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In July 2012, 16 year old Chelsea Cooper joined the team at Haslemere Travel as the company’s first Apprentice.  An Apprenticeship is a form of vocational training enabling young people to earn while they learn, the skills necessary to succeed in their chosen career.

Apprentices gain key transferable skills such as working in teams, problem-solving, communication and using new technology as well as studying for a qualification, which provides further knowledge and understanding of the relevant job.

Chelsea has completed the first year of her two year apprenticeship and has been working both with a mentor in the business (Susie Atkinson, Manager at Haslemere Travel) and also with an assessor from Training for Travel who administer the learning element of the apprenticeship.  Chelsea is working towards her Level 3 NVQ.

Chelsea has made exceptional progress in just one year and has become an integral part of the team at Haslemere Travel, so it was extremely exciting to learn that she had won the prestigious Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT)’s Apprenticeship of the Year Award 2013. This award rewards an apprentice for their hard work and dedication to their job role as well as their NVQ qualification over the past 12 months, giving special recognition to those apprentices whom are believed to have excelled during this time.

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Accompanied by managing director Gemma Antrobus, and retail manager Susie Atkinson, Chelsea was presented with a trophy by Dame Tessa Jowell MP at the ITT Cocktails event at the Houses of Commons, London on 18th July.

IMG-20130718-00480 As winner of the 2013 prize, Chelsea wins a £300 cash prize, ITT student membership for the year, a hotel stay in London for the event and return train tickets to and from the event

“I am thrilled with this award, as it’s my first ever,” says Chelsea. “I love working in travel and with the great team at the agency and it is my ambition to work full-time in the profession and also travel the world.” Her first aim is to travel to Dubai and the USA, “having heard so much about it from the team when they travel there, both destinations sound wonderful.”

Chelsea will use her £300 cash award towards a holiday in Tunisia in August this year.

“We are so very proud of Chelsea’s achievements!  She is a vital part of the team at Haslemere Travel and we all know how hard she has worked, so to be recognised for her efforts is just amazing.  She has a very bright career ahead of her” said Gemma Antrobus, managing director, Haslemere Travel.

 

 

Haslemere Travel’s managing director, Gemma, was recently invited with her family to sample the new ‘Premier All-Inclusive’ program at the award-winning InterContinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel, near Paphos in Cyprus.

The hotel prides itself on its family facilities for all ages, so who better to ask about the trip than Gemma’s 5-year-old daughter Aurelia.  Well if anyone is going to be honest, its the kids!

HT:  So Aurelia, how did you get to Cyprus?
AA:  We flew from Gatwick in the afternoon, with Agean Airlines.  It was a small sized plane, not as big as the ones you fly on to Dubai but they did show a movie, but not a Disney one.  I enjoyed the meal they served me – it was chicken and rice.

HT: And what time of year did you go?
AA:  It was April, during my Easter holiday break.

HT: Was it a long way from the airport to the hotel?
AA: We arrived when it was dark (into Larnaca), so I fell asleep on the transfer.  I think it was about an hour, but Mummy says another airport is closer (Paphos – 15 minutes).

HT:  What did you think when you arrived at the hotel?
AA: I loved our room!  It had a bedroom, a living room with a big bed laid up for me and a huge bathroom.  There was a plate of marshmallows and cookies left out for me, with a really yummy fruit cocktail.

HT: So you enjoyed the snacks in your room – was the rest of the food tasty?
AA:  YES! At breakfast there was every type of food you could imagine, from fruit to bacon, eggs, yogurt and my favourite chocolate croissants! All of the restaurants had a children’s menu with chicken pieces, fish, chips, pizza and pasta – if you didn’t want to eat from the grown-up menu.  I also enjoyed the fruit cocktails at the bar and the Slush Puppies!

