A weekly pick of luxury travel links for your perusal…
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.
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 4×4s 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.
The Zambezi Quee is a ‘luxury houseboat safari’ that will cruise along the Chobe river between Namibia and Botswana, just a few kilometres from where four countries meet: Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.  Wildlife viewing is done from the Zambezi Queen itself and from her three high-speed aluminium launch boats. There are also two fibreglass fishing boats so guests can try tigerfish and bream fishing in season (May–November).
The 45-metre steel hulled river boat features just 14 suites and master suites. All have private balconies and full-length sliding shutters. There’s an open-plan lounge with a wood-burning fireplace, an astronomical telescope and a stylish bar area. The top deck features a swimming pool, sunbathing area and shaded seating area, where guests can also have massages and manicures / pedicures. On the third floor is the spacious dining room, which offers unobstructed views of the Chobe River.
Tuli Safari Lodge was voted Botswana’s Leading Safari Lodge in the World Travel Awards and consists of just 8 individually-designed suites and an established team of very friendly staff. Set in stunning scenery with spectacular wildlife, a rich history, sites of archaeological and spiritual significance and fascinating geology, it offers an action-packed adventure that will introduce you to the life of this unspoilt corner of Botswana. A varied and authentic experience awaits you, with lots of activites and peaceful lodge grounds to make your stay as relaxed or exciting as you choose.
Two CC Africa lodges in Botswana make their debuts today. They are Xaranna Tented Camp and Xudum Delta Lodge, both in the Okavango Delta. They both overlook lagoons that provide sweeping views of the intricate network of water that fuels the delta, offering a fantastic water and wilderness adventure. As usual from CCA, the properties have a low enivronmnetal impact with a commitment to both luxury and eco-friendliness at the same time.
MSNBC has run an article on luxury lodges with an ecological oritentation. With the help of Forbes Traveler, they cite the follow places as their picks for 2008:
Xudum Delta Lodge and Xaranna Tented Camp, CC Africa’s two new luxury lodges in Botswana, are set to open in August 2008 on a private 25,000 hectare concession in the heart of the Okavango Delta. The lodges will be built with a light footprint showcasing CC Africa’s commitment to responsible luxury.
CC Africa will be welcoming guests to its two new Under Canvas camps in Botswana from March 2008 – Chobe Under Canvas and Savute Under Canvas. These intimate semi-permanent luxury tented camps, situated in the game-rich Chobe National Park and the expansive Savute area, will offer the ultimate in luxury camping and exceptional game viewing opportunities. They each consist of just six tented suites each, and are available to guests on a nightly basis – just like CC Africa’s lodges.
A couple of days ago, I unveiled that Travel + Leisure had announced their World’s Best Awards for 2006. I couldn’t possibly do justice to all the lists with one blog post, and so ended up omitting the top 15 small hotels. For those that don’t want to stay in one of the very grand Four Seasons or Ritz-Carlton hotels, these could be just the ticket: