23 The Parade Claygate, Esher Surrey KT10 0PD Email: retail@greenstartravel.co.uk Website: www.greenstartravel.co.uk
Tel: 01372 462226
Since our last issue we find ourselves in a different world however at the time of writing, travel is starting to become a possibility again. We have carefully chosen a number of destinations which we hope will inspire you to start reviving your travel plans. In the Caribbean we explore the beautiful CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa in Anguilla as well as the recently refurbished Fairmont Royal Pavilion in Barbados. Closer to home, the Eastern Algarve has a lot to offer and the less crowded parts of Puglia will surely appeal to all Italophiles.
We are ALWAYS here to ensure you have a wonderful holiday Never has it been more important to use a travel agent. We are here to help with cancellation and postponement advice and ensure you have a happy and safe holiday. As we work with fully bonded partners, all your money is safe too.
If you are dreaming of more bucket list destinations or a wildlife adventure, read all about the One & Only resorts in Rwanda where you can stay in luxury and trek to see the gorillas by day. There are many more destinations to explore in this issue which we are sure will give you lots to dream about and give you some inspiration to start planning that long awaited escape. We look forward to helping you make your travel dreams become a reality.
The world is slowly opening up again however we realise that several of the destinations in this newsletter may not yet be open to travellers. As your local independent agent we offer up to the minute advice and help you decide your ideal holiday destination.
Martyn Fisher Director
Contents
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Cruising the Galapagos
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Trulli Delicious Puglia
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A Touch of the Mediterranean
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The Undiscovered Algarve
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Royal Makeover in Barbados
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River Odysseys
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A Sense of Mexico
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The Art of Beautiful
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Emerald Heaven
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Gorillas in the Mists of Rwanda
Travel News Introducing the chic adult-only Lesante Blu Exclusive Beach Resort, Zakynthos
The St. Regis Venice sparkles after a two-year restoration
Built in 2017, Lesante Blu occupies a prime location on the eastern coast of this stunningly verdant green island, near the picturesque village of Tragaki and is just a 20 minute drive from Zakynthos Airport. Its wellappointed setting offers expansive views of the turquoise blue Ionian Sea, with Kefalonia and the Peloponnese in the distance.
The hotel, fresh off a two-year restoration and renovation, has 169 guestrooms and suites. Guestroom interiors showcase a colour palette inspired by the artworks of Impressionist painter Claude Monet, while design of the property's public spaces pays homage to Venetian artist and architect Carlo Scarpa.
A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, this all-suite hotel exudes world-class luxury and warm hospitality with its ‘all-about-you’ ethos. Guests can savour traditional Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, created with seasonal locally-sourced produce, across the hotel's three restaurants - all with incredible sea views and private dining options.
A fascinating journey of discovery across Northern Spain with Tauck
Occupying five Venetian palaces, The St. Regis Venice is the brand's third location in Italy, joining the St. Regis Florence and The St. Regis Rome. It is located just 6 minutes walk from St Marks Square and is perfectly positioned on the Grand Canal.
The Canny Traveller Travel Innovations in 2020/21
Hip Cruises
Step back in time on a journey that spans centuries and borders, mixing historic wonders with modern innovations. Discover a diversity of landscapes and cultural riches as Tauck takes you on a guided tour from Barcelona to Madrid via Pamplona, Rioja, Bilbao, Oviedo and Santiago de Compostela. With plenty of 2020/21 available departures between April and October including selected dates for small groups (up to 24 guests) and solo traveller savings, there has never been a better time to plan an unforgettable 14-day journey across Northern Spain. Highlights of the tour include a seven course feast in a medieval castle, a chance to explore the vineyards of Rioja whilst staying at the unique Frank Gehry designed Marques de Riscal Hotel and an overnight stay at one of the oldest hotels in the world, the luxurious Parador de Santiago de Compostela. Prices from £4,770pp (June 2021). Please call for further details.