HT:  I understand the hotel has a kids club, did you get to go?
AA:  The Kids Club is called the ‘Pirates Village’ and it was amazing.  I met lots of friends there and we played outside on the swings and slide, then inside with the dollies.  They had a swimming pool and slides at the kids club and also their own football pitch and really large pirates ship activity centre.  I made some crafts when I was there which I took home and also had a coloured hair wrap put in my hair.  For the older children there was a teen club and in the evening you can put on a show as they have a stage.

HT: Wow, that sounds great! Did you go every day to the club
AA: Not every day, but quite a few days as I really enjoyed it.

HT: Was it the best Kids Club you have been to?
AA: I think it was as good as some of the others I have been to, as it had every type of indoor and outdoor toy you can play with and there were lots of children to make friends with.

HT: I understand you like swimming, was the hotel on the beach or did it have a pool?
AA: The hotel had a huge swimming pool, which I really enjoyed playing in.  There was a beach, but we had to get a little bus to it.  When we got there, it was a mix of sand and pebbles, but I took lots of Moshi Monsters and enjoyed making homes for them in the sand.  There was a beach club at the beach and we had a really delicious lunch there, I even had a Cyprus Calipo lolly and a Slush Puppy!

HT: It sounds like you had a really fantastic holiday?  Out of 10, how many would you give this holiday?
AA:  I would give it an 8!!  The people were very friendly, I liked all the food, the sun was hot and our room was lovely.

HT:  Would you recommend this hotel to your friends?
AA:  YES!  As long as I can go back with them.

 For full details on the resort please see our dedicated page on Aphrodite Hills

SPECIAL OFFER: Free All-Inclusive Upgrade + Room Upgrade

NEWS UPDATE:  Our fundraising event with Elizabeth Buchan was a HUGE success and we raised over £500 for the Surrey Air Ambulance.  Elizabeth treated us to tales from her early days in publishing and kept everyone enthralled with excerpts from her latest novel.

 

We are delighted to announce that, as part of the 2013 Haslemere Festival, celebrated novelist and acclaimed author Elizabeth Buchan will be talking at a special Literary Evening, to raise funds for our chosen charity, Surrey Air Ambulance.

On Monday 20th May Elizabeth Buchan will talk about the influences on her writing and her themes, as well as giving guests a preview of her forthcoming book, which she has just sent to her publishers! She will also sign copies of her current novel, Daughters.

Born in Guildford, Surrey Elizabeth Buchan spent much of her childhood in Surrey. She began her career as a ‘blurb’ writer at Penguin Books after graduating from the University of Kent with a double degree in English and History. She moved on to become a fiction editor at Random House publishers, before leaving to write full time.

Her novels include the prizewinning Light of the Moon and Consider the Lily – reviewed in the Independent as ‘a gorgeously well-written tale; funny, sad and sophisticated’. A subsequent novel, Revenge of the Middle-Aged Woman became an international bestseller and was made into a CBS TV Primetime Drama.

This was followed by several other novels, including The Second Wife, Separate Beds and most recently Daughters. She has just finished A Thousand Little Lies, a novel about the SOE operating in Denmark during the Second World War.

Elizabeth Buchan’s short stories are broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and published in magazines. She also reviews for the Sunday Times, and has chaired the Betty Trask and Desmond Elliot literary prizes, and has also been a judge for the Whitbread (now Costa) awards. She is a patron of the Guildford Book Festival and of The National Academy of Writing.

And her literary link also extends to her husband, who is a descendant of the author John Buchan, who famously penned The Thirty-Nine Steps, which was the basis for the celebrated film, directed by Alfred Hitchcock.

This promises to be a very entertaining and illuminating evening and we anticipates strong demand for tickets, so early booking is advisable.

Date: Monday 20th May 2013
Venue: Haslemere Educational Museum
Time: Arrive from 18:00, talk to commence at 18:30
Ticket price: £10 each (to include wine and canapes)
Where to buy tickets:  To be bought in advance from Haslemere Travel – either from the shop at 2/4 Petworth Road or by phone on 01428 658777.

