A S H D O W N T R AV E L SUMMER 2013
* NEWS * HIP HOTELS * CANADA * * SPORTING EVENTS * FAMILY ADVENTURE *
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Welcome to our latest newsletter! If you are as glad as me to see the back of this bitter winter, then hopefully you will enjoy reading this newsletter and start thinking about trips to warmer climates! This time our destination feature is the fabulous country of Canada. Anne is a qualified Canadian specialist and many others of the team have also been lucky enough to visit. This amazing destination really does have something for everyone from some of the most stunning scenery in the world, vibrant cities, and some iconic rail and cruise options. We would be delighted to discuss the different options with you.
We are regularly asked for active family holidays beyond just a beach resort and so we have provided a few ideas that you and your family can do together to give you a memorable experience. This isn’t a definitive list so if you like the concept, and need some more ideas, please call us! If you love sport then through our carefully selected partners we are able to get tickets for many of the world’s top sporting events. Later in the newsletter you will read about some of the events we have managed to get tickets for in the past, and again, if your preferred choice is not shown, just call us and give us a try! Modern contemporary styled hotels are opening all over the world and are becoming very popular for people who want to stay somewhere new and exciting. Many of them have exclusive bars and clubs that are available to members and guests only so you are getting a real VIP experience. You will read a few suggestions in this newsletter but there are many others around the world that we can suggest. I do hope you enjoy reading this newsletter and look forward to seeing you in the shop soon. Kind Regards, Nick Samuels, Director nick@ashdowntravel.co.uk [Front cover image courtesy of Ontario Tourism]
Nick setting off on a helicopter ride over Niagara Falls
A S H D O W N T R A V E L 24-26 Station Road East, Oxted
Qantas and Emirates partnership Qantas has made a significant change to its route network this Spring and instead of maintaining the historical relationship with British Airways, it is in the process of finalising its new collaboration with Emirates. The alliance means that Qantas flights from Europe will now stop-over in Dubai rather than Asia and between the two airlines, over 14 flights a day will operate between the two destinations, plus onward flights to countless destinations within the Qantas domestic network.
Opening of Shangri-La Hotel, at The Shard, London One of the most eagerly awaited hotel openings of the year will be the Shangri-La Hotel, at The Shard, London in one of the most talked about buildings in the city. It is due for completion towards the end of the year and will be located between the 34th and 52nd floors of the tallest building in Western Europe. There will be 202 bedrooms and suites with amazing views. The all-day dining restaurant and lounge on the 35th floor will serve locally inspired dishes with an Asian twist, and afternoon tea; plus a destination bar complete with an infinity pool on the 52nd floor with panoramic views of the capital’s iconic skyline.
Duchess of Cambridge Godmother to Princess Cruise ship Princess Cruises were delighted to announce that their brand new ship the Royal Princess was officially named by the Duchess of Cambridge in a grand ceremony in Southampton on 13th June and continues a long tradition of acting as Godmother to bless the new ship. The maiden voyage followed on 16th June to the Mediterranean.
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Vancouver Canada. The name alone summons images to mind of vast landscapes, dramatic scenery, and fantastic wildlife. A long-time favourite destination of Ashdown Travel, Vancouver is the ideal starting point for a tour of Western Canada. The city has a vibrant cosmopolitan atmosphere with great restaurants and shopping, and with its mountain backdrop and harbourside setting, it is also a beautiful city. We love the boutique chic of the Loden Hotel located in the Coal Harbour district with rooms offering views of Stanley Park, the North Mountains or Coal Harbour marina. Alternatively, the Rosewood Hotel Georgia is
Rockies stylishly elegant and very centrally located just one block from Robson Street. Yet it still offers a decadent spa and a unique outdoor restaurant and lounge called Reflections with a central firepit and oversized couches, the perfect place to chill with a glass or two of BC wine! A 40 minute scenic floatplane ride takes you to Victoria, a small historic city on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. It is one of the best places to take a whale watching trip with regular sightings of orcas, grey whales, porpoises and harbour seals. The world famous Butchart Gardens are not far from here and are well worth a visit. Hiring a car on Vancouver Island allows you to explore and get back to nature, the island being home to some beautiful beaches and resorts. In the east, the beaches around Parksville offer beautiful swimming whilst in the west around Ucluelet and Tofino the wild beauty of the Pacific Ocean is abundantly striking. When you’ve had your fill of the ocean, take the ferry from Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay just north of Vancouver and drive to the mountain resort of Whistler. Famous for being a spectacular ski resort in winter, in summer the resorts’ restaurants and bars spill out onto the cobblestone squares and plazas. Not to mention the miles of breathtaking scenery on your doorstep and a wealth of leisure activities on offer. The ‘must-do’ attraction is the Zip Trek Tour over Fitzsimmons Creek, whilst you can also go canoeing and horseback riding, not forgetting the Peak to Peak Gondola with its amazing views spanning between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. The perfect place to relax after all that activity is at the Four Seasons Resort Whistler, a beautiful resort property half a mile from Whistler centre.
