Issue 2, 2011
Welcome...
Contents
...to the latest issue of our regular travel magazine packed full of interesting ideas and destinations to inspire your holiday plans. It is certainly clear from the number of new hotel and resort openings featured in this issue that the hospitality industry is bucking the “global slowdown”. Of course, those that want to get an early taste of a new property will benefit from attractive opening offers so do not hesitate to ask about these if one of our features take your fancy. Taking a short break to one of Europe’s grand cities is an increasingly popular additional travel treat for many people. Both Venice and Florence are classic year round favourites and easily accessible with flights from most UK airports. A worthy alternative, with a huge cultural legacy to explore, is the jewel of Imperial Russia, St. Petersburg. In contrast, those wanting to escape the frantic urban pace will yearn for a hilltop retreat like the wonderful Valldemossa Hotel in Northern Mallorca.
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European & Mediterranean News
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At Home in Valldemossa A very special place for a romantic and peaceful interlude.
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Finally, continuing on a recurring theme of great train journeys we feature the ultimate African rail adventure between Cape Town and Dar es Salaam.
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Perfect Phuket Bang Tao Bay is home to Asia’s most prestigious multiresort complex, the newest member of which, Angsana Laguna Phuket, gets an opening review.
Niall Douglas 18
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10 The Cayman Islands The Caribbean island with a reputation for affordable “Barefoot Luxury”.
16 California Dreamin’ A perfect climate and so many outdoor attractions makes Southern California an ideal active holiday destination.
Rosewood’s Caribbean Spotlight on two superb Rosewood resorts in the Caribbean - Jumby Bay in Antigua and Little Dix Bay in Virgin Gorda.
59 St Mary's Street Wallingford, Oxfordshire OX10 0EL
www.fullcircletravel.co.uk
Per Aquum’s Niyama Dinner on the reef edge followed by some hip grooves at the underwater night club - cutting edge and innovative hospitality at Per Aquum’s new resort in the Maldives.
Managing Director
Fax: 01491 501662
Cities that shaped the world of art and culture .
Majestic St Petersburg
Worldwide
I am sure you will agree that there are a lot of great ideas from which to plan a great escape, so sit back, have a good read then give us a call to discuss your perfect holiday...
Tel: 0800 048 8772
4 Treasures of Italy
Peter the Great’s “Window on the West”, one of the world’s most beautiful cities, gets ready for the new Four Seasons Lion Palace Hotel.
As is customary with our winter issue we recognise that many of our readers will be interested in suitable winter or year-round beach destinations and in this issue we aim to please individuals, families and couples with features on the Caribbean, Maldives, Southern California and Thailand.
Published by Travelspeak Limited - 020 8944 6050
K804X
20 Epic Journeys across Africa
South Africa News
Cape Town to Dar es Salaam aboard Rovos Rail.
European & Mediterranean News Rural masterpiece in the heart of the Chianti region of Italy The Castello di Casole Hotel is a 41-Suite boutique hotel, situated on a private estate of 1,700 hectares in the centre of Tuscany. The property is conveniently located only 20 minutes southwest of Siena, 45 minutes south of Florence and within easy reach of the Chianti region, San Gimignano, Volterra and other historical locations. The estate is very much a working farm in the classic traditions of Italy, home to more than 100 acres of vineyards and 30 acres of olive groves, where signature vintages are harvested and pressed for guests.
Guess who was first on the slopes this winter ski season?
