T OP TWENTY W&ONDERFUL EXPERIENCES
W E LC O ME
W
ith every holiday or opportunity to travel comes the chance for new experiences; something that excites anyone with a touch of wanderlust. At Western & Oriental our Destination Experts all have a genuine passion for discovering the very best a place has to offer so that they can pass on this first-hand knowledge directly to you. It’s this knowledge that means we’re well placed to tailor truly bespoke escapes across the world that give you the experiences you’re yearning for, and much more besides. In this latest ‘Top 20’ booklet we’ve put together a few of our favourite travel experiences to inspire your next getaway. I’m truly proud of the range on offer here and feel that there’s something to appeal to all keen travellers. Seeing the Northern Lights in Canada might be for you, or maybe cruising to the Galapagos will tempt you more? How about a Malaysian island retreat or wine-tasting in Portugal? There really is a host of amazing options on offer. Wherever you choose for your next adventure, I hope we can help you make it a truly W&Onderful experience. Happy travels! Jennifer Atkinson CEO
TOP TWENTY W&ONDERFUL EXPERIENCES
YUKON SELF-DRIVE
YUKON NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR
DISCOVER NORTHERN CANADA BY ROAD Whitehorse will be the start and end of your 12-day self-drive tour through some of northern Canada’s most spectacular scenery. Discover incredible native mammals at the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, the beauty of Emerald Lake, watch American bald eagles catching salmon in the Chilkat River and head over the border to Tok, the ‘dog mushing capital of Alaska’! With photo opportunities at every turn and thrilling trails to entice you into the wild, this is a fantastically adventuresome tour.
WITNESS THE AURORA BOREALIS Extend your stay in Canada with our tour to see the breath-taking Northern Lights; a natural phenomenon which will mark itself permanently on your memory. Your journey begins with a flight from Vancouver to Whitehorse, where your hotel is located within easy walking distance of the city’s attractions. You’ll then have two opportunities to see the Aurora Borealis with night tours that include a warm viewing spot and hot drinks to make the experience all the more special.
W&ONDERFUL EXPERIENCES... In the Kluane National Park you’ll have the chance to view Canada’s highest peak, Mount Logan, as well as the world’s largest non-polar ice fields. While in Dawson City you can visit Canada’s first casino, Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling Hall! 13 nights self-drive from £2,565 per person including Vancouver sightseeing tour, admission to Yukon Wildlife Preserve and Alaska Marine Highway Ferry between Skagway and Haines, 12 days car hire, flights and private transfers.
W&ONDERFUL EXPERIENCES... Image co
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Yukon is a superb spot to arrange a Northern Lights viewing, boasting one of the longest durations of lights every year, starting in late August and lasting through to mid-April. We suggest spending a few nights in beautiful Vancouver at either end of your tour. 3 nights in Vancouver and 2 nights in Whitehorse from £1,549 per person including Northern Lights viewing experience, tour of Whitehorse, flights and private transfers.
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TOP TWENTY EXPERIENCES
EXPERIENCE W ONDERFUL
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GRIZZLIES, ORCAS & BLACK BEARS
WHITE STALLION RANCH
RIDE THROUGH THE AMERICAN WILD WEST
WILDLIFE AROUND VANCOUVER ISLAND As well as being an impressive destination for a city break, Vancouver is also a great place to begin your journey into the Canadian wilderness. Our self-drive includes whale watching in Victoria, scenic drives, a floatplane flight to the remote Knight Inlet Lodge, incredible bear viewing, a day at leisure in Vancouver and a stop-off at the picturesque Butchart Gardens.
W&ONDERFUL EXPERIENCES... On this 9-day tour there’s plenty of wildlife to see, with the option of a cruise in Tofino in search of gray and humpback whales, sea lions and eagles. 8 nights self-drive from £2,569 per person including 1 night at Knight Inlet Lodge with return seaplane flights and grizzly bear viewing, whale watching or black bear viewing at Clayoquot Sound and whale watching from Victoria, ferry crossings, 7 days car hire, flights and arrival transfers.
