last station guest will find the bikes.
RESERVING BIKES The bikes can be reserved either over the phone, or via email or WhatsApp and the booking process is very straight forward and guarantees a unique experience of Maipu, Mendoza. COMPANY ADDRESS: Wine and ride, Ozamis, 611 Maipu, Mendoza, Argentina. TELEPHONE: 0054 261 588 0495 WEBSITE: www.wineandride.com.ar EMAIL: info@wineandride.com.ar
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REVIEW
GIROLIBERO - EASY CYCLING HOLIDAYS Bicycle tours. See italy and france in an all new way. BUSINESS
Elena Riatti, marketing director for Girolibero says, “We also organize Bike & Boat holidays which offer overnights stays aboard comfortable river barges and easy cycling stages during the day. A unique way to enjoy two very different experiences on the same tour.”
With average trips taking 8 days and 7 nights and employing up to 40 staff, Girolibero Easy Cycling Holidays has become one of the most popular ways to enjoy France and Italy’s beautiful natural heritage. In fact, founded in 1998, Girolibero is the definitive cycling holidays expert for Italy and France with a wide range of services that have been carefully developed over the last two decades.
LOCATIONS/ TOURS
TOURS AND HOLIDAYS
Focused in the idyllic and picturesque landscape of Italy and France each tour is bespoke. Be it selfguided tours for individuals or guided tours for groups every tour can be customized to ensure the best experience.
Offering self-guided and guided tours with accommodation in selected hotels, luggage transport, bike/e-bike rental, detailed maps and directions and 7-days assistance, every participant in these tours is promised a rewarding and once in a lifetime experience.
While more challenging tours can be organised, each are designed to offer the best chance to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. So, the cycling stages are quite easy progressing along mostly flat cycling paths that avoid traffic routes.
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EQUIPMENT Equipment such as trekking bikes, E-bikes, roadbikes, family bikes and trailers are provided by Girolibero Easy Cycling Holidays. To guarantee the best quality of equipment, the staff personally assemble, maintain and deliver their rental bikes from their workshop. That’s 2000 bikes in total.
CUSTOMER SERVICE Ensuring that the customer is completely satisfied or to highlight any areas that can be improved upon, Girolibero send out an online form via email after the tour has ended. This kind of interaction and communication with the participants has been a hallmark of their customer service over the years. For a detailed list of their itineraries visit the website www.girolibero.it To learn more about them in a very unique fashion, take a virtual tour of their Headquarters in Vicenza www.girolibero.com/virtualtour PRICE/PERSON: â‚Ź650/week TELEPHONE: +39 0444 1278.430 SOCIAL MEDIA: w ww.facebook.com/Girolibero www.instagram.com/girolibero EMAIL: info@girolibero.com
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REVIEW
SILVER COMPASS TOURS Wild Heart of Italy Tours. Completely off the beaten track.
Silver Compass Tours was founded by Kelly and Paolo Picarazzi and established in 2014 in Orange which is an emerging cool-climate wine region in New South Wales, Australia. Kelly is Australian and Paolo is Italian, and their business covers both regions with tours focused on taking guests away from the “touristy tours” and providing them something authentic and real.
dialect, and each village in Ciociaria has a different dialect. Paolo understands them all and is the designated translator.
WILD HEART OF ITALY
CIOCIARIA
“We like to let our Ciociarians tell their stories to our guests in their own language with Paolo translating,” Kelly explains, “Most understand English but they’re too shy to speak it.”
The tour lasts eight days but only touches on everything that Ciociaria has to offer. It was the food and wine destination of choice for Roman Emperors over 2,500 years ago but over the last two centuries it has become largely forgotten. It also has an amazing history stretching back to prehistory when dinosaurs walked its valleys and there is evidence that early humans settled there over 700,000 years ago.
“Only the Locals Know the Best Places to Go” The Wild Heart of Italy itineraries are completely off-the-beaten-track with many of the destinations being in regions that would be difficult to reach if you didn’t know the area. Paolo is a local to the area which is handy as they speak Ciociarian
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celebrates the food, wine, song and ancient shepherding and transhumance rituals of the Ciociaria region. http://www.pastoriziainfestival. it/
2019 In 2019 Kelly and Paolo are extending their Wild Heart of Italy itineraries into the neighboring region of Molise. Ciociaria and Molise were deeply connected during the Samnite civilization in the Etruscan era, and they share similar dialects and traditions. Both are completely untouched by tourism and the local communities are thrilled at the thought of sharing their culture and history with international visitors.
WHAT TO EXPECT Kelly and Paolo have gone to incredible lengths to ensure that they open up the door to some unique experiences. A shortlist includes lunch in the garden of a 16th Century noble’s villa with the descendants of the last Italian queen. Private tours of one of the world’s most beautiful gardens Il Giardino di Ninfa. A personal tour by a senior monk on the most incredible art history within the walls of the Benedictine monastery. The same monastery where St Benedict actually founded the order around 400 AD.
They also offer food and wine tours to the Orange wine region in Australia where they currently live. For the past two years they have been focusing on domestic visitors, but this year they will be opening up their packages to international visitors by extending them to 5-7 days.
A close friend of Kelly and Paolo’s is one of Italy’s best pecorino cheesemakers. His cheese has been awarded DOP cultural heritage status and he’s taken them and a group foraging in fields for wild herbs and showed them how to make ricotta cheese.
PRICE: Our tour packages range from AUD$5,500 to AUD$10,000. TELEPHONE: +61 437 091 503
Interesting fact: the same cheesemaker threw a lunch party for them in his house which just happens to be an 18th century villa where DH Lawrence once stayed to complete his novel ‘The Lost Girl’.
EMAIL: kelly@silvercompasstours.com.au WEBSITE: www.silvercompasstours.com.au
Other parts of the tours include a medieval banquet under a castle, wine tours through Ciociaria’s three wine regions of Piglio DOCG, Atina DOC and Anagni IGT to sample the Cesanese (red) and MAturano (white) wine indigenous to the region, and endless opportunities to take part in one of Ciociaria’s finest and most loved pastimes. Preparing and eating really, really good food.
