Extraordinary Choice, Experience and Service 22 New Street, Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 2BT
www.dandgtravel.co.uk
NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER In the Newsletter this month I have something new and exciting to offer you ...... How about grandstand seats for the 2012 Monaco Grand Prix with a difference – arrive in style and have use of a beautiful yacht in the port ..... Ladies – could this be the different Christmas Prezzie for your man? I have been on a number of trips this past year , visiting a variety of places, from 5* hotels in Hampshire and Dublin to luxury resorts in the Maldives and villas in Spain and it was high time for Darren to take his turn and I have included in this newsletter a very informative account of his recent trip to the South of France including the area of Provence and of course Nice and St. Tropez. I have a selection of late breaks in warmer destinations and some wonderful ski holidays and cruise offers for the New Year. I have been skiing with for many years now visiting many resorts that I have found to be suitable to all abilities and catering for singles, couples and families and my knowledge of French, Italian and Austrian resorts is vast. If you need any advice or assistance please do give me a call. The Canaries is always a popular destination this time of year as is Cyprus and some wonderful offers are enclosed. Generally please do not hesitate to contact myself or Darren should you require any further information on any of the offers and destinations within the newsletter Kind Regards
Gillian Luxon DIRECTOR D&G TRAVEL Tel:- 01491 575511 ..........
Email:- gillian@dandgtravel.co.uk
ESSENTIAL S A I L I N G Monaco F1 Grand Prix 2012 A Truly VIP Experience
A fantastic opportunity to enjoy a truly VIP experience
leading up-to the Monaco Grand Prix aboard 'First Essential', your very own luxury yacht to take you to the best places along the French Riviera – we promise you 7 days you’ll remember forever!! MINGLE WITH THE RICH AND FAMOUS Dress to impress and mingle with the rich and famous in Monaco, relax on day sails to Menton and Villefranche, immerse yourself in a luxury excursion to the incredible mountain village of Eze and experience the wonder of Monaco by day and night before watching the thrilling famous Monaco Grand Prix in your very own Grandstand seats (plus hospitality hamper and champagne too!!).
With a luxurious fully crewed yacht at your disposal; your own experienced skipper and personal host to pamper and spoil you; a chauffeured limousine to whisk you away and a fabulous helicopter transfer at the end of your stay – this is genuinely the most amazing, totally unique, exclusive VIP experience we’ve ever offered.
YOUR VIP PACKAGE INCLUDES: • Luxury Chauffeured airport transfer from Nice to Monaco • Personal and professional skipper and host •
3no private double cabins with en-suite facilities (6no guests)
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7 days / nights on-board luxurious accommodation
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Air conditioning
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Daily cabin service
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On-board breakfast & lunch, served every day
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3 nights on-board evening dining experience
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All day beverages and drinks from the bar during lunch and dinner
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Hospitality hamper and champagne during the Grand Prix weekend
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Excursion to the famous medieval village of Eze with lunch.
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2no day sails to Menton and Villefranche
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Grandstand tickets for Grand Prix, qualification and race days.
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Helicopter transfer from Monaco to Nice airport.
•
Mooring and berthing fees
PACKAGE PRICE
£4,750pp
Other offers available for France Italy and the Canary Islands from £ 1259.00 per person for a private weekly rental...excellent value for money !
DARRENS OCTOBER BREAK TO THE SOUTH OF FRANCE Having been in the travel industry for many years, D & G always strive to find the very best. It is often difficult to find good quality, luxury villas for rent that are worthy of recommendation. The Villa Book and Sublime Luxury Travel have excelled. The point of my trip to this area of France was to visit several villas and two or three hotels. Having not been to this part of France before, I was not sure really what to expect. Firstly the weather was just perfect at almost 28 degrees, roughly 20 degrees more than when I left London. My comfortable flight from London into Nice took just 1 hr 40 minutes and was completely trouble free. We collected hire cars and made the two and half hour drive to Provence which was to be our first stop on this 5 day break. The villas we looked at were completely different - from small village townhouses to large open plan Provence style luxury villas. MAS DE LA CHAPELLE 7 Bedrooms/ 14 people The villa we stayed in was located in the countryside just outside Beaucaire, alongside the Rhone and conveniently situated between the towns of, Arles, Avignon and St RĂŠmy-de-Provence.