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Jasper is located in the heart of the Rockies, in its largest habitable valley, hence home to some amazing wildlife such as elk, grizzly bears, moose and mountain lions. Whilst staying in this pretty, small town, don’t miss the opportunity of visiting Maligne Canyon and Maligne Lake; whilst the Jasper Tramway is the longest and highest aerial tramway in the Rockies. Heading south from Jasper towards Banff along the famous Icefields Parkway, you will want to stop many times to capture the many incredible views. But allow time to stop at the Icefield Centre and take a trip out onto the Athabasca Glacier on an Ice Explorer coach, a fascinating experience.
Within the Banff National Park area, is the iconic Lake Louise. With its stunning blue-green water, it is one of the most photographed scenes in the Canadian Rockies. But just a few miles away is the lesser known Moraine Lake, and we highly recommend a few days stay at the Moraine Lake Lodge to soothe the soul amidst the serene beauty of this small mountain retreat. A few miles further south is the town of Banff, with its charming gift shops, art galleries and museums. There is also a great selection of restaurants and the Fox Suites are ideally located in the town offering a comfortable base to stay.
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Rocky Mountaineer
With 7 scheduled flights a day in the summer season, Toronto is an ideal destination for a city break. Set on the waterfront of the eastern seaboard, Canada’s largest city is host to over a hundred museums and galleries, has a great tradition within the world of performing arts and a fantastic choice of hotels and restaurants. The Trump International Hotel and Tower opened last year and has rapidly gained an excellent reputation for outstanding service.
route you choose, the train is reminiscent of journeys from a bygone age, and the on-board attendants provide excellent service and lively historical accounts of the people who forged this incredible rail-track from ocean to mountains. There are three levels of service on-board to suit all budgets, please ask for more details.
Thrill seekers should head to the CN Tower for the latest attraction called ‘Edgewalk’ - a hands free walk along a five foot wide ledge atop the Tower’s main pod! Too scary? Then just enjoy the Observation Deck with its glass floor instead!! Complete your visit with a daytrip to Niagara Falls, and an excursion on the thrilling Maid of the Mist boat ride. Or why not enjoy a night or two in the quaint town Niagara-on-the-Lake, in relaxing contrast to frenetic city life.
Image courtesy of Ontario Tourism
The Rocky Mountaineer is well known for its two-day daylight journey by train from Vancouver to the Rockies either Banff or Jasper and vice versa. The train changes the pace of your trip and offers wonderful landscapes and dramatic scenery. What you may not realise is that they also offer an alternative northerly journey from Whistler to Jasper via Fraser River and Quesnel. Whichever
Lively Toronto
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Ranch Holidays
South Africa
Discover the Wild West on a family holiday to stay on one of the numerous ranches that North America has to offer. They are scattered through Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and Arizona amongst other States and are great to twin with the bright lights of Vegas where you can catch a Cirque du Soleil show; the grandeur of the Grand Canyon; or the cities of San Francisco, LA or New York. The main activity is horse-riding and even those who have never ridden can give it a go and do as much or as little as you choose! Other activities on offer might be white-water rafting on the Colorado River; fishing; cattle driving; or camping out under the stars with a BBQ and story-telling around the camp fire. There are a range of styles from large luxury resort ranches to small working ranches. Resort ranches tend to have comfort in mind and more facilities including a pool or spa; and working ranches are just that, with real cowboys driving cattle, tending to be more suitable for experienced riders. One of the best for families is the Ranch at Rock Creek in Montana. It is a 6,600 acre property in a stunning setting with glorious meadows and snow-capped peaks in the distance. It has a choice of rooms in the lodge, or “glamping” in canvas cabins! The list of activities is endless with scenic trails, fly fishing, wildlife watching, mountain biking, archery, plus a spa to rest weary bones after a busy day. Children are entertained at the Little Grizzlies Kids Club welcoming 4 to 12 year olds to experience ranch life, learning about cowboy culture and animal care, and to enjoy games and crafts.