Here at Western & Oriental we’re renowned for our exceptional portfolio of ranch holidays, with White Stallion Ranch being a particular favourite with our clients. Based in Arizona, this ranch is a year-round destination, suitable for all capabilities of rider and with a wealth of nearby attractions such as golf and desert jeep safaris. The facilities make it as well suited to families as for single travellers and couples, with the moonlit bonfires and line dancing lessons keeping everyone entertained.
W&ONDERFUL EXPERIENCES... A variety of rides keep your ranch experience different from day to day, with slow tours through the Saguaro cacti, canters along mountain trails and all day rides to the Box Canyon where you can see Native American petroglyphs. 7 nights full board from £1,779 per person sharing a Standard Cabin including flights and transfers.
NIMMO BAY RESORT
AN INDULGENT WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE Located in the west coast of British Columbia, a stay at this very special lakeside chalet will truly immerse you into Canada’s raw, natural beauty. Only accessible via boat or floatplane, this family-owned resort offers nine private chalets sitting on stilts on the water’s edge or by the stream. Plenty of activities are included in your stay, such as kayaking and fishing.
W&ONDERFUL EXPERIENCES... Heli-adventures are available with heli-fishing and helihiking particular favourites, and heli-rafting available from May to August. Dining at the resort is a sublime experience. 6 nights from £3,615 per person including 3 nights at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia with private tour of Vancouver, and 3 nights full board at Nimmo Bay Resort including resort adventures (excluding heli-adventures), flights and transfers.
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TOP TWENTY EXPERIENCES
EXPERIENCE W ONDERFUL
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SILVER EXPLORER
DISCOVER SILVERSEA EXPEDITIONS
AWE-INSPIRING ANTARCTICA IN LUXURY
Elegance and exceptional service abound, aboard Silversea’s small-ship cruising fleet. Made up of “classic” cruise ships and more agile expedition ships, the fleet offers a staggering variety of luxury travel experiences. The specialised expedition ships are indulgent spaces from which to enjoy some of the world’s more intrepid locations, from the Antarctic Ocean to the Amazon River, and thanks to their expertise, Silversea can take their guests truly off the beaten track, with experts on hand to open their eyes to the wonders of the natural environment. An exclusive partnership with the Royal Geographic Society also means access to unrivalled insight on these fascinating destinations.
Spot orca and humpback whales, a variety of seals, and of course the loveable penguin on this outstanding itinerary into the vast snowy world of Antarctica. Experts on board to talk you through the isolated region include a marine biologist, ornithologist and climatologist. These epic cruises book up quickly, so now is the time to secure your place for 2017 and 2018.
Here are two suggestions to inspire you…
W&ONDERFUL EXPERIENCES...
SILVER GALAPAGOS
The onboard spa is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing treatment after a day spent shoreside on mainland Antarctica, followed by your favourite tipple brought to your suite by your butler.
JOURNEY BACK TO THE BEGINNING OF TIME A trip to the Galápagos is on many people’s bucket list and with years of experience hosting tours to this fascinating archipelago, Silversea are the ultimate hosts for a Darwinian adventure. Have your camera at the ready to snap the giant tortoises, pelicans, sea lions, penguins, iguanas and the amazingly vibrant Frigate bird, to name just a few of the islands’ many residents.
W&ONDERFUL EXPERIENCES… Included in the price of your cruise itinerary are Enrichment Lectures which are taken by experts in their field, as well as guided tours and shoreside activities led by the Expeditions Team.
CRUISE
1 night pre-cruise in Buenos Aires and 10 nights all-inclusive in an Adventurer Suite on Silver Explorer from £9,555 per person including return economy class flights, domestic flights and transfers.
ANTARCTICA
2 nights pre-cruise accommodation in Quito and 7 nights all-inclusive in an Explorer Suite on Silver Galapagos from £6,049 per person including return economy class flights and transfers.
