Heritage Le Telfair in Domaine de Bel Ombre, south Mauritius has just launched an all new Gourmet Bliss offer for guests staying on a half board basis at the luxury golf and spa resort between February and September 2012. To the delight of foodies and gastro-holiday lovers, the offer can be used for dinner at seven differently themed restaurants across the Domaine de Bel Ombre area for a supplement of just £55 per day per adult and just £27.50 for children under 12.
Gourmet Bliss is valid throughout the day and includes lunch at six restaurants, all drinks including champagne and selected wines, afternoon tea, snacks and even gourmet picnic baskets for tours of the unspoiled, mountainous landscape in the south of the island.
Cuisine is an important part of Mauritian culture which includes French, British, Creole and Asian influences and as such, this offer has been designed for guests to enjoy this varied and rich culinary offering across the Domaine de Bel Ombre. From Mauritian fusion in an elegant 19th century mansion to barefoot chic dining overlooking the ocean, Gourmet Bliss allows guests to enjoy some of the island’s very best gastronomy.
Some of the most memorable dinners take place at Annabella’s, the main restaurant at Heritage Le Telfair. The classic French brasserie style menu includes classic Gallic fare such as venison terrine with pear and apricot or duck confit with ragout. There is also a varied children’s menu available for inclusive family dining and from the large terrace an exceptional view of the Citronniers River as it flows through the resort to the Indian Ocean.
Pan-Asian cuisine at Heritage Le Telfair’s Gin’ja restaurant is a must do experience. From sushi and teppanyaki to noodle and rice dishes, the modern lifestyle restaurant set on a picturesque stretch of white sand beach presents the ultimate barefoot dining experience and serves the best poached lobster. A relaxed beach style service at lunchtime is replaced with a more elegant à la carte dining experience in the evening.
The Gourmet Bliss formula includes:
- Breakfast at Heritage Le Telfair’s main restaurant Annabella’s
- Lunch at one of six restaurants in the Domaine de Bel Ombre region
- Afternoon Tea at the Cavendish Bar at Heritage Le Telfair
- Dinner at up to seven different restaurants in the Domaine de Bel Ombre
- Selected ‘ à la carte’ menu or buffet as per daily choices
- Full ‘à la carte’ menu in all 12 Domaine de Bel Ombre restaurants against food credit of 1000 rupees per person
- All drinks including beers, soft drinks, juices, selected house wines and unlimited champagne by the glass in all bars and restaurants in the Domaine de Bel Ombre
- Picnic baskets for lunch when going on excursions
Doha in Qatar was host of the Grand Final of the 2011 World Travel Awards last week, which saw the best of the best throughout the world of travel awarded for their services to the industry. The Wall Street Journal recently dubbed the awards as the ‘Oscars of the Travel Industry’, and it’s not hard to see why – the crème de la crème of the industry turned out to this prestigious ceremony, which marked the culmination of a whole year’s searching for the top hotels, airlines, tourist boards and even marketing campaigns and more, with each award winner chosen by a panel of highly regarded consumers and industry professionals.
An abundance of honours were handed out at the do, with arguably the top award of the night going to Jumeirah, who received the esteemed World Excellence in Service award, as well as Etihad Airways, who went home with the gong for World’s Leading Airline award for the third time in three years.
Although there are so many new contenders in the All Suite Hotel category, the lavish Burj Al Arab proudly received this accolade, and not for the first time either – Burj has taken home this award on a massive seven occasions in the category’s 13 years! The hotel was also proud to receive the overall award for World’s Leading Hotel – again for the seventh year in a row!
Mardan Palace in Turkey won the World’s Leading Luxury Resort prize, while Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa took home the award for the World’s Leading Family Resort, and One&Only The Palm in Dubai was named as the World’s Leading New Resort.
The island of Jamaica was the winner of the World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination award, which has been traditionally won by a Caribbean isle since 2001, but is the first time that Jamaica has been awarded the prize. Previous years have seen this category won by Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados and most abundantly of late, St Lucia.
The World’s Leading Eco Resort & Spa award went to the delightful Thai resort of Soneva Kiri by Six Senses, while the World’s Leading Eco-Lodge award was presented to South Africa’s Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, Dwyka Tented Lodge. Trou Aux Biches in Mauritius, which re-opened its doors towards the end of 2010 after a full refit, won the award for World’s Leading Beach Destination.
It was a wonderful night for the travel industry, and we are very pleased that so many of our airline, tourist board and hotel friends were rewarded for their services to travel during 2011.
Carole Booth is Commercial Director at Destinology.
A colleague of mine has recently returned from Mauritius, where she hired a car and saw most of the country’s key highlights like Chamarel, Port Louis and Ile aux Cerfs. She commented that ‘off the beaten track bays, beaches, coral reefs and coves suddenly felt all the more accessible due to the veritable small scale of the island. Also, the prices quoted to have a personal driver on top of your car hire is not astronomical; around 20 Euros per day on top of your hire charge’. Kayak through mangroves, ramble through tropical jungle or hire a bicycle and explore the orchards and stunning gardens of Domaine de l’Etoile, this really is a nature lover’s paradise. Of course, beach dwellers will love it here, but there’s so much more than meets the eye, you can even walk with the lions at Casela Nature Park.
Thailand
Ah, Thailand… what a country. So many opportunities from its bustling capital to the sleepy and idyllic Bang Tao Bay. Frenetic adventure or quiet contemplation are equally achievable holidays in Thailand. Want to experience the buzz of Bangkok twinned with an island paradise? Head to Koh Chang. Fancy Thailand but not Bangkok? Fly into Phuket and discover Southern Thailand instead. Choices here include the picturesque Similan Islands where they filmed The Man with the Golden Gun. Or you could catch a boat from Krabi to Phi Phi Island, home to indigenous monkeys and the hidden bay as featured in the movie, The Beach. If you do only do one thing, don’t miss an elephant trek in this exhilarating destination where the hospitality fits perfectly for an extra special honeymoon.
Malaysia
Malaysia is an ideal multi centre honeymoon choice, with the modern city of Kuala Lumpur being your first port of call – well worth staying for a couple of nights. Animal lovers will adore the Orang-utan sanctuaries at Kota Kinabalu, whilst foodies will love the renowned cuisine of Penang. In general, Malay dishes emphasise flavour and spice in equal measure, so if you’re a fan of curries or seafood, you’ll love what you find here. For beach lovers, the unfeasibly beautiful bay at Redang Island is recommended (as is the majestic private island of Pangkor Laut) or for ramblers how about the winding tea plantations at Cameron Highlands? Malaysia can also be done on an extreme budget too, check out the beachside huts at the Perhentian Islands for a real rustic honeymoon experience.
Bahamas
The Bahamas represent a sound choice for a honeymoon – but there’s no getting away from the fact that you will need a decent sized budget. We’d recommend honeymooners stay away from the numerous family orientated resorts and lean towards somewhere like the terrific One&Only Ocean Club, which was used for filing of Casino Royale. After all, if it’s good enough for James Bond! Snorkelling, diving and fishing are popular pursuits and can of course be done in tandem making them doubly appealing for couples. The well known Straw Market is worth a visit for a unique shopping experience where plenty of goods can be found. One final tip, make sure you take advantage of the chance to swim with dolphins in the Bahamas, you’ll regret it if you don’t.
Barbados
Calling honeymooners after beach glamour with a feel good vibe from the friendly locals. Find placid golden beaches by day and that alluring, tranquil Caribbean Sea. Groove to the funky beats of Holetown where colourful locals ensure evenings are always memorable. Regular fish fry nights take place on the beaches where you’ll also find some affordable 3* hotels offering a good standard of accommodation if travelling on a budget. If you are looking for somewhere chic and stylish, choose The House and even if you aren’t staying here, make sure you book a table to dine at Daphne’s, one of the culinary dining highlights of the island. Barbados is not particularly cheap when you are out there but as a Caribbean honeymoon choice it certainly is not the most expensive. The locals love their sport, especially cricket, and you can enjoy activities on the beach as well as spa treatments with the cool Caribbean breeze and melting sunsets to enhance your one time romantic getaway.
Carole Booth is Commercial Director at Destinology.
Which is the best kind of tropical island holiday? One where you lie on the same spot of the beach every day, read a couple of paperbacks, barely leave your lounger and pay exorbitant prices for imported water? Or one with benefits that last well after the tan has faded? Where you come back feeling re-energised, reinvigorated, re-inspired and re-ignited?
For those who tick the second box, LUX* Island Resorts launches this month at three hotels on Mauritius, one in the Maldives and one on Ile de La Réunion. The new brand, which replaces Naïade Resorts Ltd, represents the complete re-launch of the company and the culmination of an intensive twelve months of painstaking preparation and rehearsal.
CEO Paul Jones, a passionate hotelier and travel industry expert, was previously a key member of the team responsible for launching the highly aspirational One&Only brand. When he took over the fading Naïade Resorts group in late 2010, he and his management team saw an opportunity to create something truly unique in its place. They recognised that luxury itself had undergone a sea change: no longer synonymous with excess and bling, true luxury has become simpler, fresher and more individual.
Inspired by this change, it was agreed that rather than offering the standard sun, sea and sand 5-star vacation, LUX* Island Resorts would be defined by an experience that had been entirely and radically re-conceptualised.
The manifestation of this change is Island Light, the signature concept that will run at all LUX* Island Resorts. Adopting a name which is Latin for light, the new brand is dedicated to staging a lighter, brighter and less complicated holiday experience. Jones compares the concept to a musical production, where each resort is a theatre and its staff is the cast producing a show-stopping performance every day.
At its core is the commitment to doing the ordinary extraordinarily. Freshly-roasted organic coffee, retro-styled ice-cream parlours, on-the-beach film screenings, pop-up restaurants, integrated wellness & spa programmes, honesty bars and libraries of cool magazines are individually tempting, but it is the cumulative impact of these and a whole raft of other carefully choreographed Island Light experiences – underpinned by truly incredible service – which adds up to an exhilarating change of direction within the ’sea of sameness’ that most resorts offer.