COMMUNITY IMPORTANCE Kelly has completed a Certificate of Sustainable Tourism with the United Nation’s Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and Silver Compass Tours is a member of the World Food Travel Association. They are a sponsor of a cultural heritage festival that is based in one of their home villages in their itinerary, Picinisco. The ‘Pastorizia In Festival’ which means Festival of the Shepherds, and
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REVIEW
ORGANIC PARADISE TOUR
and soon became a very popular brand and a successful enterprise.
A family business, Organic Paradise Tour was founded in January 2015 by Rolando Soto Soto, an auditor who worked many years in the banking industry in Costa Rica. After he retired from work, he decided to dedicate his time to organic agriculture with a belief that this sector is the future of humanity.
THE INSPIRATION
Many years later, Organic Paradise Tour was created as a complementary business to engage and educate more people about local organic agriculture, to open more doors for networking and development and to bring more employment to the area. Managed predominantly by Rolando, his wife Lidieth and his eldest son.
Rolando has always loved the beauty of this part of Costa Rica and so twenty years ago he returned here to begin his agricultural business. Starting with organic pineapples, he founded PiĂąas OrgĂĄnicas SOGO which employed locally
For guests this is an amazing opportunity to get involved with the local agricultural industry, learn something new about your food and enjoy some tasty treats at the end.
THE TOURS A team of five locals help with the tours which last about 90 minutes at a time as they travel across the 33 hectares. These tours are engaging and an excellent rural adventure across a beautiful organic pineapple plantation. The journey is on a specially designed tractor that pulls a cart with a capacity of 45 people. While on tour, their bilingual expert provides information about the area and production,
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growth of the organic pineapple and tips to choose the best pineapples at the supermarket. At the end of the tour, while surrounded by their paradise and listening to folkloric music, they offer a delicious piĂąa colada, homemade pineapple jelly and fresh pineapples for guests to enjoy. The tours happen in a working organic plantation so they are as authentic as they can get. Tours take place in the mornings 8am - 10 am and afternoons 1pm - 3pm all year round. Also, certified by Kiwa BCS OkĂś Garantie, Global Gap and Bio Suisse the entire operation is completely committed to recycling and composting. Clients need to make a reservation either via telephone or email, and they can also do so through the different agencies that Organic Paradise Tours work with. Capacity of the tour is 90 people total in separate carts.
CUSTOMER SERVICE Since they started in 2015, they have built up relationships with their customers and have grown reliably with each year bringing more people interested in their tour. It has also become very popular with agencies who are always looking to offer travellers and tourists something different to enjoy on their trips and some of these agencies engage bookings up to two years ahead.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND: This is a beautiful area in Costa Rica full of flora and fauna, but as it is predominantly warm and one of the wettest areas in the country, guests are recommended to bring fresh clothes, insect repellent, a hat and sunscreen. PRICE: $35.00 - $20.00. Special rate for students. TELEPHONE: 506-2761-0706 / 506-8372-0111 EMAIL: info@organicparadisetour.com WEBSITE: www.organicparadisetour.com
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BODEGA AMALAYA (GRUPO COLOME) Every wine comes with a story According to Ana, the Bodega Amalaya may not have happened if not for Donald Hess’s pioneering and adventuring spirit. It was one of his first investments into Argentina in the Arenal vineyards. Its name “Amalaya” can be literally translated into “Hope for a Miracle” and is quite appropriate as the land at the time was considered to be almost completely worthless.
The journey, the process and the history behind a bottle of wine can be enjoyed as much as the contents. Each and every sip of wine is a result of patience, consideration and love which creates a story worth telling. Take Amalaya wine at Bodega Amalaya, one of the wine brands created by Grupo Colome, as an example. This is a story of risk, adventure and faith. We spoke with Ana Papadopulos, head of Trade Marketing and Communication for Grupo Colomé S.A regarding this tale.
“No one, not even the Incas had tried to work this land,” Ana reveals, “But there was something there that caught Donald’s attention from the start and, following his instincts, he pursued it and the results are a testament to his experience.”
Today, Bodega Amalaya is part of Hess Family Wine Estates, a group of Swiss origin with wineries in the United States and Argentina and wine lovers and connoisseurs alike take its very existence for granted. After all, The Hess Family specialise in the elaborate creation and marketing of high quality wines connected with art, gastronomy and tourism and we as consumers sometimes don’t appreciate what it takes to get from vine to wine.
BODEGA AMALAYA Since 2010, Bodega Amalaya has been one of Donald Hess’s projects in Argentina and joins the Bodega Colomé as a fine example of the strong commitment of the group to the region of the High Calchaquí Valleys, in the Northwest of Salta. “Amalaya wines was born from a deep spirit of adventure and a fearlessness to try something new,” Ana tells us, “And it seems miraculous that the soil of the Cafayate desert could produce such great quality wine. But it was really down to the incredible skill of the teams involved and their dedication to their trade.”
THE LOCATION, CAFAYATE, SALTA Cafayate is the heart of the Calchaquí Valleys, located northwest of Argentina. The region is distinguished by being the highest-altitude viticultural land in the world, with heights ranging from 1,700 meters to 3,300 meters. In Ana’s opinion it is one of the most vibrant places in Argentina for winemakers because it allows them to show the world the diversity of soils, varieties and style that this country has. Located in the Province of Salta, Cafayate is also a charming town dedicated not only to wine but also to tourism and crafts. It is reached through the famous Quebrada de Cafayate, whose imposing
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canyon and impressive colourful mountains frame an unforgettable journey. Both Salta and Cafayate are distinguished by being one of the most important tourist destinations in Argentina.
to the area as ponchos, empanadas, gauchos and the train to Las Nubes. “Wine making in this area is an elaborate concept,” Anna reveals, “One that needs to combine local feeling, lore and particular organoleptic characteristics with refined new technologies and trends.”