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TOP TWENTY EXPERIENCES
EXPERIENCE W ONDERFUL
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CITY, RAINFOREST & BEACH IN THAILAND
GAYA ISLAND RESORT
THREE FACES OF ‘THE LAND OF SMILES’
Just a short drive and speedboat ride from Kota Kinabalu Airport lies Gaya Island Resort, an intimate retreat and haven of sustainable luxury that’s set within a marine park, covered with lush tropical rainforest and fringed by a sandy beach with the stunning Mount Kinabalu visible in the distance. With a commitment to low-impact tourism, you’ll find local traditions honoured in everything from spa treatments to cuisine and hardly a motorized vehicle in sight.
Encounter the striking contrasts of Thailand; the buzz of Bangkok; the grandeur of the ancient rainforest; and the relaxed beach life of Phuket.
W&ONDERFUL EXPERIENCES... In the rainforest you’ll stay at Elephant Hills Jungle Camp, a tented camp in Khao Lak National Park where guests encounter playful and majestic Asian elephants in their natural environment, ‘mucking in’ with their care. Located nearby, Elephant Hills Rainforest Camp comprises just 10 ‘floating tents’ on Cheow Lan Lake, and is surrounded by awesome natural scenery. Here guests can swim in the lake and kayak through its channels in search of wild monkeys and exotically coloured birds. 8 nights from £1,785 per person including 1 night at the Jungle Camp, 2 nights at the Rainforest Camp at Elephant Hills and 5 nights at Angsana Laguna Phuket including flights and transfers.
MALAYSIA
W&ONDERFUL EXPERIENCES... The house reef here is teeming with schools of snappers, rabbit-fish, damsels and clown fish. Great for snorkelling on your own or you could venture out with the resident marine biologist for an expert insight. Two free nights plus complimentary room upgrade and two 3-course dinners 7 nights bed & breakfast from £1,379 per person sharing a Kinabalu Villa including flights and transfers. Saving up to £380 per person
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THE ANDAMAN MALAYSIA
SIX SENSES DOURO VALLEY PORTUGAL
The Andaman is an unforgettable holiday setting; with its picturesque position cradled between the dramatic Machinchang Mountain Range and the deep blue of the Andaman Sea guests are immersed in natural beauty. Accommodation is spacious and beautifully designed, though surrounded by the grandeur of the Malaysian rainforest we’re not sure how much time you’ll actually spend in your room!
This luxurious hotel is housed in a 19th century manor house and surrounded by the vast vineyards of the world’s oldest demarcated wine region; the UNESCO World Heritage listed Douro Valley. The unique Wine Library & Terrace here offers relaxed and informative tastings, or simply a picturesque setting from which to look out onto the undulating beauty of your Douro Valley surrounds.
W&ONDERFUL EXPERIENCES...
W&ONDERFUL EXPERIENCES...
Kids will love the hour-long Mangrove and Monkeys Safari, which takes 4 to 12-year-olds into the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park; parents welcome too!
On a stay here you’ll have the opportunity to be a winemaker for the day and, in-season, you’ll be able to participate in the age-old tradition of stomping the grapes to commence the vintage.
Two free nights plus early booking discount 7 nights bed & breakfast from £1,025 per person sharing a Deluxe Rainforest View Room including flights and transfers.
15% booking discount
Saving up to £250 per person
Saving up to £150 per person
5 nights room only from £785 per person sharing a Quinta Superior Room including flights and transfers.
SAMAYA UBUD & SAMAYA SEMINYAK BALI
DESERT NIGHTS CAMP OMAN
Experience two sides of Bali by combining stays at The Samaya Ubud and The Samaya Seminyak. Located in the lush Ayung River Valley, at The Samaya Ubud you can enjoy a complimentary early morning guided cycle ride past rice fields and through local villages. At The Samaya Seminyak you’ll find a picturesque beachfront setting from which to watch the town’s famous sunsets.