The house is huge - in my opinion this house is perfect for a large family or two families who want to stay in one house. The interior is on the formal side and the location in 12 hectares of land makes for an impressive site on arrival. The imposing house has been furnished and decorated to a very high standard throughout. Original architectural features have been preserved, whilst comfortable modern furniture and high quality equipment make for an extremely indulgent stay. Facilities at the property include Internet access, BBQ, Boules court, Bikes, CD, DVD, computer, printer, fax, library of books, CDs and DVDs, screens, satellite TV with English channels and table tennis table The house comprises of a spacious entrance hall with guest WC and a staircase leading to three of the en-suite double bedrooms, including the Master bedroom. A fully equipped modern kitchen with access to an outdoor dining terrace. Four downstairs reception rooms including one with a piano, another used as a TV room. A dining room with seating for 14, a library. An upstairs office or music room with a state-of-the-art sound system.
A delightful, spacious Orangery with Grand piano. A laundry room. Another staircase leads to four other ensuite double bedrooms all with 180 cm beds and luxurious en-suite bathrooms.
Finally, for lovers of really fine wines such as myself, there is a full wine cellar and tasting room. 20 hours of weekly cleaning is included in the price. Extra hours are available on request, at €15 an hour. There is also a rather special Chef Service available on request, at €20 an hour. The wonderful and very discreet Guardian lives to the side of the property. MAS DU LAVANDOU 4 Bedrooms/ 8 people Another of the villas I viewed, was a lovely charming townhouse in the picture perfect village of Maussane, what I liked most about this property was not only the home itself but also the location - right in the centre of the village - a few steps and you are in the heart of the café’s and small local restaurants.
The property lies behind a quiet and secluded courtyard and has a pretty, partly laid to lawn garden, an enclosed 8 x 3m alarmed step pool with decking surround and independent studio. The house has been decorated and furnished in a fresh modern style,mixing traditional stone walls and original stone tiles with contemporary furniture. It has a very fresh, spacious and welcoming feel throughout. Features include Internet access, TV, DVD, Hi-fi, BBQ, outdoor table, chairs and parking spaces to the front of the property.
Entrance from the main pergola covered terrace, to the spacious comfortable living room with fireplace and stereo. Open-plan kitchen / dining room with US fridge/freezer (water and ice dispenser included), micro wave, toaster, espresso machine, hotplates, oven, dishwasher, table and chairs. There is a Laundry room, with washing machine, dryer and ironing board. Guest WC with sink.
First Floor twin bedroom with 2 single beds, French window with view over the garden and pool, ceiling fan, en-suite shower room with sink and WC. Master bedroom with 180cm bed or two single beds, window with view over the garden and pool, ceiling fan, large Plasma TV and live box (Internet + French channels), en-suite bathroom with, shower, bath, 2 basins and WC. Second Floor Double bedroom, either 2 x 90cm beds or a 180cm bed, with cupboards with en-suite shower room, basin and WC.
After 3 days we moved onto the bay of St Tropez; this area is almost 3 hours’ drive from Provence, as you enter the area the scenery gets more wonderful, winding roads, mountains and then in the distance the sea. We visited several villas in the location, my favourite was of course the villa we stayed in, about 15-20 mins drive from St Tropez. BASTIDE DE LA CROIX 7 Bedrooms/ 14 people A large and luxurious house which is located on a flat plateau, with beautiful open gardens enjoying spectacular views overlooking the bay towards Gigaro and Isle de Levant and across the neighbouring vineyards and hills. In fact the area is officially designated as a Site Remarquable and remarkable it is, as an official site of outstanding beauty. The interiors of the house have been decorated and furnished in a much understated, yet very stylish and welcoming way. The feeling of space and light prevail throughout. Amenities of the property include tennis court, heated outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, table tennis table, air hockey table, air-conditioning and surround sounds system both inside and outside the property.