Create some lasting family memories with a fabulous adventure in South Africa. Head on a direct flight to Cape Town which is only an hour’s time difference from London so less jet lag! There are some great family friendly hotels, apartments or villas on offer. Whilst based in the city explore the waterfront area, nearby Cape Point to see the penguins at Boulders beach, and the cable car up Table Mountain. From the city, self-drive enthusiasts can enjoy the stunning Garden Route through George, to Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, ending in Port Elizabeth. Along the way the family will love a meerkat tour at De Zeekoe, ostriches at Oudtshoorn, the Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, and at the right time of year the chance to see migrating whales. Port Elizabeth is the gateway to the game reserves of the Eastern Cape which are hugely popular with families as they are malarial free. Our favourites for families are Shamwari Game Reserve and Amakhala. It’s worth noting that the game drives are better suited to older children but when travelling with young children, they often have crèche facilities whilst you are out game spotting. Shamwari is one of the biggest private game reserves in the Eastern Cape, at over 100 square
miles, boasting huge biodiversity, the Big 5, a Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, a Born Free Big Cat sanctuary and Rhino Awareness Centre. Amongst the accommodation options Riverdene Lodge is particularly family focused with all rooms interconnecting. Upon arrival the children’s coordinator will discuss the activity options which tend to focus on conservation and protection. All children will be equipped with their safari rucksack and cap, and a fun book to identify animal tracks plus there is a swimming pool and games room for downtime. Shamwari take children from the age of 4 years on their game drives and the open vehicles are equipped with booster seats. Amakhala is another private game park with the “Big Five”, lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and cheetah as well as giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and plenty of antelope species. There are 11 accommodation options from country houses, safari lodges to tented camps. Several allow families but Leeuwenbosch and Hlosi also have a children’s activity programme and Hillsnek also has child minding facilities as well as a very active child program. For instance the team at Hlosi focus on creating unforgettable safari experiences with kidsonly picnics, safari art, treasure hunts and rangers show where to find frogs, insects, animal tracks, and star gazing safaris and if that’s all too much they also have a kids chill room and activity books!
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Borneo
Mark Warner Holidays
Borneo is a dream for any curious child (or adult too!) with a love of nature. See turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs, spot proboscis monkeys, hornbills and Asian elephants from the Kinabatangan River, explore the ancient virgin rainforest as it comes alive with native flora and fauna, and of course meet our close cousins, the loveable orang-utans. Borneo comprises Brunei, Indonesian Borneo and two Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak separated from Peninsula Malaysia by the South China Sea. Land in Sabah’s capital Kota Kinabalu, reached from Singapore or Kuala Lumpur and stay in the city for a day or two to acclimatize. We love Shangri-la’s Tanjung Aru for its high standards, good location and the view to the islands of the Tuanku Abdul Marine Park. Intrepid families can take a tour to incorporate some of Sabah’s highlights: Kinabalu National Park home to the highest mountain in South East Asia; the canopy walkway at Poring Hot Springs; a river
For a family holiday, nearer to home, and filled with activities, Mark Warner offers an excellent selection of good value resorts in Turkey, Sardinia, Corsica and four in Greece. They are well known for their great sporting facilities and in particular sailing. Free group lessons are available for beginners, otherwise the more experienced can take off on one of their dingies, catamarans or kayaks available from the beach. Windsurfing, waterski-ing, wakeboarding and diving are also available at a number of resorts. They have plenty of land based sports too including tennis with over 30 courts spread between their beach resorts. They have free use of the courts (except at Sea Garden, Turkey) along with racquets and balls for casual matches. Plus if you are looking to advance your skills, there is the option to pay for tennis courses with something for all ages: from tots courses, mini drop-in tennis to junior LTA, as well as
cruise to spot wildlife along the Kinabatangan; and Turtle Island to see the process of laying eggs and releasing them to the sea. No tour would be complete without a visit to the Sepilok OrangUtan Rehabilitation Centre at Sandakan. Sepilok is world renowned for its conservation work. Within its 43 acres of reserve live 60 to 80 orang-utan. The facility provides care for orphans to rehabilitate them back into the wild and visitors are privileged to see the twice daily feeding at a viewing platform. End the tour with a beach stay at the very popular Shangri-la’s Rasa Ria Resort on Pantai Dalit Beach, 45 mins from Kota Kinabalu. There are first class facilities and a 3km stretch of sandy beach but the highlight for many will be its 64 acre conservation nature reserve, home to its very own orang-utan where guests can enjoy the twice daily feeding for a small fee. Children are well catered for with a complimentary kids club with a huge array of fun activities such as batik painting, face painting, kite making, exploring the local flora and they have a half day programme helping the rangers look after the baby orang-utans in the resort’s care (a fitness check at the hotel’s clinic is required prior to participating in the programme).