Experience the magical Omani desert at this luxury tented camp, where you’ll enjoy Bedouin-style living along with a host of modern comforts. Each immaculate, spacious tented suite is air conditioned, with en suite facilities and an outdoor sitting area from where you can gaze out across the dunes into the vastness of the desert. There are also larger family suites and all ages will love the daily camel rides available each morning.
W&ONDERFUL EXPERIENCES... Foodies shouldn’t miss the chance to take a Balinese cooking class at The Samaya Ubud The position overlooking the rice paddies and a sacred temple makes for a truly authentic experience. One free night plus a complimentary 3-course dinner and spa treatment 7 nights bed & breakfast from £1,749 per person including 4 nights in Ubud and 3 nights in Seminyak including flights and transfers.
W&ONDERFUL EXPERIENCES... Included in your stay is a drive up the dunes to watch the desert sunset, accompanied by complimentary light snacks and drinks; a truly unforgettable experience. 3 nights half board from £1,099 per person sharing a Deluxe Tented Suite including flights and transfers.
Saving up to £210 per person
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TOP TWENTY EXPERIENCES
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ESSENTIAL VIETNAM
CEYLON TEA AND SEA JOURNEY
URBAN ENCOUNTERS, ANCIENT MONUMENTS
EXPERIENCE TWO SIDES OF SRI LANKA
W&ONDERFUL EXPERIENCES...
Vietnam is an intriguing and historically fascinating country, with its past having left an awe-inspiring legacy of reminders throughout its beautiful landscape. The country is a must for those in search of a unique and diverse touring destination, and on this multi-centre holiday you’ll take in the cities of Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh in just 7 days, though as always with Western & Oriental, our Destination Experts can tailor your trip, extending your time in certain destinations or even adding some beachside relaxation at the end.
On this twin-escape you’ll stay in the only hotels on the island that enjoy the illustrious accolade of Relais & Chateâux membership. We begin in the luscious beauty of the vast tea estates that occupy much of the island’s interior staying at Ceylon Tea Trails. Here you’ll enjoy a cool mountain climate and the plush surrounds of this unusual hotel, which comprises four bungalows set among the rolling hills. Originally built for British tea estate managers in the days of the Raj, all rooms have been sympathetically restored, ensuring guests can relax in luxury and comfort.
On the Ceylon Tea Trails you can experience life on a working tea estate, take tours of the fields, and of course enjoy an exceptional afternoon tea!
W&ONDERFUL EXPERIENCES... Take a cycle tour of Hanoi’s Old Quarter and visit an ancient Vietnamese longhouse. Hue is the former imperial capital of Vietnam; see the spectacular Imperial Citadel and enjoy a cruise along the Perfume River. Don’t miss Hanoi’s famous lantern workshops or a visit to the iconic 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge. In Ho Chi Minh City exploring the amazing Cu Chi Tunnels, which were used by Vietnamese soldiers as hiding spots during combat, is a must.
After four nights, you will be whisked away by air to the coast, where you’ll spend a further 6 nights at Cape Weligama, an elegant and luxurious resort. Set on a promontory above the Indian Ocean, stunning views can be enjoyed from every suite and residence, all of which also benefit from butler service. Here you can indulge in a spa treatment in the comfort of your own suite, dine on sumptuous Sri Lankan fare, or watch the sunset from the hotel’s 60 metre crescent-shaped infinity pool. Bliss.
7 nights from £2,499 per person including 3 nights all-inclusive at Ceylon Tea Trails and 4 nights half board at Weligama including flights and transfers.
TWIN CENTRE
6 night tour of Vietnam from £1,589 per person including daily breakfast, sightseeing tours, flights and transfers.