Richard Branson’s new Virgin Voyages will take to the seas in October 2020. Its maiden vessel, the Scarlet Lady, has been designed for the Millennial and post-Millennial generations. There will be Tom Dixon-designed interiors, karaoke studios, an open-air gym, and even a revivalist vinyl record shop as well as bars serving their own brand of craft beer and CBD cocktails, together with restaurants offering vegan options.
The Wandering Hotel Bespoke travel goes truly nomadic in 2020. Accomplished actor turned hotelier, Thierry Teyssier, has put the wander back into wanderlust. 700,000 Heures, named for the average number of hours an individual spends on earth, is the world’s first wandering hotel, offering a new destination every six months for those tired of the standard experiences offered by conventional travel and seeking something far more distinctive.
Seek your roots You’ve traced your family roots using clever ancestry websites and blood testing, now take the next leap of discovery by travelling to the distant lands revealed in your DNA!
ECO concerns to change travel preferences Reducing your carbon footprint is going to herald a growth in train travel in favour of air travel.
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Celebrity FloraÂŽ Explores The Galapagos Experience the most unique corner of the world in true modern luxury style
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elebrity Cruises has introduced the newest addition to the Celebrity Galapagos Fleet, Celebrity Flora. Celebrity Flora marks an evolutionary turning point in the approach to ship design by allowing the destination and its environment to inspire and influence every decision made. From the luxurious all-suites accommodations that incorporate sustainable, natural materials that complement the destination to solar panels, which helps supplement electricity supply and reduce emissions, we’ve created a ship that truly differentiates between visiting this incredible corner of the world and experiencing it.
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Celebrity Flora offers the largest and most luxurious accommodations in the Galapagos Islands. In fact, every stateroom on board is a suite that includes an unrivaled array of indulgent design features, services, and amenities. Full room automation that lets you control everything with the touch of a button. Luxury linens and bathrobes. Personal Suite Attendants. Chocolates and bath products sourced locally from Ecuador. Integrated drinking water filtration systems in every suite. We could go on. On Celebrity Flora unwinding after a day of adventures in the islands is easier than ever. Galapagos Glamping is the first sunset-to-sunrise experience of its kind in the Galapagos Islands. Enjoy an exclusive and delectable dinner featuring campfire-
themed delights and cocktails. Experience a naturalistguided stargazing session under the constellations of both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, as you sail along the equator. Sleep under the stars in a cabana that transforms into a comfortable double bed. Wake up to the sunrise and a private breakfast before you leave for your daily island adventures. With the inclusion of Celebrity Flora there are now two stunning ships offering Inner and Outer Loop itineraries ...we’ve got the islands covered with Celebrity style!
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3 bedroom beachfront villa
The Beach Bar
Inspirational views across the 18-hole golf course
Chill out on the beach in a cabana
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A Touch of the Mediterranean Warm Caribbean hospitality at CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa, Anguilla
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aving undergone a design transformation, CuisinArt Golf Resort and Spa, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, re-opened her doors on 1 November 2018 and continues to offer her guests a blend of relaxed elegance and five-star service across the eastern- Mediterranean inspired buildings including 91 suites and 7 villas. Located on Rendezvous Bay, one of the finest white sand beaches on Anguilla (if not the whole Caribbean!), with local beach bars just steps away, this is not a hotel for those looking for an elitist club. But, if your ideal is warm Caribbean hospitality, modern stylish beachfront suites, great food choices and perhaps an 18 hole championship golf course and a spa, not to mention the craziest of splashpads for the kids, CuisinArt Golf Resort and Spa may just be what you have been seeking.
Sexy Styling on the Beach A vibrant, cosmopolitan approach to holiday relaxation at The Reef by CuisinArt Contemporary chic is the key message from this cutting-edge luxury beach resort. The Reef by CuisinArt delivers a youthful expression of upscale Caribbean living. Enjoying access to all the facilities of sister property, CuisinArt Golf & Spa Resort, The Reef will appeal to a zesty client that wants to max out on the beach vibe of an island with the best white sands in the Caribbean!
Aquacycling at the pool The lobby
You can practically step from a pool lounger on to the sands of Merrywing Bay. The Reef by CuisinArt is on Anguilla’s southerly shores, fringed by beautiful coastline - and plenty of watersports. Neighbouring Rendezvous Bay is pure bliss. You’ll even have priority access and transportation to the exclusive Spa by CuisinArt at the CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa.
