Monday, November 22, 2010

ROBIN POPE SAFARIS WILL OPEN EXCLUSIVE LUXURY LODGE IN VIRGIN FOREST OF SOUTHERN MALAWI


MAJETE, Malawi (11/2010) Robin Pope Safaris, the classic safari company known for its specialized and walking safaris, will open a luxury lodge called Mkulumadzi in the Majete Wildlife Reserve of Southern Malawi next July 15.

Set on a lush riverbank within a virgin forest, Mkulumadzi will comprise eight spacious chalets, each with private viewing decks offering dramatic and unimpeded views over the confluence of two major rivers, the Mkulumadzi and the Shire. Interiors are elegant and uncluttered. Contemporary comforts such as an environmentally-friendly cooling system and luxurious bathrooms are blended with rustic Leadwood balustrades, a natural pole pergola and a facade that opens up to reveal the breathtaking view. Each chalet’s vegetated 'green roof' not only ensures extra camouflage, but has a natural cooling effect on the building. The main lodge will be an open-fronted space maximizing the beautiful river views and taking advantage of some cool shade on the forested banks. Activities range from swimming in the pool and dining under the stars, to river cruises, game drives and walking safaris.

The vision for Mkulumadzi is for visitors to be as active or as idle as their inclinations. They can track rhino in the bush, hike to the peak of Majete Hill, take a cultural tour of local villages or simply lounge on the shaded riverbank listening to the grunt of hippos wallowing in the water.

Mkulumadzi is owned and managed by Robin Pope Safaris, which was founded in 1986, and which has earned a reputation as Africa’s leading safari company. Standards of accommodation, hospitality, guiding and catering are second to none. Because of their prior success in operating lodges in Zambia and Malawi and their record of investing back into local communities, Robin Pope Safaris were awarded an exclusive private concession within Majete Wildlife Reserve to build Mkulumadzi.

MAJETE WILDLIFE RESERVE

The Reserve encompasses some 175,000 acres of unvisited, unexplored, and unspoiled wilderness, a vast region of mature miombo woodland and granite-topped hills contrasting with picturesque river valleys and dense, pristine forest. It is the habitat of the elusive black rhino as well as elephant, buffalo, Nyala, sable, eland and Lichtenstein’s hartebeest. Lion, leopard and cheetah will be reintroduced in 2012 as part of a pioneering conservation project. Once that happens, Majete will again be home to the Big Five.

Numerous species of birds grace Majete, including a breeding population of Rock Pratincole that inhabits rocky islands in the Shire River; Pels Fishing Owl in the riparian forest of the river systems; Arnotts’ chat; the White-breasted cuckooshrike and Racket-tailed Rollers.

Majete is one of the outstanding success stories of African conservation. Granted protected status in 1955, it was nonetheless subjected to extensive poaching in the 1980’s and 1990s. But a concerted joint effort since 2003 by the African Parks Network and the Malawi government – including the reintroduction of endangered species – has turned it into a model of sustainable development and biodiversity.

Rejuvenation of the reserve began with law enforcement. Scouts received new equipment and training, and a 100-mile electrified fence was erected around the perimeter to protect local villages form marauding elephant, buffalo and hippo. Elephants in the reserve were captured, darted and collared, and a new GPS mapping and monitoring system allows scouts to record each patrol on a handheld device, noting vital information such as wildlife sightings, water sources and illegal activities.

Infrastructure was improved with the clearing of 150 miles of new roads and the erection of new buildings, notably a Heritage Centre for visitors. Restoring Majete to its former beauty is not merely an exercise in attracting tourists, though: the aim is to benefit the people of Malawi and, in particular, the 130,000 villagers living in local communities in

ROBIN POPE OFFERS NATURE LOVERS EXCLUSIVE NEW




MAJETE, Malawi (11/2010) Robin Pope Safaris, the classic safari company known for its specialist and walking safaris, is offering a 10-night safari to the most unspoiled areas of Zambia and Malawi. Guests will spend four nights in the South Luangwa National Park, three nights at Majete Wildlife Reserve in Malawi and three nights at Pumulani on Lake Malawi.