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CUBAN CITY AND COUNTRY FLY DRIVE A SELF-DRIVE TOUR THROUGH ICONIC CUBA This eight-day, self-drive itinerary takes you from the fascinating streets of Old Havana into the vast and beautiful landscapes of Cuba’s lush countryside. Drive out to Las Terrazas and encounter cascading waterfalls and tropical birdlife; visit a traditional tobacco plantation in Vinales Valley; relax on an offthe-beaten-track beach at Cayo Levisa: you can do all this and more on this pleasurable tour where rustic Cuban accommodation awaits at every stop along the way.
MIAMI AND CUBA COMBINED FROM SOUTH BEACH TO OLD HAVANA With new commercial flights between USA and Cuba, multi-centre holiday options are opening up, including the chance to twin the contrasting beaches of allAmerican Miami and communist Cuba! Begin in the glamorous surrounds of South Beach, Miami, with three nights at Mondrian South Beach before moving on to Cuba for a distinctly quieter experience on the pristine beaches of Cayo Santa Maria before your final stop in atmospheric Havana.
W&ONDERFUL EXPERIENCES… Las Terrazas is a unique and largely selfsufficient community in the beautiful Sierra del Rosario Mountains, where you can enjoy locally farmed produce at a local restaurant or two. 7 nights fly-drive from £1,469 per person including 3 nights in Havana, 1 in La Terrazas, 1 night in the Vinales Valley ending with 2 nights full board on Cayo Levis Island, 5 days car hire, arrival transfers and flights.
W&ONDERFUL EXPERIENCES… You’ll have four nights to drink in the sights and sounds of Cuba’s enchanting capital. Old Havana is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and really does feel like walking into a different era.
MULTI CENTRE
14 nights from £2,689 per person including 3 nights room only at the Mondrian South Beach Miami followed by 7 nights all-inclusive at Royalton Cayo Santa Maria and 4 nights bed & breakfast at the Iberostar Parque Central, Havana, all flights and transfers.
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CONSTANCE MOOFUSHI
BODYHOLIDAY
Set in the Ari Atoll, with 32 major dive spots close by, this exceptional luxury island is an idyllic place to discover the magic of the Indian Ocean. One of just a few resorts in the Maldives to boast three large lagoons and a house reef, whether you’re a first-time snorkeller or a seasoned diver, Moofushi is an excellent choice. What’s more, your all-inclusive plan benefits from a choice of a snorkelling exploration, traditional sunset fishing trip or a dolphin adventure as part of your stay.
Experience the Caribbean the way it is best enjoyed…from the water! At St Lucia’s 5-star, all-inclusive luxury resort BodyHoliday they’ve made this all the more possible for their guests with the opening of their Sailing Club & School. Here sailing courses are led by experts, with a variety of courses to suit every ability.
W&ONDERFUL EXPERIENCES...
Following a thrilling day on the waves you can relax in style at one of the resort’s five exceptional restaurants and three bars, or at the spa with your daily, complimentary 50-minute treatment.
MALDIVES
If seeing manta rays and whale sharks is on your bucket list, then Moofushi is the ideal spot. The resort’s main reef faces the channel where migratory species such as these pass right by, and Manta Ray Snorkelling and Whale Shark Watching can be arranged with ease. Ask our experts when the best time to see these majestic creatures is. Up to 45% early booking discount 7 nights all-inclusive from £2,815 per person sharing a Beach Villa including flights and transfers.
ST LUCIA
ALL
INCLUSIVE
W&ONDERFUL EXPERIENCES… For sailing enthusiasts and families, the Sailing Club’s charters are a wonderful way to see the coast of St Lucia. You’ll drop anchor in Rodney Bay for a swim, before your skipper brings you an indulgent picnic. Or for sailing aficionados, you can race one of the X-Treme 26 sailboats to Marigot Bay! Early booking discount 7 nights all-inclusive from £1,879 per person sharing a Luxury King Room including flights and transfers Saving up to £1,515 per person
LEARN TO SAIL
Saving up to £1,505 per person
TOP TWENTY TOP TWENTY EARLY EXPERIENCES BOOKING OFFERS 18
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Fly in style
Virgin Atlantic is an award-winning international airline which flies to over 30 destinations worldwide. Ever innovative and always ahead of the curve, they strive to make your travel experience the best it can possibly be; a mission which ensures their place as one of our preferred travel partners.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner The latest additions to Virgin Atlantic’s outstanding fleet are 13 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, the first of which was launched in 2014. With more space and greater fuel efficiency, these are truly the aircraft of the future. Here are a few reasons why…
Light & bright With the biggest windows of any commercial aircraft you’ll have a better view from every seat class, and innovative lighting that adjusts to your destination time zone means you should arrive feeling brighter and less jet lagged.