Salta, itself can be identified by its cultural richness and regional cuisine, the beautiful landscapes and the warmth of its people. Salta wines are as iconic
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Safaris 46
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REVIEW
HUMURA SAFARIS UGANDA
INSPIRATION BEHIND THE BUSINESS
Humura Safaris Uganda was founded in 2017 by Sam Asasiira who was a local tour operator in Southwestern Uganda. In 2018 he met Doris Bartusel from Germany and both decided to develop the company together.
Uganda is a beautiful country with unique points of interest and the local people are wonderfully friendly and open minded. But many people still associate Uganda with its tumultuous past. However, Doris and Sam believe that visitors deserve to make their own decisions based on their experiences of all the flavour and excitement that this country can offer.
The business benefitted from a keen start as Sam owns hotels in Southwestern Uganda and has experience in hosting guests and a knowledge of the best places for adventures in the area; while Doris is an enthusiastic globetrotter. So, they had a very well established idea of what to expect.
TEAM MEMBERS There are six people in their office in Entebbe and for the journeys they work with capable, freelance tour guides who are experienced enough to offer flexible trips. This is important as each safari is determined by what the client is looking for, what they want to see, their languages and what is the main topic of the journey. Uganda offers everything from impenetrable rainforests to safaris, so knowing the specifics and being able to act on them is crucial for client satisfaction.
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THE SAFARIS Realistically there are no time limits to the length of the safaris as it is entirely up to the timeframe and budget of the clients. Generally, Humura Safaris offer bespoke-tailored short trips for two or three days for people who want to spot a certain point of interest. But they also offer trips all around Uganda which can last up to three weeks.
ON-TOUR ACCOMMODATION Accommodation can range from hotels to safari tents, from budget accommodation to midrange or luxury. Doris and Sam have good connections to all the providers, and it is really down to how much of an immersive experience the client wants at the end of the day.
SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS Travelling sustainably is very important and Doris explains that most important to them is protecting their wildlife. For example, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a heavily guarded sanctuary where rhinos are bred. This plays an important part when showing their guests, the fervour with which these animals are protected.
2020 While the most famous national parks in the country are in Western or Southwestern Uganda, in 2020 Humura Safaris want to support Northern and Eastern Uganda with new ideas and newly created safaris. Highlighting the extraordinary beauty of these lesser known tourist destinations.
Humuru Safaris Uganda won the 2019 Award for the Best Sustainable Tour Operator which was organised by the Ugandan Tourism Association.
WHAT CLIENTS CAN EXPECT
PRICE: Short trips are available at $1,750.00 US.
Building relationships is the most important thing in their business. And this means a good relationship with their partners which includes hotels and guides, and this results in a better experience for the clients. All relationships begin with communication and the more that this is built on the better.
Gorilla tracking is certified and more costly but well worth it. Details best to be discussed. A fifteen day trip is set at $7,500.00 US. COMPANY ADDRESS: Entebbe Namulanda, after the Vehicle Inspection Station TELEPHONE: +256 776 444749
Their process involves establishing what the client wants to see and experience. Then they manage client expectations and fuel their excitement by explaining all the details of the wildlife and culture in Uganda. Once this is done, the important logistical details are defined and organised to ensure a smooth and happy client experience.
EMAIL: dorisbartusel@humurasafarisuganda.com reservations@humurasafarisuganda.com WEBSITE: www.humurasafarisuganda.com
Doris says, “The more we communicate the more the guest can understand everything and feel a part of it.�
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REVIEW
TRANSTREK SAFARIS LIMITED Modern day tours and safaris face a dizzying standard for professionalism and quality, and this is largely thanks to businesses such as Transtrek Safaris Limited. Since their inception in 2013, this pioneering company has persistently and consistently raised the bar and forged a reputation for engaging itineraries that follow a dedicated ethos of high-value affordability and ecoconscious sustainability. Today they offer a range of activities across Kenya and Tanzania which include guided game drives, boat and balloon safaris and guided bush walks. The three founders, Daniel Francis, Peter Kiore and Wanjiku Kariuki know that great safaris create a sense of wonder.
offer something that is uniquely theirs. Whether custom designed to match budgets and interests or as a packaged trip the routes are updated every six months. Furthermore, Transtrek Safaris Limited support and promote the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
THE SAFARIS Lasting from three to fourteen days in general, Transtrek employs five local professionals to offer authentic and captivating tours to their client base.
ACCOMMODATION Favouring lodges and camps that promote sustainability and eco-tourism the sort of accommodation available hugely depends on what the client is looking for. Some clients want the thrill of camping in the bush with the African soil as their bed, while others want to top a day of adventure with a hot shower and a spacious mattress.
All tours are hand-crafted and designed to offer the best client experience with minimal impact on the wildlife and wildlife habitats. Multiple packages are available across east Africa and they make use of their own fully employed guides and vehicles to
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DESTINATION KENYA
2020
Home to iconic parks such as Amboseli and Masai Mara and the annual Great Migration of a million wildebeest, Kenya is possibly one of the most diverse countries in Africa in terms of natural habitat. Possessing savannahs, mountains, forests, gorgeous coastal regions and deserts this country is home to 1,100 species of bird, 350 mammal species and 21 endemic species.
In the new year, Transtrek will be adding Ugandan gorilla treks to the potential itinerary. A highly regulated and carefully controlled area of tourism, certified tours are not handed out lightly and this will definitely offer a major attraction to those wanting to return to Africa to see a far more peaceful side to the continent. PRICE: $300 USD per person per day to $600 USD per person per day.
The culture in Kenya is just as rich and colourful and are reflections of the grandiose beauty of the country. Steeped in culture and history, those interested visitors are spoilt for choice with historical sites such as the Gedi ruins and Fort Jesus in addition to the natural wonders such as Mida Creek and Hell’s Kitchen.
