Newsletter—August 2015 Cape Lux Travels The Cape Club www.thecapeclub.com.
This is my life THROUGH EACH LIFE TIME… RUN RIVERS TO CROSS.. & STORIES TO TELL.. THIS IS MY LIFE STORY ON HOW I BECAME A WONDERLUST TRAVELLER. “On thinking back, I can easily pinpoint where my wanderlust was born. When I was a child, the Boswell Willkie Circus would visit our local town every year. I so wanted to join that circus. Not to be the fat lady or do an amazing balancing act! No, to travel with those gypsies, with their big hoop earrings and crystal balls. Ooh, to have the thrill of moving house every three weeks!!. Such an exciting lifestyle! Of course, my parents didn't let me go and I thank them for loving me enough through those teenage, rebellious years. But that travel bug remained with me. After completing my education, I applied to become a hostie of the skies. An air hostess! Waking up in Rome one day and searching for African elephants the next! But alas, I met my husband Francois just before my interview, and he swept me off my feet and I cancelled that air hostess appointment with South African Airlines. We got married. We honeymooned in Madagascar, had three gorgeous daughters and the only traveling I did for a long while was to the supermarket and back. We lived in Johannesburg, South Africa, "All those days that came and went... that was life.” We did have an annual seaside holiday, sometimes more than one a year, but it wasn't until our daughters were independent that I could again address that wannabe gypsy in myself! My husband's business took him to he skies to travel, so I became his escort on business travels. Aah, finally! My suitcases travelled to Europe, Americas and Australia. Then they discovered Vanuatu and Laos, and even more exotic, India. We immigrated to Sydney, Australia and all of a sudden, my world started spinning. Living in such proximity to South East Asia, exotic destinations were on our doorstep. We visited Vietnam, not the harsh heat of the war-torn country that I had seen depicted, and I fell in love! After our first visit, I signed up for a co-branding partnership with a luxury travel company based in Hanoi, Vietnam and so Cape Lux Travels was born. I had the perfect fitting glove, finally and I didn't have to join the circus to travel!
MY STORY CONTINUES.. I have been escorting small groups, mainly women’s tours, since 2008 to discover the charms of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. We now travel to Canada & Alaska, Japan, Bhutan, Shanghai and even South Africa as well. The world is indeed my oyster. I am still married to Francois, and we now have two precious granddaughters that get spoilt by this Nonna every time I travel. I have escorted mixed golf tours but the blokes have different agendas when away and oh dear.. that 19 hole! So yes, my tours are primarily aimed at the fairer sex who like my passions- shopping, massages, good food great hotels and relaxing, regrouping and reflecting. I add greater value to my tours by including the services of either a Pilates Instructor, a Personal Stylist, a photographer or an author on my tours. Our hotel choices are in the luxury, colonial charm bracket, ideally! The Haveli's and palaces of Rajasthan and cruises like Queen Elizabeth and the Vollendam to Alaska are firm favourites. But life is not always ideal! In Bhutan, for instance, we choose the local ones over the very costly overseas developers because local is always better for the locals. We do treat ourselves for that ultimate massage at an exotic hotel! On looking back (though that's not the best way to travel ever…looking backward) I've been so very blessed to meet such wonderful new friends through my wanderlust travel company. Strangers who started out filled with precaution and trepidation, only to book and come away with me again and again. That to me is the biggest reward and compliment to my tour business. If there's any wannabe gypsy reading and find themselves stirred to step out onto these wild waters, I say go for it, with full passion and love. Your gifts will make room for you. My commitment is my honour and that's another virtue my tour company operates under. Integrity and honesty and total commitment. My mantra is recover, relax, renew, and reflect because life is too short to worry about the small stuff. “- Jean Wethmar.