Throughout the house there is internet [Wi-Fi] access, computer games and Sky satellite TV Ground Floor Entrance opens into a very spacious living room and open-plan dining room with high ceilings, and two sided mezzanine balcony. The property has a fully fitted and equipped kitchen with quality fittings and furnishings. In addition there is a summer kitchen with BBQ etc. And also Laundry Room. The living areas are capacious and again are furnished and equipped to the very highest standards.
All seven bedrooms have en-suite facilities and most have views to the sea or surrounding countryside.
Of course I cannot add every villa and house I viewed, if you are interested in a high quality villa for 2012, please let me know, The Villa Book, unlike other villa companies do not impose a weekend arrival, likewise you also don’t have to stay 7 or 14 days, being flexible has made the company a firm favourite with villa/house owners looking to rent their homes. The Villa Book and Sublime also offer villas and houses across the world, including, Bali, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Mauritius, Morocco, New Zealand, North America, Portugal, South Africa, Spain and the Caribbean. Please contact us for further information.
SOUTH OF FRANCE OFFERS Nice - Gateway to The CÔte d’Azur & Monaco With the evenings now well and truly becoming darker, and a more autumn feel we have put together some really extraordinary winter breaks, before the cold sets in; all of the following depart from London Heathrow using a scheduled flight to Nice.
Nice – With an average winter temperature of between 15 – 21 degrees, the south of France can offer a welcome mild break in the middle of our cold winter.
Negresco *****
The Negresco is universally recognised as one of France’s most famous hotels and was built in 1913 by Henri Negresco, it stands on the Promenade des Anglais overlooking the beautiful Baie des Anges. Sumptuously furnished throughout with a spectacular lounge and many original works of art, the Negresco has the ‘Chantecler’, a two star Michelin restaurant and ‘Rotonde’, a less formal brassiere. Private beach facilities are available at extra cost. There are 140 rooms and a delicious American buffet breakfast is included. Prices are based on side sea view rooms. 3 nights from £642.00 per person, valid until 30th April 2012, (excluding New Year and Trade Fairs)
La Perouse **** Superior
Located a short walk from the Flower Market and Nice’s old town, La Perouse stands in a secluded position one block back from the waterfront and nestling into the rock face above (a lift connects the street level reception with the hotel). This most attractive hotel has 63 comfortable bedrooms, a bar, flowered terraces, and wonderful views of the town and the Baie des Anges. Buffet breakfast is included. (Supplement for room with sea view available on request). 3 nights from £474.00 per person, valid until 29th February 2012 (excluding 29th December – 1st January 2012 and Trade Fairs)
Monaco – located roughly 40 mins drive from Nice airport, is a wonderful place, filled with small cafes, restaurants, and of course not forgetting the breath-taking yachts moored in the marina, its one of our most favourite and popular short break destinations.
Hermitage ***** Deluxe
The Hermitage is located only a minute’s walk from the Place du Casino. A stylish, classical hotel with 280 bedrooms and wonderful public rooms including a beautiful Baroque style banqueting hall. The Michelin-starred ‘Vistamar’ restaurant has a terrace with unequalled views of the harbour and the Mediterranean. The Hermitage is the home of the famous thalassotherapy centre with indoor sea water pool, sauna, health and fitness centre. 3 nights for the price of 2 until 31 March (excluding 28 Dec to 3 Jan and trade fairs) - Price from £554.00 per
person, saving £152
Columbus **** Deluxe
Unlike many so-called ‘design’ hotels, the Columbus has real substance to accompany its unquestionable style. The hotel is located in the quiet harbour district of Fontvielle, a five minute taxi ride from Casino Square and has a feel of laid back luxury. The sleek bar is one of Monaco’s ‘hot spots’ and the informal ‘Columbus’ Brassiere serves Mediterranean dishes 3 nights for the price of 2 until 5 April (excluding 29 Dec to 1 Jan and trade fairs) - Price from £448.00 per person, saving £98
Complimentary Return Helicopter transfers & The Passport to Monaco All clients staying in the principality receive the ‘Passport to Monte-Carlo’ which includes complimentary return helicopter transfers from the heliport at nice airport to Monaco from 1 November to 31 March. This represents a significant saving of approximately £100 per person each way. The passport also entitles clients to complimentary entrance to a wide range of museums and attractions.