LUX* recognises that it is the audience – the guests – who count most and Jones is confident that this new brand of simpler, more relaxed and more individual luxury – underpinned with truly incredible service – will have wide appeal: “I have spent 35 years designing, building, operating and managing resorts in exotic destinations around the world”, says Jones, “this project has presented me with an opportunity to contribute all that knowledge and insight. We are doing more than simply changing the name of the Company or putting a new brand on our hotels. Island Light is the summation of many different ingredients, which when experienced as a whole are a very powerful alternative to the usual island resort holiday. LUX* has determined its purpose as ‘Helping People Celebrate Life’ and that is what every
member of our team is committed to and has pledged to deliver”.
We’d been deterred from hiring a car in Mauritius by horror stories about unsafe roads, lack of signposting and a proliferation of incompetent drivers but fear not – this is no worse than the average overseas destination and better than most as they drive on the civilised left!
Hire a car
My recommendation is to hire from around 1-2pm, this makes sense for several reasons: 2 days car hire suddenly becomes 3 as you get a full afternoon and evening, a full morning and a full day, there were several places to visit close-by so the 2 half days made perfect sense.
Before you start – Sugar Experience
Our number one tip before going anywhere else at all is to visit L’Aventure du Sucre in the North West situated very close to Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens so it makes a great twin trip. You may not be inspired by an extinct sugar mill but this was one of our biggest surprises; the whole museum is incredibly well presented and interesting but more importantly it gave us an insight into the fascinating history of the island and it’s people through slavery and mass immigration. Being equipped with this knowledge enabled us to make much more sense of places, landscapes of course the Mauritian people.
Pamplemousses / Grand Baie
Pamplemousses Gardens is well worth the very cheap entrance fee and guide if you want one; one thing to consider however is the seasons, in September / October there isn’t much in the way of colour but the trees and other vegetation still make it a worthwhile trip. To us one of the most charming qualities of Mauritius is the scents, especially frangipane which gives the visit another dimension and although we enjoyed the island in their winter we did miss those intoxicating smells and colours of summer. Further north on the coast is Grand Baie, it is lively and has some good shops boutiques selling mainly clothes and bags, there are some good little bars and restaurants so plan on breaking here for lunch if you can. You will also find Arsenal in this area which is a small town dedicated to outlet stores, Triolet is a larger un-touristic place sprawling along the main road with every type of local store you can imagine, quick tour of the supermarket will demonstrate that goods and prices are very similar to home.
Chamarel Falls / Seven Coloured Earth
Detour 1 Tamarind Falls
We did head out to the traditional tourist attractions however in all cases the journey was just as interesting as the final destination and invariably we found more to see en route; if you see a sign for Tamarind Falls then take it and look out for ‘Jessie’ who will take you on a very interesting and informative trek.
Detour 2 Mangal Mahadev
Unexpectedly, although not lost, we found ourselves on a road which I can only describe as disconcertingly similar to the driveway approach to Alton Towers Theme Park once you leave the country lane, (apologies to anyone not familiar with this), then appearing in the distance, directly in the middle of the road, is one enormous 108ft tall sacred Hindu Statue called Mangal Mahadev, worth a stop and a look around for sure.
Seven Coloured Earth / Chamarel Falls / South and West
The countryside around the south both inland and on the coast varies noticeably from the north; it is hillier and appears more affluent, the roads are probably slightly better too. Traffic was light on the climb up to Chamarel with high trees lining much of the ascent – this made the view all the more dramatic when passing a clearing. Be careful not to miss the entrance to Chamarel Park as it’s easy to do; you pay a small fee and follow the path to the falls then further on to the Seven Coloured Earth. The waterfall is – well a waterfall, it’s pretty with lush vegetation all around but a few minutes here are all you’d need. Driving on you get to a small car park with a pathway down to the coloured earth; I’m not too sure what I was expecting or how expansive I thought it would be and I still can’t tell you now if I was underwhelmed or not, it is at a guess, the size of a football pitch but not oblong, and the colours are definitely different (this is caused by volcanic activity), it was however well worth a visit and I’m glad I took the drive this way for everything else I came across too.
So do be inspired to set out to discover Mauritius and I’m sure you’ll find your own unspoilt favourite, mine was the north east with its small villages, towns and markets and narrow lanes with curious dead-ends!
And finally if you really don’t want to drive then look at hiring a driver – we were quoted just over £30 on top of our hire charge per day.
Carole Booth is Commercial Director at Destinology.
Africa is a wonderful holiday destination for families and a great way for children to see animals of all kinds in beautiful natural environments. On a safari you and your family will be taken to the very heart of Africa, staying at the most luxurious camps and lodges. On your activities you will be accompanied by highly experienced guides who will take you on the most amazing adventures – entertaining your kids whilst teaching them all about the animals, birds and plants that inhabit the area.
African safaris are best suited for children age 5 and up. Each one is specially designed to suit each family’s interests and preferences and the camps will happily accommodate special dietary requirements. Your safari experience will be very private and you will be kept well away from the crowds and minibuses that you see in the busier reserves that cater for cheaper package tours. Africa is a year round safari destination and there are always good game viewing opportunities – whether you are visiting over Christmas, Easter, the summer holiday or one of the half term breaks.