Tour dates for 2016 Glamorous Women Tour, Saigon Vietnam with Personal Stylist/ Shopper 19 - 25 Feb US$1957 Glamorous Women Tour, Japan Cherry blossom 21 -30 March AU$5308 Beautiful Bhutan II June 3 -12 US$2818 Glamorous Women Tour Shanghai 5-11 Aug US$2790 Girls only tour Canada / Alaska 10 - 25 Sept AU$7480 Vietnam & Cambodia Pilates & Photos 7- 17 Oct US$2988 Glamorous Women Tour Rajasthan 4 -16 Nov US$4300
BHUTAN TOUR 15—25 OCTOBER 15 Ranked in the lonely planet guidebook as the number one destination, Bhutan is known as the ‘Druk Yule’ or the ‘Land of Peaceful Dragon’. This adventure offers you everything, culture, spiritualism and the hospitality of the Bhutanese who believe in Gross National Happiness. Paro Airport has been described as "the most difficult commercial airport in the world. The airport has only one
runway. Airplanes on approach pass by 5,500m Himalayan mountain peaks, and the 1,980m runway length presents a double challenge, due to the extremely high density altitude at the site. As a result, only a handful of airline pilots (8 as of December 2014) are certified to operate commercial airplanes there. About 30,000 persons arrive at the airport each year. Bhutan is famous for its unique handwoven textiles. The traditional dress for women, the kira, is a long piece of fabric that wraps around the body. It can cost anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars to more than $30,000. The best are made of handwoven silk, and the least expensive are usually machine-made of cotton. Men sport a gho, a kind of robe that varies in cost according to the material and the amount of decoration. Both kiras and ghos make excellent souvenirs. Handmade leather boots for men are another great souvenir. We’ll take your foot measurements and have the boots crafted by expert boot makers while you’re touring.
“I believe in taking chances and living your life. Sometimes doors open and others close and you have to figure out which ones you’re going to take — I’m always for the one that’s challenging” - Gisele Bundchen.
WHAT’S HOT IN ‘NAM?
GLAMOROUS WOMEN TOUR SAIGON FEBRUARY 2016
Relax and enjoy glamorous 5 star accommodation in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), reward yourself with some pampering at the spa, and shop to your heart's content (if you never thought of Vietnam as a shopping hotspot, prepare to be surprised and delighted).
I have been hard at work putting together another fabulous girls getaway to Vietnam and I’ve asked
We'll be assisted in all things style and colour by our very own accompanying stylist. As Chief Image Maker at Sydney based consultancy 'My Personal Stylist', Emma loves to shop. In fact some would say she lives to shop! She has a natural talent for helping any woman feel confident, stylish and attractive no matter her age, her shape or her wardrobe budget.
This trip promises to be seriously good fun. It might be short and sweet but we’re definitely not skimping
Emma McDermott to accompany the group as stylist and professional shopper. This time we’re off to Ho Chi Minh City – still known as Saigon by the locals – from 19-25 February 2016, for a week of shopping, tailored clothing, pampering and beauty treatments, cooking class, art galleries and antiques, designer homewares, great food, several cocktails and many laughs.
on style, activities or opportunities to come home with some great bargains and wonderful memories. I really don’t know how she’s managed to fit it all in for the price. To find out the details of where we’ll be staying, shopping, eating, and spa-ing (that’s totally a word) you can view the brochure with full itinerary.
Emma's clients would agree that the astute eye of this professional stylist can make your shopping experience fun and rewarding. We plan to visit the tailors for some custom creations, as well as shopping for fashion, accessories, linen, antiques and homewares.
And, to make it even more enticing I’m offering a lay-by option…
But this trip is not all about shopping, we'll be exploring the food, culture and history of this amazing country as well.
Saigon in Style!
There's also plenty of time for R&R, whether that's relaxing over a cocktail or two, or enjoying luxurious beauty treatments. If you could do with a little 'me time' as an antidote to a hectic life, then we look forward to welcoming you on this short but magical getaway
who doesn’t love a good layby? Pay a small deposit and then two instalments and you’re good to go. I look forward to seeing you in February as we Discover
ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL SHOPPER AND STYLIST as well as wardrobe management and personal shopping, Emma McDermott pr ovides per sonal consu ltations on colou r , style and personal brand, plus corporate training programs for men and women on business etiquette, effective networking and the effect of personal presentation on reputation. Us$1957 only! For more information on Emma or My Personal Stylist please visit www.mypersonalstylist.com.au and for your copy of our itinerary/booking form email jeanw@thecapeclub.com
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CITIES WE’LL VISIT JAPAN Tokyo (東京, Tōkyō) is Japan's capital and the world's most populous metropolis. It is also one of Japan's 47 prefectures, consisting of 23 central city wards and multiple cities, towns and villages west of the city center. The Izu and Ogasawara Islands are also part of Tokyo. Prior to 1868, Tokyo was known as Edo. A small castle town in the 16th century, Edo became Japan's political center in 1603 when Tokugawa Ieyasu established his feudal government there. A few decades later, Edo had grown into one of the world's most populous cities. With the Meiji Restoration of 1868, the emperor and capital moved from Kyoto to Edo, which was renamed Tokyo ("Eastern Capital"). Large parts of Tokyo were destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and in the air raids of 1945.