There always seems to be a lot of things to take on a winter sports holiday. but did you know there is a clever solution entrust all your suitcases and equipment to the UK’s favourite, specialist courier service, First Luggage, who will handle all the irksome transportation so that it is waiting for your arrival. www.firstluggage.com
Wining and dining in the heart of Provence Domaine de Verchant, Near Montpelier Sitting out in their stylish al fresco restaurant serenaded by cicadas and surrounded by 20 hectares of extensive parkland and vineyards, it’s almost impossible to believe that the Domaine De Verchant lies just 10 minutes drive from the vibrant historic centre of Montpelier. A perfect stop for Brits driving to the Côte D’Azur but even better as a sophisticated retreat from which to explore Provence and the coast (just 15 minutes from the sea and 1 hour from Les Beaux de Provence) and indulge the senses. The Domaine oozes "detente" from its superb spa complex to the elegant contemporary chic of its guest rooms, suites and apartments, just 22 in total. The modern decor harmoniously blending into the traditional setting with a definite "savoir faire". www.domainedeverchant.com
The Canny Traveller - Remember your SHEET to avoid Jet Lag on long flights Sleep
Try to go to bed a little earlier a few days before you travel and get as much sleep as you can during your flight.
Hydrate
Many side-effects of jet lag are the result of dehydration, so avoid alcohol, coffee and tea. Drink plenty of water during your flight.
Eat Lightly
Eat lightly on your flight and forego rich or exotic foods on the first few days of your trip so that you can use your energy to adjust to your new surroundings rather than to digest your food.
Exercise
Exercising on a long flight will help alleviate such common discomforts as backaches, swollen legs and feet and general fatigue.
Take it Easy
Take it easy on the day you arrive so that you can take advantage of your trip at a leisurely pace and establish a routine in sync with the local time.
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Treasures of Italy Cities that shaped the world of art and culture
Venice undoubtedly an engineering icon, and custodian of the world’s densest collection of Renaissance art and architecture per square kilometre, the islands of Venice will never cease to amaze its many visitors.
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Whilst modern commentators suggest it is a city in decay, the reality points to a community once again in the ascendency with a growing number of annual worldclass festivals and thriving artisan industries. It is a place for musical inspiration and gastronomic enticement - not
to mention an enduring reputation as the world’s most romantic location. Venice was made for idling exploration amid the myriad of alleys and waterways as well as the many islands across the wider lagoon and it would suggest that only a fool would believe a day trip might give sufficient time to absorb this unique experience. As day draws into night Venice reverts to a more closed and intimate environment adding to the magic for her privileged overnight guests...
The Bauers Collection
L’Hotel
Il Palazzo
Tastefully refurbished, the BAUER HOTEL is famed for its 119 large rooms and fine furnishings: windows, chandeliers and hand-woven fabrics are still crafted by Venetian artisans and go well with fine Art Déco furniture and modern sculptures by local and international artists.
On the banks of the fabled Grand Canal you can't help noticing a noble facade in gothic style: the BAUER Il Palazzo. This five-star luxury class hotel is located in an original Venetian house from the 18th century and is often described as Venice's most luxurious hotel with 38 suites and 34 guest rooms.
Palladio
Villa F
Across the Grand Canal from Piazza San Marco is the island of La Giudecca. Here, away from the madding crowds and touristic bustle is one of Venice's most unusual and secret gems, BAUER Palladio Hotel & Spa. This handsome building was a sixteenth-century convent designed by the greatest Renaissance architect, Andrea Palladio.
Francesca Bortolotto Possati, the pioneering hotelier behind Bauer Il Palazzo and the Bauer Palladio, has opened Venice’s most exclusive new boutique property. Villa F is located on the Giudecca, a few doors down from the Bauer Palladio, in a Renaissance palazzo that was painstakingly and beautifully restored.
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Florence lorence is renowned for being the ‘cradle of the Renaissance’ and where the museums, churches and palaces house some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world. Politically, economically, and culturally it was the most important city in Europe for around 250 years between 1300 and 1550.
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the quintessential focal points is the Ponte Vecchio which spans the river linking the newer quarter of the Oltrarno with the historic old town of Brunelleschi’s Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery and the Basilica of Santa Maria de Novella. To each side of the walkway the bridge houses numerous jewellery shops reflecting a city that is a shopper’s paradise.
Florence is the ideal gateway to the beautiful landscape of Tuscany and the city itself lies surrounded by rolling hills and is dissected by the waters of the mighty Arno. One of
Whether it is culture, couture or even the cuisine, the visitor to Florence will marvel at the rich variety on display as well as a sumptuous choice of prime accommodation...