All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to both Haslemere Travel’s chosen charity, Surrey Air Ambulance and the Haslemere Festival fund.

We recently sent Alison (in pink), our tennis ‘champ’ to a tennis centre in Richmond, to spend the day with former professional tennis player Annabel Croft, where with a small group she had lessons with both Annabel and  Miles Maclagan (formerly part of the team of LTA coaches to Andy Murray).  Having enjoyed playing tennis for many years Alison commented that this was one of the best coaching sessions she had ever experienced.

One of our favourite resorts in Cyprus, Aphrodite Hills has recently set up the Annabel Croft Tennis Academy and Annabel herself will be hosting a week of tennis related activities from 31st March 2013.  This is a really great opportunity for some excellent coaching but spaces are limited so if you are interested please don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call us on 01428 658 777.

Situated at the Aphrodite Hills Resort near Paphos, the Academy has 9 floodlit tennis courts (4 red clay and 5 green-set hard courts) and runs a programme that is suitable for players of all ages and all standards. The Academy has a highly motivated team of 14 professional coaches and there are various flexible packages available, for individuals or groups – something to suit everyone.  You can play as little or as much tennis as you want.  There is also a friendly bar where you can sit and chat with coaches and fellow tennis enthusiasts after the rigours of the day!

At Aphrodite Hills you will find many activities for both children (from toddler to teenager) and adults with the recent additions of crazy golf, archery, horse riding and segways.  The Pirates Village kids’ club is always popular and recently a shaded playground has been built on the beach. For a spot of relaxation the spa offers an excellent range of treatments.  There is a new supermarket for those in self catering accommodation and a medical centre. The hotel has recently introduced an all inclusive option making it a perfect family choice.

Aphrodite Hills also has a championship golf course  – visually spectacular, the course expands through olive and carob trees and is built on two plateaus of a mountain, separated by a dramatic ravine. The golf club also has an Academy for all levels.  Again, packages can be arranged.

So if you are a keen golfer, tennis enthusiastic and have a family of all ages, this is the perfect resort for you and with a fabulous spa, there is always a quiet retreat to escape to when you need some well deserved R&R.

For prices and availability call us on 01428 658 777.

The UK’s leading gardening charity, the Royal Horticultural Society, has just launched its first ever range of RHS Garden Holidays in conjunction with one of our favourite escorted tours experts.

Featuring a selection of carefully designed horticulture-themed garden holidays around the world, the selection includes itineraries to the USA, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan, The Azores, France, Italy and Spain.

RHS Garden Holidays will inspire all from the greenest of gardeners to more experienced horticulturists, with visits to private gardens, private or expert tours of exceptional public and botanical gardens and the chance to see many plants in their natural habitat. The tours are also rich in cultural highlights, making them of equal appeal to any non-gardening travel companions.

There are 10 garden holiday tours, with departures starting in May 2013. Each tour is accompanied by an expert tour leaders, with local guides also being used where appropriate. In addition, some departures will also be accompanied by an RHS horticulturist such as a Curator or specialist in their field.

EUROPE GARDEN HOLIDAYS

  • Gardens of the Loire: 7 days from £1869 pp
  • Andalucia – Land of Castles, Palaces & Gardens: 9 days from £1589 pp
  • Portugal’s Gardens: featuring the Azores & Lisbon: 9 days from £1999 pp
  • Gardens & Villas of the Italian Lakes: 9 days from £2399 pp
  • Eternal Gardens of Rome: 6 days from £1549 pp

 

WORLDWIDE GARDEN HOLIDAYS

  • New Zealand’s Garden Route – 20 days from £4599 pp
  • The Beauty of Japan – 13 days from £4999 pp
  • Gardens of American History – 11 days from £2699 pp
  • Historic Gardens of America’s North East – 9 days from £2599 pp

 

For further details please pop in and see us or call 01428 658 777 for further assistance.  brochures are available upon request.