Cherry Blossom time—Japan 2016 Glamorous Women exclusive!
CHERRY BLOSSOM TOUR JAPAN IN A NUTSHELL This itinerary starts in Tokyo before heading out to Mt Fuji for an overnight at a beautiful Japanese style traditional hotel (Ryokan) with hot springs. From there it heads by bullet train to Naoshima, a small island with some of Japan's top art galleries, for one night, before moving back to the mainland for an overnight in Okayama. Then it's another bullet train to Kyoto for the final 3 nights. The hotels arranged in Tokyo, Hakone and Naoshima are small, personal, and quite unique, the hotels in Kyoto are good quality and a great location, close to shopping and Gion. For meals, we have included breakfast at each accommodation, and the night at Hakone includes a Japanese style dinner. As a special tour, we have included a half-day walking tour of Tokyo's top fashion areas by a fashion anthropologist as the guide. We have included the tea ceremony and our inhouse 'Behind the Veil' walking tour in Kyoto as well as a Geisha evening (including dinner) in Kyoto. We also have included a private tour of a garden that is usually closed to the public by the master gardener who designed and maintains the garden. Naoshima, has been included because it is a little south of Kyoto and Tokyo, and an island, and this can cause the Cherry blossoms to bloom a little earlier than normal, which is ideal for our dates. Bennesse house will be the highlight of the accommodation along with Ryuguden in Hakone. $5308 Au For your copy of our stunning itinerary and booking form, email jeanw@thecapeclub.com today.
Hakone (箱根) is par t of the Fu jiHakone-Izu National Park, less than 100 kilometers from Tokyo. Famous for hot springs, natural beauty and the view of nearby Mt. Fuji, Hakone is one of the most popular destinations among Japanese and international tourists looking for a break from Tokyo. Naoshima (直島) is an island in the Seto Inland Sea that is known for its modern art museums, architecture and sculptures. Part of Kagawa Prefecture, the island with its Mediterranean atmosphere, sandy beaches and sunny weather, combined with a laid back, a true relaxing feel. Much of Naoshima's art was installed by the Benesse Corporation, which oversees art museums, installations and sculptures both on Naoshima and on neighboring islands. Benesse's museums were designed by the well known Japanese architect Ando Tadao and include the Chichu Art Museum, Lee Ufan Museum and all the buildings of the Benesse House. Okayama (岡山) is the capital of Okayama Prefecture, and the largest city in the Chugoku Regionafter Hiroshima. The city is an important transportation hub, being the location where the Sanyo Shinkansen meets with the only rail connection to Shikoku. The city developed as a castle townduring the Edo Period (1603-1867) and became a significant regional power. Okayama's most famous attraction is Korakuen Garden, which is ranked as one of the three bestlandscape gardens in Japan, along with Kanazawa's Kenrokuen and Mito’s Kairakuen. Kyoto (京都, Kyōto) served as Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 until 1868. It is now the country's seventh largest city with a population of 1.4 million people and a modern face. Over the centuries, Kyoto was destroyed by many wars and fires, but due to its historic value, the city was dropped from the list of target cities for the atomic bomb and spared from air raids duringWorld War II. Countless temples, shrines and other historically priceless structures survive in the city today.
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GLAMOROUS WOMEN TOUR 5—11 AUGUST’ 16 SHANGHAI A city of over 23 million people that has attracted various comparisons some complimentary (The Paris of the East) and others not (The Whore of the Orient).
