Resorts

As the holidays fast approach, families have a number of options for celebrating. Abercrombie & Kent Residence Club is a great alternative way to vacation with family. Membership in the club offers the freedom to choose your perfect holiday getaway ­ from a warm-weather escape to the Turks & Caicos to a cozy retreat in Deer Valley, UT. Each residence is typically 4,000 sq ft with 4 bedrooms, giving you the opportunity to even travel with extended family. The best part is that A&K takes care of all the details (airport pick-up, pre-arrival grocery shopping and more).

For a limited time, Two-Year Trial Memberships in the Abercrombie & Kent Residence Club are available beginning at $18,700 per year for 15 nights (just under $1,250/night).

The epitome of peace and tranquillity amid an array of wildlife in their natural habitat, Chobe Marina Lodge is one of Africa’s finest destinations, offering an oustanding getaway away from the mad frenzy tumult that has become city life. Superbly surrounded by nature in abundance, Chobe Marina Lodge is located on the banks of the Chobe River in Botswana, a mere ten minute drive from the entrance of the renowned Chobe National Park. A choice of unique and luxurious accommodation awaits guests who have a choice of sophisticated chalets, executive suites and studio bedrooms where plentiful comforts and warm hospitality are the hallmarks that contribute to an idyllic stay. Ideal for groups or individuals, they range from an outstanding river cruise from the lodge’s marina, game viewing in 4x4s accompanied by professional rangers, river rafting on the Zambezi River, day trips to see the magnificent Victoria Falls, bungee jumping into the “smoke that thunders”, tiger fishing competitions or trips to the Kasane Forest Reserve to name just a few. Dinner is a wonderful affair as guests have a choice of dining a la carte in the Commissioners Restaurant, where the finest cuisine in the region is prepared by trained Chefs, or in the friendly and informal atmosphere of the Mokoros Restaurant where an exciting African inspired menu is available.

Searching for the ultimate winter wonderland break? Then  look no further than the enchanting Scottish Highlands. Alladale  Wilderness Reserve covers 23,000 acres of the highlands and this Summer saw the opening of two new, chic highland bothies to compliment the main stalking lodge on the reserve. Ideal for couples and smaller groups of friends and family, Eagles Crag and Ghillies Rest sleep between 2-4 people and add a touch of luxury to this remote wilderness. Every aspect of a true Highland break has been thought of and catered for. Guests can expect a fully stocked kitchen and fridge brimming with locally sourced, organic ingredients to cook up a feast with, or the option of a hearty, home cooked dinner delivered from the main lodge for guests to simply pop in the oven. Days can be spent embracing the highland air with a personal ranger who is on hand to take guided hikes up the glens, pony treks across the reserve, fly fishing lessons, stalking on the hills and 4×4 safaris in search of the elusive European Elk and Wild Boar. All in the knowing that when guests return to their bothy a fire will be burning bright and freshly made tea and cakes will be awaiting their return.

Co-ordinated by an ex designer for Mulberry, the bothies have been designed to the highest standard, incorporating contemporary classic design with local materials and artisanship. The rooms all have under floor heating; there are wood-burning stoves in the sitting rooms, and Fired Earth double ended baths to relax in after a day outdoors. The living room with its high ceilings and chunky beams plays host to generous Andrew Martin sofas and London-based Vincent Sheppard chairs, along with large tanned leather beanbags.

Alladale offers a nightly rate from £400 in Ghillies Rest and £700 in Eagles Crag which includes a fridge stocked full of locally sourced, organic ingredients to cook up a feast with along with the option of dinner cooked for you by a chef from Alladale Lodge and left for you to heat up. Also includes a personal ranger to take guests on 4×4 wilderness safaris, fishing lessons, hikes and mountain bike rides.

Sitting on the hillside of Anissaras, Hersonissos, Paradise Island Villas offers easy access as it is  located just 23km from Heraklion airport. Family owned and run, the hotel is a chic retreat, combining the elegance and charm of a luxury boutique hotel, in a collection of 12 stylish villas, all with private pools with Jacuzzis and gardens. And now’s the time to take a look – early booking offers are available for season 2010.

Zambian Horizons is a collection of luxury camps and lodges in Zambia’s top national parks and this Autumn saw the addition of a new safari house and a complete refurbishment of their private island retreat.