LUXURY BREAK OFFERS IN THE CARIBBEAN FOR THE WINTER MONTHS
BARBADOS
The Fairmont Royal Pavilion Complimentary Nights Offer SAVING £1,240 per couple Stay 7 nights for 5, including breakfast in an Oceanfront Deluxe Room from £1,895 per person. Valid 19 Oct-15 Dec 11 inclusive. Book by 9 Dec 11.
Cobblers Cove Complimentary Night Offer SAVING £780 per couple Stay 7 nights for 6, including breakfast in a Superior Suite from £1,895 per person Valid 19 Oct-18 Dec 11 inclusive. – Darren and I both have first hand knowledge of this resort
GRENADA
The Calabash Hotel Complimentary Nights Offer & Resort Credit SAVING £690 per couple Stay 7 nights for 5, including breakfast in a West Side Suite & receive a $200 food & beverage credit from £1,495 per person. 19 Oct-20 Dec 11 inclusive. – Darren has first hand knowledge of this resort
ANTIGUA
Curtain Bluff Complimentary Night Offer SAVING £1,100 per couple Stay 7 nights for 6, all inclusive in a Deluxe Room from £2,595 per person. Valid 13 Nov-18 Dec 11 inclusive. I have first hand knowledge of this resort
ST. LUCIA
Jade Mountain Complimentary Night Offer SAVING £1,300 per couple Stay 7 nights for 6, including breakfast in a Sky Jacuzzi Suite from £2,995 per person. Valid 19 Oct-19 Dec 11 inclusive.
TIME TO SKI!! SWITZERLAND VERBIER – The Lodge - , Sir Richard Branson's luxury retreat
Normally only available for exclusive weekly hire in winter We are delighted to offer guests the chance to book individual rooms, without hiring the whole chalet from 08th to 18th December 2011 and enjoy a 3, 4 or 7 night stay in this picture perfect chalet. Rates start from £2,890 per room, based on 2 people for a 3 night stay and include all meals and drinks (plus Champagne and all the usual inclusions!)
FRANCE VAL D’ISERE - Chalet Hélène
Located in Val d'Isère's sought-after Le Chatelard area, the Hélène is an ideal choice for a group of friends. This charming apartment chalet is ideal for small groups or larger families looking for excellent value for money combined with a convenient location for accessing Val d'Isère's renowned ski area. Occupancy: 8 guests All prices are in £'s per person per week, including flights, transfers and taxes. All prices based on Stansted/Geneva flights - Approx. Transfer time to resort: Chambéry 2 hours, Geneva 2 hours 45 minutes 09/12/11 was £569 now £499 30/12/11 was £1129 * now £1099 * 9 night duration
COURCHEVEL - Chalet Bellecote
Conveniently located close to the edge of the Bellecôte piste, and approx. 10 minutes’ easy walk to the resort centre, Chalet Bellecôte proved a popular addition to our range in Courchevel 1850 last season. Comfortably furnished in traditional Savoyard style with a warm and cosy chalet ambience. For your added convenience, we can also arrange for a private rental ski and boot-fitting service to come direct to your chalet. Occupancy: 10 All prices are in £s per person per week, based on two sharing a room, including flights, transfers and taxes. All prices based on Stansted/Geneva flight - Approx. Transfer time to resort: Chambery 1 ½ hours, Geneva 2 ¼ hours 16/12/11 Was £779 Now £729 30/12/11 Was £1259* Now £1239 * 9 night duration
ITALY ARABA - Chalet Matea
This wooden clad chalet has plenty of character and we have divided it into three chalets which are all on separate floors with their own front door. The village centre is quite literally just along the road and it is a short walk to the gondolas and chair lifts, an ideal location for the keen skier who wants to be on the slopes quickly without any fuss. Occupancy: 8-9 guests All prices are in £'s per person per week, including flights, transfers and taxes. All prices based on Gatwick/Innsbruck flight - Approx. Transfer time to resort: Innsbruck 2 hours 30 minutes 23/12/11 Was £789 Now £699 – CHISTMAS DEPARTURE 15/01/12 Was £639 Now £564
08/01/12 Was £619 Now £544 22/01/12 Was £679 Now £604
I have skied in Araba – the skiing suits all abilities and certain areas are popular with snowboarders. Araba itself is fairly quiet in the evening - wonderful restaurants serving delicious food and wine.