COMPANY ADDRESS: Transtrek Safaris Limited, 207 Regent Street, London W1B 3HH, info@ transtreksafaris.com TELEPHONE: (0044) 333 577 0200 EMAIL: info@transtreksafaris.com
DESTINATION TANZANIA
WEBSITE: www.transtreksafaris.com
Tanzania is the over achiever of Africa, home to the highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, home to the lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, rhino and countless species of bird, reptile and mammal. Tanzania is most famous for the Serengeti and Ngorongoro conservation areas, both of which are UNESCO World heritage sites and not the limit to the number of parks and reserves available for the avid tourist to visit. It just has everything. Tanzania is also well known for its wonderful coastline and the islands of Pemba and Zanzibar, which not only has idyllic white sandy beaches and warm blue turquoise waters but also boasts important historic and cultural attractions.
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REVIEW
DESERT DAY TOURS
at Mt. Zalagh and Berbercave Excursions near Fez, Ourika Valley and Ouzoud Waterfalls near Marrakesh, and multiple day Imperial City tours from Casablanca and a fifteen day Morocco Grand Tour around the desert.
Desert Day Tours Sarl AU is a tight-knit tour enterprise managed by a group of young Berbers from the South-East of Morocco. Founded by Mohammed Taghlaoui in November 2016 the business has made a name for itself by managing desert and city tours for tourists from across the globe. Their bespoke service, flexible approach and incredible people-skills have made them a firm favourite to newcomers looking to experience the desert beauty for the first time.
Depending on what the guests desire, accommodation can be at Riad’s, Hotels, Kasbahs and luxury tented camps in the desert such as Dihya Desert Camp. The planning and design is kept very flexible to ensure that the guest will get exactly what they’re looking for.
THE TOURS Humble and passionate about what they do their main niche is producing bespoke tours across more than fifty locations in Morocco including deserts, cities and landscapes. The team of six work closely with clients to turn their dreams into a proposal that is realisable and enjoyable, seeking to create those unique memories that inspire people to travel. Working with individuals, groups and even families the tours and their fantastic customer service has been raved about on travel review websites like TripAdvisor.
WHAT GUESTS CAN EXPECT
Tours leave from Casablanca, Marrakech, Tangier, Fes and last from one day to over two weeks. Guests can marvel at stunning sunsets
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Their team is always ready to offer a beyondexpected good service with a reasonable price. They approach customer service as if their customers were their own family and share with them the warm Moroccan hospitality and cultural values. This is an opportunity to experience more of the local culture. And, led by Desert Day Tours, together you will have the chance to explore this wonderful country, enveloping yourself in the lifestyle and the mixture of Arab and Berber cultural backgrounds. While some tours are set and others are completely bespoke, all of them go deep into the unexplored paths to find the authentic world. Allowing the guest to enjoy both the history, culture and the modernity of the desert trips. PRICE: It starts from $50.00 per person till $4000 (depends on the number of people they are and the tour/trip they need). COMPANY ADDRESS: Desert Day Tours Sarl AU, 5/6 Derb LHaima, Fes, Morocco. TELEPHONE: +212 668 078 887 EMAIL: desertdaytours@gmail.com WEBSITE: www.desertdaytours.com
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You are running out of time to see the world
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NILE SAFARI LODGE The New Nile Safari Lodge In Murchison Falls National Park. Uganda
According to Nathalie, once you understand that the thriving abundance of life in this area is nevertheless reliant on a fragile eco-system, wanting to protect it becomes second nature. And, sharing the experiences that can be had here with international visitors is the surest way to inspire people from across the globe to do the same.
One of the first tented lodges along the Nile River in Uganda, the Nile Safari Lodge was founded in 1993 by Zahid Alam. Opened under the name Geo Lodges it was designed to be a place of natural beauty, where the presence of guests would have little or no impact upon the thriving wildlife of this legendary area. It was a worthwhile legacy, so in 2017 when the camp had begun to succumb to the marathon of time the family owned company NOVAM Ltd took over the premises. Their aim was to uphold the legacy, restore the lodge to its former glory and add some tailored appeal for the discerning modern-day traveller.
“Enjoying the beauty of nature has never been academic,” she points out, “People need to make the journey and see what this world is like. They need to experience it with all of their senses and allow themselves to be changed by it. This is the truth of travelling to Africa, you do not leave the same person as you arrived.”
We spoke with Nathalie Van Pée of Nile Safari Lodge regarding what the lodge stands for and why this legacy is worth maintaining. She explains, “Having grown up in Uganda and having lived here for over twenty years, we want to both share the beauty of the country and conserve it for future generations.”
THE LODGE There are thirty locally employed, highly trained staff members at the Nile Safari Lodge which is located at the limit of the national park and right on the riverbank. But what is truly unique about
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While often understated, a sure way to determine the standard of luxury at any accommodation is the state of the ablutions. In the same way that a restaurant can be immediately judged on the state of its kitchen, so too can a resort or lodge be lauded or condemned by the state of their guest bathrooms. Bluntly, the kings of the Nile would feel quite at home here. Imagine sinking into a tub in one of these spacious rooms, soaking the activities of the day out of your muscles while watching the steam dance across the thatching. Or, languidly peering out the window at the Nile and imagining yourself drifting lazily upon those currents, while all the creatures in the grass and leaves surrounding you buzz and sing and chirrup just for you.
the location is that the lodge is elevated from the mighty Nile River and this offers guests an uninterrupted view of the wildlife that congregates upon its shores, drawn in by the life giving waters.
The clever use of space in the sleeping areas and the bathing areas has created another aspect which sometimes goes unappreciated. Uncluttered living space. Nothing feels as luxurious as having a
There are eight bandas in total. These include six standard bandas, a Family banda that includes a very popular private child-friendly nine person pool and one exclusive Honeymoon banda which comes with a private plunge pool and an outside star bed. According to Nathalie, with little or no light pollution in the area, the available opportunities for night-time gazing at the cosmos are quite spectacular. The lodge is built using eucalyptus poles and grass thatch as the dominant materials. Stilts have been used to deal with slopes and these have created spectacular views from the various cantilevering decks. Meanwhile, the steep geometry of the roofs allow the impressive structures to sink organically into the surrounding trees as if they had sprouted from the branches themselves.
lot of uninterrupted room to move around in; be it to slow dance to some romantic music with a lover after sunset, or to chase your children around before tickling them to tears. Africa is all about dancing and laughter after all.