South Africa and Kenya are the obvious family safari destinations but Botswana, Tanzania and Zambia also offer some excellent family accommodation. South Africa is popular because it offers malaria free safaris and Kenya is popular for its easy access from the UK and Europe as well as its wonderful variety of activities and cultural interaction. A Botswana safari and a Zambia safari are well suited for active families with teenagers who enjoy traditional game viewing activities like walking safaris and game drives.
A luxury family safari in Africa combines well with a Robinson Crusoe style beach holiday in Mozambique, Mauritius or Zanzibar where the whole family can enjoy a variety of water sports. If you are planning a malaria free South Africa safari, then you should definitely spend a few days in Cape Town – exploring the city and the Cape Winelands.
Lagoon Camp lies on the banks of a permanent lagoon formed by the Kwando River. The camp consists of 6 tents and is the perfect place for families who are very into wildlife. The activities are focussed on the game viewing experience and include canoeing safaris, boating safaris, walking safaris and traditional game drives as well as tiger fishing – a popular activity for boys of all ages.
Chitabe Lediba is situated in the Chitabe Concession, neighbouring the Moremi Game Reserve. It is just south f the Okavango Delta and features a seasonal landscape that changes from brown scrub in the dry season to a lush green oasis in the wet season. Chitabe is a small camp that consists of five tented suites that have been built on raised teak platforms. Some of the tents are inter leading – making it a great choice for family groups. The wildlife is prolific and activities include walking safaris, game drives and sleep outs in the hides.
Sabuk Lodge is situated in the northern frontier district and is perched on a cliff that overlooks the Ewaso River. The camp has far reaching views over the Laikipia plains and offers the very best in family accommodation. Activities are adventurous and include camel safaris, walking safaris, game drives, bush craft, fire lighting, animal tracking and cultural interaction with the Samburu guides who will teach your kids about their traditional way of life.
Vamizi Island Lodge is a Robinson Crusoe style beach lodge on the northern coast of Mozambique. It offers private accommodation that is surrounded by miles and miles of white powdery sand and crystal clear and warm Indian Ocean waters. Activities include scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing, kayaking, game walks and picnic to the neighbouring islands.
Impodimo is situated in the malaria free Madikwe reserve. At Impodimo, staff go out of their way to welcome children of all ages. All children are given a good y bag on arrival and activities are designed to be fun and informative. They include bush baking, bush crafts, animal tracking, paper mask making, swimming and guided nature walks around the camp. Impodimo also offers a baby sitting service so parents can enjoy a much needed rest.
Kiba Point is a beautiful Tanzania safari lodge situated in the Northern Selous. It offers one of the best family safari experiences in Tanzania and is suited for children of all ages. The camp has been built in a lovely quiet spot on the banks of the Rufiji River and consists of four spacious and well appointed cottages with private plunge pools. You will also have a private vehicle and guide who will accompany you on all your bush activities. Activities include game drives, walking safaris, boating safaris and fishing.
Although the Cape Grace is not a safari camp it has great family accommodation choices and is worth a stay if you are visiting Cape Town. The Cape Grace is situated on the bustling Victoria and Alfred Waterfront – in the shadow of Table Mountain. The accommodation is spacious and very luxurious and it is the ideal base from which to explore the city. The hotel is very welcoming to families and even offers a baby sitting service. Children are given a welcome pack on arrival and are invited to enjoy bedtime stories in the library every evening. The hotel also has a luxury yacht that is available for exclusive use.
Rebecca Sparrow is Marketing Manager at Safari.co.uk.
The weather doesn’t seem to be able to make up its mind what to do, we’ve had a combination of 29 degree temperatures swiftly followed by howling gales, pouring rain and hail storms in the last five days here in the North West of the UK. Normally by October the central heating has been on for a few weeks so I suppose we should be thankful!
If, like many people, you are looking for a late season escape, you are probably weighing up where you’ll be able to find more reliable weather for travel in October and November.
It kind of goes without saying that the Middle East is always a safe bet to catch some rays. Many of our customers like to travel at this time of year, as you’ll be looking at 30 degrees rather than 35 or 40, and in December the average temperature is closer to 26 degrees in Dubai and the surrounding emirates. The perfect weather for sun bathing.
Tropical countries like Thailand and Indonesia always represent good choices for warmth, their temperatures rarely if ever drop below 30 degrees, although the very nature of their climate is that you will have rainfall at this time of year. You’ll often find that rainfall there is intense but arrives in short bursts and quickly makes way for clear skies soon after. Don’t make the mistake I did and presume initial cloud cover means you won’t need sun cream!
December is a great month to visit the islands of the Caribbean, with the hurricane season officially ending on 30th November. Temperatures remain around the 30 degrees mark all year round, but if you are to visit between the months of December and May then your chances of better weather will be increased.
Closer to home yet away from the Euro zone, Egypt offers a haven for holidaymakers to get value for money and reliable winter sun ranging from an average of 29 degrees in Sharm el Sheikh to an imposing 38 degrees in Aswan in October. The average temperature in Sharm drops by about 5 degrees in November and then again in December to around 21 degrees. Still nice!
One of my colleagues has today returned from two weeks in Mauritius, and there’s little need to check my weather charts – one look at her will tell you that the weather was great!
Carole Booth is Commercial Director at Destinology.
