Ashdown autumn 2012

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* ABAMA RESORT * SCENIC DRIVES * SRI LANKA * * ASHDOWN FAVOURITES * OCEANIA CRUISING * NEWS *

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Welcome to our latest newsletter!

What a fantastic summer we have had (apart from the weather) with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee followed by the wonderful Olympic Games? I know a number of people chose to forego a summer holiday to be around for the Games so if you were one of those then hopefully reading this newsletter will tempt you away later in the year!

I am frequently asked by customers, what is your favourite hotel? This prompted me to run a feature detailing myself and the team’s favourite hotels and the reasons we love them.

Sri Lanka is a country that has grown in popularity over the last few years and British Airways commence flights to the capital Colombo from the end of March 2013. This will make this fascinating country even more accessible and we have an article on some of its main highlights to entice you there.

There are many wonderful scenic drives around the world, and we have highlighted a few of the popular ones we have driven

ourselves. Everything we do is tailor-made to suit your needs so if you don’t see what you want then please don’t hesitate to ask us.

Cruising holidays remain as popular as ever and I am delighted to run a feature about Oceania Cruises. Discerning clients will love the exciting itineraries. With world class cuisine and service, even the most serious foodies will not be disappointed!

Lastly, we were delighted to be awarded Platinum Agent of the Year by a leading tour operator, Caribtours, at their recent awards dinner. It was a fantastic evening, and pictured is myself and Abigail; the Managing Director of Caribtours, Paul Cleary; and special guests Sir Bruce Forsyth and his wife Wilnelia!

I do hope that you enjoy reading this newsletter and hope to see you in the shop soon.

Kind regards, Nick Samuels nick@ashdowntravel.co.uk

The Surin Phuket Formerly The Chedi Phuket, The Surin Phuket has completed major renovations and has just finished their final phase, and re-opened their doors to guests on 16th July 2012.

The redesign was by Paris-based architect and interior designer Ed Tuttle, who was also the resort’s original architect. All of the restaurants and public spaces have been upgraded including a new beach bar and gym, and revamped chill-out lounge and restaurant.

The 108 hillside and beachfront guest cottages and suites all have redesigned interiors giving a fresh interpretation to the Thai beach house with

lots of natural light, polished wood, and textured fabrics of green, saffron, and gold.

The Surin is located on the popular Thai island of Phuket, but far away from the masses, on the tranquil Pansea Beach, surrounded by the azure waters of the Andaman Sea. The resort itself is carefully nestled into the hillside, with connected walkways under the shelter of coconut palms sloping down to the sandy bay and a small coral reef. We recommend visiting in our winter/spring for traditionally the best weather and it can easily be twinned with Bangkok and Northern Thailand, and now with Dubai with a new Emirates service.

EasyJet Allocated Seating

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Love them or not, most of us have to fly them at some point! And after a successful trial on certain routes this summer, easyJet have announced they will be rolling out allocated seating across its network from November 2012. This will bring them more in line with scheduled carriers and charter airlines who have a similar policy.

There will be three price bands (per seat per flight): £12 for Extra legroom seats and £8 for Up Front seats, and with both these options you will be entitled to Speedy Boarding. Or you can pay £3 to select any other seat number. Passengers

entitled to Speedy Boarding (Extra leg room or Up Front seats or Flexi Ticket and easyJet Plus cardholders) will board the aircraft first. They will be followed by passengers requiring special assistance including families with young children, and then all other passengers.

You do not have to pay to select your seat.

If you are happy to allow easyJet to allocate it for you, you will be given a seat number upon check-in, either online or at the airport. Once checked-in you would be unable to change the seat number.

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Nick: Royal Palm I have been fortunate to stay in many superb hotels around the world however the Royal Palm in Mauritius has to be my favourite.

Overlooking the sparkling turquoise waters of the Grand Baie Lagoon, the setting is just picture postcard and shortly after arriving you will start to relax.

Royal Palm is an all suite resort with an elegantly casual atmosphere and you can be as active or relaxed as you wish. The Clarins Spa offers an excellent range of treatments and the food is outstanding.

Jo: Palm Island Within minutes of arriving you feel part of the family as amazingly all the staff know your name, and address you by this throughout your stay.

The hotel appeals mainly to discerning couples that enjoy the highest levels of standards and service, however during school holidays the hotel operates a mini club so families are fully catered for.

