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Archives for December 2008

Traveling with a small group on a guided tour is often the best way to see the world. It enables a far more independent and interactive experience and will allow you to get ‘up close and personal’ with the countries and sites that you are exploring. Local guides and drivers will really help to immerse you in their country’s culture and traditions and what better area to explore than South East Asia!

Arriving into Bangkok having experienced an extremely comfortable overnight flight via the Middle East, the tour groups of 13 to 18 pax are met and transported to their hotel located in the centre of Bangkok, just a short walk from Khao San road. Many tourists use Khao San road as their base for exploring the rest of Thailand as there are many direct coaches from the street to virtually all major tourist destinations in Thailand, from Chiang Mai in the North to Ko Pha Ngan in the South. This particular tour however had all excursions included and the morning begins with a walking tour of Wat Pho and the Grand Palace of Bangkok. The guides are extremely knowledgeable and provide information on architecture, culture and history. Having experienced the 46m long gold plated reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, the temple of the Emerald Buddha at the Grand Place, no trip to Bangkok would be complete without a visit to Patpong for the night market – superb for bargains and people watching!

The following day the journey continues to Cambodia, with a flight from Bangkok to Phnom Penh. Over the next few days in Cambodia, the itinerary takes in Choeung Ek (The Killing Fields) approximately 12km south of Phnom Penh. The Killing Fields are sites in Cambodia where a large number of people were killed and buried by the totalitarian communist Khmer Rouge regime, during their 1975-1979 rule. At least 200,000 people were executed by the Khmer Rouge and buried in mass graves. Whilst these have now been excavated, a stoupa containing skulls of all ages has been erected and you are invited to walk with your guide around the site if you wish.

The next stop is back to the city centre to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Originally, this building was a High School but was taken over by the Khmer Rouge in 1975 as a prison and interrogation centre. It is estimated that over 20,000 were imprisoned here over the 4-year period and visiting this museum can often be quite an emotional experience.

Further excursions are of a far more historical and cultural nature, visiting the Royal Palace with the Silver Pagoda, National Museum with many artifacts, relics and sculptures dating from prehistoric to present times. Visiting the markets in Phnom Penh is certainly the place to buy silks and goodies to take home.

Arriving in Siem Reap, you will experience a traditional cultural show with Apsara dance; however, the main reason to stay in Siem Reap is to visit Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is a temple complex built for the King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city. The temples are unique and can take a couple of days to explore. Ta Prohm is the jungle temple that was made famous in the Tomb Raider film – it has the roots of kapok trees entwined in the walls and doorways and can provide hours of fun climbing over the ruins.

The final visit on the trip is to Tonle Sap, which is the largest lake in Asia, here you are able to cruise around the floating villages and see families that live permanently on the lake, young children learn from a very young age not to fall in the water! Having experienced fabled, forgotten, royal cities, temples, markets and reminders of the countries most recent unsettled history, it is time to fly home and develop those amazing photographs taken on this breathtaking tour.

Cruises with lecturers from the Smithsonian Institute or Wine and food festivals with some of the world’s leading chefs are just some of the exceptional opportunities aboard either of the two ships, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity.

A cruise around the Mediterranean on board a Crystal ship brings a whole new meaning to life on board. The very comfortable cabins offer the very best of linens, more than ample wardrobe space and a marble bathroom with two basins, full bath and shower. The majority of cabins have their own decking area giving you that extra space to enjoy the sea breezes.

Food is an important element of any cruise and on Crystal it is no exception: as well as superb international food in the main restaurant you can book, at no extra cost, a table for dinner at Nobu Matsuhisa’s Japanese restaurant, or if Italian food is your passion a night at Prego with regionally inspired dishes by Valentino restaurateur Piero Selvaggio. For the ultimate gourmet inspired dining paired with exceptional wines there is the Vintage Room for small parties. And of course there is always in-stateroom dining for those evenings you wish to be alone.