UPDATE: The deadline for entry has now passed and the winners have been chosen by our panel of judges.  Winners will be announced at our grand ceremony on 1st May, hosted by comedian Rob Brydon!

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Do you know a young sporting superstar, a thoughtful child carer, or a teenage volunteer who is always helping others? Then this is your chance to help us reward and honour those deserving, unsung young individuals in Surrey.

The inaugural Surrey Young Superstars awards will showcase young people’s efforts and honour them for both their hard work and achievements.

Devised – on a not for profit basis – by leading independent travel agent Haslemere Travel and top Surrey law firm TWM Solicitors to also raise awareness for their chosen charity, Surrey Air Ambulance, the awards seek to recognise exceptional fundraising, sporting or caring achievements of young people up to the age of 19.

Entry into the awards couldn’t be easier. Just explain in 250 words or less why the person, or you, are worthy of the award and complete the simple entry form. Closing date for entries is 2nd April 2013 (extended from 22nd March).  Please click here for Final Rules Criteria

The awards ceremony will take place at Guildford’s new venue, GLive, on 1st May 2013 and there will be a surprise guest celebrity to present the prizes. The top prizewinner will win a family holiday at luxury hotel Soar Mill Cove in Devon!

Good Luck!

STOP PRESS: Weeks after he was starring in the lead role of the Chorus of Approval on the West End stage and also appearing in BBC TV’s record-breaking Comic Relief, top comedian and actor Rob Brydon is to present the awards at the inaugural Surrey Young Superstars event on May 1st at Guildford’s GLive

Located in the heart of Bali, Ubud has long been a retreat for those in search of peace of mind and artistic inspiration. The bustling town centre has a wonderful variety of art studios and galleries, and a seemingly endless calendar of events.

Ubud Hanging Gardens has created a series of Balinese Masterclasses enabling guests to become fully absorbed in their local environment and Balinese culture.

From cooking lessons using local seasonal ingredients with the hotel’s head chef and painting classes with a traditional Balinese artist to tuition in Tibetan wellness, Yoga and Chakra Meditation, there is something to suit every taste.

All classes are suitable for beginners through to advanced practitioners.

Ubud Hanging Gardens also welcomes families to stay at the resort and has organized some courses to keep the children entertained and their imaginations stimulated:

  • Kite crafting is one course available to children staying at the hotel. Children can learn to design and make their own kites with a few strips of shaved bamboo, a piece of paper and a length of string.
  • Dance classes are another popular choice for the young guests at the hotel. Children from the nearby Susut village are taught the Legong dance as part of the class. Guests are encouraged to let their children join in, or they can simply sit at the café and enjoy the show.

Ubud Hanging Gardens is the ideal hotel for the whole family to stay in luxury, relax, learn new skills and immerse themselves in the Balinese culture. But why not experience more of the best Bali has to offer with a beach extension at resort Jimbaran Puri Bali and enjoy VIP privileges courtesy of Haslemere Travel when booking both Orient-Express properties in Bali.

Haslemere Travel is now one of only 35 UK agents (and only 200 in the world!) who are members of the invitation-only Orient- Express Group’s Bellini Club.

This prestigious membership entitles our clients to unique, VIP privileges in all of Orient- Express’ 46 luxury hotels, riverboats and famous trains worldwide. And premium- spending clients also get a resort credit to spend during their next booking!

Other iconic hotels included in this special club are the Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town; Art Deco, A-listers’ Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Macchu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge in Peru and Hotel das Cataratas, Iguassu Falls, Brazil, near to the sensational waterfalls (below). If city life appeals, then why not book the Hotel Cipriani in Venice, or the Ritz in Madrid, for a sensational weekend break?

Wherever you go, the trip will now be extra special – call Haslemere Travel now on 01428 658777.