With a unique selection of Rampel designed furniture, the bandas are a combination of comfort and simplicity with a big dose of luxury. The interiors offer the calming smell of thatching and eucalyptus, along with providing an exclusive style and ambiance that immerses the guest into the spirit of the location.
CUSTOMER SERVICE While there is no denying that the lodge is certainly an impressive sight providing the most breathtaking and Instagram worthy views, the team understand that the real strength of hospitality comes from the attention paid to the smallest details of guest satisfaction.
“This is important to us,” Nathalie explains, “We wanted an eco-lodge that would blend seamlessly with nature, hence the architectural design of the lodges that has allowed us to provide spacious accommodation for our guests while keeping them in touch with the ever-inspiring Nile.”
THE IMPORTANCE OF SPACE
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Since NOVAM took control of the lodge in 2017, it has been fully renovated to its current status and 2019 has been a new start for them. “We believe that each year is an opportunity to offer something new, exciting and worthwhile for the guests,” Nathalie says, “This includes not only things pertaining to guest comfort and the general luxury of the lodge but also making sure we are doing everything in our power to protect this remarkable and vibrant area we’re lucky to find ourselves.”
“Understanding that many of our guests will have certain expectations,” Nathalie explains, “We make sure to keep lodge and suite cleanliness above the usual standard one would expect. With this in mind we implement a daily procedure sheet designed to effectively train our employees and ensure they always have the best resources and equipment to maintain the highest standard of cleanliness.”
As a National Park, the area is protected. However, the modern sensitivity of global travellers to their own impact on the environment is growing and this is something that NOVAM plan to encourage. “This is without a doubt one of the most mesmerising and humbling places of beauty you will ever find,” she says, “It’s beauty never lessens whether it’s your first night here or your twentieth year and guests always leave with a great sensibility to their place in this eco environment.”
Relationship building is also a key aspect for them, and Nathalie reveals that to build these relationships they focus on exceptional communication. As mentioned, many of their clients come from faraway lands and different time zones.
“Seize the opportunity to escape the ordinary,” Nathalie adds.
“To exceed the expectation of our guests and ensure their comfort during their stay,” Nathalie says, “We make sure that we are present at the lodge and are open to guest enquiries or complaints. It makes it easy to address any problem and find the solution.“
PRICE: $370- 715 per night depending on season and the room. TELEPHONE: +256 772 363362 EMAIL: info@nilesafarilodge.com WEBSITE: www.nilesafarilodge.com
RECOGNITION Their above-and-beyond approach to customer focus has won the Nile Safari Lodge a handful of Trip Advisor awards in the past as well as featuring in 1000 places to go before you die: https://www.africanpearlsafaris.com/safari/nilesafari-lodge-in-murchison-falls-national-park/
THE LODGE
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GLAMPRO Glamping Supplier, Slovenia.
range from luxurious glamping tents to adrenaline parks, bio pools and other unique designs and creations to suit the needs and tastes of every imaginable client.
With a talent for turning ideas into reality and manifesting their clients’ dreams for them, Glampro have quickly become a go-to business for top‑notch glamping resorts around the globe. Founded in 2015 with the aim of bringing innovative products to tourism and hospitality the company, which was founded by Borut Kokelj, smoothly combines engineering design with more than a little creativity. With this, they entered into the glamping industry with a flourish and soon made a name for themselves as glamping maniacs. With no two sites looking the same, their designs
THE TEAM Many established sites as well as newcomers to the industry are attracted to working with Glampro thanks to their philosophy and approach to the creative design of their sites. This approach values being different, being unique, standing out and letting the projects tell the story. Working with a team that can range between ten and thirty people at a time depending on the project requirements, Borut explains that the time lines can range from 6 months to three years depending on size and scale. Details such as timescales and budget, levels of difficulties and potential hurdles are all discussed with the client ahead of time for the benefit of troubleshooting issues before they crop up.
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PAST PROJECTS
The projects where the designers can focus on the sustainable solutions and charming details. In cooperation with Adria Home, they also create glamping tents, which are usually placed in their projects.
A number of projects that Glampro have been involved with are worth mentioning, including Garden village Bled, Herbal resort, Chateau Ramsak resort, Glamping Olimia and other resorts in as far afield as Korea, China, Philippines, Japan, Costa Rica, Canada, UAE, Austria, Croatia, Portugal and Italy ... to name a few.
FACILITIES Based in Ljubljana (the capital of Slovenia), Glampro keeps a studio there for design and project management while partnering with a range of international suppliers and key business partners that they have worked with over the years.
THE KEY INGREDIENT TO THE BEST SITE Over and above the creation of classic luxury tourist resorts, Glampro’s specialty lies in creating resorts in an urban environment where small or limited spaces call upon an innovative layout.
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WHAT CUSTOMERS CAN EXPECT In addition to project control, clients are also given creative control to ensure that their dream is manifested as they saw it in their mind, physical possibilities withstanding of course. Borut says that he has learnt the importance of these relationships as the quality of the completed project relies on it.
2020 The upcoming year is going to be a busy one with Glampro already designing approximately fifteen new resorts, as well as planning to build their own resort in the future. As glamping continues to expand and diversify, we expect to continue to see great things from this young and vibrant company. COMPANY ADDRESS: Zemljemerska ulica 12, 1000 Ljubljana / Slovenia - EU TELEPHONE: 00386 41 521 766 EMAIL: borut.kokelj@glampro.eu WEBSITE: www.glampro.eu
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EBONY HOME Quality for 2020
“Incredibly the big things can usually handle themselves,” she says, “It’s the small details in the background that take up the most headspace like budgeting, learning which products have the most demand, how to price products appropriately, turnaround time on orders, which marketing techniques work well and which ones don’t, learning how to keep constant open lines of communication with customers and being available to answer questions.”