The list of onboard entertainment and recreational activities is endless: from the creative learning institute programmes as diverse as keyboard lessons with Yamaha, introduction to Tai Chi and wine tasting. The enrichment programme focuses on destinations and cultures, the computer university@sea offers complimentary instruction from digital photo finishing to website construction. Or why not spend a few hours in the wonderful Spa, or take part in pilates and yoga instruction whilst for the golfers there is a qualified golf instructor or PGA pro on most sailings.

Visiting this tiny kingdom which lies to the south of Tibet takes you on a journey into an ethereal world. It is a real privilege to travel around one of the last remaining mountain cultures in the world and to witness the profound spirituality of the people which permeates every aspect of their daily life.

In many ways time has stood still but there are some rather forward thinking policies and beliefs including “Gross National Happiness” as the standard by which to measure the country’s wealth. Accompanied by wonderful and experienced guides who took us on unique walks to fascinating temples and hidden monasteries it really was an unforgettable adventure in the land above the clouds.

There are now a few really beautiful and comfortable hotels offering a level of service rarely found: these can be combined with long treks into the mountains and camping en route, or staying at local simple hostelries. For those who really want their comfort there are a good number of day treks from Uma Paro (a beautiful hotel owned by COMO) so you can return to the comfort of your hotel and gentle pampering at the end of the day!

There are at least 21 festivals during the year, dates not necessarily the same year after year (!) but if it is flowers you are interested in the spring months of March, April and Mayshould be the best time to visit, and if you are a biker this is one of the very best ways to get to know the people, culture and landscape. Small group departures available for these and many more.

This is a very special country and the various tourist and government taxes as well as minimum night prices, even in the most basis bed & breakfast accommodation, means it is still not a mass market destination. Added to this there are only a few flight in and out a week via Delhi or Kolkutta!

The La Manga Club, on Spain’s Costa Calida, and just 20-minute’s drive from Murcia airport offers the most comprehensive range of sporting and family facilities of any resort in Europe. It also boasts one of the most reliable climates in the Mediterranean, and is thus a great location for winter, spring and autumn breaks.

Accommodation is either at the 5 star Hyatt Regency, or in one of the many self catering villas and apartments dotted around this attractive leisure resort, and the wide choice of shops and restaurants has created an attractive and safe environment for families and sports enthusiasts of all ages.


Sporting facilities include three international golf courses, as well as a nine hole pitch and putt course,golf academy and driving range.The resort also boasts a Tennis academy, Fitness and Health, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking, Dance, Rugby, Football and Cricket Academies, Water Sports on the Mar Menor and scuba diving at the nearby marine reserve at Cabo de Palos.

Junior Club and Childcare facilities are also very comprehensive, and cater for all youngsters from 3 months up to 12 years, with additional programmes for teenagers.

Many of the restaurants and bars welcome children of all ages, with children’s menus and regular supervised entertainment.

Direct daily 2 hour flights on Easyjet or Monarch from Gatwick, 20 minutes transfer direct to the resort and accommodation in the 5 star Hyatt Regency Hotel or in first class self catering villas or apartments, backed up by this extensive range of sporting and restaurant facilities represents a great choice of holiday destination.

In 1902 a fully rigged cargo ship with five masts was launched and deemed to be the largest and fastest sailing vessel ever built. In 2000, the Royal Clipper set sail in the inspiration of the legendary Preussen, but with all the modern conveniences for passenger comfort rather than cargo carry.

At 134m in length the Royal Clipper is by far the largest true sailing vessel afloat in the world. Accommodating 228 passengers over 4 decks, with three pools, a marina platform, spa and dining room. Everything on board is designed so that all passengers can feel the power of the sails as they capture the energy of the wind. The ship usually sails totally under sail power, without engines and no computers are used for sail handling – this is left to the skilled sailors who use power winches and hand controlled power furling.

For connoisseurs of sail cruising, the 134 metre Royal Clipper offers the ultimate sea-going experience, balancing the grandeur, adventure and tradition of sailing with the superb service, amenities and accommodations of the finest modern yacht.

