TRAVEL
Home & Away with Robert Walshe SAS will be one of the first airlines in the world to offer in-flight connectivity, such as internet and mobile services, on both European and intercontinental routes. The service will be offered free of charge to Business class and Economy Extra customers, and as a feebased option in Economy. The service will first start on Norwegian domestic routes and will then be rolled out in Ireland in mid to late 2011. Broadband services onboard SAS flights will include full internet access, online shopping, movies and other video content, games, destination information and bookable services at the destination city (e.g., taxicab service or hotel reservations), and realtime flight information. Scandinavian Airlines have a history of firsts in the airline industry including establishing the world’s first around-theworld service, first airline to introduce Tourist Class, first airline to fly directly over the North Pole. first airline to introduce in-flight entertainment, first airline to employ a female pilot, first airline to introduce sleeper seats, first airline to introduce biometric security check in, first airline to implement green flights, both domestic and trans-Atlantic www. flysas.ie
Weekend Hotspot
Chewton Glen is a Luxury Country House Hotel and Spa set in 130 acres of Hampshire countryside on the edge of the New Forest National Park and just a few minutes walk from the sea. Approached along a sweeping drive, Chewton Glen reclines beneath a very long horizon The property an 18th century mansion was remodelled into the Palladian style in the 1890s converted years later and right from the off, you feel a sense of occasion here. Documents detailing land and premises known as “Chewton Glen House” were produced in 1732, at which time the building on the present site of the hotel
Living
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rvator dining
wton Glen.
n Chewton Glen exterior.
may have been in existence. The proportions of the building suggest a date in the early 18th century.The property also has a famous literary link; Capt. Frederick Marryat stayed for periods during the 1840s and gathered material for his famous novel “The Children of the New Forest”. The hotel itself is deceptively large; you first come into the main hall with discreet reception area next to the little boutique with a lovely hall and staircase, all very plush and elegant. Then theirs the bar, reception rooms and dining rooms. The bedrooms and suites are decorated individually to give each a unique ‘feel’ and atmosphere and most of the accommodation has a terrace, balcony or private garden.The combination of antique furnishings and magnificent fabrics creates a scene of timeless elegance and comfort. As you would expect each bedroom is equipped to the highest standards including state of the art technology and a personal TV in the bathroom. If you feel like pushing the boat out or celebrating a special occasion remember that Chewton Glen has 15 Junior Suites, 2 Garden Suites and 4 Duplex Suites. There are also a number of public rooms where one can lose oneself, all extremely comfortable with log fires burning
Pet’s Corner...
in winter and fine views of the beautiful gardens, lawns and terraces. The dining options include a splendid conservatory which is a charming place to eat in. Head Chef Luke Mathews and his team offer a variety of dishes from a selection of menu options and extensive use is made of fresh Hampshire produce. The spa is adjacent to the main hotel building and can be accessed via its own Health Club entrance.The relaxation room is perfect, reclining chairs, earphones for music, personal reading lights if you fancy picking up a magazine and look out for the starry ceiling.. The hydrotherapy pools are wonderful; the ozone treated pool is large and surrounded by pillars and reclining beds. My favourite Linda Meredith products are V tox which is billed as the natural alternative to Botox available exclusively here and used by the stars! I must say Chewton Glen does the personal touch very well, from the staff and facilities down to the stamped postcards in your room. It’s an ideal choice for New Year hotel breaks in Hampshire and the New Forest. Enjoy . www.chewtonglen.com
Weekly Best Buy
American Holidays are offering some great great cruise offers including travel with Royal
n Master suite at Chewton Glen.
Caribbean offering a Family special - kids sail from €1 onboard Adventure of The Seas Summer 2011. The package includes a 7 Night Med Fly/Cruise onboard Adventure of The Seas. Family Prices from £2429 based on 2 adults & 2 children. Depart: 4th June 2011. €1 excludes port taxes & gratuities - port taxes are included in above prices. Excludes sailings 23rd July - 21st August 2011. With Celebrity Cruises you can save up to £500 per stateroom and receive a balcony for the price of an ocean view on Solstice Class Ships. Also receive up to up to $100 per stateroom onboard credit. This is based on selected sailings & durations. www.americanhoildays.com Robert Walshe is a freelance contributor / broadcaster and is guest travel writer for River Media newspaper titles across the island of Ireland
with Kathleen Murray
with Kathleen Murray: Animal Behavioural Therapist
Guard Dogs This is a subject that is very dear to my heart as I have seen so many good dogs being destroyed through no fault of their own. When people think about guard dogs they tend to think about German Shepherds, Rottweilers, etc. This is because these dogs have been widely used and abused as protection dogs due to their size… not their temperament. These particular breeds are herding dogs. They were bred for cattle and sheep herding. They are still used as herding dogs in their native countries where there are large compe-
room at Che
titions just like our “One man and his Dog” competitions. We have ruined the good name of these dogs by using them in the wrong way and putting them in the wrong hands. A guard dog is a dog that alerts you to something that needs your attention. The job of the dog is to bark and then you should investigate the problem before telling the dog to stop. If the problem is an intruder then you and the dog should do something about it but the dog should wait for your signal or invitation, not eat somebody because you can’t control it. If you are not there then the
dog will act as it sees fit, if itself, or your property is under threat. Any dog can be a guard dog. Any dog can alert you to a problem but, because people are more scared of the bigger breeds, people tend to use them more, yet often can’t control the dog at all. Dogs (any size) that are not under the control of their owners or handlers can do a lot of damage. Dogs that are allowed to bark at and chase everyone that comes to the door are dangerous dogs, not guard dogs. They are dangerous because they have not be trained, conditioned, and socialised properly.
Dogs that bark at everyone and anyone without guidance or control will bite at some stage. Dogs don’t just “turn” on someone. they have been heading in that direction for some time. You just need to know the signs. Guard dogs, guide dogs, sheepdogs, gun dogs etc all need guidance. It’s all team work so don’t expect a dog to know how to guard properly if you haven’t taught it to properly. Guarding is as much about coming back when called as it is about going forward to protect. Please don’t destroy a good dogs life.
Home and Away Extra Shangri-La Hotel, Paris in the capital’s 16th arrondissement, will open on 17th December and will be the brand’s first property in Europe. Built in 1896 as the private home of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte’s grandnephew, Prince Roland Bonaparte, Shangri-La Hotel, Paris brings a tasteful balance between the group’s signature style of hospitality and French art de vivre. The restored landmark retains its residential heritage offering 81 rooms including 27 suites, making it the most intimate of all Shangri-
La Hotels worldwide. Internationally acclaimed interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon crafted each room individually to retain the residential ambience, while providing all modern day comforts Nearly half of all rooms offer balconies and terraces to take in the sights and sounds of the City of Lights. The 16th arrondissement on the right bank of the River Seine is one of the city’s premier residential districts yet within short walking distance from the capital’s main attractions, shopping areas and parks www. shangri-la.com