adult academy courses, group or private coaching. Mountain bike hire is free of charge and they have plenty of other sporting choices with yoga, volleyball, football and water polo on offer. There is a great range of accommodation choice with a lot of interconnecting options and suites perfect for young families plus comprehensive childcare. They can entertain little ones from 4 months to 17 years old. Children aged 2-5 years benefit from a free half day session for 6 days out of a week and children from 6-13 years are free all day for 6 days out of a week. A small charge is made for the under-2s but there is a free evening crèche every night so you can enjoy a relaxing dinner. For adults, there are adult-only areas with informal activities such as barbecues or group dinners. And if you feel like some time-out from the more energetic activities, they have a beauty salon and signature spa in most of their resorts.
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WORLDWIDE SPORTING EVENTS
WORLDWIDE SPORTING EVENTS
Tennis
Grand Prix
Cricket
Rugby Union
As well as the four Grand Slam events in Melbourne, Paris, New York and London, there are 9 Masters 1000 series events around the globe which normally attract most of the world’s top players. These events are in major cities across the USA and Canada, Europe and the Far East and make a great add on to a short city break or part of a longer tour.
The Grand Prix circuit is held in some of the most glamorous destinations in the world. From iconic destinations like Monte Carlo to the night race in Singapore there is non-stop excitement. We can get tickets for many races and even can provide the Paddock Club tickets where you can revel in VIP hospitality and on certain occasions even get to meet the drivers!
The England cricket team normally have 2 overseas test series per year, however this year there are back to back Ashes series and from November to January the team will be in Australia. You don’t just have to be a huge cricket fan to enjoy a match, as its enjoyable in itself sitting in the sun, soaking in the atmosphere. After the Ashes series there are three One Day Internationals against the West Indies in March and there really are not many better places to watch cricket than in the Caribbean!
Overseas rugby tours are a regular occurrence on the calendar. Whether it be a World Cup, or this year, a Lions tour, they offer a great fun way seeing your favourite team and take in an exciting country at the same time. We have arranged a number of guests to visit Australia for the forthcoming Lions tour this summer however there are many other tours in the future and please ask us for further details.
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H I P H OT E L S
H I P H OT E L S
Bill & Coo Suites, Mykonos
The Surrey Hotel, New York
It is hard to imagine a more romantic setting for an Aegean escape than the Bill & Coo Suites, a boutique hotel, in an absolutely idyllic setting above the beach of Meggali Amos, and just a short walk from Mykonos Town.There are 24 contemporary suites featuring a wet bar and spacious verandah appealing to those seeking a romantic and relaxing escape. Lazy days are spent in the infinity pool soaking up the sun and taking in the spectacular views, or head off to the beach, the place to be seen. At dusk, the hotel bar serves indulgent cocktails, accompanied by chilled music and views of the spectacular sunsets. Follow that with a fabulous meal in the Gourmet restaurant where you can enjoy a menu using the freshest ingredients from the waters and the land that Mykonos has to offer.