The Lungarno Collection
Hotel Lungarno
Continentale
Like a luxury yacht floating on the Arno River, Hotel Lungarno is like a home away from home, a stone throw away from Ponte Vecchio. Florence and Tuscan hospitality are experienced at its finest in this splendid setting offering stunning views on the master works of the Renaissance.
A vibrant and dynamic yet romantic design hotel in Florence, beautifully evolved in the energy of the 50’s. The Hotel Continentale is the place to see and be seen, a catwalk for fashion and desire in the heart of Florence.
Lungarno Suites
Gallery Hotel Art
Spacious and intimate apartments, the attention of a charming hotel, and a wonderful view of the Ponte Vecchio, San Miniato, the Boboli Gardens, and Palazzo Pitti characterize the contemporary elegance and ease of the Lungarno Suites. Fully equipped kitchens make these an ideal family option.
Refreshingly minimalist in style, this contemporary hotel is a lovely contrast to the Renaissance city that surrounds it. Its interiors embody an East meets West, with clean-cut lines from the Orient and sumptuous Mediterranean furnishings filtering throughout the guestrooms and public areas.
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At Home in Valldemossa A special retreat in a most picturesque Majorcan location here is a distinctly seductive and relaxing atmosphere when visiting the incredibly beautiful village of Valldemossa in Northern Mallorca, a place with a particular draw for romantics.
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It was here that the Polish composer, Frédéric Chopin and his French mistress, the writer George Sand, spent three idyllic and creative months, over the winter of 1838 and 1839, when they rented rooms at the Carthusian monastery. This building along with a former palace are the focal point of the striking village skyline. Chopin described the area as “The most beautiful place in the world” whilst it was the inspiration for George Sand’s most famous book , “ A Winter in Mallorca”. Valldemossa is located just 17 kilometres away from Palma, in the middle of the valley of Sierra de Tramuntana, 400 metres above sea level. Part of the village goes up into the mountain slope, creating steep streets and beautiful natural panoramas. The surrounding landscape, a walker’s paradise, is richly cloaked by lush forests, with olive and almond trees that are irrigated by the abundant springs in the area. Overlooking the village and sharing the inspirational views lies the luxury boutique Valldemossa Hotel. A member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux family of
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hotels, this refined residence has just 8 junior suites and 4 superior double rooms, each uniquely decorated and named after famous Valldemossa patrons, offering guests an intimate enclave with the emphasis placed on a very personal and friendly level of service. The manicured gardens and outdoor spaces surrounding the hotel buildings feature a series of balustraded terraces and striking walls studded with mallorcan stone, some concealing enclosed courtyards of feature suites. There is a large outdoor pool which is popular in the summer months whilst in cooler weather guests can escape to the hotel’s spa which also features an indoor pool. As befits a property that has a particular appeal to couples, the hotel is also a popular venue for small wedding ceremonies, which are often held in a vinecovered pergola below the swimming pool area. Life at Valldemossa should be taken at an idling pace, waking to birdsong, followed by a hearty breakfast on the main terrace taking in the panoramic views, enjoying a refreshing light lunch by the poolside and finished in style with a romantic candlelit dinner for two under the stars with the village lights twinkling in the background.
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Majestic St Petersburg The jewel of imperial Russia
t Petersburg is a city of architectural finesse that defies its northern latitude and was built over 44 islands within the mighty Neva River delta system. This in turns flows into The Gulf of Finland and the Baltic attesting to the city’s importance as Russia’s principal western port and its legacy as Imperial Russia’s “Window on the West”.
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It was from here in 1703 that its founder, Peter the Great, assimilated the achievements and fashions of the great western nations to create what is undoubtedly one of the world’s most beautiful cities resplendent in grand buildings of white columns and baroque decorations. In the heart of the city, none of the buildings are more than five storeys and while they may have been built in different styles, they all embody an aspiration for grace and harmony.