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Royal Makeover in Barbados Timeless Caribbean elegance at the newly renovated Fairmont Royal Pavilion
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f only the very best beachfront experience will suffice when on holiday to the prestigious platinum coast of Barbados, then make sure you stay at the island’s first and premier luxury hotel, the newly renovated Fairmont Royal Pavilion.
have been redesigned into a chill-out space, replacing the balcony furniture with Daybeds where the Fairmont experience is elevated even further. Upgraded technology includes flat screen TV, state of the art joinery, and the beautiful glossy bar set.
The ace card for this iconic hotel has to be the wonderful beach that stretches majestically across the length of the hotel’s low-rise frontage allowing every guest unobstructed views of the enticing and warm azure waters of the Caribbean, from the 72 Beachfront Suites and Oceanfront Rooms that comprise this elegant and well-loved establishment.
The new Signature Oceanfront Rooms, situated on the third floor, offer daily full buffet breakfast for two, exclusive butler service, luxury airport transfers, special amenities designed to enhance your Island resort experience and the convenient Platinum Fast Track Service, which includes the resort’s Airport Concierge who will guide you through customs and escort you to your awaiting luxury airport transfer.
Whether you are one of the many returning guests or a first-timer you are sure to be impressed by the achievements of the recent multi-million dollar renovation. These works have transformed and updated every guest accommodation, truly raising the bar for hospitality on Barbados. Particular emphasis was given to a new, harmonious look adopting a decorative finish of soothing beige and taupes reflecting the hotel’s beachfront vista tastefully embellished by handcrafted woodwork and local artworks. In addition, all outdoor decks
Last but not least, the 24 newly refurbished ground floor Beachfront Suites, which share the added benefits of the Signature rooms, have an extended terrace area and direct access to the beach, so close you could almost dip your toes in the warm azure water! These magnificent suites are the pinnacle of this ‘royal’ makeover that sets new standards of ultra-luxury in the Caribbean, retaining a sense of serene seclusion with a unique beachfront position unlike any other resorts on the island.
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Sunset over the Sea of Cortez, Ty Warner Mansion, Las Ventanas al Paraíso
A Sense of Mexico Two idyllic Rosewood Resorts... ...but so difficult to choose between the Pacific and Mexican Caribbean!
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hilst you might be lured by the plethora of allinclusive resorts that proliferate Mexico’s Caribbean and Pacific coastlines, there are simply no contenders to compete against the traditional (not inclusive) and deeply rooted, highly personalised hospitality of Rosewood’s lavish resorts; Las Ventanas al Paraíso on the Pacific peninsula of Los Cabos in Baja California and Rosewood Mayakoba on the Riviera Maya of Mexico’s Caribbean coast. Perhaps, the only way to differentiate is to use Rosewood’s own mission statement - ‘A Sense of Place’ as this is quite fundamental to every Rosewood hotel and resort worldwide. Las Ventanas al Paraíso, a Rosewood Resort is the epitome of an elite hideaway. Framed against the stark and rugged desert landscape of the Los Cabos region, it is an oasis of pampered luxury that has welcomed many a celebrity in search of rest and revitalisation since opening in 1997. With the recent introduction of a twice weekly, direct flight service between London Gatwick and Cabo San Lucas, this will surely mark an increase in interest from visitors from the UK seeking a winter sun getaway. The exclusive all suite, villas resort resembles a magical Mexican seaside village, with elegant whitewashed buildings set among pristine gardens and eight meandering swimming pools beside a sandy beach. Renowned for the most luxurious touches, the 12
iconic Signature Villas, each equipped with infinity pool, dedicated villa host and all butler service set the tone for an unparalleled bespoke experience in Paradise. In contrast, Rosewood Mayakoba is in the heart of the 620-acre Mayakoba estate, amid a network of canals and lagoons that cut a sway through lush, tropical jungles bordering a mile-long stretch of white sand beach. A sumptuous choice of suite and private villa accommodation, the most dramatic being the Deluxe Overwater Lagoon Suites which appear to float along the water’s edge, reflects the changing terrain with the novelty of water-borne transportation between accommodations and the resort’s communal areas. Special features like butler service, outdoor garden showers and private plunge pools in every suite complete your ultra-lux getaway. Ultimately, both resorts will wow their varied guests, including families with even the smallest toddlers to couples in search of a romantic interlude. Experience true Mexican hospitality, fine cuisine and a careful matching of Tequila from a range of over 100 varieties! Be pampered in spas that are the envy of the luxury travel industry and be amazed at a level of attentive and friendly service that is the true hallmark of guest care. For sure, it is a difficult choice so don’t choose one or the other - just visit both at least once in your life!