Find your secret hideaway on one of the hidden balconies on either side of the bow. Or climb the mast (with safety harness provided) to one of the passenger look out ‘crow’s-nests’, where you’ll have the grandest view of all!

Inside the ship you will find a 3-deck atrium that funnels sunlight into the elegantly-appointed dining room, featuring deliciously prepared cuisine and a no-tie dress code. A convenient marina platform lowers from the stern for watersports and diving.

And the ultimate unique Royal Clipper experience, the one-of-a-kind Captain Nemo Lounge, is the site of the spa and health club, with underwater glass portholes.

The Royal Clipper sails throughout the Caribbean from November to April. It takes two main routes, either capturing the delights of Barbados, St Lucia, Dominica, Antigua, St Kitts, Iles des Saintes, Martinique and returning to Barbados OR Barbados, The Grenadines, Grenada, Tobago Cays, St Vincent & Bequia, Martinique, St Lucia and returning again to Barbados.

From early May to the beginning of October, the Royal Clipper has a number of routes through the Western Meditteranean, taking in Sicily, Malta, Croatia, Portugal and Morocco.

In the heart of Beijing, China, this striking emerald glass building rises from the ground. The colour has a purpose – it has been chosen to convey calm. The stunning contemporary design is inspired by traditional Chinese wood lattice and reflects the vibrant street life surrounding the hotel.

If you have every stayed in or visited the Sanderson or St Martin’s Lane, then you will feel completely at home once you step inside The Opposite House. Equally stunning as its exterior and at the centre of this seemless space is a large central atrium adorned with modern furniture and contemporary Chinese art. Light cascades in through the glass ceiling and shadows drop through the steel mesh drapes that hang within this large airy space.

With five choices of where to eat and drink, The Opposite House has become known as the latest hang out for residents of Beijing as well as in-house guests. From Mediterranean food, served from wood fired ovens and an open kitchen to traditional north Asian dishes from Japan, a late night bar/club featuring international DJs and a contemporary lounge bar with an impressive wine list, there is certainly something to tempt everyone’s taste buds.

The ambience created in the guest rooms is a continuation of serenity and calm – a hideaway with the comfort of home. The floor to ceiling windows provide amazing panoramic views and an abundance of natural light, whilst subtle touches of Chinese decor have been added to generate a sense of warmth.

Only 30 minutes from the airport and a short distance from some of Beijing’s most fascinating and historical areas, a visit to The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Palace Museum and the Temple of Heaven is an absolute must!

This fascinating City makes the perfect stop over before adventuring onwards. Why not make your next stop Xian with a visit to the Terracotta Army?

On our first day we were given full sets of winter gear, all in very good condition, which were ours for the week and then it was an introduction to the first activity of our action packed week, snowshoeing across the frozen lake and local woods

On our second morning two guides introduced us to cross country skiing, including inevitably how to pick ourselves up from the ground! Once they felt we had learnt enough we were able to venture out on through the woods and round the frozen lake.

Day three was, for me, the real highlight of the week, an entire morning spent with huskies. It was just a short drive from our lodge to the husky farm where we were greeted and given a short lesson on how to control our own sled with its team of five huskies before setting off on a splendid 5 km trip through all sorts of terrain. Even for those who are not dog lovers it would have been impossible not to have fallen for these incredibly friendly dogs who lapped up the attention and were thrilled to have the exercise. In the afternoon we went to a reindeer farm where we had another sled ride and fed them afterwards – so all in all a good day out with the animals!

The local town of Ruka is also a ski/snowboard resort in its early development – a perfect place for beginners and I enjoyed a morning boarding. On our penultimate day we were introduced to the real Finnish wilderness, igloo building (which was our home for that night), survival skills and some rather unsuccessful ice fishing!

This was a really brilliant week with lots of activity, extremely friendly and helpful staff, good food, first class equipment and comfortable accommodation in Basecamp deep in the Finnish Wilderness. The camp, a 40 minute drive from the airport at Kussamo, is only four years old and benefits from under floor heating, excellent en suite bedrooms (twin/double & family), dining room, bar, sauna and Jacuzzi with views across the lake.