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Where Paris shines in the exactness of Hausmann’s boulevards, so too St Petersburg displays an open grace where the contours of the river Neva and her many canals support heavy brown granite embankments that provide a solid base for the airy palaces, intricate churches, museums and theatres that proliferate the banks above. Indeed, whilst many buildings have truly monumental dimensions like the grand Hermitage (possibly the world’s greatest museum), there is a balance that is cleverly maintained with her elegant open spaces. Even the bridge railings are small masterpieces of ornate metalwork. The visitor to this fine city will be rewarded with a cultural banquet with over 50 museums, 20 theatres and concert halls as well as some spectacular imperial palaces. The city is best visited between April and November.
Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace, St Petersburg Landmark property set to open in 2012 as city’s first truly five-star hotel
One of the most eagerly awaited new hotel openings in St Petersburg is the Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace scheduled to take place in 2012. Within a nineteenth-century Russian royal palace, its entry guarded by two marble lions, Four Seasons reveals a restored treasure in the historic Admiralteysky District – just two blocks from the Hermitage Museum. St. Petersburg’s most lavish five-star luxury hotel features 177 guest rooms, including 26 suites, embellished by views of Saint Isaac’s Cathedral, Alexandrovksy Garden and the landmark Admiralty. Two signature restaurants create see-and-be-seen buzz, while a glass-topped spa helps relax and restore. The beauty and history of Imperial Russia feel current and fashionable – coming to life with at-your-service Four Seasons care.
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The Cayman Islands Barefoot luxury you can afford.
he Cayman Islands, which lies to the northeast of Jamaica, is the dream destination for those seeking the independence offered by a first world tropical country that begs to be explored.
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Beyond the sugar white sand of Seven Mile Beach lies 76 miles of breathtaking, pristine coastline interspersed by traditional villages. The combination of a sophisticated Caribbean lifestyle and a multinational community spirit weaves its spell on all who visit, many of whom return year after year. Visitors won’t find all-inclusive resorts on Grand Cayman, but they will enjoy a consistently high quality of accommodation, food and service. Although five star glamour comes no better than on Seven Mile Beach, quality doesn’t have to come with a high price tag, and prices drop markedly between May and December. Several easy-going, delightful properties are within a stone’s throw of the beach, both along Seven Mile Beach or further
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east in sleepy Bodden Town. These fit the bill perfectly for a family or couple seeking a week or two of sun, sea and sand along with enough activities to try something different every day without breaking the bank. Some properties, such as the Sunshine Suites offer a semi-self catering option and with great supermarkets, a fish market, wine and beer shops and even a weekly Farmer’s Market, visitors can be as self sufficient as they like. For the ultimate barefoot chill-out, there are almost 100 beachfront villas ranging from bijou cottages to six bedroom mansions; large families and groups of friends will love the flexibility and comparative affordability that villa living offers them. Eating-in is easy, and those wanting to eat out are spoilt for choice. Grand Cayman has over 150 restaurants and although gourmands are never disappointed, the laid-back allure of the local beach bars and Caymanian cafes is hard to beat.
The attractions are just as diverse, from swimming with stingrays in open water to visiting the priceless collection of cars at the Cayman Motor Museum. Most importantly, the acclaimed marine life is free for all to enjoy, with world-renowned snorkelling and diving right offshore, and endless watersports. The boat can be pushed out with a trip in the Atlantis Submarine, but for nature at its most beautiful it is hard to beat the tranquil 65 acre Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park in Grand Cayman’s lush interior, roamed by the giant Grand Cayman Blue iguana. The real magic of the Cayman Islands is that there are three of them, and for those wishing to escape to a true paradise lost, a 40 minute, £80 return flight is all it takes to get to rugged Cayman Brac, or her idyllic little sister, Little Cayman, which at 10 miles by one is the ultimate Robinson Crusoe discovery and one of the last truly wild islands left in the Caribbean.