The Gambia, on the West African coast, just a 6 hours flight away and with no time change makes a perfect destination to escape the cold of winter.

Though tourists in search of winter sunshine have been visiting this small country for a good 30 years, it is still relatively un-spoilt in terms of large tourist hotels and developments: so far there are no true resort style hotels, more the hotels are built near small villages which are gradually developing into resorts encompassing craft markets, local bars and restaurants.

Whilst many of the hotels are fairly simple in what they offer, there are a surprising number of small boutique style hotels with quirky rooms, excellent spas and fabulous restaurants. Eating out in the Gambia is now quite an experience, with a wonderful choice of cuisine, from local spicy chicken yassa, Lebanese food, Chinese, Indian and European – the much welcomed French influence from neighbouring Senegal has seen an enormous change over the last 20 years.


For many people a visit to one of the local schools or charities is a humbling experience but the schools are well supported by the UK visitors who make yearly visits and organise fund raising in the UK: you will find a host of smiling faces and young ones all too eager to show off their classrooms, and of course, have their photo taken!

If you tire of the beach there are opportunities to go deep sea fishing, enjoy a day cruising on the River Gambia or have a dusty adventure in a 4×4 visiting the Gambian countryside: or what about a day’s home cooking course first visiting the market and then preparing a local dish in a local home.

The Gambia is also a birdwatchers paradise with some 540 species and with everything in relatively close proximity (forest savannah environments, drier woodland, marine systems and estuary mudflats with its intricate mangrove tributaries) you don’t have to travel far – just standing on your bedroom terrace you can see over 10 varieties!

To find out more about the gambia, please call Howard on 01428 658 777.

Terry made a long-awaited first visit to South Africa, not only visiting Sabi Sands where private game reserves offer you every opportunity to see the Big Five at close range, but he was also able to experience the magnificent surrounding countryside.

The first night in South Africa was spent at the Michelangelo Hotel in Johannesburg. With unsurpassed luxury, the hotel is situated at the heart of Africa’s most exclusive shopping centre, and some rooms over look Nelson Mandela Square where you can find a good selection of restaurants and shops.

Travelling east they stayed at Lion Sands Private Game Reserve, which is exclusively used by guests, giving you a personalised safari experience. The resort has three lodges, including the award winning Ivory Lodge, ideal for groups of family and friends. Terry stayed in the 1933 Lodge, nestled on the banks of the Sabie River, where comfort and relaxation are the order of the day.There are four spacious suites, each with their own private views of the River.

Nearby Nottens Bush Camp is a delightful private lodge. The family-run camp has eight individually styled chalets, each with balconies overlooking the bush. There is no electricity in the rooms, with hurricane lamps and candles providing a rustic, but romantic atmosphere. There are experienced rangers on hand to provide you with early morning and late afternoon game drives, as well as daily walks. In the past this hotel has proved a great favourite with our clients and it’s easy to see why.

World-famous and award-winning Mala Mala, spanning 33,000 acres, boasts some of the best unfenced game viewing in South Africa, offering one of your greatest chances to see the Big Five. Accommodation in the Main Camp provides a variety of rooms and suites, while the adjacent Sable Camp offers a more intimate atmosphere. There is also the opportunity to stay at Rattray’s, a ten-minute drive from Main Camp. This is a very exclusive and quiet camp, and no children under 16 are allowed. Mala Mala has its own airstrip, allowing quick connections from Johannesburg or Nelspruit.

Rissington Inn, close to the bustling ng village of Hazyview, west of the Kruger, is a stylish and informal, privately owned inn, providing an excellent base for those wishing to take part in adventure activities such as horse-riding, micro-lighting, canopy trails and hot air ballooning. But don’t discount the Inn if you prefer a more relaxed holiday, as it is also a perfect place to unwind and enjoy the peace and views over the surrounding countryside.

Cybele Forest Lodge & Spa, an oasis set in 300 acres of paradise, is a great option for families wanting to combine activity with relaxation. The accommodation is private and luxurious; all suites have a walled garden and some their own pool. The resort has its own helipad, and helicopter adventures and hot air balloon safaris are available. Horse-riding can also be arranged locally. From Cybele and Rissington guests can spend the day touring the spectacular Panama Route, visiting the historic village of Pilgrim’s Rest, God’s Window and Blyde River Canyon.

For those that are interested in bird-life, South Africa offers a tremendous variety with around 500 species of bird.

The flight to South Africa may be long, but with overnight flights available to Johannesburg daily and no danger of jet-lag, you can reach the camp and be out on safari the next day. Perfect for a easy getaway from the British winter. For more information call us on 01428 658 777.

Botswana had always been on Susie’s hit-list to visit, and she finally had the chance in November.

On arrival into Maun we were transferred by light aircraft to the Okavango Delta. Straight from the landing strip we drove to our first camp, Sanctuary Baines, just in time for the first of many incredible sunsets. This low environmental-impact camp has been built using commercially grown wood and recycled tin cans. The five suites at Sanctuary Baines are extravagant and luxurious, with en-suite facilities and four-poster beds swathed in mosquito netting. If you fancy a night under the stars you can have your bed wheeled out onto your private wooden deck, overlooking the shimmering waters of the Boro River where hippos can often be spotted.

Early the following morning we had tea and coffee delivered to our suite, before setting off for our first game drive. This area of the Okavango is in flood in July and August so we were able to drive around and follow the wildlife driving through a few high water spots.

From a distance we saw 3 elephants walking towards us, which was the signal for us to stop and wait for them to appear. We were so fortunate to meet these semi-habituated elephants up close. We were first introduced to Jabu, the bull, and gradually we took it in turns to get up and personal with this incredible elephant, while learning about their lives in the Delta and how they fit into the eco-system. Once Jabu had enough he walked off and shook a tree, with all the fruit falling down for them to eat. The other two elephants, Thembi and Morula were little shier and kept their distance from us, however we soon discovered Thembi has a naughty side when she took our hats, placing them on her own head. We were all soon getting hungry so we followed the trio to lunch, before saying goodbye. It was an experience never to forget.

Our next adventure was flying to Sanctuary Chief’s Camp in the Moremi Game reserve, which covers 20% of the Delta. Flying over the Delta in a 6-seater at 500ft gives the most amazing views and often landings are aborted due to wildlife on the runway. Chief’s camp is located on Chief’s Island, one of the many islands created by the seasonal flood-waters of the Okavango. The guest pavilions at the camp are hidden away in a jackalberry and sausage tree woodland; all have their own private decks, and both indoor and outdoor showers. We went out for a game drive our first evening in search of leopards – looking for these elusive animals is hard work and so we took a break for sun-downers, only to be radioed that the leopard had been spotted. We were fortunate enough to witness one of the most amazing wildlife experiences there is, a leopard kill. We were up early again the next day for a morning drive to watch the leopard with her cubs, follow herds of elephants and watch the warthogs running around.

From Chief’s we then flew to Sanctuary ChobeChilwero Lodge on the Chobe River, where we took a river cruise to watch the hippos. Our guide also spotted monitor lizards, kingfishers and buffalo. Chobe is a national park and is frequented by weekenders from South Africa and surrounding countries, so you are unable to drive off-track during game drives.

No trip to this area would be complete without a trip to Victoria Falls, a breathtaking experience.

This was my second visit to the Falls and a detour fly pass reminded me how stunning they are. In November the Falls are not in fall flood, so the best time to visit is in March when they really do thunder. Near to the Falls is a national park where seven white rhino live. These animals are under 24/7 guard as the rhino population had been wiped out.

Our final stay was the Sanctuary Sussi 7 Chumba, just a short drive away from the Falls. The main lodge comprises of twelve tree houses connected by wooden walkways, and there are also two luxury houses available, perfect for families.

Surrey-based, independent travel agent Haslemere Travel scooped a top industry prize at a glittering ceremony attended by more than 1,000 guests from the UK’s travel industry at London’s Battersea Evolution venue on November 2nd 2011.

Amid tough nationwide competition from high street names such as Virgin, Kuoni and Thomas Cook, Haslemere Travel won the SMALL TRAVEL RETAILER OF THE YEAR 2011 prize in the annual British Travel Awards. The BTA’s are the largest awards programme in the UK created to reward the best companies in travel, as voted for by the British public, with 700,000 votes cast – three times more than last year.

There to receive the award in person from the evening’s guest host, writer, broadcaster and actor, Gyles Brandreth, was Haslemere Travel’s founder and chairman Andrew Brownrigg.

 

 

 

Andrew and his wife Di moved to Haslemere, Surrey in 1988 and founded Haslemere Travel to concentrate on the leisure holiday market and, in particular, to specialise in creating personal and tailor-made itineraries.

“This award means so much more to us all at Haslemere Travel, since the votes are from the public and also from an expert panel of judges, and therefore form a seal of approval not only from our colleagues in the Industry, but also from our clients,” said Andrew.

According to Gemma Antrobus, managing director of Haslemere Travel since 2008: “Since the agency started in 1988, the skills and attributes required to be successful in the travel industry have changed dramatically, with a greater emphasis on customer service, communication, psychology and lifestyle. These are now developed within the company’s strategic programme of networking, skills development and overseas research.

“Our recent staff appointments have been chosen more for their ability to communicate well with customers, and in many cases their knowledge of living and working overseas. Their ability to understand the needs of well-travelled, experienced and demanding customers is of paramount importance and rests at the core of the company’s current success,” said Gemma.

With plans to also expand its Elite Consultants freelance consultancy network, Haslemere Travel has set its sights on even greater success in the future with full awareness and understanding of the increasingly competitive and demanding nature of the overseas travel market.

“In our case, small is definitely beautiful – getting to know our clients individually is crucial to our business and I am extremely proud of our progressive and forward-thinking team.”

To make an enquiry or arrange an appointment with any one of the team at Haslemere Travel, please call 01428 658 77.

Marrakech has always been a favourite destination for our clients and now that BA has resumed flights there (along with BMI), this mysterious and exotic city is more accessible than ever. Terry recently returned to the city for an update.

Numerous riads and hotels have been developed over the past 10 years and rather than resting on its laurels, the city’s most famous hotel, La Mamounia, has recently undergone an extensive and prohibitively expensive refurbishment programme. The results are stunning which is only to be expected from design guru Jacques Garcia, who also redesigned the fabulous Hotel Metropol in Monte Carlo.

Sheltered within the walls of the old city, the gardens of the hotel stretch to some seven acres of tranquillity, hidden away from the hurly burly of the nearby medina. For those wanting the ultimate in luxury, there are now three beautiful riads with pools hidden in the gardens (complete with butler); or maybe you would prefer the famous Churchill suite with its wonderful views towards the snow-capped Atlas mountains?

There is a fabulous choice of restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools, an enormous spa, which has recently been voted by Condé Nast magazine readers as the best in the world, a fitness centre and a Henri le Conte tennis academy.

Kasbah Tamadot, Richard Branson’s retreat, an hour’s journey into the foothills of the Atlas mountains, offers a wonderful getaway location for those craving a rest from the outside world. With just 24 rooms, ranging from classic rooms to suites, Berber tents and a master 3-bedroom tower suite, you can be assured of first-class service throughout your stay. Dining in the Kanoun restaurant is a mixture of Moroccan and international cuisine.

For a truly authentic experience you can hire bikes, horses or mules to visit the mountains and the neighbouring Berber villages.

To learn more about these truly spectacular properties please call Terry on 01428 658 777.

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