Beautiful Bhutan II 3 -12 June 2016 US$2818 Same price as our 2015 tour, and same amazing value! Bhutan, tucked away in the depths of the Eastern Himalayas, the 47,000 sq km small kingdom of Bhutan, or Druk Yul, is little known and lesser visited. A forbidden land for centuries. Still, the kingdom maintains a policy of "low volume - high quality tourism" and retains its exclusiveness in the world of travel. From high mountain peaks to deep lush valleys, from modern apartments in Thimphu to farmland barns, from meditative monks deep in prayer to fluttering prayers and vibrant, colorful festivals, Bhutan is incomparably unique. Wedged between China and India, the two most populous countries in the world, and being disadvantaged with little military or economic strength. Religion is the other value system that holds the Bhutanese people together. Tantric Mahayana Buddhism of the Drukpa Kagyu sect has survived unblemished here for centuries and continues to be the officially adopted religion of the state. Bhutan evolved one of the independent state and is one of the last Bastions of Buddhist country.
The city tends to stir strong emotions in people and you will either love it for its hectic pace, frenetic development, wonderful food or hate it for its over population, noise and limited number of sights in the city. Shanghai’s history, which only covers about 160 years, is some of China’s most colourful and whatever your thoughts on the city, a visit here is a glimpse of China
Our home for 6 unforgettable nights! The Puli Shanghai
The inside scoop The PuLI Hotel and Spa is the first luxury hotel of its kind in China. A new Urban Resort Concept that blends the immediacy and convenience of being in Shanghai’s most central local with the quiet, emotional indulgences of a peaceful luxurious resort. It’s like being away from it all, and right in the heart of it, all at once. This distinctive duality is something you will encounter and enjoy throughout your stay. Authentic touches of historic and cultural reference sit side by side with new benchmarks in innovation, leading edge technology and design that pervade throughout its contemporary urban spaces. The quality of the hotel’s facilities is only matched by its service delivery. One that is handcrafted, genuine and complete and one that allow you to relive the traditions of Shanghai’s famed hospitality. For your copy of the itinerary and booking form contact Jean today—0423 306 481 jeanw@thecapeclub.com $US2790
Thus, Bhutan today remains one of the untouched virgin land with magnificent scenic beauty, a paradise for the cultural tourist, the trekkers and the mountaineer alike. With more than 72% of the total area covered by forests and diverse flora and fauna, the country has been declared as "One of the Ten Global Hotspot" in the World. In cities and hamlets across the kingdom, the people live a way of life that is rich in tradition and steeped in the age-old system of hospitality. Day 01: 3 June Arrival in Bhutan & Transfer to Thimphu Peaceful Resort Day 02: 4 June Sightseeing in Thimphu Peaceful Resort Day 03: 5 June Thimphu to Punakha Waiting confirmation. Day 04: 6 June Punakha to Phobjikha (Hotel Vara) Day 05: 7 June Phobjikha Day 06: 8 June Phobjikha to Paro Tiger Nest Resort Day 07: 9 June Thimphu to Paro Tiger Nest Resort Day 08: 10 June Paro to Bumdra Tiger Nest Resort Day 09: 11 June Bumdra to Paro (Hotel Zhiwaling). Day 10:12 June Departure
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The Bund – a visit here is to take a step back into China’s mighty trading past. The massive colonial era buildings along the west side of the Huangpu river (a subsidiary of the Yangtze) dating from c. 1915 were the head offices of European banks and trading houses and were built from the enormous wealth they derived from China trade. Yu Gardens – built by a wealthy Ming dynasty family in the late 1550’s, it’s laid out in traditional Ming style. The gardens have been destroyed twice, initially in 1842 during the Opium war and later by the French as a reprisal for attacks by Taiping rebels. Fortunately the gardens have again been restored to their former glory. The French Concession – built by the French after they were awarded the land in 1847 there is some beautiful architecture in the area. Street names such as Avenue Foch and Quai de France, although changed now, made the Concession into a little bit of ‘France in the East’. A number of French style villas and art deco buildings remain and without much imagination one can conjure up the life of luxury in which the foreign traders lived. SHOPPING – SHOPS AND MARKETS Shanghai has lots and lots of shops though shopkeepers tend to be pushier here than elsewhere in China and bargains are not all that plentiful. There are a couple of antique streets that are interesting to visit, with a few genuine antiques though also lots of recently made antique look-alikes. Shanghai also hosts some interesting galleries showcasing contemporary art.
OH WOWIE.. CANADA & ALASKA GIRLS TOUR 10—25 SEPTEMBER’16 A superb all girls getaways in the majestic mountains of the Canadian Rockies with a luxurious cruise in Alaska. This women’s only tour and cruise takes you through the mountains with time to soak up the scenery, explore the walks, meeting local foodies and artists, shopping and always time for a coffee. The Alaskan cruise is onboard the newly refurbished Noordam a spacious and elegant cruise liner where you are welcomed as an honored friend. This unique tour and cruise is a wonderful way to enjoy the Canadian and Alaskan hospitality and get to adventure in a very special part of the world.