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Seductive Modern Relaxation Per AQUUM’s new offering in the Maldives offers an inspired, cutting edge resort
nspirational and award-winning Per AQUUM have a habit of creating “world firsts” in luxury hospitality. At Huvafen Fushi they presented the world’s first underwater spa with their iconic first venture in the Maldives. So it is no wonder that many “barefoot” devotees have been waiting with great anticipation to experience their latest creation, NIYAMA, newly opened and spread over two pristine islands in the south-western Atoll of Dhaalu in the Maldives.
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NIYAMA breaks the mould and pushes the boundaries of conventional Maldives island retreats. The intention with the holiday experience is to create a stimulating environment where modern style is merged into the natural landscape. Diverse entertainments attend to the varying moods of aspirational travellers who are looking to balance tranquillity with a sense of discovery, stimulation and fun. The Maldives may be viewed as romantic island hideaways but Per AQUUM ensures that the tech savvy will not feel disconnected. For instance, the accommodation, which comprises 87 beach and overwater studios and Pavilions, feature the latest in entertainment technology whilst drawing on spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. Most with their own private pool. NIYAMA aims to challenge the conventional with its culinary exhibitionism. A range of venues and ideas mark this truly innovative approach including the
Dine on...
offshore signature restaurant, Edge (see separate panel below). Epicure offers an interactive dining experience with live cooking stations with vibrant and fresh selections for breakfast, lunch and dinner whilst Tribal has been designed as a modern day campsite with an eclectic choice of dishes influenced by the cuisines of South and East Africa, Asia and South America - A rustic but luxury camp fire experience. Even housebound pleasures are supremely catered for with Deli in, where each guest accommodation is stocked with a fridge brimming with gourmet deli items; cheeses, olives, cold cuts, wines, making it easy to nibble on light bites between meals. There are also plenty of activities to keep the inner child occupied with remote control vehicles, NintendoWii, weekly movie nights, water sports, PADI dive courses, coral rehabilitation and a fleet of Dhonis traditional yet luxurious Maldivian sailing boats. For those seeking spiritual rebalance the path is always open to LIME spa. NIYAMA is the third property in the iconic Per AQUUM portfolio; following in the award-winning footsteps of Huvafen Fushi Maldives and Desert Palm Dubai.
500 metres offshore (by boat), a vibrant dining experience awaits guests at Edge, NIYAMA's signature restaurant and lounge floating on the calm lagoon surface. Then, party the night away while DJs spin just six metres below at Subsix, the world’s first underwater club. Here guests will find emerging and established artists from around the world playing at NIYAMA Live.
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www.niyama.com
24/7 at LIME Spa Following the success of LIME spa at both Huvafen Fushi and Desert Palm Dubai, LIME Spa at NIYAMA will break new ground in the Maldives with a 24 hour service, while gym fans will enjoy the 24 hour gym, Pump. LIME Spa includes 8 treatment rooms, sauna, steam room, pool and cold plunge pool, contemplation garden and a complimentary juice and tea bar. Alongside the regular menu, guests can have the specially designed After Dark Treatments, specially designed for jet lag and insomnia.
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Phuket Perfection The balance of the ideal all-round resort offers both families and couples the perfect beach holiday at the newly opened Angsana Laguna Phuket. www.angsana.com
ith the timely opening in December 2011 of Thailand’s newest luxury beach resort, Angsana Laguna Phuket, we expect there will be many discerning couples and families who will want to head east to enjoy some rest and relaxation at Asia’s premier beach resort whilst the weather is at its best.