We’ve all been to hotels and received little freebies on arrival or departure, but in the luxury hotels it is something of a challenge for them to be original and provide guests with memorable tokens to help enhance their stay.
Items like pens, extra towels and welcome chocolates are all lovely, but they aren’t going to set the tone for your holiday or even stay in your memory once you’ve returned home.
In the really, really top class hotels, you almost expect these gifts to be of certain standard and be rolled into their promise of ‘great service’, but they aren’t always and this is sometimes a bit of a disappointment. I’m happy to report however that there are plenty of exceptions and lots of really good hotels who do use their imagination and creativity with their ‘free gifts’.
Of all the hotels I have visited over the years, Abama in Tenerife really stands out. They delivered a daily tasting plate of patisserie selections to our room, so when we returned from the pool they were waiting for us, covered, chilled and ready to tuck into. And they were sublime, really top class homemade cakes. And what made this special was that element of surprise.
It’s also great when a hotel has thought ahead of things you might physically need when you’re there. We were on a group tour of Dubai with the Jumeirah Group and were given boxed embroidered Chinese hand held fans to take away, and boy did they come in useful in the 40 degree temperatures. You might think that sounds like a small, insignificant trinket, but this gift was practical at the time and it remains practical even now.
Other hotels delve deeper into the minds of their visitors, and depending on their location provide items that are essential for excursions that you wouldn’t want to pack in your case and in some cases couldn’t even if you tried. I’m talking about things like umbrellas, rain jackets, binoculars and regional maps which can be often be found in touring destinations with a tropical or interchangeable climate like Borneo or parts of New Zealand.
Dinarobin in Mauritius gave us a chocolate egg when we were staying over Easter, and this was nice gesture. Other hotels surprise you with the offer of free spa treatments, wine or fruit platters (it helps if you are on honeymoon!) and other regular freebies tend to include things like painted fridge magnets, customised leather passport wallets, business card holders and key rings.
My wife got a really beautiful hair brush from CuisinArt in Anguilla that she still uses to this day. It’s a high quality brush and reminds her of the time we spent there.
I can’t help but think the next level might be to provide something electronic – perhaps a personal organiser with local places of interest, excursions and nearby bars loaded onto it? Just an idea!
With a name like One&Only, you really can’t afford to have too many properties in your portfolio, and true to the name, this luxury hotel brand feature just seven luxury spa hotels worldwide.
Dubai is the only place in the world to boast two One&Only resorts; the distinctive Royal Mirage featuring three separate accommodation wings (The Palace, Arabian Court & the Residence & Spa) and The Palm located close to the Atlantis Resort. Having visited the former I can vouch for its elegance and understated, tasteful luxury. This is a very fine place to stay, not too stuffy – it’s unmistakeably classy but not in an inaccessible way. The lawns and grounds are immaculate, the pool areas beckon you in, and the Arabian styled guest rooms are lavish in just the right measure.
The Palm is a relatively new offering, and is clearly visible across the water from the Beach Bar & Grill located at the Royal Mirage. When I visited it was in was in the final throws of completion awaiting a soft opening, but 12 months on from that its flourishing with rave reviews. No surprises there.
Leaving the Middle East for the Indian Ocean (as many honeymooners do for an ideal twin centre holiday) you will find a One&Only presence at both Mauritius and the Maldives. One&Only Maldives at Reethi Rah is one of the best loved of all of their resorts, and a true favourite on dedicated luxury hotel review sites like Been, as well as Tripadvisor. Located in the North Male Atoll this multi award winning all-villa resort symbolises casual elegance to a tee. An international tennis academy, modern Japanese sushi restaurant and minimum villa size of 135 square metres are just a few of the things you can expect to enjoy whilst here.
Their highly coveted offering in Mauritius is equally as impressive, the slightly larger, French styled Le Saint Géran which features 175 rooms and suites set in a 60 acre site on the east coast of the island. A dedicated kite surfing centre, an Alain Ducasse acclaimed 3 Michelin starred restaurant, and a Gary Player designed golf course are key elements of this fine escape.
That leaves three hotels to tell you about, the newest of which I shall leave until last. If anyone has seen the movie Casino Royale, you will have also seen the One&Only Ocean Club in the Bahamas which was featured for filming of this hugely successful British film. An outstanding address in the Bahamas, Ocean Club is set on perfectly manicured grounds which overlook the stunning golden sand beach and sparkling Atlantic Ocean from an enviable position. Bond checks into an Ocean View Suite here, but he spends too much time playing poker and not enough time exploring the Balinese spa concept, pools and water sports of this luxury retreat.
A resort that should rank highly on anybody’s list of ’must visits’ is Palmilla at Los Cabos in Mexico. All the charm and attraction of Mexico combined with the ambiance of an O&O resort makes for an intriguing combination. Highlights here include the Charlie Trotter restaurant C and the Jack Nicklaus designed golf course which features breath taking ocean vistas and no less than 27 holes. There’s also a romantic chapel for weddings and events.