Not a week goes by when this resort does not appear in the British press. The host of celebrities that frequent this palatial beach front hotel, ensure that the paparazzi are primed on their boats just a few feet from the shore, ready to snap the ‘who’s who’ of the glitterati. Don’t let this put you off though, as what this property has to offer goes way beyond the facade of today’s ‘celebrity’.

Your luxury transportation will meet you from Grantley Adams International airport and whisk you along Barbados’s west coast. As you drive past some of the most exclusive homesteads in the Caribbean, you can’t help but feel that as you approach the gates of Sandy Lane, the rum punch and reggae atmosphere changes. Sweeping down the mahogany lined driveway, a Palladian style building of cream coral stone shimmering in the sunlight appears in front of the sapphire waters of the Caribbean Sea – you have ‘arrived’.

Sandy Lane is the perfect romantic retreat with the most luxurious rooms and amenities. Forget minimalistic and contemporary, Sandy Lane is traditional and plush in every respect. The finest linens and highest thread count sheets adorn the super king size bed, which you will want to laze in all day, but instead why not take the indoors, outdoors to your outside room. Not just any balcony, but with all the comforts of a private lounge. Order room service, share some quality time together and take a stroll along the beach at sunset – what could be more perfect?

For those travelling with children the Treehouse Kids Club has a variety of activities for children aged 3 to 12. Daily activities include arts and crafts sessions, sports of all kinds, tours of the local wildlife reserve and Harissons Caves and even swimming with the turtles. All activites are comlimentary and for children under 3 there is a ‘Toddler Corner’ which they can use when accompanied by an adult. Teenagers are also catered for in their own ‘Den’ with the latest computer technology and table top games.

Above and beyond the extensive amenities and facilities at Sandy Lane, one thing that guests always comment on and remember, is the exceptionally high standard of service. To the staff, every guest is a VIP and they will address you by name – now that’s the personal touch.

Oceania Cruises sail to more than 180 ports in Europe, China, the Far East, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Central America and the Caribbean.

Featuring three intimate and elegant mid sized ships – Regatta, Insignia & Nautica, the line is looking to expand their fleet in 2010 and 2011 to include two more vessels.

The ships afford incomparable luxury, including cuisine that is simply the finest at sea. With only 684 guests to pamper, the 400 staff members cater to every whim, with highly personalized service. There’s a sense of warmth and intimacy throughout, so the ambiance resembles that of a private country club – casual, yet elegant.

Insignia, the ship that Maureen has now sailed on twice, is truly elegant and if you take a cabin on their concierge level the staterooms are of a very high standard and good size with lounge area plus your own teak veranda.

Insignia, the ship that Maureen has now sailed on twice, is truly elegant and if you take a cabin on their concierge level the staterooms are of a very high standard and good size with lounge area plus your own teak veranda.

On board there are four open seating restaurants, all offering gourmet food. The main dining room, The Grand, has tables of varying sizes and serves a variety of food with a French emphasis. The Polo Grill specialises in fish and steaks whilst the Toscana, as its name suggests, is Italian – tables at these two restaurants have to be pre-booked. The Tapas Bar and Terrace Café is self service and where breakfast is usually taken as well as lunch and even dinner: you can eat out on deck (weather permitting) or inside with its floor to ceiling windows so you don’t miss any of the passing scenery. The service at all the restaurants is excellent with courteous and helpful staff.

At each port of call a wide range of full and half day excursions are offered, but if you prefer to stay on board you can relax by the pool, enjoy a few hours in the spa or work out in the fitness centre or take part in the on board entertainment.

A really relaxing and luxurious way to visit a variety of islands and cities.

Away from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech in an oasis of olive groves and orange trees lies the beautiful Amanjena. With just 32 individual villas and maisons built in local materials that echo the traditions of Marrakech and the Moroccan way of life you can unwind from the stress and strain of everyday life.