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Located on the shores of Bang Tao Bay in the northwest of Phuket Island in Southern Thailand, Angsana Laguna Phuket is just a 20-minute drive away from Phuket International Airport and Phuket town. It is part of Laguna Phuket, Asia’s first integrated resort, which consists of five luxury hotels, six palm-fringed lagoons, 600 acres of parkland, three kilometres of pristine beach and an outstanding array of recreational and dining facilities. Consisting of 409 rooms, suites and residences with room sizes starting from a generous 40 sqm space, this is a luxury everyone can afford. Families will be spoilt for choice at this new luxury resort – there’s a unique Treehouse kid’s club, The Elephant Pavilion where two baby elephants visit the kid’s club each day and swimming pools galore for the children. A championship golf course and plenty of watersports will keep energetic fathers occupied, 14
whilst mothers can catch up on yoga or much needed R&R at the award-winning Angsana Spa. The whole family can be as active or chilled out as they wish on the beach – considered one of most beautiful , duvet soft, white sand beaches in Thailand. For couples and honeymooners, there are huge Loft suites on stilts overlooking the lagoon. The Pool Residences are ideal for families or groups of friends, each with their own swimming pool. The Beach Bar will be a hot spot to relax at in the evening over a cocktail, listening to good music or the lapping of the waves. Angsana Laguna Phuket is the flagship resort of the Angsana brand of hotels and resorts worldwide. This stylish resort, combines traditional Thai architecture with waterways and canals, and being a new property, it’s very contemporary, using natural materials and fun, modern colours. There’s also plenty to explore outside of the Resort being in the secure, integrated complex of Laguna Phuket means guests have access to over 30 restaurants, a shopping village , the sister resort of Banyan Tree Phuket and much more.
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Rosewood’s Caribbean Chic island resorts
here is no doubt that once Rosewood Hotels & Resorts is involved in the management of a property that they will elevate the enjoyment factor to new heights.
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In the Caribbean they lend their name and expertise to a superb selection of properties including perennial favourites to UK travellers with Jumby Bay in Antigua and Little Dix Bay in the British Virgin Islands. Both these iconic resorts have a long standing history. Incredibly, Little Dix Bay dates back to the early 1960’s and was the brainchild of Laurence Rockefeller, who had the foresight to develop a resort in an important yachting anchorage. Jumby Bay was developed later in 1983 as a private island resort, where formerly it had been used variously as a home for emancipated slaves and later as a sheep rearing station. The wild sheep seen roaming on Jumby Bay today are descendants of those sheep. 16
Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Virgin Gorda Beach drops, childs play and splendid isolation Little Dix offers a really unique combination - a luxurious island hideaway that is perfect for the children too. A sweeping half-mile crescent beach and spectacular manicured gardens create a wonderful setting for this charming resort on the beautiful and underdeveloped island of Virgin Gorda in the BVIs. Indeed, one of the true pleasures whilst staying at the resort is the chance to be dropped onto one of the many pristine beaches and islets around Virgin Gorda that can only be accessed by sea and for which the resort offers a complimentary water taxi service. Discover your own private space and chill out! The rooms and cottages, which are located either on the beachfront or set back within the beautiful gardens, offer great character and excellent features, including a balcony or terrace and easy access to the beach. You’ll also find one of the best spas in the region and an outstanding children’s club. The resort's three dining venues specialise in fresh Caribbean cuisine, including the open-air Pavilion, the intimate Sugar Mill, and the Beach Grill, which serves light-fare on the white sands.
Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort, Antigua All-inclusive luxury on a Private Caribbean Island Following a $35 million refurbishment in 2010, Jumby Bay has re-opened its doors. The resort is on a 300-acre private island just two miles north of Antigua and is only accessible by boat This luxurious all-inclusive hideaway features 40 suites and 11 two, three and four bedroom villas with their own pools. Each suite comes complete with a bicycle for each guest or a golf cart for the villas. Amenities include sumptuous Italian linens and 42" flat-screen TV with Bose sound system and wireless Internet. Urbanites will also approve the Nespresso coffee machine. There are three restaurants offering a range of Caribbean and Mediterranean cuisine and the original 230 year old manor house is home to one of the restaurants. Accommodation is on an all-inclusive basis which includes all meals and drinks by the glass, including the excellent House Champagne. Guests can enjoy a variety of water sports including snorkelling, water skiing, windsurfing and sailing off the island’s pristine white sand beaches, which are also home to the Jumby Bay Hawksbill Turtle Project.
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California Dreamin’ The great outdoors in Southern California
outhern California can lay claim to the most consistent year round mild weather. Temperatures rarely waver outside a magical band of between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity is low. It's hardly surprising that the lifestyle here is based around outdoor activities. There are 120 kilometres of coastline beaches, it's a sailing mecca and the area boasts over 80 golf courses.