1 NIGHT PRE-CRUISE HOTEL STAY! ON EVERY 2012 CARIBBEAN CRUISE BELOW.
EASTERN CARIBBEAN January - December | 7-11 nights Highlights*: Key West, Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Barts, Saint Maarten, St. Lucia, Barbados, Roseau, Virgin Gorda, Cayo Levantado, Bahamas, Nassau (Bahamas) Ocean View Suites from £2,889pp
WESTERN CARIBBEAN January - December | 7 - 10 nights Highlights*: Key West, Cayman Islands, Cozumel, Belize City, Santo Tomás, Roatán, Costa Maya Ocean View Suites from £2,239pp
BERMUDA & COLONIAL SOUTH 3 April | 11 nights Highlights: Port Canaveral, Savannah, Charleston, Wilmington, Hamilton, (2 overnights), Bermuda, Nassau (Bahamas) Ocean View Suites from £4,095pp
PANAMA CANAL 14 April | 17 nights & 3 September | 21 nights Highlights*: Ft. Lauderdale, Cayman Islands, Cartagena, Transit the Panama Canal, Puntarenas, Puerto Chiapas, Huatulco, Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas, San Diego, Port Canaveral, Charleston, New York, San Francisco Ocean View Suites from £5,579pp (14 April) &
£6,295pp (3 Sept)
AMAZON CRUISE 25 November | 23 nights Highlights: St. Barts, St. Lucia, Scarborough, Santarém (Amazon River), Boca Da Valeria (Amazon River), Manaus (Amazon River) (overnight), Parintins (Amazon River), Devil's Island, Barbados, Antigua, San Juan Ocean View Suites from £6,139pp
OFFERS IN CYPRUS & TENERIFE ABAMA Golf & Spa Resort - Tenerife
Stay 7 nights pay for 5 plus receive a 10% early booking discount & a complimentary room upgrade Prices from £1,020 per person based on 2 adults sharing an Abama 1 Bed Suite Ocean View Room for 7 nights including daily breakfast, return economy class flights and private transfers. Saving up to £475 per person Valid for travel completed between 11 Nov – 25 Dec 2011. Book by 21 Nov 2011 Gran Hotel Bahia Del Duque- Tenerife
Stay 7 nights pay for 5 plus receive a complimentary room upgrade Prices from £1,399 per person based on 2 adults sharing a Double Sea View Room for 7 nights including daily breakfast, return economy class flights and private transfers. Saving up to £635 per person Valid for travel completed between 11 Nov – 25 Dec 2011. Book by 21 Nov 2011 Sheraton la Caleta Resort - Tenerife
Stay 7 nights pay for 6 plus receive a complimentary room upgrade Prices from £979 per person based on 2 adults sharing a Superior Room for 7 nights including daily breakfast, return economy class flights and private transfers. Saving up to £210 per person Valid for travel completed between 01 – 23 Dec 2011.