Lying close to the foothills of the snow capped High Atlas mountains you have the option of a day busily searching out the best deals in Marrakech’s traditional souk, or trek in the mountains seeking out remote Berber villages or just relax in the hotel’s beautiful spa. For those wishing to be more active closer to the hotel there is an adjoining golf course and one a couple of minutes drive away, the hotel’s pool and gym, tennis courts or jump on a mountain bike and visit the surrounding area.

The hotel is built in rose red sandstone, with soaring ceilings, tiled roofs and minarets. The sound of water is never far away, your own courtyard has a fountain or pool and a series of canals and a huge “grand bassin” around which the property is built lend a feeling of pervading calm. Sumptuous bathrooms, enormous beds with beautiful linens await you in your circular pavilion room while the maisons have an additional bedroom as well as large reception areas – perfect for families.

Any meal can be taken by the pool (weather permitting), lunch and dinner is served in the Thai restaurant, either inside or in a small tree filled courtyard whilst dinner can be enjoyed in the magnificent “Restaurant” where the emphasis is on authentic Moroccan or French influenced food. If you do not wish to venture out enjoy a meal in your own gazebo.

Service is the essence of Aman – your every wish will be granted – the ultimate luxury weekend escape.

Udaipur is romantic, wistful and serene – a city built around three lakes which reflect the green hills of the Aravali ranges. The famous lake palaces that seem to emerge from the placid Lake Pichola, whisper the memories of a bygone era

The city was the last capital of Mewar and remained so until the state was merged with the Republic of India in 1947.

In the middle of Lake Pichola stands the beautiful and luxurious Lake Palace. The Palace was built by the Maharana Udai Singh in 1567 and used as a royal summer palace until being run as a hotel, now under the management of Taj. The hotel literally sits right in the water with launches to transfer you over to the city and other palaces.

The fabulously decorated bedrooms and public rooms offer enticing views over the lake towards the city, mountains and the island of Jag Mandir. The palace of Jag Mandir was built by Maharana Karan Singhji in 1622 as a pleasure palace for royal parties and is now used as a restaurant. This splendid monument with its domes, marble pillars and fountains has a magnificent approach of a row of marble elephants that seem to guard the entrance.

Numerous sightseeing experiences are available to palaces, forts and temples and for the more adventurous mountain biking, horse riding and trekking.

The hotels Jiva Spa offers a full range of treatments from traditional Indian to body scrubs and wraps, and the swimming pool in one of the wonderful courtyards provides a welcome spot at the end of an exhaustive day sightseeing.

The 15 million Euro renovation and extension of this beautiful hotel began in December and is due for completion in May 2009.

The renovations to this property will mix textures and colours, silk with steel, chrome with velvet and all in rich and regal colours – sandy golds, charcoal grey & black cherry adding in splashes of colour and illuminated glass.

In 1986 it was the first hotel in Cyprus to be admitted to the prestigious organisation ‘The Leading Hotels of The World’ and 22 years later, Amathus still aims to exceed customer expectations at every level. Situated on a beautiful sandy beach, in 4,000 square metres of immaculate gardens and boasting first class leisure facilities, Amathus Beach Hotel Limassol is the perfect holiday destination for families, friends and couples.

You will enjoy deluxe accommodation, top-class range of fitness, sport and leisure facilities, fabulous restaurants with superlative cuisine, sumptuous and perfectly appointed surroundings and efficient yet uncompromising personal service.

The art and science of gastronomy are portrayed from an exclusive selection of five restaurants and four bars that suit perfectly to the needs of the most discerning guests.

The Amathus Beach Hotel Limassol has developed the unique concept of a Health and Fitness Centre so our guests can enjoy total relaxation through recreational activities, and make their holiday and lifestyle the way to a new sense of well-being. It incorporates a Nautilus/USA Gym Centre with state of the art fitness equipment, and a fully heated 20 meter long indoor swimming pool, with panoramic view of the gardens and beach.

During the summer school holiday months, Christmas and Easter, younger guests can join the Junior Club and enjoy their own fun by taking part in a fully organised children’s entertainment programme, all supervised by trained personnel.

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