Take a step back to the romantic appeal of the ‘Golden Age of Aviation’ as you travel through southern Africa in a DC-3. Experienced 4th generation local guides tailor the voyage to the interests of a select group of 14 travellers as you explore Zululand, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique and South Africa with Travcoa Flying Safaris. You¹ll be a distinguished guest at a private ceremony, the Zulu King¹s Reed Dance. This is a once-in-a-lifetime privilege to observe a celebration of 20,000 African maidens rekindling their people¹s pride in dance and traditional culture.
July 1, 2009
Flying safaris in southern Africa: ‘Out of Africa’ revisited
June 9, 2009
The best airport in the world
The results of the World Airport Awards from Skytrax are out. Congratulations go to Incheon International Airport in Seoul which beat last year’s winner (Hong Kong International Airport) into second place. The top 10 were as follows:
1. Incheon International Airport
2. Hong Kong International Airport
3. Singapore Changi
4. Zürich
5. München
6. Kansai
7. Kuala Lumpur
8. Amsterdam
9. Centrair Nagoya
10. Auckland
What is your favourite airport in the world and why?
May 28, 2009
An unparalleled experience is coming to the Maldives
The previously untouched southern Maldives is to get its first boutique luxury resort. Alila Villas Hadahaa will open in the Gaafu Alifu (North Huvadhoo) Atoll in August 2009, an atoll which is rich in history yet unknown to all but the most intrepid divers. It is one of the largest natural atolls in the world and the deepest in the Maldives with a central lagoon plunging about 90 metres down. Despite its size, though, it encompasses only 250 islands over a lagoon area covering 2,800 square kilometres, resulting in the sparsest distribution of individual islands in the country.
The new resort will feature 14 stilted over-the-water Aqua Villas with panoramic views and 36 Island Villas, 20 of which come with a private plunge pool. All villas are designed to enhance the Maldivian experience. It is accessible via a 55 min domestic flight from Male to Kaadedhdhoo Domestic Airport, where you board a 55 foot Luxury Azimut Power yacht for a 1 hour 15 minute cruise to the resort.
March 14, 2009
Earn double United Mileage Plus miles
United Mileage Plus members earn double miles when staying at participating Hyatt hotels in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia Pacific between 15th March and 15th June 2009. You must mention the offer code UA309 when booking and provide your Mileage Plus membership number at check-in.
January 26, 2009
Anantara Desert Islands Resort and Spa linked by flights directly from Abu Dhabi
A new air service took off in the UAE this month with twice-weekly flights linking Abu Dhabi with Sir Bani Yas Island; phase one of the Desert Islands project in the emirate’s Al Gharbia western region. The service, provided by private operator Empire Aviation, can also be chartered on demand as part of the accommodation package offered by Anantara Desert Islands Resort and Spa. Operating two eight-seater Cessna Caravans, the flight to Sir Bani Yas Island – home to the Arabian Wildlife Park – will take approximately 50 minutes as opposed to a two and a half hour car journey from the UAE capital.
January 22, 2009
SWISS’s new first class
SWISS will be gradually introducing a new First Class cabin from this Spring onwards, in parallel with its fleet renewal programme. The centrepiece of the new cabin product is the new SWISS First Seat, which offers exclusive design, top inflight comfort and extensive privacy and can be individually adjusted to travellers’ specific wishes and needs. The new ‘suite above the clouds’ marks a further milestone in SWISS’s ongoing quality drive.
The SWISS First Seat can be reclined at the touch of a button into a totally lie-flat bed that is more than two metres long. It is also equipped with a down-filled duvet, and incorporates an innovative pneumatic air cushion whose softness can be adjusted to individual preferences in any seating position. Further extras include a 23-inch (currently the world’s biggest) inflight entertainment screen and generous work surfaces and storage facilities. In visual terms, the new seat picks up on the design elements and colour scheme that have already been adopted for the new SWISS Lounges.