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At the heart of the resort, Rosewood Mayakoba Tequila & Ceviche Bar at Las Ventanas al Paraíso
Suites along the Lagoon, Rosewood Mayakoba
Aqui me Quedo Adult Only Beach, Rosewood Mayakoba
Couples massage at Ty Warner Mansion, Las Ventanas al Paraíso
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Emerald Heaven All-inclusive bliss at Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa
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ffering a generous all inclusive experience Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa, one of the most exciting new private island resorts to open in 2019, is located in the unspoilt Raa Atoll in the north west of the Maldives and just 45 minutes from Male International Airport. The 5 star resort prides itself on delivering world class cuisine and excellent service to discerning guests staying in a stunning range of contemporary designed beach and over-water villas.
Situated at the centre of a group of islands ensures calm waters year round and excellent snorkelling on the amazing house reef. The resort is surrounded by 1.5 km of white sandy beach on a 20 hectare private island which has mature, thick forests which the rooms and villas are blended into ensuring a cosy feeling of privacy. As a proud member of Leading Hotels of the World, Emerald Maldives strives to meet very highest
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standards in accommodation, service, food and drink. There is a choice of four restaurants covering multiple cuisines from across the world. The range of accommodation offers ample choice for both couples or families. There are 120 villas both on the beach and over water, including beautifully appointed beach villas, perfect for honeymooners, to excellent value two bedroom family villas. The magnificent four bedroom Royal Beach Villa is a perfect option for a multi-generational get together.
Families will love the facilities available in the resort, with a huge 1500m2 kids club featuring a large splash play area, adventure playgrounds and a great activity programme run by the excellent childcare team. The kids club caters for children aged from 4-12 years. The Maldives is a stunning playground especially for snorkelling, diving and water sports. The Emerald Maldives offers plenty of activities with a spa, sports centre, diving centre, water sports centre and boat excursions so you can be as active or relaxed as you want.
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Trulli Delicious Puglia The breadbasket of Italy has so much to offer the visitor
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here is so much more to Puglia in Southern Italy than the iconically bizarre Trulli, wrongly attributed as Tolkein’s inspiration for the Hobbit but actually more of a medieval land tax dodge!
There are wonderful hillside and seafront towns that capture the imagination and plunge you into the province’s fascinating history, where superb Masserie (fortified farm estates) have been transformed into luxurious hotels or stunning Lecce, nicknamed the ‘Florence of the South’, which is a feast of Baroque architecture built around a Roman amphitheatre. Participate in the wild regional dance, the Tarantella, which frenetically offers total escapism to those that want to venture there!
Explore the countryside to discover glorious beaches and some of Italy’s largest national parks including Gargano with its famous cave systems and sinkholes. Puglia is also a treat for the senses with unique spas for relaxation and most importantly a gastronomic experience which enhances and will transport gastronauts to foodie heaven. Puglia is known as the breadbasket of Italy. It is the source of 80 percent of Europe's pasta and much of Italy's fish; it produces more wine than Germany and more olive oil than all the other regions of Italy combined. In fact, Puglia has just been awarded even more Michelin stars this year, so what better time to highlight the scintillating and palate-stimulating excitement of its gastronomic offerings. Venture into its traditional and fiercely proud vineyards, many of which are organic, taste the exquisite olive oil from some of the oldest olive trees in Italy and take your taste buds on a flavour roller coaster with its many Michelin starred chefs like Angelo Sabadello, Antonella Ricci and Felix Lo Basso, whose restaurants straddle the region. The Trulli may be wonderful and unique to Puglia but there is so much more to this spectacular region. Come and explore with all your senses. You will not be disappointed.