Ebony Home is an entirely digital online interior design store which was founded by Heather Black in July 2019. Despite the youth of the brand, Ebony Home is already made a name for itself as a supplier of choice to the hospitality and residential industries. A resource for those wanting to create the perfect habitat. Deeply passionate about the process and the artform of interior design and very aware of the influence of her products, Heather has stridden into the industry with charisma and confidence. We caught up with her as we leave one year to see what ’19 has meant for her and what ‘20 holds in store.
If the past year has proved anything it is that Heather has hit the nail on the head with her business, because even with the back-end workload surmounting with orders she is still able to apply the levels of creativity and motivation that is required of business leaders. Especially when it comes to choosing the right products. After all it is what we put into rooms that turn them into homes. There is no substitute for quality, and Heather is constantly searching for unique,
EBONY HOME According to Heather, 2019 has been a year of frontline learning. Starting an online retail business from scratch is a challenge and she has had to learn the ins and outs of the industry on the hoof while building her business, brand and client list.
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collections will include high quality furniture, unique hand-crafted decor from all over the world, fun and unique lighting, artwork, area rugs, pillows and throws to create unique and comfortable spaces that fit any style. She is also providing some great options for bedding, bath, storage, kitchen and dining.
high quality products to sell in her shop. Seeking a wider variety of styles, from new and trendy to timeless classic. Working with a range of clients from home owners to glamping site hosts, Ebony Home’s quality of service and product speaks for itself. To this end she is also quite particular on her partners, choosing to work with dependable suppliers that offer quality products with reasonable prices that are easy and affordable to ship.
“As I continue to learn and gain experience with running a business,” she says, “And with the recent momentum the store has been gaining, I am confident that 2020 will be a great one and I am eager to get into it.”
QUALITY SERVICE Believing that customer relationships need to be regularly polished and maintained, 2019 has identified that Heather has a complete devotion to customer satisfaction. If her clients are not happy with a product, she offers a full refund or a replacement. A risky step for any young business, unless of course you are completely confident in the value of what you are offering not only to the business but to the customers.
PRICE: Generally, her prices are lower than the competitors and for the most part, the prices reflect the quality of the item. For example, a basic duvet set, and pillow cover can go for under $10, while she also has higher quality, handmade artisan pillow covers that run from $60-$70, and higher quality bedding for those who are looking for something a little more durable. Additionally, she has a wide variety of decor, accent furniture, wall art, kitchen and dining products, bath products, storage and organization, lighting, rugs and window treatments that range from about $4.99$1100.00.
2020 Heather says that she’s thoroughly enjoyed curating new and exciting collections for 2020 and is excited to share the catalogue of new products.
WEBSITE: www.ebonyhome.com.co
The new
TELEPHONE: 001 435-469-0549 EMAIL: shopebonyhome@gmail.com
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KAROO LAVENDER LTD The bottles and packaging are recyclable, the products themselves are completely biodegradable and nothing in the range is tested on animals. In the spirit of the Karoo, buying from Karoo Lavender means buying a breath of fresh Karoo air.
ORDERING PRODUCTS Having outsourced the production of the products, delivery time of orders depends on area and product volume. For example, local orders can take up to three weeks and international orders up to ten. Each product is different in terms of delivery time but having worked with many of their customers for multiple years they know how to mitigate this with early orders and keeping on the ball.
With such prestigious customers as Boschendal Wine Estate in Franschhoek, Kwandwe Game Reserve in Grahamstown and Gondwana Game Lodges in Mosselbay, Karoo Lavender has a reputation for supplying a concise and elegant range of room amenities. Offering the most popular products favoured by the top guesthouses, the owner-driven company operates out of the Great Karoo in South Africa, providing those special touches to a range of businesses, from boutique one-bedroomed guest houses up to larger game farms, expansive hotels and wine estates.
CUSTOMER SERVICE As the company offers room amenities to the hospitality sector, Annemarie is well aware of the stakes involved in customer satisfaction. Her customer’s customers use her products and so her quality counts for a great deal.
Formed in 1998, Karoo Lavender Ltd has an interesting backstory. Annemarie Kroon, who has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Cape Town, founded the business herself after she moved into the sparsely populated area of the Karoo. Wanting to grow and develop a business and bring in a paycheque for herself, she found she had the opportunity to train and employ the local women of the area who had very little formal education, no work experience and next to no other opportunities. Since then, the business has grown to become the trusted and “indemand” supplier it is.
As such she explains that customer service focusses on building personal relationships, “Karoo Lavender is an owner-driven business,” she says, “A customer talks to me, the owner, personally and not to a call centre, this means that any changes or issues can be dealt with immediately. This ability to act immediately is crucial not only for the relationship but for the business’ workflow.”
BUSINESS Beneath the shadow of an ancient mountain range and working with a team consisting of up to ten local men and women from the Karoo valley, the distinctive lifestyle products are sourced from trusted, hand-picked suppliers which are vetted by a professional cosmetics specialist. This is an ongoing process as each year they bring in a new range of products and upcycle the old.
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COMPANY ADDRESS: P O Box 357, GraaffReinet, 6280, South Africa
2020 As Karoo Lavender recently launched two new and exciting product ranges in 2019, there is nothing officially in the pipeline for new products yet for 2020. However, as they continually update and relook at their range to keep in line with customer’s tastes and preferences things are always moving in the background.
TELEPHONE: +27 82 2154 914 EMAIL: info@karoolavender.co.za WEBSITE: www.karoolavender.co.za
Supplier to: hotels, bed and breakfasts, guesthouses, lodges and glamping sites PRICE: Anything from R2 (small sachets and soaps) up to R400 (bulk refills)
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KAMPER PLANET
Timing is always a factor and to provide a full service to the correct standard can take three to five months. As an example, preparations for Exit Festival which is held in July, begin in April with meetings with all relevant decision makers involved. Actual work on site starts 10 days before festival camp needs to be functional.
Kamper Planet was founded in April 2005 by Silvester Domonji, Chairman of the Scout organization of Vojvodina in the northern province of Serbia. It was a business born from the desire to prove himself as an entrepreneur and to capitalize on the many years’ worth of experience he had gained as the head of a regional Scout organization.