November 23, 2008
Luxury travel links of the week
A weekly pick of luxury travel links for your perusal…
- On the Baja Peninsula’s southern tip: Villas del Mar
- Ulysse Nardin: fine timepieces since 1846
- Luxury motor yachts from Sunseeker
- Revolutionary jet ownership from Vitesse Flight Partners
October 26, 2008
Luxury travel links of the week
A weekly pick of luxury travel links for your perusal…
- Take a flight of fancy with Eastern Safaris
- The rustic-chic yoga resort of Amansala
- The finest chateau hotel in France? Check out Bagnols!
- Find more… in Singapore
October 20, 2008
Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2008
Conde Nast Traveler has announced the results of its 2008 Readers’ Choice Awards, ranking the best cities, cruise lines, airlines, hotels and resorts worldwide. The awards will appear in the November issue of the magazine which is available from newsstands tomorrow. Below are results for the top three winners in each category:
Top Cities- United States:
1. San Francisco
2. Charleston, SC
3. New York City
Top Cities- Europe:
1. Florence, Italy
2. Rome, Italy
3. Tie: Salzburg, Austria and Venice, Italy
Top Cities- Asia:
1. Bangkok, Thailand
2. Chiang Mai, Thailand
3. Hong Kong
Top Cities- Africa/Middle East:
1. Cape Town, South Africa
2. Jerusalem, Israel
3. Damascus, Syria
Top Cities- The Americas
1. Buenos Aires, Argentina
2. Vancouver, British Columbia
3. Tie: Victoria, British Columbia and Quebec City, Quebec
Top Cities- Australia/Pacific:
1. Sydney, Australia
2. Melbourne, Australia
3. Queenstown, New Zealand
Top Hotels- Southern Europe:
1. Il Pellicano, Tuscany, Italy
2. Four Season George V, Paris, France
3. Il San Pietro di Positano, Positano, Italy
Top Hotels- United States:
1. The Peninsula, Chicago, Illinois
2. Elizabeth Pointe Lodge, Amelia Island, Florida
3. Stephanie Inn, Cannon Beach, Oregon
Top Hotels- Canada:
1. Hotel Grand Pacific, Victoria
2. Auberge Saint-Antoine, Quebec City
3. Sooke Harbour House, Sooke, Vancouver Island
Top Hotels- Asia:
1. Oberoi Udaivilas, Rajasthan
2. Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
3. The Peninsula, Hong Kong
Top Hotels- Africa:
1. Cape Grace, Cape Town
2. Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, Cape Town
3. Table Bay Hotel, Cape Town
Top Hotels- Caribbean/Atlantic:
1. Hotel Saint-Barth Isle de France, St. Barts
2. Tie: Eden Rock, St. Barts and Le Toiny, St. Barts
3. The Caves, Jamaica
Top Hotels- Middle East:
1. David Citadel Hotel, Jerusalem
2. Four Seasons, Doha
3. Four Seasons, Amman
Top Hotels- Northern Europe:
1. Four Seasons Gresham Palace, Budapest
2. Ritz-Carlton, Berlin
3. Brenner’s Park-Hotel & Spa, Baden-Baden
Top Hotels- Mexico:
1. Casa Natalia, San Jose del Cabo
2. Hotel at Esperanza, Cabo San Lucas
3. Las Mananitas, Cuernavaca
Top Hotels- British Isles:
1. Milestone Hotel, London
2. Lower Slaughter Manor, Cotswolds
3. Chewton Glen, Hampshire
Top Hotels- Australia/Pacific:
1. Henry Jones Art Hotel, Hobart
2. Park Hyatt, Sydney
3. The Westin, Melbourne
Top Hotels- South America:
1. Hotel Monasterio, Cuzco
2. Four Seasons, Buenos Aires
3. Alvear Palace Hotel, Buenos Aires
Top Hotels- Central America
1. Casa Santo Domingo, Antigua
2. Lapa Rios Ecolodge, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
3. Porta Hotel Antigua, Guatemala
Top Islands- Caribbean/Atlantic:
1. Bermuda
2. St. John
3. St. Barts
Top Islands- Pacific:
1. Maui