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An Authentic Taste of Puglia Masseria Torre Maizza, a Rocco Forte Hotel The result of sympathetic and stylish renovations to a 16th century Masseria, this 5-star retreat gives an authentic taste of life on a working farm within an extensive estate overlooking the sea.
Olga Polizzi-designed rooms filled with Italian-inspired designs. Built around a seaward-facing lookout tower, the masseria offers a choice of rooms and suites with views either to the olive groves or the sea.
Inspired by the sensational landscapes of Puglia and the ethos of Rocco Forte Hotels, it exquisitely blends local heritage with contemporary luxury and unparalleled service. Occupying a prime position overlooking the Adriatic Coast and surrounded by ancient olive groves, the property exudes the charms of its locality, featuring
The rooftop bar is primely located to make the most of the region’s romantic sunsets, while the elegant restaurant overlooks the property’s charming pool. There’s also a 9-hole executive golf course, a private beach club and an indulgent spa.
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The Undiscovered Algarve Be surprised by the Eastern Algarve at Monte Rei Golf & Country Club
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hose of you who were fortunate to visit the Algarve before tourist development overwhelmed the coast west of Faro will be pleased to know that its original, relaxed appeal still flourishes to the east towards the border with Spain. The eastern Algarve has a distinctly more laid-back feel, where secluded beaches can stretch for many miles with no one in sight. The towns have a genuine, historical appeal, some dating back to Roman times like the postcard-pretty port of Tavira with its narrow walkways, whitewashed markets and village square cafÊs, all emblazoned with exquisite mosaic tile work. The local gastronomy also entices with tempting specialities like traditional salt-cod fritters and tender octopus salad. Fresh bread and pastries are something of a local art, and the ubiquitous pastel de nata, or eggcustard tart is proudly produced by competing bakeries, demanding careful and constant comparison! One of the very finest places to base yourself is the beautifully landscaped Monte Rei Golf & Country Club, home to one of Europe’s very best golf courses. It is situated slightly inland in a prime position just 19km
from the Spanish border (a day trip to Seville is in easy distance) and close to the beaches and local sights. Guests at Monte Rei can stay in a range of beautiful villas and contemporary apartments, ranging from 1 to 4 bedrooms. They will enjoy a full service at the resort just like at a 5 star luxury hotel with personalised services and privileged access to all the resort facilities and state-of-the-art amenities, with daily housekeeping including evening turn-down service, concierge service, private transfers and a wonderful welcome hamper on arrival. There is a choice of three bars and restaurants ranging from an informal relaxed setting, poolside dining and most importantly Vistas, their fine dining restaurant led by Rui Silvestre, the youngest Portuguese Chef to be awarded a Michelin star. Leisure time at the resort allows guests, be they golfing parties, families or couples, to enjoy the heated swimming pools, gymnasium, sauna and steam room, and of course, the championship golf course with golf tuition academy.
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The spectacular Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course
The new Clubhouse Residences apartments
Vistas Restaurant Villa with private pool
Family dining poolside at Veranda
Tavira
Miles of beaches to explore at Cacela Velha
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River Odysseys Crystal River Cruises have achieved new levels of excellence in European luxury river cruising
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enowned as The World’s Most Luxurious River Cruise Line™, Crystal River Cruises debuted in 2016 with the launch of their first river vessel ushering in a new era of luxury in the river cruising industry. With a focus on more overnight stays and longer days in port to maximize guests’ authentic experience in each destination, Crystal River Cruises showcases Europe’s most fascinating and fairytale locales. Crystal expanded its fleet in 2017 with the debut of the first two of four identical ships, Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler, which offer voyages along the Rhine, Main, Danube and Moselle rivers. The two ships mark the first and only all-suite, all-balcony river ships in Europe, with every category of accommodations situated above the water line. Most recently, Crystal River Cruises further expanded its fleet with Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel.