KAMPER PLANET In 2005, campsite accommodation support was needed by the Exit music festival which is held every year in Serbia’s second city Novi Sad. During the twelve year association with Exit, Kamper Planet has provided campsite accommodation to over 100,000 festival goers. It has since expanded its festival activities to include the Seadance Festival Montenegro and other festivals in the region. It has also developed its own campsite in the village of Bezdan in northwest Serbia and additionally offers campsite services to the film and television industry.
STAFF AND PARTNERS Since Kamper Planet is mobile and flexible, allowing it to provide services to various clients and festivals the number of people engaged can vary widely from ten people to over three hundred.
FESTIVALS Three to five festivals are provided for each year and make full use of the range of services that Kamper Planet offer, which are more than just the tents. Answering the need for festival goers for security for their personal items, Kamper Planet offers not only rent-a-tent but also the basic renta-locker options. Over and above these items they have other turn-key services such as setting up a camp with the whole infrastructure and personnel, including admittance point, security, safekeeping of personal items, keeping campsite clean and tent set up assistance.
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The Head office is located in City of Novi Sad, northern Serbia and most suppliers are sourced by visiting other festivals and fairs, scouting competition and conducting Internet research. Most of the equipment is purchased from Belgium and they have partnerships set up with reliable local vendors.
They can even get a hot shower at any time. Chill out spaces are available for those who want to relax and exercise and dance areas for those who want to be more active. On-site food and drinks vendors cater to a wide variety of tastes. Kamper Planet blends all these facilities and services together to produce a unique, friendly and entertaining ‘campsite village’ atmosphere
ECO FRIENDLY APPROACH 2020
Kamper Planet cares for the environment. Its campsites are designed to fit the natural features of their landscapes and have no negative impacts on them. Campsite cleanliness and ecofriendliness, alongside safety and service, are the company’s highest priorities to which the work of all staff and service vendors are dedicated.
In 2020, Kamper Planet will team up with Prosperity Works, the region’s leading adventure sport event company to host Highlander, a fiveday, 100km international challenge hiking event, in the picturesque Stara Planina (Old Mountain) region of eastern Serbia. Highlander Serbia will form a component part of a sequence of Highlander events taking place in Austria, Croatia, Greece, Bosnia and Hercegovina and Slovenia.
Campers are requested to keep their own personal campsite spaces clean as well as to respect the general campsite environment. The sites are left in pristine condition after the campsites are dismantled and all rubbish and waste collected and disposed of in environmentally friendly ways.
Suitable for: festivals, music festivals, camping sites, conferences PRICE: see website COMPANY ADDRESS: Vladimira Nikolića 8, Novi Sad, Serbia
CUSTOMER SERVICE Since they work for music festivals, their campsites are filled with music and entertainment content. Customer service is very important. Continuity and consistency in quality of their services depend on relationships with local authorities and business partners.
TELEPHONE: 00381 64 846 3826 EMAIL: silvester.domonji@gmail.com WEBSITE: www.kamperplanet.com
Kamper Planet cares for its campers. Staff are available 24hrs a day to provide advice and support. Campers without equipment can rent tents, sleeping bags and mats from the company’s own stock, including ‘glamping’ quality tents and equipment, which staff set up and dismantle. They can also rent secure storage lockers with laptop and phone charging capability.
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GLAMPSAN The ‘Flattest’ Tanks available for waste storage and collection Eliminating this fear by providing robustly tested products that have endured some of the most peculiar challenges that glamping has thrown at them, is what Glampsan does.
THE RANGE Glampsan specialises foremost in the provision of tanks from 160 to 1000-gallons and more, both for above and below ground. They also provide a range of complementary products and these include sewage lifting stations, waste pumps, rainwater harvesting tanks, sewage treatment plants, septic tanks and water pressurisation and pumping solutions.
Regular exhibitors at the annual Glamping Show, Glampsan is a leading UK manufacturer of plastic tanks for the capture and holding of toilet waste from outdoor structures. While this includes toilet blocks and site welfare facilities, it is the company’s involvement in the glamping industry, especially glamping pods, shepherd huts and log cabins that is gaining a lot of attention.
Effectively they are a “one stop shop” opportunity for dealing with effluent waste that has proven very popular with glamping and hospitality site business owners seeking and straightforward waste sanitation solutions for their unique set up.
While glamping can be a very personal and bespoke enterprise, one of the challenges, where standards cannot be lowered, is how a site handles effluent waste. Not every site is able to lay down reliable sewage mains to and from the individual glamping units. So, one solution is to rely on waste collection tanks. Such collection tanks need to be completely reliable and also discrete as to not disrupt the “atmosphere” promised by glamping.
“One of our major product lines is the marketleading Flat Tank,” Jonathan says, “This is an above ground, flat, low-profile waste holding tank that is perfectly suited to the glamping environment. It is easy to use and durable with a low environmental impact. It can also be easily located under or nearby any glamping unit.”
We spoke with Glampsan’s General Manager, Jonathan Trelfa, regarding how his business has provided solutions to this essential and delicate matter.
THE MOST ROBUSTLY TESTED TANKS IN THE UNIVERSE (PROBABLY) The glamping industry is driven by unique experiences in unique locations. Every site is striving to offer something ‘bespoke and different’ that other sites do not.
“Our niche is operating in a particular area of hospitality that owners and hosts want to work efficiently, reliably and most importantly, discreetly in the background,” he says, “They are not looking for reviews on how good their waste management is, they’re looking instead for solutions that will mean it’s never mentioned at all.”
“At Glampsan,” Jonathan says, “We believe that the challenges site owners will be facing in the future in terms of their waste management infrastructure are only going to get more interesting and more complex. In no uncertain terms we are encouraging this, and perhaps even laying down a challenge with our innovative Flat Tank.”
Whether it is a five star hotel or a unique cliffsidetreehouse-glamping site there is never a time when an owner wants to hear that somethings gone wrong with this part of their business.