Elias Beach Hotel 4*- Limassol
(All Inclusive Hotel)
No single room supplement for nights of 06 Jan 2012 - 30 Mar 2012. Saving £26 per night. No sea view supplement for Arrivals 06 Jan 2012 - 13 Jan 2012. Saving £8 per person per night. Gatwick from £680
Four Seasons Hotel 5*- Limassol
No Sea view supplement for nights of 01 Dec 2011 - 23 Dec 2011 & 08 Jan 2012 - 31 Mar 2012, Applies to Superior sea view only & minimum stay of 7 nights. Saving £33 per person per day. Gatwick from £639 Heathrow from £579
Louis Imperial Beach Hotel 4*- Paphos
No Sea view supplement for arrivals 21 Nov 2011 - 07 Dec 2011 & 07 Jan 2012 - 31 Jan 2012. Saving £4 per person per day. No single room supplement for arrivals 15 Feb 2012 - 29 Feb 2012. Saving £14 per day. Over 65's get 10% reduction on accommodation and terms booked. Gatwick from £436 FREE CAR HIRE Valid for the duration of your stay between 01 Nov 2011 - up to 19 Dec 2011 & 06 Jan 2012 - up to 19 Mar 2012 You pay locally €9.50 per day plus VAT for insurance, and €15 for airport collection otherwise its free delivery to your hotel/apartment.
CLIENTS EXPERIENCES – DANANG VIETNAM COAST
On arriving at Fusion Maia Resort, my initial thoughts were that it was very contemporary and had a relaxed ‘zen’ like feel to it. I didn’t feel that the brochure and images did it justice. The villas are fabulous – very contemporary and spacious with all modern facilities (including ipods and ipads in some villas). What’s more, all the villas have their own private pool and garden. In fact, we have now decided to rename the pool suites as pool villas as they are as large and luxurious as many other pool villa properties in Asia and are equipped to a high and very modern standard. The general manager, Michelle Ford is excellent and a lovely person too. She has developed a team that are encouraged to be creative and interact with guests. As a result, the staff have a happy approach to their work which reflects on how they are with guests. She has a great team behind her (including 5 Europeans) and they all seem to love their jobs! All guests are assigned a Care Manager on arrival, otherwise known as Fusionists…someone who can be your main point of contact during your stay. The real key selling point at Fusion Maia is that all the spa treatments are included in the price!! Guests are guaranteed a minimum of two treatments per day each…and up
to five pending availability. Amazing value for a luxury villa property! Also, breakfast can be taken anytime, anywhere at the resort… They also have a 7 day natural living programme which is organised by colour, theme, and aroma…
even the staff wear a different scarf according to the theme of the day. (Feel Free * Eat Well * Be Social * Act Mindfully * Enjoy Nature * Be Active * Open Your Mind) They also offer ideas meant to inspire new perspectives and activities to help you get in touch with yourself and the rich culture and nature around you. Each day there are different activities offered which may include a visit to the market, a cooking demonstration, a visit to a local orphanage or perhaps even a lunch out with your Fusionist or another member of staff. So, even if it rains, there are always various activities going on at Fusion Maia every day. There is also a regular free shuttle bus going to and from Hoi An which is only 20 minutes away. Fusion Maia also have now opened Fusion Lounge which is a restaurant located in Hoi An so great as a base for guests too. Even breakfast can be taken here!
Fusion Maia is the first opening of this exciting luxury lifestyle brand in Vietnam. There will be two further properties opening up next year under the second concept - Alya. Fusion Alya, will focus on offering guests a gourmet experience and where all the food and gourmet experiences will be included in the price. There will also be a third concept launched – Fusion Zana which will focus on lifestyle and fashion. In total, there are plans to open 7 or 8 Fusion Resorts throughout Vietnam over the next 3 years – each will be one of the three lifestyle concepts of Maia, Alya or Zana. Finally, I would like to finish with some feedback from British guests that have just left: “A wonderful hotel, facilities and location made all the better by an outstanding team and staff. Simply brilliant hotel and spa”