Extraordinary personal attention, butler service for every suite and superb, farm-to-table cuisine are among the defining characteristics of Crystal River Cruises, as are plush onboard amenities, the largest luxury suites in river cruising, expansive social spaces crowned with skylights and glass roofs, and an ambience of boutique elegance. An unparalleled range of all-inclusive amenities and services exceeds the expectations of the most discerning travellers. Crystal’s all-inclusive experience offers Michelin-inspired cuisine, unlimited pours of fine wines and premium spirits, all gratuities (shipboard and shoreside), daily fitness and yoga classes, unlimited Wi-Fi and use of Atlanta eBikes in select destinations. Ashore, a curated “Crystal Collection” of complimentary experiences offers unmatched options for cultural enrichment and active adventure.
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The Art of Beautiful Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels – where the beauty of the place inspires the beauty of the heart
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eachcomber Resorts & Hotels are situated in the very best beachfront locations around the coastline of Mauritius and offer the ultimate in amazing experiences. You could be indulging in a luxurious spa treatment in the Spa Beachcomber, experiencing the multitude of water sports on offer, taking in a round of golf with outstanding views or sampling the haute cuisine on offer in their varied restaurants. However you choose
to spend your time during a stay at a Beachcomber hotel you won’t be disappointed. Each Beachcomber hotel welcomes you in a unique location with distinct style and character. Each of them is your personal invitation to explore for yourself an allencompassing world of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, where every detail matters and every moment becomes a lasting memory.
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The kids club at Royal Palm
Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury Offering impeccable service matching the highest standards in the world.
Pool Villa at Trou Aux Biches
Trou Aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa The first environmentally aware resort in Mauritius with six restaurants offering a wide range of cuisines, numerous activities and stunning sunsets. Plus an association to Mont Choisy Le Golf Championship golf course.
The Spa at Dinarobin
Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa A truly elegant resort with a dedicated adults only area and featuring The Club at Dinarobin.
Aerial view over Paradis
Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa Located on Le Morne Peninsular and features a spectacular 18-hole par 72 championship golf course as well as a wide array of land and water sports. 21
Gorillas in the Mist The ultimate luxury wildlife adventure awaits in Rwanda with One&Only
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he flow of time has witnessed a remarkable renaissance in Rwanda. This small, landlocked country in East Africa, which suffered appalling genocide in 1994, is now a peaceful, friendly and prospering nation. It is also a country that packs a lot of natural punch into a small area (half the size of Scotland). Known as the 'Land of a Thousand Hills", Rwanda is a lush, tropical gem
of rolling hills peppered with tea plantations, rugged mountains, towering volcanoes and shimmering Lake Kivu, one of Africa's great lakes. Within this extraordinary landscape is to be found a wonderful diversity of wildlife adventures, the most famous of which is the "Gorillas in the Mist", the endangered mountain primates made famous by Dian Fossey.
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Gorilla Trekking Wildlife lovers will struggle to beat the mesmerising experience of being in the presence of these majestic primates. Your guides will have trekked since dawn to locate one of three families which inhabit this dense mountainous forest. Radioing in, it is an adventurous trek up steep hillsides to join them for an hour you will never forget.
One&Only Nyungwe House Set above the steaming canopy of ancient rainforest this opulent escape sits amongst the verdant fields of a working tea plantation. Trek with experienced trackers to observe playful chimpanzees in the wild before returning to comfy suites to put your feet up in front of exquisite forest views.
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest Nestled in the continent’s oldest national park, guests of this decadent camp can spend tranquil nights amongst the treetops on spacious private balconies. Days can be spent exploring the surrounding volcanic slopes, home to the iconic Rwandan gorilla. At night, contemporary suites provide the perfect nights rest, before spoiling guests with spectacular forest views through floor to ceiling windows.
23 The Parade, Claygate, Esher,Surrey, KT10 0PD
Tel: 01372 462226 Email: retail@greenstartravel.co.uk
Website: www.greenstartravel.co.uk