2. Kauai
3. Bora Bora
Top Islands- Asia/Indian Ocean:
1. Maldives
2. Bali
3. Phuket
Top Islands- North America:
1. Vancouver Island
2. Kiawah, SC
3. Nantucket, MA
Top Islands- Europe:
1. Mykonos and the Cyclades
2. Capri
3. Sicily
Top Resorts- Asia:
1. Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, Chiang Rai
2. Oberoi Vanyavilas, Rajasthan
3. Four Seasons Bali at Sayan
Top Resorts- Mexico:
1. Tie: One & Only Palmilla, Los Cabos and The Tides, Riviera Maya
2. JW Marriott Resort & Spa, Cancun
3. Maroma Resort & Spa, Riviera Maya
Top Resorts- Africa:
1. Mombo and Little Mombo Camps, Moremi
2. Grande Roche, Paarl
3. Jao Camp, Okavango Delta
Top Resorts- Europe:
1. Penha Longa Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, Sintra
2. Ashford Castle, Co. Mayo
3. Tie: Convento do Espinheiro Hotel & Spa, Evora and The Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, Zermatt
Top Resorts- Hawaii:
1. Four Season Maui at Wailea
2. Four Season Hualalai, Big Island
3. Four Seasons Lana’i, The Lodge at Koele
Top Resorts- Atlantic Ocean:
1. One & Only Ocean Club, Bahamas
2. Pink Sands, Bahamas
3. The Reefs, Bermuda
Top Resorts- Middle East:
1. Burj Al Arab, Dubai
2. One & Only Royal Mirage, Dubai
3. Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai
Top Resorts- Australia/Pacific:
1. Hotel Bora Bora
2. Huka Lodge, Taupo, New Zealand
3. Le Meridien Bora Bora
Top Resorts- Mainland U.S.:
1. Kenwood Inn & Spa, Sonoma
2. Inn at Thorn Hill & Spa, Jackson, NH
3. Sanctuary at Kiawah Island
Top Resorts- Canada:
1. King Pacific Lodge, Princess Royal Island
2. Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino, Vancouver Island
3. Long Beach Lodge Resort, Tofino, Vancouver Island
Top Resorts- Caribbean:
1. Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
2. Curtain Bluff, Antigua
3. Petit St. Vincent Resort, Grenadines
Top Resorts- Central/South America:
1. Hotel Punta Islita, Guanacaste
2. Hotel Salto Chico, Patagonia
3. Four Seasons Resort Carmelo, Uruguay
Top Cruise Lines- Large Ships:
1. Crystal
2. Regent Seven Seas
3. Disney
Top Cruise Lines- Small Ships:
1. Seabourn
2. Regent Seven Seas
3. SeaDream Yacht Club
Top Airlines- International Routes:
1. Singapore Airlines
2. Emirates
3. Virgin Atlantic
Top Airlines- Domestic Routes:
1. Virgin America
2. JetBlue Airways
3. Midwest Airlines
Top Airlines- Foreign-Only Routes:
1. SilkAir
2. Jet Airways
3. Air Iceland
Top Car Rental Agencies:
1. Hertz
2. Enterprise
3. Avis
October 19, 2008
Private jet fares for less, with LunaJets
The luxury of flying private at prices competitive to first and business class has become a reality with LunaJets. LunaJets enables travellers to purchase empty leg flights (private jets returning home empty) within Europe, Middle East, Russia and USA at prices as low as 50 - 80% off a full private jet fare. Travellers looking to avoid the hassle of overcrowded airports, lengthy check-in times and long delays on commercial airlines can enjoy all the luxury services associated with private aviation: VIP handling and transfer services, a dedicated customer services team and luxury on-board service at substantially reduced prices. Prices are calculated on the duration of the flight and are independent of cabin size. LunaJets also offers travellers the possibility to purchase single seats for flights less than 2 hours 30 minutes. Prices start at $1,200 and registration is completely free.