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San Diego is California's second largest city, the state's oldest and the birthplace of all that is Californian. Many of it's key attractions are within a short distance of lively downtown, San Diego's attractive bay front area. Must do’s include the world-renowned San Diego Zoo, Spanish Colonial Balboa Park, SeaWorld, the Gaslight District and
even a visit to the venerable, but retired liner, Queen Mary in neighbouring Long Beach. Jump on an Old Town Trolley for a city tour or take the Tijuana Trolley (and passport) for a day trip south across the border into Mexico! North of the city the coastline continues to reflect the pervading laid-back, beach culture of Southern California culminating 32 miles north of downtown San Diego in the prestigious coastal resort city of Carlsbad, one of the most affluent communities in the entire USA and home to some of the finest seaside resorts on the coast. So even unfortunate outsiders can experience a few weeks of the golden life! Palm Springs’ most famous resident, Frank Sinatra,
Family Fun La Costa Resort & Spa, Carlsbad
Iconic Landmark Hotel del Coronado, Coronado Island, San Diego Built in 1888, this classic beachfront tour de force has long been heralded as one of America’s most beautiful beach resorts and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977. Today, The Del offers guests a unique combination of modern luxury touched with the charm and grace of a great dame. Popular both as a family venue and a romantic getaway.
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Nestled on 400 lush garden acres in Carlsbad, minutes from awardwinning beaches and LEGOLAND. This idyllic and newly renovated Southern California resort is a charming Spanish style village, where you can do it all or do nothing at all. La Costa is a wonderland of activity with two championship golf courses, 17 tennis courts, 6 swimming pools with water slides, shopping, dining and an award winning spa.
spent 50 years of his life enjoying the striking and contrasting natural landscape and it is not hard to appreciate his enthusiasm. High mountains encircle on three sides giving way on the open side to the great Colorado-Sonoran Desert. This geography ensures an extremely dry climate with a reputed 354 days of sunshine and very little rainfall. The rest is the legacy of the Great American Dream and much irrigation. In the early years of the 20th century it was a popular health retreat, then in the 1920’s the stars of silver screen Hollywood lent their patronage and built expensive homes after which the whirlwind transformation
continued apace to the point that today’s string of communities, glitzy resorts and over 110 golf courses presents an urban oasis that is the recreational capital of Southern California, where the “Great Outdoors” is enjoyed from the valley floor to the mountain tops.
Desert Cool Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa, Palm Springs Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa – the Palm Springs hotel of choice for families, couples, and stylish sun chasers of all ages. Whether seeking a “cool” escape to relax with friends or a “cool” adventure where aquatic fun has no limits, this captivating Palm Springs resort spa is the place to be. Emerging from a $35 million transformation by KSL Resorts, Rancho Las Palmas is the embodiment of new desert cool.
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Epic Journeys acros Breathtaking rail adventures on board Rovos Rail
ecil Rhodes may have dreamed of an unbroken railway link between Cape Town and Cairo but his 19th century plans dissolved like his rail track in the wilds of the Congo (Zaire). Today, it remains an unfulfiled dream, but fate would have it that the need to locate a northern sea port for the mineral wealth of land-locked Botswana saw the construction of the Tazara Corridor link from Lusaka to Dar es Salaam on the east coast of Tanzania. It was a monumental achievement funded by the People’s Republic of China in the early 1970’s.