I have an excellent relationship with the General Manager and all Ashdown Travel clients are exceptionally well looked after.

Paradise…the only way to describe Palm Island! I was lucky enough to go there for my honeymoon in 2007 and then again last year.

It is an exclusive private island resort in the Grenadines, but with a laid-back atmosphere. It is a place to relax and recharge your batteries, take a boat trip out to the fantastic Tobago Cays where you can swim with the turtles, or take one of the panoramic nature trails to spot the local wildlife!

The food is fantastic with a choice of 2 restaurants or the hotel staff can arrange a private picnic on one of 4 locations around the island for you! Treat yourself to a spa treatment or relax in the library! Or just do what we did and choose one of the 5 white sandy beaches (or the pool) to chill out on!

Whatever you decide you to, Palm Island is a must!

Linda: Four Seasons Bosphorus

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If you’re looking for a luxury resort hotel in a city, then the Four Seasons Bosphorus will tick all the boxes.Not far from the city centre, this converted 19th Century Ottoman Palace overlooks the Bosphorus where you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast (weather permitting) on the terrace and watch the world float by.

After a day of seeing all the sights of Istanbul, and there are many, return to the oasis of the hotel and relax by the two pools the hotel has to offer, one outside overlooking the sea, and one indoor pool with its jacuzzi and steam rooms. Try out the large gym, or perhaps take advantage of the spa treatments on offer to massage away those sore feet and prepare you for another day of spectacular sights.

It’s a beautiful hotel in a wonderful setting.

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Anne: Nisbet Plantation My perfect Caribbean romantic getaway was realised when we stayed at Nisbet Plantation, Nevis. The setting is just wonderful, with the lawns leading down from the Great House to the sea and the cottages dotted around the grounds.

Being on the Atlantic side of the island there is always a breeze rustling the palm trees and I loved sitting on our terrace watching the pelicans swooping down catching their tea. The rooms are simple but comfortable, and with no phones or televisions you really do leave your busy life behind.

We felt welcome from the minute we arrived, and the staff are the hotel’s greatest asset, Patterson and Violet lead their teams in seemingly effortless service. Dinner in the Great House is the much

anticipated event of the day, truly fabulous. We promised ourselves a repeat visit for our 20th Wedding Anniversary, and that is only next year now!

Abigail: Grand Hotel Timeo & Villa Sant Andrea

but we loved the hotel’s outdoor restaurant with the Greek theatre behind, where you could often hear the evening’s performance, and its outlook was incredible over the bay, with Etna in the distance.

Villa Sant Andrea is down at the coast with a superb setting, one end of the bay.You could take boat trips right from the beach to the Blue Grotto nearby, or laze by the beach or at the newly opened pool.There were a few places to eat out nearby but we also loved the hotel’s alfresco restaurant overlooking the sea. It was just idyllic and we would go back in a flash.

My husband and I spent our honeymoon at the Orient Express sister hotels in Taormina, Sicily: Grand Hotel Timeo and Villa Sant Andrea. We loved them both for their charm, style, and relaxed elegance. They weren’t old-fashioned but used the age of the buildings to add character.

The Grand Timeo was superbly set in town so you could walk out to the shops and local restaurants,

Sue: Al Maha

James: Tanque Verde Ranch

Al Maha is a fabulous conservation resort in the natural landscape of Dubai’s desert reserve, only 45 minutes from the airport. I love this resort as it offers a unique experience, in a magical setting.

Each of the completely private Bedouin suites has its own terrace, infinity pool and huge bathroom with separate shower and enormous bath. There is absolutely no need to leave your suite as all meals can be served in the room or on the terrace. In fact the only company you may encounter are the gazelles or oryx who come up to the suites in the evening.

The food is fabulous and such a great choice with lots of fish and meat options cooked and served to perfection. No diets here, as the desserts are incredible!

I loved the camel ride at sunset and the four wheel dune safari drive was great fun, there is also archery, falconry, horse riding and guided walks. A spa with an oasis style pool, sauna and steam room is a wonderful addition to end the day.

Al Maha gave me a sense of peace and tranquillity, a really romantic hideaway, and an excellent choice to recharge your batteries, relax and enjoy the warm Arabian sunshine.

Take a really good book!

If beans and rice by an open campfire is your picture of the Wild West, think again.

Deep in heart of Arizona just outside the city of Tucson you’ll find the Tanque Verde Ranch.This working ranch resort is an exciting memorable destination for all the family.