October 14, 2008
Fall in love with the meerkats of the Kalahari Desert
The meerkats of Africa are wonderful little animals - sociable, approachable, inquisitive, incredibly courageous and fun to watch. They hunt during the day, and will even sometimes climb on top of your head to get a better view of the area. Children out on a meerkat safari love the chance to get close to these curious animals - so much so that the Cape Grace Hotel and Tswalu are joining forces to offer a package that includes accommodation, internal flights and airport transfers, and a great opportunity to view the meerkats up close. Rates start from $5,850 person.
August 16, 2008
Ultra Awards 2008
The second annual Ultratravel 100, a consumer-driven survey in Ultratravel magazine (distributed monthly with The Daily Telegraph in the UK) has announced the following winners:
Tour Operator
Winner - Kuoni www.kuoni.co.uk
Runners-up
Audley Travel www.audleytravel.com
Bales Worldwide www.balesworldwide.com
Cox & Kings www.coxandkings.co.uk
ITC Classics www.itcclassics.co.uk
Cruise Company
Winner - Cunard www.cunard.co.uk
Runners-up
P&O Cruises www.pocruises.com
Princess Cruises www.princess.com
Royal Caribbean www.royalcaribbean.com
Silversea www.silversea.com
European Hotel
Winner - Four Seasons George V, Paris www.fourseasons.com/paris
Runners-up
cipriani, Venice www.hotelcipriani.com
Claridge’s, London www.claridges.co.uk
Danieli, Venice www.hoteldanielivenice.com
Plaza Athénée, Paris www.plaza-athenee-paris.com
Middle East Hotel
Winner - Burj al Arab, Dubai www.burj-al-arab.com
Runners-up
The Chedi, Muscat - www.chedimuscat.com
Four Seasons Hotel Doha www.fourseasons.com/doha
Jumeirah beach hotel, Dubai www.jumeirahbeachhotel.com
Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai www.madinatjumeirah.com
African Indian Ocean Hotel
Winner
Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town www.mountnelson.co.za
Runners-up
The Bay Hotel Camps Bay, Cape Town www.thebay.co.za
Le Prince Maurice, Mauritius www.princemaurice.com
Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, Maldives www.tajhotels.com
Le Touessrok, Mauritius, www.letouessrokresort.com
Asian Hotel
Winner - Raffles Hotel, Singapore www.singapore.raffles.com
Runners-up
Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong www.mandarinoriental.com/hongkong
The Oriental, Bangkok www.mandarinoriental.com/bangkok
The Peninsula, Hong Kong www.hongkong.peninsula.com
Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore www.shangri-la.com/singapore
Australasian Hotel
Winner - Park Hyatt, Sydney www.sydney.park.hyatt.com
Runners-up
The Charlotte Jane, Christchurch www.charlotte-jane.co.nz
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney www.fourseasons.com/sydney
The Observatory, Sydney www.observatoryhotel.com.au
Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney www.shangri-la.com/sydney
North American Hotel
Winner - Four Season Hotel New York www.fourseasons.com/newyorkfs
Runners-up
The Carlyle, New York www.thecarlyle.com
Le Château Frontenac, Quebec www.fairmont.com/frontenac
Mandarin Oriental, New York www.mandarinoriental.com/newyork
Waldorf Astoria, New York www.waldorfastoria.hilton.com
South American Hotel
Winner - Alvear Palace, Buenos Aires, www.alvearpalace.com
Runners-up
Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro www.copacabanapalace.com.br
Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires www.fourseasons.com/buenosaires
Hotel Monasterio, Cuzco www.monasterio.orient-express.com
Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya, Yucatan www.mandarinoriental.com/rivieramaya
Caribbean Hotel
Winner - Sandy Lane, Barbados www.sandylane.com
Runners-up
Carlisle Bay, Antigua www.carlisle-bay.com
Cobblers Cove, Barbados www.cobblerscove.com
Jumby Bay, Antigua www.jumbybayresort.com
Raffles Resort, Canouan Island, Grenadines www.canouan.raffles.com