Sausage Tree Camps Kigelia Safari House

Recently opened, Kigelia House is the ideal place for groups of friends  and families to enjoy a more exclusive luxury Lower Zambezi safari  experience. Set slightly apart from the main camp and closest to the  Zambezi River, guests can soak up the panoramic views, the picturesque winding river and abundant wildlife. Kigelia House is the ultimate private safari house, complete with a fully stocked bar and large dining area guests can dine in privacy away from the main camp. A spacious open plan living room boasts deep leather sofas and a high canvas ceiling which spills out onto the verandah overlooking the Zambezi River. It is here too after adrenalin packed safari drives that guests can unwind on the day beds which surround the large infinity pool.

Sindabezi Island

The long awaited, private island paradise of Sindabezi Island is now  complete and open to guests. All five thatched cottages have been rebuilt from the ground up, two of which have been transformed into honeymoon suites complete with ensuite bathrooms and roll top baths for the ultimate luxury. To enhance the romance of this secluded island two new star gazing decks have been built offering uninterrupted views of the Zambezi River and the African sky. In addition a private ‘Mokoro’ overwater deck is ideal for sundowners and romantic candlelit dinners whilst the main dining area in the centre of the island sits on stilts offering stunning dawn and dusk vistas of the River and its wildlife. Each open fronted cottage sits on the edge of the island overlooking the River, where Hippos wallow only metres away. Private valets will make guests stay effortless, from turning the beds down at night, switching the flickering safari lamps on and closing the mosquito nets around the bed, so that guests can climb in and feel cocooned to waking you in the morning with a cup of tea and a selection of freshly baked biscuits to kick start your action packed day.

Zara Spa at Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea features Oriental-inspired thermariums, tropical rain showers and 24 spacious treatment rooms and suites. It is also known for the diversity of its five pools: a hydro-pool, a large outdoor heated massage pool with 3% salt concentration, various massage jets, whirlpool and geysers, a Kneipp-foot massage pool, an indoor Dead Sea pool with 28% salt concentration and the infinity pool which looks out over the sea.

You don’t often hear the words “do it yourself” and “spa treatment” in the same sentence. And thank goodness! Wandering into a treatment room to prep the table and massage your own shoulders isn’t quite the blissful spa experience one might imagine.

But at The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Aviara, just 30 minutes north of San Diego, “DIY” means you get to customise your experience — with a seasonal twist. As you arrive at The Spa’s sun-dappled atrium for your Fall Foliage Ex “Foliation” Treatment, you’ll be asked to sit down, relax and reflect on the change of season. Then, choosing from a long list of Autumn-themed ingredients like cypress, cedar wood and bergamot, you’ll create your very own essential oil to be used throughout the 50-minute treatment.

First, your back, arms and shoulders will get invigorated with a warm exfoliating scrub that boasts a hint of skin-tingling rosemary. As your circulation comes to life, a mineral-enriched mud mask is slathered across your back to remove impurities and introduce much-needed vitamins. Next, while those earthy elements penetrate your skin, you’ll be treated to a soothing massage with your very own essential oil.

To finish, you’ll be seated in the Atrium Lounge with a soul-soothing cup of hot tea. Heaven!

When blue skies turn to grey and winter’s chill is in the air, there is no better time to add some passion to the picture, especially when you can do so in one of the world’s most spectacular locations.  The Jalousie Plantation on the scenic west coast of the Eastern Caribbean Island of St Lucia is perfectly located for couples with romance in mind and adventure in their hearts.

Nestled amid 192 acres of virgin rainforest in the embrace of St Lucia’s World Heritage listed Pitons, Jalousie’s 112 villas and villa suites offer the ultimate in privacy, all within easy reach of some of the island’s most alluring attractions.  And now, the Jalousie Plantation has put together a special package for couples who wish to enjoy a selection of island highlights as well as some winter romance with the one they love.

The Adventurous Winter Romance package includes:

– Return airport transfers from Hewanorra International Airport
– A perfectly chilled bottle of Champagne on arrival
– Introductory dive in the crystal waters or our national marine reserve
– Rainforest Jeep Safari in the heart of the St Lucian forest
– Gros Piton Explorer Hike
– Couple’s cabana massage at the Rainforest Spa
– Romantic candlelit dinner anywhere on property with a bottle of sparkling wine  (subject to weather conditions and venue availability)
– Breakfast in bed on the morning of your choice
– Complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability on arrival)

All this is available for a package price of US$995 per couple (excluding 8% government tax and 10% service charge).

Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa is situated on the Eastern Head of Knysna in South Africa, just a short drive from George Airport and only a 40-minute flight from Cape Town. Surrounded by rugged cliffs, ancient forests and sheltered beaches Pezula is perfect for a romantic break away for you and your loved one in 2010.

Celebrating an anniversary? Preparing for a romantic proposal? Why not indulge in some private time in the lap of luxury and treat your loved one with a stay in one of the seventy-eight stylish suites housed in elegant African villas. Or for a spectacular treat or grand gesture make a statement by staying in the ultra-luxurious Pezula Private Castle on Noetzie Beach.

In 2010 Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa is offering a sensational deal.  Arriving in George you will be treated to a luxury transfer to Knysna where you will be greeted by your personal butler and shown to your suite.  From the moment you arrive you are free to explore all that Pezula has to offer: enjoy a guided tour through the surrounding indigenous forests, hit a hole in one on the 18-hole championship golf course or simply enjoy some quality time lazing beside the pool.

From the 6th January 2010 to 5th January 2011 take advantage of the Living La Vida Package at Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa.  This exclusive, five night deal includes:

The package is based on two people sharing a suite. All packages are mutually exclusive and cannot be combined or used with any other promotions.

A ‘skateboard/punk rocker’ in his youth, David Sutcliffe is now one of three partners who run a small travel agency in Harrogate, England called Traveltalk. Specialising in luxury, tailor-made and adventure travel, Traveltalk was created 25 years ago by David’s colleague, Christine Thompson. After much hard work establishing the company in the area they developed a large core client base and are now, according to David, the leading agency in Yorkshire.

What is it that  you do exactly?

My primary task is to be there for our clients, whether it be dealing with a new enquiry or ensuring that their travel plans run smoothly. Beyond that I do the administration tasks necessary to make sure that the agency runs smoothly, allowing the other members of staff to concentrate on dealing with their clients.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I’m a self-confessed travel geek, so I enjoy all aspects of the industry. I love reading the magazines, watching the travel channels and talking to clients about my favourite destinations, but most of all I love having the opportunity to visit places I wouldn’t otherwise be able to. I’ve seen parts of the globe that most people never will and I’m very grateful to be in such a position.

What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?

Savute Under Canvas, Botswana – I stayed at 4 of the &Beyond properties in this amazing country, but this was the highlight for me. Staying in a tent whilst outside you could hear lions and hyenas close by was an experience that will stay with me forever. It was also the first time I’d seen a leopard on safari.

Baltschug Kempinski, Moscow – We arrived late into Moscow and didn’t get a real impression until the following morning when I looked out of my bedroom window across the Moscow River to St Basil’s Cathedral, Red Square and the Kremlin. Whilst Moscow might not be as pretty as St Petersburg, you get a real feeling of being somewhere special, somewhere important.

Four Seasons Sayan, Bali – After a long journey this was a real sight for sore eyes. Beautifully set in the Ayung river valley near Ubud, this was the perfect place to relax.

What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?

If you ever find yourself in Ibiza you must visit the Cardamom Club in Santa Eulalia. Superb Indian cuisine in a wonderful setting – chicken jalfrezi with a cold beer, outdoors under a canopy of trees on a Mediterranean evening……paradise!

Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?

We do have a few high profile clients, but best to respect their privacy. I’ve been shouted at by the late Hughie Green in a hotel in Edinburgh if that counts, but it was a case of mistaken identity, he apologised and even bought me a drink. I’ve also met Iggy Pop and John Peel. Oops, almost forgot… I am currently in an awkward relationship triangle with Jennifer Love Hewitt and Carmen Electra…

What currently ranks highest on your travel wishlist?

This changes on an almost daily basis, but at the moment I would love to see Norway, preferably on a Hurtigruten cruise. The scenery looks like it would literally awesome.

Thank you, David. I can heartily recommend Norway – it’s been 20 years since I was there but I still have fond recollections of the scenery.

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