The portfolio is completed in South Africa at One&Only Cape Town, a marvellous city hotel graced by Gordon Ramsay’s Maze Restaurant and the largest rooms and suites to be found in the ‘Mother City’. All rooms look out to the harbour and Table Mountain and guests must try to take a trip to the Spa Island for a massage with a difference. By night you can sample some of the finest wines of the country in the 5,000 bottle Wine Loft which acts as a Sommelier led walk in wine list for guests dining at Maze.
To summise, each of One&Only’s seven hotels are uniquely different, embodying facets of the culture of their location, whilst being underpinned by seemingly effortless service, tasteful decor and resounding helping of style with substance.
Carole Booth is Commercial Director at Destinology.
I recently took some of our sales staff to Mauritius for an annual educational visit and our group were captivated by an amazing experience that apparently can only be encountered in three places in the world.
Our team of intrepid travel advisors were treated to the thrill of walking with lions at Casela Nature Park. These beautiful, fearsome creatures closely interacted with our team allowing us to stroke and photograph them giving us memories and mementos to treasure forever. We were also able to meet Bengal and white tigers, plus a very playful cheetah.
Whilst being a little apprehensive about the conditions these magnificent imposing creatures are kept in, the group were pleasantly surprised to find them in very good health and visually enjoying life. These cats we met were around 13 months old but to the untrained eye looked almost fully grown and the experienced rangers who escorted our team had a genuine affection for them which was seemingly reciprocated by the cats.
The group were then reliably informed that the park is currently finishing a large reserve for the cats to be released into once they are fully matured and that this area will become a game reserve where they will spend the rest of their lives. Guests to the park will be able to then enjoy Jeep safaris and more animals are expected to be introduced as well.
There is a photographer who will escort you during your visit and will take photos as well as recording a DVD so you don’t need to miss out on anything. But worry not as visitors are welcome to take their own photos as well.
My thoughts on the trip are difficult to put into words. It’s not easy to summarise the feeling of being so close to these creatures, I certainly felt privileged and they seemingly took to humans having a walk with them as a regular everyday occurrence making the whole experience slightly surreal. In a good way though – I’d certainly recommend anyone visiting Mauritius to make a beeline to walk with the lions as we did.
Our park ranger was very informative and detailed everything about the ethos surrounding the set up of Casela Nature Park. The park featured a petting farm and other activities like quad and mountain biking as well as rock climbing, photo safaris with deer and zip lining – so there’s lots to justify a full day trip.
The cost is surprisingly reasonable for what is essentially a once in a life time opportunity with prices starting at £50 per person for a 45 minute walk. At the time we visited there was a chap who was so enamoured by the experience that he went every day of his holidays to see and walk with the lions.
Like with everywhere in Mauritius no matter where you are staying, the park is accessible due to the size of the island, but Casela is situated especially close to Anahita the Resort, Long Beach and Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa.
Carole Booth is Commercial Director at Destinology.
A twin centre holiday may not be a term you are immediately familiar with but this type of travel experience is becoming more and more popular. A twin centre holiday describes a vacation which comprises of two or more constituent components, so for example a city break and a rural retreat or an adventurous safari coupled with a beach escape.
This kind of holiday is becoming increasingly attractive to families and couples alike because of the flexibility and variety it offers. With a twin centre deal you can enjoy a more panoramic encounter with your chosen destination(s). Consider, for example, a country like South Africa; a beautiful and vibrant landscape which features beaches, forests, savannahs, urban metropolises and charming remote communities. No one might expect to be able to embrace all that this nation has to offer in one single trip, but similarly I imagine that most people would appreciate a more extensive interaction than a single city or resort. What twin centre therefore promises is a more memorable, more comprehensive and more unique travel experience.
What a twin centre holiday also accommodates is the varying and conflicting interests and desires of individual travellers. Even, or perhaps, particularly newlywed couples may disagree as to what they expect from a dream honeymoon, a remote island, a big city, hustle and bustle or intimate seclusion. Families too have different agendas and ideas, particularly in a child vs. parent scenario; mum may want to spend her time putting her feet up, whilst the kids crave excitement and adventure.
A twin centre holiday solves this problem by allowing a single holiday itinerary to contain all things for all people. Why compromise when instead you can simply enjoy the best of both worlds and keep everyone happy?
As far as twin centre vacations go, Africa is an ideal destination and compliments perfectly this arrangement. With the Seychelles, Mauritius or Zanzibar all within a short flight of the most spectacular safaris in the world, as well as wonders like Lake Victoria, the Great Rift Valley, Victoria Falls or Mt Kilimanjaro, the potential that a twin centre holiday offers is virtually limitless. Imagine cruising the plains of Kenya’s iconic Masai Mara taking in the majesty and roar power of one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena, the Great Wildebeest Migration and then jetting off for rejuvenation and reminiscence in an exclusive private island resort in the Seychelles.
The beauty of the twin centre format is its malleability, a holiday that works for you rather than you for it; you can tailor every aspect to ensure that all of your criteria are addressed. If you would rather spend more of your time in one place than another then that’s fine, if you think that you’d prefer longer on the beach than in the bush then a twin centre holiday can accommodate your needs. After experiencing a twin centre holiday, a typical single stay alternative may never quite measure up again.