European Airline
Winner - British Airways www.ba.com
Runners-up
Air France www.airfrance.com
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines www.klm.com
Lufthansa www.lufthansa.com
Virgin Atlantic www.virgin-atlantic.com
Middle East Airline
Winner - Emirates www.emirates.com
Runners-up
Etihad Airways www.etihadairways.com
Gulf Air www.gulfairco.com
Qatar Airways www.qatarairways.com
Royal Jordanian www.rj.com
African Airline
Winner - South African Airways www.flysaa.com
Runners-up
Air Namibia www.airnamibia.com
Ethiopian Airways www.ethiopianairlines.com
Kenya Airways www.kenya-airways.com
Royal Air Maroc www.royalairmaroc.com
Asian Airline
Winner - Singapore Airlines www.singaporeair.com
Runners-up
Cathay Pacific www.cathaypacific.com
Malaysia Airlines www.malaysiaairlines.com
Royal Brunei Airlines www.bruneiair.com
Thai Airways www.thaiair.com
North American Airline
Winner - American Airlines www.aa.com
Runners-up
Air Canada www.aircanada.com
Continental Airlines www.continental.com
Delta Airlines www.delta.com
United Airlines www.united.com
Worldwide Airport
Winner - Changi, Singapore www.changiairport.com
Runners-up
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Thailand www.airportsuvarnabhumi.com
Doha International, Qatar www.dohaairport.com
Dubai International www.dubaiairport.com
Chek Lap Kok, Hong Kong www.hongkongairport.com
Worldwide Spa
Winner - Chiva-Som, Thailand www.chivasom.com
Runners-up
Banyan Tree Phuket www.banyantree.com
Champneys, United Kingdom www.champneys.com
Pangkor Laut Resort, Malaysia www.pangkorlautresort.com
Thermae Bath Spa, United Kingdom www.thermaebathspa.com
Worldwide Ski Resort
Winner - Zermatt www.zermatt.ch
Runners-up
Aspen, Colorado www.aspensnowmass.com
St Moritz www.stmoritz.ch
Val D’Isère www.valdisere.com
Whistler, British Columbia www.tourismwhistler.com
Worldwide Destination
Winner
Australia www.australia.com
Runners-up
Italy www.italiantouristboard.co.uk
New Zealand www.newzealand.com
South Africa www.southafrica.net
United States of America www.visitusa.org.uk
August 5, 2008
Emirates has 58 new ultra-luxury jets
This week Emirates has been showing off the luxury trappings that come with its extravagantly-customised Airbus A380s. The superjet carries 489 passengers in varying degrees of luxury. Shower spas, temperature-controlled floors, 23″ screens with over 1,000 audio and video channels, a bar and 14 first class suites are among the features to look out for. Sounds more like a cruise ship than an aeroplane. Expect a first class ticket New York to Dubai round trip to be around $14,000 (for business class, $9,000).
July 26, 2008
Cloud9
The sky’s the limit with Cloud9, the new private jet and lifestyle management company that arranges your travel, door-to-door, in total comfort and style. A single call to the members’ 24-hour booking line is all it takes to arrange a journey that avoids the drawbacks of commercial flights. Aircraft are mostly five and six-seater Cessna Citation planes, and limousines and helicopters are all part of the service.
July 25, 2008
Vacation like a VIP at The Market Common Myrtle Beach
Book any studio suite at The Market Common Myrtle Beach and receive a complimentary suite upgrade. As a VIP guest you will also receive a VIP helicopter tour, Aveda products in-room, online grocery shopping with complimentary delivery, free WiFi, complimentary Starbucks at office coffee bar and late check-out (subject to availability). Mention code VIP0708 when booking.
July 22, 2008
Ever been downgraded? Know your rights!
Have you ever been downgraded on a flight or cruise? If you’ve paid for premium seats, make sure you kick up a fuss, and don’t be tempted by vouchers - with terms and conditions associated with them - in compensation. With reference to this, read what Linda Burbank has to say when addressing two letters from readers of USA Today.