South Luangwa National Park marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, and is one of the last pristine wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa. The ox bow lagoons, woodland and plains of the valley host huge concentrations of game and more than 400 species of birds.
Majete Wildlife Reserve encompasses some 175,000 acres of unvisited, unexplored, and unspoiled wilderness, a vast region of mature Miombo woodland and granite-topped hills contrasting with picturesque river valleys and dense, primeval forest. It is the habitat of the elusive black rhino as well as elephant, buffalo, Nyala, sable, eland and Lichtenstein’s hartebeest.

Pumulani on Nankumba Peninsula is recognized as one of the most beautiful shores of Lake Malawi and borders Lake Malawi National Park, a World Heritage Site, established to protect the cichlid fish unique to the area.

SABI SABI’S SELATI CAMP OPENS NEWLY REBUILT IVORY SUITE



MPUMALANGA, SOUTH AFRICA (11/12/10) – Following four months of construction, Selati Camp’s Ivory Presidential Suite at Sabi Sabi, an internationally renowned private game reserve in the greater Kruger National Park area, South Africa, is open and ready for guests. The suite has been closed because of an accidental fire in July of this year.

Upgrades at the newly redesigned Ivory Suite include an even larger bathroom, complete with a magnificent chaise lounge, oversized stone bath and large walk-in shower. Huge sliding glass doors lead to an outdoor shower, accompanied by an intimate patio and private plunge pool, all of which enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding bushveld.

Renowned South African designer Stephen Rich was recruited to recreate the beauty and sense of history for which the original suite was famous. Rich used antiques, Persian rugs and decadent fabrics in the suite, complemented by authentic railway memorabilia, to create an old world ambiance. The heart of the suite is the carved-wood bed covered in heavy linen and draped with sheer netting.

Guests staying in the Ivory Suite are treated to their own ranger and private Land Rover for safaris.

Intimate, exclusive and wildly romantic, Selati Camp is ideal for couples looking to escape back in time to an era of colonial elegance and safari adventures. Named after the historical Selati Railway line that ran through the eastern section of the private reserve and a legendary female chief of the ancient Tebula tribe, the camp’s old world charm, design and spirit strikes a contrast to the modern game lodges found in the area today.

The Ivory Suite at Selati Camp starts at $1,179 per person per night. For more information please visit the website at www.sabisabi.com, or call Warren Green at (804) 767- 8770 or email warren@warrengreenandassociates.com.

MANTIS’ HOTEL LE FONTANELLE OFFERS FABULICIOUS

TUSCANY, Italy (11/2010) Hotel Le Fontanelle, a five-star converted farmhouse in the Chianti region of Tuscany near Siena, is offering a Turn of the New Year Package to those romantics who want to welcome in 2011 with a touch of Classico, fine food, and fabulous views.

The package starts on December 31, 2010, and includes two nights’ accommodation inclusive of a Tuscan buffet breakfast served in the hotel’s La Colonna Restaurant.


On December 31, guests will be warmed up with champagne and canapés served near a roaring log fire in the cozy Lounge Bar. They will savor a six-course Gala New Year’s Eve Dinner with wines paired for each course selected by Le Fontanelle’s resident sommelier. All will raise a glass at midnight to toast the turn of the year.

On January 1, guests will ease into the New Year with a 50-minute aromatherapy massage at the onsite spa. They can take in the cultural delights of nearby Siena with two complimentary tickets to the town’s historic museums.

The day will wrap up with a sumptuous, three-course dinner including complimentary champagne.

Rates are per room based on double occupancy: Classic Room $2545; Deluxe Double $3145; Junior suite $3552 (prices exclusive of 10%VAT). Valid for two nights from December 31 2010 to January 2 2011, subject to availability. Call +44 (0) 1483 425465 or email ukoffice@mantiscollection.com quoting Mantis Tuscany.

