Archives for December 30, 2008

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.

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