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Several times a year the liveried coaches of the luxury train operator, Rovos Rail, embark on a spectacular 12 night rail odyssey between Cape Town and Dar es Salaam that must surely rank as one of the world’s epic train adventures. Travelling in the height of luxury the trains consist of beautifully restored South African coaches with two lounges, two restaurant cars, private sleeping compartments, each with private ensuite facilities. With daily stops for sight seeing tours the true magnificence of the unfolding landscape of the dark continent can be truly appreciated in a manner that epitomises the pursuit of classic travel and the fulfilment to some extent of Rhodes’ great dream. Sadly, the onward journey to Cairo requires other modes of transport but a special Rail, Air & Nile Cruise super itinerary is also available with Rovos Rail. 20
Rohan Vos - A man with extraordinary drive and passion Rovos Rail is the brainchild of South African businessman, Rohan Vos, a latecomer to the world of trains. He was involved in the motor spares industry when one of his staff got him involved in a steam train restoration project in 1986. Since then he has collected and restored probably the largest and most original train set in the world. The rolling stock dates from around 1911 to 1930 and now runs on private tours all over South Africa, as well as trips to Namibia, Victoria Falls and on up to Dar es Salaam on the east coast of Tanzania. As Rohan Vos has so aptly said: “Boy, have I got a great train set”.
Swa
ss Africa
Dar es Salaam
Lusaka Victoria Falls Bulawayo
Ondangwa
arkopmund
Windhoek Gaberone
Pretoria
Johannesburg Durban Cape Town
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News from The Cape, South Africa
To Pretoria
Steenberg’s restaurants win prestigious 2011 food and wine awards. Franschhoek
Situated just 20 minutes from Cape Town city centre, The Steenberg Hotel is a 5 star boutique property in the beautiful Constantia Valley. It is also now proud holder of two new American Express Platinum Card Fine Dining Awards - cementing its reputation as one of the Cape’s top gourmet and wine destinations.
Cape Town (Constantia)
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Kylie does “Locomotion” Blue Train Style in South Africa
Out of 78 South African restaurants, Catharina’s received this accolade for the 14th year, whilst trendy cellar door restaurant Bistro Sixteen82 made its debut onto this coveted list. Catharina’s also received a 6th top score in the 2011 Diners Club Wine list Awards. Together with their teams, Executive Chef Garth Almazan at Catharina’s and Brad Ball at Bistro Sixteen82 ensure that a 5-star gourmet food and wine experience is offered at Steenberg. Dating back to 1682, with its buildings declared a National Monument, Steenberg offers luxurious accommodation, amazing views, an award winning winery and restaurants, a lavish spa and an 18hole Championship golf course! www.steenberghotel.com
The new 18-suite, 5-star boutique hotel “The Manor House at Fancourt” , George
There are many reasons to visit Fancourt on South Africa’s popular Garden Route – including a brand new one! The original 140-year old Manor House has been meticulously remodelled to reflect its heritage and the classic tradition of a bygone era, whilst offering the indulgence and sophistication of a world-class, 21st century hotel. Guests have full access to the Fancourt Estate’s facilities as well as complimentary airport transfers, 24-hour butler service, a heated pool, bar, library and lounge – and newly transformed fine dining restaurant Henry White’s. www.fancourt.co.za All 4 properties combine perfectly to create the ultimate “Fairest Cape Wine and Dine Escape”! Contact now for your own personally-packaged itinerary! 22
Australian superstar Kylie Minogue recently wow-ed South African audiences with her Aphrodite Live World Tour. During her visit she did the “locomotion” in style – travelling on the World’s Leading Luxury Train – The Blue Train, from Pretoria to Cape Town. “What a beautiful way to arrive in Cape Town,” said the star. “To end this epic adventure in such a beautiful place is just magical.” - www.bluetrain.co.za
Mont Rochelle’s July 2012 Bastille day celebrations in the Cape Winelands
July marks an exciting time of year in Franschhoek on the Cape Wine Route with the celebration of all things French to commemorate the fascinating FrenchHuguenot legacy of this historical town! Embrace the gourmet capitals passions in life – freedom, food, wine, music and merry-making! Mont Rochelle, just a stone’s throw from the town centre, offers a fantastic Bastille Festival Weekend Package for 14-15 July 2012 including 2 nights in a luxury room, with day tickets to attend the festival with entry to the food and wine Marquee plus transfers between the festival and the hotel to ensure the wine tasting can be enjoyed fully! It also includes a Bubbly Breakfast to get guests into the festive spirit! www.montrochelle.co.za