Newsletter oct 2016

NEWSLETTER Oct‘15 www.thecapeclub.com

Keep your dreams alive!

Climb every mountain, Search high and low, Follow every byway, Every path you know.

Climb every mountain, Ford every stream, Follow every rainbow, 'Till you find your dream.

A dream that will need All the love you can give, Every day of your life For as long as you live.

Climb every mountain, Ford every stream, Follow every rainbow, Till you find your dream A dream that will need All the love you can give, Every day of your life, For as long as you live.

Climb every mountain, Ford every stream, Follow every rainbow, Till you find your dream.

Integrity & honesty and total commitment is my mantra Because life is too short to worry about the small stuff #relax, #recover, #renew, #reflect, #regain, #regrow, #remove Jean Wethmar 0423 306 481 / jeanw@thecapeclub.com www.thecapeclub.com

Tour dates for 2016 Glamorous Women Tour, Saigon Vietnam Personal Stylist/ Shopper 19 - 25 Feb US$1957 Tour Japan Cherry Blossom 21 -30 March Au$4878 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 India Rajasthan 4 -16 Nov US$4300 For more info see overleaf..

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. 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.

The best are made of handwoven silk, and the least expensive are usually machinemade 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.

For pic and updates..

Please check our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CapeLuxTravels?ref=hl

I have wandered all my life, and I have also travelled; the difference between the two being this, that we wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfilmnt.

Hilaire Belloc

VIETNAM—SAIGON GLAM GIRLS 19—25 FEB’16 I have been hard at work putting together another fabulous girls getaway to Vietnam 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.

This trip promises to be seriously good fun. It might be short and sweet but we’re definitely not skimping 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.

I look forward to seeing you in February as we Discover Saigon in Style Us$1957

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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 TOUR JAPAN 21—29 MARCH’16 NOW CHEAPER ! - $4878 AND I will discount $300 if you pay deposit before 21 Dec 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.

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 SHANGHAI 5—11 AUGUST’ 16 HANGHAI 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).

The inside scoop

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.

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.

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.

Day 01: Day 02: Day 03: Day 04: Day 05: Day 06: Day 07: Day 08: Day 09: Day 10:

3 June Arrival in Bhutan 4 June Sightseeing 5 June Thimphu Punakha .

6 June Phobjikha 7 June Phobjikha 8 June Phobjikha to Paro 9 June Thimphu to Paro 10 June Paro to Bumdra 11 June Bumdra to Paro 12 June Departure

Watch this spot for pics and updates from 2015 Bhutan tour.. We depart 15 Oct for 10 days.. Oh I am #excited!

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 Our home for 6 unforgettable nights! The Puli Shanghai 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.

For your copy of the itinerary and booking form contact Jean today—0423 306 481 jeanw@thecapeclub.com $US2790

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. .

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 and Mar-

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.

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 throughoutJean 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 like-minded 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

Keep Canada beautiful Swallow your beer can!

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PILATES & PHOTO TOUR V’AM & CAMBODIA 7—17 OCTOBER 2016 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

AND OUR GRAND FINALE.. INDIA TOUR..

4-16 NOVEMBER’16 RAJASTHAN GLAM

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 air-conditioned 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.

US$4300 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 pr in ts, tie and dye prints, Bagaru prints, Sanganer prints, 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

www.thecapeclub.com jeanw@thecapeclub.com 0423 306 481

A bit more about me?

Meet Jean Wethmar, CEO Cape Lux Travels – an all-round amazing woman who is the answer to your travel prayers.

Today, we sat down with Jean to pick her brains and discover where she gets her passion for travel.

Q1: Jean, you’re Australian. Where is your family from? I was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. My husband and I immigrated to Australia in 2002. The first nine years we lived on the North Shore of Sydney, and then had a ‘tree change’ to experience life living on a golf estate in Queensland. Francois plays as often as he can. Jean loves to travel, (as often as she can).

Q2: Have you always loved travel? Yes, totally! I am a gypsy at heart! I’ve travelled to Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Madagascar, Namibia, New York, Key West and Miami as well as extensive South Africa trips. Across Australia, visited all States, further south, New Zealand’s North and South Island, as well as Asia – Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and the wonderful Rajasthan triangle in India. Oh, and Vanuatu and Japan, and soon Bhutan, and Myanmar. Europe?.. More on that later on. Life, Love, Laughter!

Q3: How many years have you been running Cape Lux Travels? “The Cape Club started in 2008 in Sydney, Au – I became aware of a great niche market geared towards high-end travel for individuals. I discovered a growing number of like-minded travellers who relish learning and enjoy life to the full. Cape Lux Travels, began offering classic escorted journeys with unparalleled flexibility, personal attention and seamless, discreet travel arrangements. Our innovative personal itineraries and pre-organized tours aim to provide freedom and flexibility.

Q4: The concept is so inspiring… where did it come from? I realized that we all want a chance to travel and many prefer the camaraderie, convenience and fun of small group travel . Our groups average only 12 travellers with a great mix of couples, friends & single travellers. On our tours, we choose mainly French Colonial type accommodation – perfect to soothe my inner French romantic!

The places we visit – Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam – still all ooze authentic French charms, from the architecture and coffee shops, to the croissants and baguettes. Not forgetting the tree-lined boulevards, of course – they don’t call this the Paris of the East for nothing! Not to mention the opulence of the Palaces of Rajasthan and the treat hotels you’ll experience with Jean in South Africa! “How full is your Ginger Jar at present?” Remember.. There’s always space for more !

Q5: Who are your main customers and where do they live? My clients are from the USA and Australia, but actually all over the world. I blog daily. I’m also a Twitter, and Instagrammer , and on Pinterest, Linkedin and Face book as well.

Q6: How has the evolution of communication supported your business? In an instant, I am able to stay in touch with anybody worldwide through Skype, Facebook and the like, which is great for meetings. I can get in touch with my photographer friend in Nha Trang, or my jewellery designer in Hoi An. Or our Golf Tour Operator in Cape Town, instantly. Living in Australia also means that time zones are not a problem for me – I normally finish my day at the office just as everybody else is starting theirs.

Q7: How have you managed the price-point of luxury travel, given that the world has become so fast and price -conscious with travel and online offers ? South East Asia consistently offers great value for money as a travel destination. Currently the currency conversion for the US$ is roughly 20,500 Vietnamese Dong, and roughly 10 x 1 to the Rand Australia $. Instantly one becomes a millionaire when you travel there. South Africa has also great rate of exchanges if you’re travel there with Pounds, or Dollars, Au or American! You can afford to check into 5-Star accommodation knowing that your dollars are providing much needed and highly valued work opportunities for the friendly local people.

Q8: Has it been hard running a travel business which ventures into foreign lands? No, having a reliable and trustworthy partners based in Vietnam/Cape Town and India, and this has been invaluable, for their business as well as mine. We assist each other with marketing materials, trade shows etc. I have been most fortunate to have them on my side, our partnerships are based on mutual trust and honesty, and as an ex South African, I know exactly where one should travel there as well and not!

For anyone wanting to take part in Jean’s next trip to Vietnam/Laos and Cambodia, or South Africa or India.. or Myanmar.. or ….Shanghai.. or Canada.. Our list goes on ??? Bhutan, Japan, www.thecapeclub.com jeanw@thecapeclub.com 0961 7 3814 5448 / 0423 306 481

Twitter — https://twitter.com/@jeanwethmar1 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CapeLuxTravels? ref=hl Instagram—https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?

And always remember your hat!