The Surrey is a grand and gracious hotel with a restaurant, bar and spa to rival the city’s finest. This boutique property has lashings of glamour from the 17th-floor roof garden to the sumptuous paisley carpets. The rooms and suites have a classic character, with sophisticated charm, all decorated in monochromatic tones, with a selection of pillows to choose from. Bathrooms feature oversized glassenclosed showers, complete with robes and exclusive toiletries by Laura Tonatto of Milan. Café Boulud has been styled with wood panelling, plush upholstery, neutral hues, coral leather chairs and white linen-dressed tables. The menu is based around four concepts: tradition, the season, the vegetable garden, and travel. The hotel bar, Bar Pleiades is inspired by Coco Chanel and the 1930s, with leather quilted walls, black and white lacquer finishes, French doors, banquette seating and plenty of nooks and crannies. The rooftop garden, exclusive to guests of the hotel, overlooking Central Park, is a fantastic place to enjoy a Manhattan or two!
Bill & Coo Suites
Centurion Palace
NIYAMA, Maldives Centurion Palace,Venice The Centurion Palace is a period palace with an elaborate Gothic façade, but when you step inside you find yourself projected into the future with each item of the decor designed in a modern hip style. Each of the 50 rooms and suites, are unique with splashes of vibrant colour and refined 21st Century design, contrasting with the traditional splendours of the Doges of Venice nearby. The inspiration for the hotel name came from the discovery of a coin with the image of the ancient Roman centurion “Antinoo” found in the foundations of the building. It has also given its name to Antinoos restaurant. Experience the all-white and contemporary restaurant styling inside by day, with the sun glinting on the canal outside; and by night, the candlelight in Antinoo’s Lounge & Restaurant turns any evening into a special occasion.
This funky tropical retreat with 86 beach and over-water studios and pavilions, offers contemporary design combined with the latest technology including 40” plasma TVs, iPads, and Bose surround sound in each of the luxurious accommodations. There are four totally different dining options at NIYAMA, from the exclusive over water restaurant only reached by boat, to modern campfire chic with an outdoor kitchen and sand floor, international cuisine in Epicure, and the unique deli concept offering gourmet snacks. Head to either the poolside Dune bar for a chic beach hub or up to the rooftop bar for a sundowner with live music and DJs and then experience the fabulous and world first, underwater nightclub! If you are feeling energetic and need to work off a few calories, the resort has excellent watersports facilities and a fitness centre open 24 hours! Or just sail around the un-inhabited islands in the resort’s own Dhoni, relax in your room with its own popcorn maker, enjoy complimentary Haagen Dazs throughout your stay, or visit the luxurious Lime Spa!
A S H D OW N T EA M T R I P S Oman by Jo We flew overnight with Oman Air from Heathrow. After a 40-minute drive we arrived at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, on the south east coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It consists of 3 hotels: Al Waha, Al Bandar and Al Husn. The staff attend to your every need: by the pool you were offered cold towels, nibbles, and drinks, and even some sun beds in the water! Al Husn is adult only and the smallest of the hotels. It has its own infinity pool area and exclusive private beach, away from the other hotels. The restaurant serves light meals at the pool area and there are two other award-winning fine dining restaurants to choose from. Rooms were very spacious and had either partial or full sea view. Al Bandar’s rooms were understated but very comfortable and spacious with large wellappointed bathrooms and the lovely views to the sea and pool area. Al Waha is designed for families with interconnecting rooms available. There is plenty to do for the children including 3 pools, the lazy river, tennis, and Little Turtles Fitness Club.There is also a shopping village, indoor play area, teenage area and nightclub
plus camel and donkey rides along the beach, assorted water sports plus lots of excursions including diving! There is also the Spa CHI for those who want a bit of relaxation time and plenty of choice of restaurants. After this we visited the very grand Ritz Carlton Al Bustan Palace. The lagoon rooms are situated on the ground floor and open out onto a decked area fringing the lagoon pool area. The gardens are very well maintained and the staff are extremely attentive. They are currently building the most amazing spa, plus there is an infinity pool and a separate kid’s pool! Finally we stayed at my favourite, the Chedi Hotel! It is very contemporary in style and more suitable for couples or families with older children. The garden areas are stunning, with the rooms and suites scattered amongst them. There is a main pool area, a lovely beach with a new pool (apparently the longest pool in the world) close to the new spa which is amazing! Dinner was in the main restaurant where they have small individual cooking stations so you can see your dinner being prepared. A good variety of food and flavours with puddings to die for!! Overall it was a fantastic trip and I would highly recommend Oman as a relaxing and cultural holiday destination!
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