Extra comfort The Boeing 787 Dreamliner boasts the ‘comfiest Economy seat in the sky’ with more legroom and an ergonomic recline, plus cleaner air with a lower cabin altitude that means you’ll feel more comfortable and refreshed.
Space to move Across all cabins, greater headspace with higher ceilings and overhead lockers makes it easy to move around. In Premium Economy you’ll find the new Wander Wall area where you can have a snack or stretch your legs, whilst in Upper Class the new bar is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a drink.
*787 aircraft share these routes with our other aircraft and are not guaranteed.
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THE BOEING 787 DREAMLINER FLIES DIRECT FROM LONDON HEATHROW TO
NEW YORK, NEWARK, BOSTON, LOS ANGELES, DELHI, HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI*
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Spectate Sports Travel is a sister company of Western & Oriental, part of the ITC Luxury Travel Group. We offer exceptional, affordable tours and travel packages to all the major sporting events across the globe. Drawing on more than 20 years’ experience of taking customers to the most exceptional destinations, we deliver trusted, creative and innovative sports travel packages for dedicated fans.
A VIEW YOU CAN RELATE TO... We specialise in spectator packages to cricket, rugby, motorsports, tennis, golf, football, and other sporting events, offering customers a choice of tickets and hospitality with complete travel packages including flights, accommodation and transportation. Whether it’s the Monaco Grand Prix or rugby in Las Vegas, our team of experts has extensive knowledge and experience in the sports travel industry and are able to tailormake any sporting package to your requirements. Spectate Sports Travel is also a member of IATA, ABTA and ATOL, so you can trust your booking is in safe hands and you have 100% financial protection.
WEST INDIES CRICKET TOUR 28th February – 10th March 2017 Prices from just £1,895 per person Cricket and the Caribbean go together like the heyday pairing of Greenidge and Haynes, and after 20 years of taking our clients to the islands to enjoy this fine sport, we’re well versed in creating exceptional holidays combining both. In Antigua and Barbados, cricket goes far beyond sport; it’s a part of life, weaving a vibrant strand through the islands’ rich shared heritage. Only for cricket are individual rivalries forgotten, as proud islanders unite under one flag, that of the West Indies cricket team.
MONACO GRAND PRIX 26th – 29th May 2017 Prices from just £879 per person The highlight of the F1 season Monaco at Grand Prix time epitomises everything that’s great about F1 racing: speed, glamour, passion, noise and a hint of danger as the cars race through the streets of Monaco. The world’s most glamourous sporting event attracts an array of celebrities each year and you can join them with Spectate. Our guests will stay in Nice, a 20-minute train journey to the track with regular services on race weekend. Monte Carlo is the pinnacle of the GP calender and has the celebration and style to back it up. Not one to be missed!
Telephone: 0203 588 6127 www.spectatetravel.co.uk
S P EC TATE S P O R T S
T R A V E L
2 Waterhouse Square, 138-140 Holborn, London, EC1N 2ST Telephone: 0203 588 1301 Email: enquiries@westernoriental.com Web: www.westernoriental.com Your call may be recorded for training purposes. Offers advertised are subject to change and availability. Blackout dates may apply.
ITC Luxury Travel Group Limited. Registered in England 8687765 VAT No. GB 203 9167 24 All information correct at time of going to print Š All Rights Reserved 2016.