July 1, 2009

Flying safaris in southern Africa: ‘Out of Africa’ revisited

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.

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  • 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?

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  • 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.

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  • March 14, 2009

    Earn double United Mileage Plus miles

    Category: Accommodation, Air Travel, Hotels, Regions, Speciality Travel, Worldwide — Paul Johnson @ 12:57 am

    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.

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  • 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.

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  • January 22, 2009

    SWISS’s new first class

    Category: Air Travel, Europe, Regions, Speciality Travel, Switzerland, Western Europe — Paul Johnson @ 5:19 pm

    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.

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  • November 23, 2008

    Luxury travel links of the week

    Luxury linksA weekly pick of luxury travel links for your perusal…

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  • October 26, 2008

    Luxury travel links of the week

    Luxury linksA weekly pick of luxury travel links for your perusal…

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  • 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

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  • October 19, 2008

    Private jet fares for less, with LunaJets

    Category: Air Travel, Speciality Travel — Paul Johnson @ 12:44 pm

    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.

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  • 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.

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  • August 16, 2008

    Ultra Awards 2008

    Category: Accommodation, Air Travel, Hotels, Regions, Speciality Travel, Worldwide — Paul Johnson @ 7:40 am

    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  

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  • 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).

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  • July 26, 2008

    Cloud9

    Category: Air Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel — Paul Johnson @ 11:46 pm

    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.

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  • 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.

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  • July 22, 2008

    Ever been downgraded? Know your rights!

    Category: Air Travel, Cruises & Boat Travel, Speciality Travel — Paul Johnson @ 11:34 pm

    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.

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