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Now on the fourth generation, Flat Tanks are ideal to meet the ever-changing needs of portable sanitation suppliers, caravanners, campers and glampers. They are a more reliable, easier-to-move and cost-effective alternative to old-fashioned steel waste tanks. Contrary to steel, this product will not corrode and will always appear fresh and hygienic. In addition, Jonathan says, “Our Flat Tanks feature inbuilt lifting handles, access hatches and ports, all of which are fully sealable against odours and spillage.”
Jonathan goes on to point out, “Considering that the Flat Tank originally started its life in the construction industry. Collecting waste from toilet blocks, showers and sinks for a high number of construction sites where no permanent sewage facilities are available, when we say it’s been ‘robustly’ tested… we really do mean it.”
THE LATEST PRODUCTS Flat Tanks are an effective and simple solution to dealing with effluent waste for start-up glamping sites and many hospitality venues too. Earlier, Jonathan talked about future needs becoming more complex, “One of the problems that glamping owners sometimes have to overcome is how to deal with and remove waste from glamping units located in remote fields. Sometimes perhaps a hundred metres or more from any vehicle access point and an additional problem, “ he adds, “Is how to deal with collecting and removing waste that has to go uphill. The solution to both of these problems is a lifting station.”
TUFFEST VS FLATTEST The big-brother company, Plastic Solutions (Aldridge) Ltd, supplies this sector in particular and here the tanks are appropriately known as Tuff Tanks. They’re similar products to those offered through the Glampsan division, but with subtly different applications. Ultimately, whether you have a building site toilet or a glamping hut with an inbuilt toilet and shower, the same ‘waste product’ is produced and needs to be controlled and collected effectively.
Due to demand, they have recently added lifting stations which are plastic tank structures with in-built pumping units and a 240v electric supply to their range. This not only extends the usefulness of their products but enables them to offer a more sophisticated option for their glamping customers.
And, for glamping and hospitality there is the Flat Tank. This 500, 750 and 1000-gallon plastic effluent holding tank and its smaller counterpart, the Mini Tuff Tank (160 gallons) are constructed from robust and recyclable polyethylene and are easy to deliver and position. Their flexible, low profile and lightweight design means they are ideally suited to the changing needs of the leisure sector. As sites grow and units are moved the Flat Tank can be easily transported with them without risk of damage, for example, when empty four men can easily move one.
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successfully today. The company was one of my favourite customers up to the point I left that industry in 2008. When the owners were looking to fill the GM role, they asked me to come along for a cup of coffee and a chat: I was looking to do something different at that time and it seemed like a very good fit for both sides.” They started in 2010 and made steady progress until 2014 at which point, they developed a range of new products and brought in a focussed business and marketing plan. Since then they have tripled their turnover in the construction industry. It was soon after that they recognized that there are a wide range of industries and sectors that
With regards to innovation, Jonathan continues, “Some of our glamping customers want to install environmentally sustainable composting toilets. Whilst this option is not for everyone, they are growing in popularity and acceptance and we are able to supply composting toilets of the same reliability.”
FUTUREPROOFING Jonathan predicts that in the long term, the glamping industry will of course inevitably mature. With it, even more sophisticated solutions will become more and more popular. “For example, we think that more underground septic tanks and soak-away systems will be an obvious solution for maturing glamping sites,” he says, “For these sites another option could also be to invest in a complete mini sewage treatment system. However, these are substantial investments.”
could benefit from their services and products. In 2017, as they were outgrowing their old site, they purchased new premises outright and after some essential refurbishment moved in early 2018. According to Jonathan their growth plans have also meant the laying on of extra production tooling to keep up with demand and the employment of further staff in sales and warehousing.
Long term, Glampsan will most likely add these to their product portfolio. But in the meantime, Jonathan believes that there is sufficient ‘growing room’ to supply their customers with simpler and hence more cost effective solutions.
Two years ago Jonathan started the Glampsan brand, which, as was already mentioned, is a division of Plastic Solutions. From 2019 the the Glampsan strategy has been to grow by making use of all available tools. This included heavy investment into the website as well as the development of a strong social media strategy.
LEADING BY EXPERIENCE Jonathan Trelfa is a veteran of the portable sanitation industry and has over 25 yearsexperience under his belt. He was the Managing Director of Europe for a toilet manufacturing company between 1991-2008, and from 20112014 was the MD for a manufacturer of ground and surface water monitoring equipment. It was March 2014 when he decided to take up the challenge of driving forward Plastic Solutions (Aldridge) Ltd.
On the technology front Plastic Solutions have invested heavily over the last year and a half in software to aid their sales and customer support staff. Jonathan explains that throughout his working life he’s always been agitated if a ringing phone wasn’t picked up within three rings. To make this possible he created tools and the environment so that their staff don’t get bogged down by too much cumbersome tech.
“I’ve known the business owners since I advised and helped them start their toilet rental business in 1994,” he says, “That business is still running
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THE REAL DEAL BEHIND GLAMPSAN Jonathan says, that even though they sell stacks of their Flat Tanks and ancillary products, what really defines both Glampsan and Plastic Solutions (Aldridge) Ltd is their focus on core service excellence for which they have become very well known. “It takes four things,” he explains, “Our strong customer service, our complete understanding of the industry, excellent business ethics and always going the extra mile for our customers.” Glamping guests are spending their hard-earned money to stay “off grid” but expect to have the same comforts as they would at home. Any site owner knows the value of hot and cold running water, a shower and working toilets. Also, they are acutely aware of how important it is that guests be completely oblivious to where things go afterwards.
“Glampsan may only cover a few of the solutions needed for the overall glamping experience,” Jonathan admits, “But, they are the most important parts and hosts are no doubt relieved that we apply ourselves fully to this job.” COMPANY ADDRESS: Merchant’s Way, Aldridge, West Midlands WS9 8SW TELEPHONE: 0800 334 5742 +44 (0)1922 716725 WEBSITE: w ww.plasticsol.com www.glampsan.com EMAIL: sales@plasticsol.com info@glampsan.com
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