Greg Fox is a Director at luxury travel specialists Mahlatini.
xDomaine de Bel Ombre on the southwest coast of Mauritius launches as a major new tourist destination, offering a diverse range of activities, facilities and accommodation options for visitors who want to experience the authentic and natural beauty of Mauritius. Starting at the foothills of the rugged mountains characteristic of the south coast and tapering off into a clear turquoise lagoon, Domaine de Bel Ombre covers over 2,500 hectares of wild landscape dispersed with fishing villages, waterfalls and coastal rainforest making it the ideal choice for active holidays, wellbeing and nature pursuits.
Formerly a plantation estate dating back to 1765, Domaine de Bel Ombre’s history is visible in the small sugar plantations that still operate and in preserved structures such as the 19th century sugar mill or the former grand plantation house turned fine dining restaurant Chateau de Bel Ombre.
Noted 19th Century natural historian Charles Telfair chose to settle in Domaine de Bel Ombre before founding the Mauritian Natural History Museum. Here he made several botanical discoveries and introduced many new flora, fauna and fruit to the island.Today the natural beauty of the area remains in tact and offers tourists an alternative to the classic beach holiday that Mauritius is best known for.
For nature and wildlife discovery there is Frederica Nature Reserve. With 1,300 hectares of lush terrain protected by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation it is home to the island’s tallest waterfall, many indigenous flora and fauna and rare wildlife species. Here visitors can participate in hikes, 4×4 night excursions, discovery tours for adults and children, quad biking or mountain biking. For those seeking a quieter set of activities, nature trails with a tour guide, yoga classes, outdoor spa treatments and even organised picnics are on offer to fully appreciate the tranquillity and scenery of the Reserve.
Adjacent to Frederica Nature Reserve is the multi-award winning 18-hole championship golf course Golf du Chateau. Situated on a rolling hillside it stretches out over 100 hectares taking in lakes, streams and tropical trees. The course is both challenging and varied, providing golfers of all abilities with an opportunity to improve their technique and know-how on a course that has a breathtaking panoramic view of the Domaine de Bel Ombre.
The UNESCO World Heritage list is a subject that can cause as much controversy as it can congratulations. Regardless of what your opinion of it may be, it is an undeniably influential global inventory which can transform the fortunes of some of the world’s most dramatic and significant natural and cultural locations. With this in mind, I have been taking a closer look at a selection of those sites which have yet to be included in UNESCO’s prestigious catalogue, but which in my opinion are no less spectacular or worthwhile of worldwide recognition.
1. Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Bay of Islands, New Zealand
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds have to be considered as New Zealand’s pre-eminent historical site. It was on February 6, 1840 that the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed between Maori chiefs and the British Crown, a fundamental act in the evolution of modern New Zealand. The Trust estate comprises 507 hectares, ranging from the lower reaches of the Waitangi River to the northern coastline of Wairoa Bay. To the east of the estate resides the 4.8 hectare historical precinct, home to the Treaty House, the Whare Runanga and the renowned naval flagstaff which marks the place where the treaty was first signed. As well as its historical interest the area boasts extensive grounds inhabited by native birdlife, trees and heritage gardens.
2. Okavango Delta, Botswana
As the world’s largest inland delta the arterial Okavango’s precious water supply is the life blood of northern Botswana, including the Moremi Game Reserve which extends across its eastern plains. The ecosystem incorporates a variety of habitats, from woodlands, riverine forests and grasslands, to floodplains and sand veldt islands. The delta also supports an incredible biodiversity of life including 150 species of mammals, over 500 species of birds, 90 species of fish, as well as plants, reptiles, invertebrates and amphibious creatures.
3. Black River Gorges National Park, Mauritius
In the hilly south west of Mauritius, the Black River Gorges National Park is the primary habitat for a majority of the endemic animal, bird and plant life in Mauritius, including several of its rarest species. Only established in 1994, the park has already asserted itself as a haven for wildlife and a popular tourist destination. As well as the Mauritian fly fox and the Mauritian kestrel this habitat is also home to the world’s rarest pigeon, the pink pigeon and the world’s rarest parakeet, the Echo parakeet.
4. Taman Negara National Park, Malaysia
Taman Negara, literally translated as National Park, has been a real ecotourism success story and could serve as a model for many of the other mismanaged sites that still retain UNESCO World Heritage status. The park, originally called King George V National park until the country gained independence in 1957, is Malaysia’s first and largest conservation area, encompassing three separate states. Popular with climbers because of Gunung Tahan, the highest point of the Malay Peninsula, the park is home to some of the rarest species in Malaysia, including the majestic Indochinese Tiger, the crab-eating macaque, Sumatran Rhinoceros and Asian Elephant. As well as spectacular views, tourists can enjoy canopy and cave walking and rafting.
Alison Scott is the Commercial Director for Elegant Resorts. She has been at Elegant for just over a year and prior to that was Head of Product at ITC in Chester. Her background has always been in travel. She started in travel after she left University, as a Rep overseas, and has stayed in the industry ever since. Working mainly in Product and Ops for luxury tour operators, including 7 years with Simply Travel in London.
What is it that you do exactly?