From the large symbolic cactus that features on the Saguaro landscape, to tiny hummingbirds delicately hovering over a flower, you are surrounded by nature. I remember waking in the comfort of my adobe walled room to find a family of Javelina (Wild Pig) drinking from the pool in the courtyard outside.

A great way to get a feeling for the Wild West is on horse-back. The ranch caters for all levels of riders. I went for the easy option of the breakfast ride which featured a hearty breakfast in the open air. Besides the riding there are all sorts of activities to keep you amused, or just relax at the spa, and soak up some Arizonan sunshine by the pool.

In a week’s long tour of Arizona taking in the sights including the Grand Canyon, Scottsdale, and Tombstone, this was by far the most memorable accommodation and location I stayed in.

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Sri Lanka The island of Sri Lanka surprises and delights with its intense variety and diversity. Its mix of culture, religions, people, landscapes, wildlife and cuisines offers an incredible kaleidoscope of experiences.

Today a tranquil paradise, with sixteen national parks and eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, it is packed with experiences and beautiful beaches.

Take a journey through four of our favourite hotels and the experiences they offer.

Vil Uyana in the Cultural Triangle is a chic rustic retreat, with just 25 thatched chalets and a spa, set against the backdrop of Sigiriya rock fortress which you can climb. Explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa the island’s ancient capital between the 11th and 13th centuries. In August, Minneriya National Park hosts one of the largest gatherings of wild elephants in Asia and year round has a wide variety of wildlife.

The Estate House at Rosyth, Kegalle offers an opportunity for an authentic Sri Lankan experience, staying in a renovated tea planter’s bungalow, which today offers excellent accommodation and impeccable service. Learn to pluck the tea and visit the tea factory, tap the rubber trees or take a mountain bike through the estate to a local temple.

Kandy, considered the cultural capital of Sri Lanka is set around a lake, against the backdrop of the hill and is home of the Temple of Buddha’s Tooth Relic. The Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, conceived originally in 1371 as the Queen’s pleasure garden were developed by the British in the 19th century and have a renowned collection of orchids. The Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, home to more than 60 elephants, provides an opportunity to see the elephants frolicking in the river with their twice daily trip through the village to bathe in the river.

Travelling from Peradeniya by train in the Observation Car towards Hatton, you pass through the heartland of the Sri Lankan tea country with breathtaking views and a journey into the bygone era of colonial tea plantations.

The iconic Ceylon Tea Trails, the only Relais and Chateaux property on the island is located amidst the tea fields, a collection of four delightful planters’ bungalows at six thousand feet, offering outstanding style and comfort. Join pilgrims from all religions for an overnight climb to Adam’s Peak, where legend says that butterflies go to die, arrive at the summit at dawn and marvel at the view. Adrenalin thrills, for those seeking it, are provided by white water rafting – Butter Crunch, Killer Falls, Head Chopper and Virgin’s Breast just a few of the treats at Kitulgala.

Close to the south west tip of the island and the 17th century Dutch Fort town of Galle, the Fortress Hotel and Spa, Koggola is one of our favourite locations for downtime at the beach, after a journey through the island. In the style of a modern Dutch fort this first class hotel, with 49 rooms offers some of the best accommodation on the south west coast.

Dating back to 1344, when Ibn Batuta the Moroccan traveller visited and well before the Portuguese arrived, the historic Dutch Fort of Galle was established in 1640, with its narrow cobbled streets and impressive sea defences.

The Yala National Park has one of the highest concentrations of Leopard in SE Asia, Sloth Bears and at Bandulla National Park there is a wide variety of birdlife. Off Dondra Head, experience the awe-inspiring presence of the Blue and Sperm Whales and Spinner Dolphins, considered one of the best locations to spot these in the world.

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A S H D OW N A BA MA R E S O RT Abama Golf Resort & Spa The Abama Golf Resort & Spa is located on the southwest coast of Tenerife, in a quiet area called Guia de Isora, approximately 40 minutes from the airport. The resort is situated in 160 hectares of grounds, staggered down the hillside to the sea, and benefits from its own little micro-climate with an average annual temperature of 23 degrees.

Rooms and suites are located either in the main building called the Citadel, or in the gardens, and many interconnect. They also have an area of rooms in the gardens, the Tagor Villas, for exclusive use by adults complete with their own pool. Throughout the property the grounds are well tended with clouds of hibiscus framing tucked away corners creating little oasis’s of calm, and the sunset views over the Atlantic towards La Gomera are just beautiful.