“Canada is the vichyssoise of nations – it’s cold, half French and difficult to stir.” Stuart Keats
INSIDE INFO ON CANADA What is included? * 8 nights’ accommodation with breakfast daily * All touring as per the itinerary with Canadian guide and driver * Welcome Drink in Calgary and White Hat Ceremony * Progressive Lunch in Canmore * High Tea at the Fairmont Lake Louise * Regionally Inspired dinner in Banff * A picnic beside a waterfall * Lunch at Bow Lake * Regionally inspired dinner in Jasper * Dinner & Smores at Emerald Lake * Clay Baked dinner at Quaaout Lodge *Arrival & departure group transfers * Tipping for Canadian local guide and driver through the Rockies * Cape Lux escort throughout- Jean Wethmar * Shared day room use on final day in Vancouver * 7 days cruising – twin share ocean view cabin, on the Holland America Line Ms Noordam- includes B/L/D daily * A fantastic opportunity to explore a stunning part of the world with likeminded women Not included * Shore Excursions on the Alaska Cruise * Tipping on the Alaska Cruise * Any drinks or personal items purchased * Travel Insurance * Meals, all beverages/drinks not mentioned in the itinerary *Laundry, telephone calls, and expenditure of a personal nature.
$7480 Deposit $600 Final payment due 3 June 2016
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PILATES & PHOTO TOUR V’AM & CAMBODIA Benefits of Pilates A body free from nervous tension and fatigue is the ideal shelter provided by nature for housing a well balanced mind, fully capable of successfully meeting all the complex problems of modern living." JOSEPH PILATES Pilates is a gentle form of movement that has numerous positive benefits on the body such as, posture, flexibility, alignment, breathing, relaxation, coordination, and balance and body awareness. Pilates is for everyone and the method allows for different exercises to be modified in range of difficulty from beginner to advance or to any other level. Benefits of joining this tour? We’ve included meeting local photographers across Vietnam and Cambodia - we’ll travel from Hanoi , Halong Bay, Hoi an, Sapa, Siem Reap and our accommodation is top notched! See list for further info.
US$2988 -For your copy of itinerary and info contact me today jeanw@thecapeclub.com
7—17 OCTOBER 2016
AND OUR INDIA TOUR.. SAVED THE BEST FOR LAST! 4-16 NOVEMBER’16 RAJASTHAN GLAM TOUR Rajasthan tour incudes 12 Night twin sharing accommodation as per meals 12 Breakfast at Hotels of stay, 11 Dinners & 11 Lunches on fixed menu at restaurant/hotel buffet Transportation using private airconditioned 18 or 22 Mini Coach. Service of an accompanied English speaking National escort Heritage Walking tour in Old Delhi Tonga ride in Jodhpur Dinner with Interactive cooking class in Jaipur at Homestay Elephant ride at Amber fort (Jaipur) while going up and coming down by Jeep ride. Entrance fee at the monuments. Boat ride at Lake Pichola in Udaipur Rickshaw ride in Jodhpur Domestic flight Delhi – Udaipur Quote inclusive of Government Sales Taxes. US4300 Contact jeanw@thecapeclub.com for your copy of this amazing itinerary
Rajasthan is culturally rich and has artistic and cultural traditions which reflect the ancient Indian way of life. There is rich and varied folk culture from villages which is often depicted and is symbolic of the state. Highly cultivated classical music and dance with its own distinct style is part of the cultural tradition of Rajasthan. The music is uncomplicated and songs depict day-to-day relationships and chores, more often focused around fetching water from wells or ponds. Rajasthan is known for its traditional, colorful art. The block prints, tie and dye prints, Bagaru prints, Sanganer prints, and Zari embroidery are major export products from Rajasthan. Handicraft items like wooden furniture and crafts, carpets, and blue pottery are commonly found here. Rajasthan is a shoppers' paradise, with beautiful goods at low prices.
Smell the jasmine and the saffron – taste chai and authentic naan bread See the glittering Taj - Visit the Pink City Experience Udaipur Shop in all the right places