No day is the same. My responsibilities at ER are to manage the Product, Aviation and Marketing side of the business. Anything supplier facing. I am also responsible for looking at our Commercial reporting and we are constantly working ahead and planning to ensure business levels going forward. There are always day to day issues/problems and opportunities to deal with that can take over and need to be dealt with. In todays challenging market, nothing is more important than reacting to changes in demand and being flexible with marketing planning and product offering.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
Everything! But Product has always been my specialty and I love looking forward and working with the Product managers on new growth and destinations. I also love being able to work with the other Directors and Senior Managers at ER to directly influence the future of the business … we have a great deal of input into strategic planning and being in charge of your own destiny is very empowering.
What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?
I have stayed in so many wonderful places but most recently:
Vancouver – Canada. I just felt very at home in the city. Loved the atmosphere and it is a very interesting place, plus you can go up into the mountains, and be skiing in 2 hours. Stunning scenery.
Rio – Brazil. Just a really edgy city, with a great vibe. So much to see and do and the first place I have been handgliding (and first and last!). Rio is a must do for any traveller, a fabulous experience.
Anguilla – Caribbean. I loved the laid back atmosphere of the Island and everyone was so friendly. Some of the most beautiful beaches I have seen.
What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?
Sushi at the beach restaurant at Le Prince Maurice in Mauritius. I love sushi and I love the beach… it was an ideal combination.
Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?
At Elegant Resorts we are very discreet about our celebrity clients. However did recently attend the 10th anniversary party for the Burj Al Arab in London which was hosted by Bruce Forsyth… my Mum was very jealous!
What currently ranks highest on your travel wishlist?
I have never been to Australia or New Zealand or any of the islands in that part of the world – so they are on my to do list. Also would love to go to Madagascar – looks and sounds stunning and unspoilt.
Thank you, Alison. Madagascar is on my wishlist also… one day, perhaps!
Les Pavillons, Naïade’s latest jewel, reopens its doors after a complete renovation. The hotel, situated at Le Morne, now glitters as a magnificent 5 star establishment with interior design from Virginie Koenig. The resort still boasts 149 rooms, which are now more spacious, and four restaurants at the heart of the hotel: Nipa, a Thai gastronomic restaurant, Horizon, the main restaurant with its Show Kitchen, the Nautile bar for light meals and the Obergine with its Mediterranean cuisine. The luxury Nymphéa Spa, with its advanced professional treatments, is one of the strongest trump cards of Les Pavillons. Nestled at the heart of a mineral garden, with the Pamplemousses Garden water lily as emblem, the Nymphéa Spa celebrates the benefits of water. Ten treatment rooms are available, as well as two external double kiosks. The Nymphéa Spa has its own pool and all massage tables are equipped with hydro mattress.
Designed as a magical hideaway, Heritage Golf & Spa Resort invites those seeking the excellence and refinement of a rich past on an enchanting journey in timeless African elegance and tradition. Brought together in a lush and tropical site, this new deluxe hotel reveals classical charm and contemporary chic on the unspoilt South Coast of Mauritius. With an amazing 18-hole international golf course, one of the most beautiful spas in the Indian Ocean, fine dining experiences and a wide array of leisure activities, the hotel offers guests unique delights to enjoy while on holiday on the island.
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Heritage Le Telfair in Domaine de Bel Ombre, south Mauritius has just launched an all new Gourmet Bliss offer for guests staying on a half board basis at the luxury golf and spa resort between February and September 2012. To the delight of foodies and gastro-holiday lovers, the offer can be used for dinner at seven differently themed restaurants across the Domaine de Bel Ombre area for a supplement of just £55 per day per adult and just £27.50 for children under 12.
Doha in Qatar was host of the Grand Final of the 2011 
I blogged a few weeks ago 
Which is the best kind of tropical island holiday? One where you lie on the same spot of the beach every day, read a couple of paperbacks, barely leave your lounger and pay exorbitant prices for imported water? Or one with benefits that last well after the tan has faded? Where you come back feeling re-energised, reinvigorated, re-inspired and re-ignited?
We’d been deterred from hiring a car in Mauritius by horror stories about unsafe roads, lack of signposting and a proliferation of incompetent drivers but fear not – this is no worse than the average overseas destination and better than most as they drive on the civilised left!
Africa is a wonderful holiday destination for families and a great way for children to see animals of all kinds in beautiful natural environments. On a safari you and your family will be taken to the very heart of Africa, staying at the most luxurious camps and lodges. On your activities you will be accompanied by highly experienced guides who will take you on the most amazing adventures – entertaining your kids whilst teaching them all about the animals, birds and plants that inhabit the area.
This is a strange time of year, isn’t it?
We’ve all been to hotels and received little freebies on arrival or departure, but in the luxury hotels it is something of a challenge for them to be original and provide guests with memorable tokens to help enhance their stay.
With a name like 
I recently took some of our sales staff to Mauritius for an annual educational visit and our group were captivated by an amazing experience that apparently can only be encountered in three places in the world.
A twin centre holiday may not be a term you are immediately familiar with but this type of travel experience is becoming more and more popular. A twin centre holiday describes a vacation which comprises of two or more constituent components, so for example a city break and a rural retreat or an adventurous safari coupled with a beach escape.
The 
Alison Scott is the Commercial Director for 
Les Pavillons
Designed as a magical hideaway,