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Families are very well catered for at Abama, with a children’s pool, a mini-club, creche and early dining, if required. But adults will equally enjoy the spa, the golf, and the dining, all of which we can happily pre-book. The main restaurant, Pampa Verona, offers Italian and Argentinian dishes, El Mirador is an excellent fish restaurant, Kabukia is the Japanese restaurant, and not forgetting the fine dining Michelin starred restaurant called MB, as well as beach and pool restaurants open during the day.

With an abundance of flight choices from Gatwick, Abama makes a perfect destination for a long weekend away as well as longer stays and is a firm Ashdown favourite. Many of us have stayed there, so please do ask for more details.

One of our favourite cruise lines, Oceania Cruises, appeals to all kinds of travellers with its world class cuisine, personal service and a choice of itineraries blending marquee ports with boutique destinations.

It offers midsize ships catering from 684 – 1250 guests in a casual yet intimate atmosphere, with two staff members for every three guests, your every need will be attended to.

Claiming to serve the finest cuisine at sea, under the direction of legendary Master Chef Jacques Pepin, the chefs perform feats of gastronomic wizardry, every dish prepared with perfection!

With multiple open-seating dining venues for breakfast, lunch and dinner which allow you to dine where, when and with whom you please, there are no additional charges in any of the restaurants on board. Featuring the only cooking school at sea “Bon Appétit culinary centre”, guests can learn how to prepare a classic Paella Valenciana or attend a cooking demonstration

and learn the secrets of exceptional cuisine.

Enjoy a painting class, indulge in a massage at the Canyon Ranch Spa club, read a book from the well stocked library, try your luck in the casino or just sit back and enjoy the musical performances on board. It is excellent value with a lot of extras at no additional charge including bottled water, soda, fine teas, juices and speciality coffees free throughout each voyage and in many ports Oceania provide a free shuttle into the town, avoiding the hassle of searching for a taxi.

With no need to worry about crowds, the ship size of the Oceania fleet allows the ships to visit smaller boutique ports and seaside villages that large ships cannot access, offering destination focused cruises with unique itineraries. Oceania Cruises blends elegance and luxury with intimacy and warmth, instantly putting you at ease onboard, a great choice for experienced cruisers and those new to cruising.

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Highway 1, USA Winding virtually parallel to the Pacific Ocean, Highway 1 is a stunning drive that meanders gently between Los Angeles and San Francisco in California.

You can drive it in either direction, however arguably the best suggestion is to drive from north to south as this means that you drive closer to the coastline thus benefiting from better views.

There is no set time to do the drive, some people do it in one day which would take nearly 15 hours in high season, however most people prefer to stopover a few nights along the way.

Highlights include the lovely towns of Monterey and Carmel (where Clint Eastwood was Mayor)

and the 17 mile drive which takes in the infamous Pebble Beach golf course, and one of California’s most enduring landmarks,The Lone Cypress sitting on its rocky perch for over 250 years.

Moving south you drive through Big Sur territory with stunning views, wild surf beaches and Sir Randolf Hearst’s Castle at San Simeon.

As you reach San Luis Obispo the road becomes the Highway 101, although not quite as scenic this drive is still spectacular and on the way to Los Angeles you pass through the glamorous resorts of Santa Barbara & Santa Monica.

A few of the team have done this drive so please feel free to call us to discuss further.

A S H D OW N S C E N I C S E L F - D RIV E Garden Route, South Africa Few countries can rival South Africa for its diverse range of experiences in one holiday, and a self drive tour along the Western Cape from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, taking in the “Garden Route”, is a great first time trip to this amazing country.

Seasons are reversed to those in the UK, the Cape has generally a Mediterranean type climate, and January and February are hot and sunny. Driving on the left is easy for us, and apart from city centres, the roads are usually quiet. A direct 12 hour flight from Heathrow takes you into Cape Town, with most hotels being a 20-30 minute transfer away, but with minimal time difference jet lag is not an issue.

Take a few days to explore the city and then pick up your car when you are ready to move on. The wineland areas of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek can be visited for a daytrip from Cape Town but also offer beautiful boutique hotels

and guesthouses to enjoy amid scenic landscapes for a longer stay in their own right. The coastline around Hermanus offers great opportunities to see Southern Right Whales from July to November each year and Grootbos Nature Reserve is an amazing base for this part of your itinerary.

George is the gateway to the true Garden Route with its lakes, rivers, forests and beaches and there are some beautiful places to stay around George and Wilderness, such as The Fancourt hotel and also in Plettenberg Bay, in particular Tsala Treetops and Kurland. Visit the Cango Caves, tour an ostrich farm, walk for miles along dramatic beaches, enjoy a round of golf, take a boat trip on the lagoon at Knysna. To end the trip on a real high, a few days on an Eastern Cape Safari are unmissable, Hlosi Lodge in Amakhala Game Reserve is highly recommended.

Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia One of the world’s most spectacular coastal drives, the Great Ocean Road, spans 243 kms along the stunning coastline of Victoria’s south-west.

It opened in 1932 and was built by returned servicemen as a permanent memorial to those who died whilst fighting in World War I. Amongst some of the highlights are quaint coastal towns, whale watching at certain times of year, and breathtaking views where at times the highway is carved into sheer cliffs that drop away into the ocean, offering commanding views of the waves and swell below.

Drive through the Great Otway National Park and its untouched rainforest to Cape Otway for mainland Australia’s oldest lighthouse and enjoy breathtaking views and a chance to see some native wildlife such as koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, parrots, cockatoos, galahs

and kookaburras in their natural habitat.

The road then hugs the coast for the entire length of the Port Campbell National Park. This is the most famous section of the Great Ocean Road featuring an amazing collection of rock formations known as the 12 Apostles, magnificent rock stacks that rise up majestically from the Southern Ocean.View them at sunrise and sunset as they change colour from dark and foreboding to brilliant sandy yellow under a full sun. London Bridge is another formation which was once a double arch resembling our London Bridge, but it collapsed in 1990, and is now a detached landmass.

And Loch Ard Gorge with a narrow opening out to sea where in rough weather the crashing waves put on quite a show.

Reached from Melbourne, we recommend a minimum 3 to 4 days to enjoy the drive and it can easily be extended to visit the Grampian National Park on the way back to the city.

A S H D OW N T EA M T R I P S South Africa by Linda We flew with South African Airlines from a cold wintery day to the sunny blue skys of Cape Town where our guide and driver were waiting to greet us.

We headed first to the Mont Rochelle Hotel in the stunning wine region of Franschhoek.After settling in we went off to see the La Residence; a very individual hotel with its rooms styled on a French chateau. On returning to Mont Rochelle we were greeted with a superb evening meal and the following morning a delicious breakfast.

Our next stop was the exotic 5* wilderness retreat of Bushman’s Kloof, situated in the Cederberg Mountains which is home to 130 sites of the ancient Bushman Rock Art. On offer is a wide selection of activities to suit everyone, from nature and wildlife tours, to wine tasting and spa treatments. A beautiful haven! We then travelled to the Grootbos Nature Reserve where there are 650 indigenous species of plants, walking trails, horse riding and whale watching (at certain times of the year).

If it is a coastal resort that you prefer, then try the Marine Hotel in the centre of Hermanus, the 5* Relais & Chateaux hotel. If you get the chance to stay at this hotel, make sure you go for a room overlooking the beautiful and scenic Walker Bay. Another great hotel we saw was the Birkenhead House with its charming

patio where you can watch the sunset. We were also lucky enough to stay at the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa with its superb spa facilities and complimentary transfers into Camps Bay and the V & A Waterfront.

This would suit people looking for a more relaxing hotel outside the bustling city centre of Cape Town.

I loved Cape Town itself! It is a buzzing cityscape of excitement! There is such choice of hotels too, from the small boutique guest house of the Four Rosmead, the elegant Georgian and Victoria building of the Cape Cadogan, the 5* One & Only (great for kids), Cape Grace, the Table Bay and of course the iconic Orient-Express Mount Nelson Hotel. There are shops and restaurants galore and a trip up Table Mountain is a must-see, along with the Botanical Gardens, the penguin colony, and Cape Point. It will certainly keep you busy!

Our final destination was just a 20-30 minute drive away, in the Constantia Valley, known for its wineries. The Cellars-Hohenort and the Steenberg Hotel, the latter featuring its own winery and 18 hole champion golf couse, would be ideal for those who have exhausted the sights (and shopping) in Cape Town and just wish to relax with a good round of golf and a few glasses of smooth wine before heading to the airport for their flight home. What a beautiful way to end a beautiful trip!

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