*****


Thursday, November 11, 2010

STUNNING MANTIS SKI RESORT IN FRENCH ALPS REDUCES WINTER CHALET RENTALS BY AS MUCH AS $5600

VAL D’ISERE, France (11/2010) Le Chardon Mountain Lodges, one of the Alps’ most exclusive ski resorts and one of Europe's hippest, is offering extremely favorable chalet rental rates over the winter. There are five luxurious, catered ski chalets to choose among, depending on the size of the group. All are located in the peaceful and private area of La Legettaz in Val d’Isere, and are ideal for family, group or corporate ski holidays. Bookings must be made before November 30, 2010.


December 19 – 26, 2010 Christmas in the Alps

Two of the chalets, La Bergerie and Kilimanjaro, are ideal for family getaways. By booking now, guests get $3232* off the list price at $30,618 for Bergerie which sleeps 10 or $27,725 for Kilimanjaro, which sleeps eight.
December 12 – 16, 2010 a pre-Christmas break in the Alps

The largest of the five chalets is Le Chardon, which has 10 bedrooms. It is available for four nights from the 12th to the 16th of December priced at just $15,510, while Chalet Lafitenia, which sleeps 12, is available for four nights, priced at $9306.

December 12 – 19, 2010 Experience the “all new” Chalet Mistral

Chalet Mistral, which sleeps 14 people, has had a makeover this summer. It is available on a per room basis, based on two people sharing, at $1608 per person for the week.

February 6 – 13, 2011 Post Holiday Savings

Chalet Mistral – save more than $5655! Call +44(0)1483 425465 or
Email ukoffice@mantiscollection.com for more details.



As a small company, Le Chardon goes out of its way to help guests organize their skiing holiday. They understand that the notion of "luxury" is not only exhibited within the design, style and amenities of the chalets; it is in the peace of mind that they deliver. Whether in the gourmet food and fine wines served, through the ease of in-chalet ski rental service, the pre-arranged lift pass delivered with the first breakfast; or an evening soak in the chalet hot tub to relieve tired legs, Le Chardon pampers its guests.

A personal concierge service makes life at Le Chardon Mountain Lodges effortless. From arranging airport transfers complete with champagne picnic, to lunch reservations at the best mountain restaurants, no stone is left unturned in the build up to, and during the stay. Always happy to deal with any special request, no matter how large or small, Le Chardon wants guests to relax in the knowledge that the day has been tailor made especially for them.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

RARE WHITE LION CUBS BORN AT SANBONA WILDLIFE RESERVE

Western Cape, South Africa (11/2010) These two cutie pies, rare male and female white lion cubs, were born at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, the result of Mantis Group’s pioneering white lion breeding project. Because of their beauty, rarity, and arresting appearance, white lions have been almost poached out of existence. Overcoming inherent setbacks in such an ambitious project, Mantis has successfully bred a pride of white lions, which freely roams the Reserve. In spite of their cuteness, the cubs’ mother left them on their own, unprotected and unfed and, doubtless, bothered and bewildered. The Mantis Wildlife Team tried to effect reconciliation with their mom to no avail, so the cubs were taken to Shamwari Game Reserve’s Animal Rehabilitation Centre in the Eastern Cape. Here they’re getting professional veterinary and husbandry care to ensure their survival.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

BAOBAB EXPEDITIONS ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ORANGUTAN APPEAL

SABAH, BORNEO (8/10) Discover the Orangutans with Baobab Expeditions new Borneo adventures in collaboration with the Orangutan Appeal. With the Orangutan and Turtle wildlife expedition, adventurers will delve into the rainforest of Borneo in search of the orangutans before reaching Selingan Island, one of the most important turtle breeding grounds in South East Asia. And, Baobab will offer a generous donation to the Orangutan Appeal with every booking of the trip.

Upon arrival in Kota Kinabalu, guests will unwind at the Hyatt Regency Kinabalu before exploring the capital city of Sabah. The next day, the real adventure begins in the Danum Valley, Sabah’s largest protected Lowland Rainforest. Adventurers will journey through the forest, stopping along the way to catch sight of impressive flora and fauna, chameleons, gibbons, and orangutans. During their treks, they will also discover ancient Kadazandusun burial grounds. Guests will stay at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge, a stunning lodge edging on the Danum River.

The next stop is the charming Bukit Melapi Lodge, from where guests will set off down the Kinabatangan River at dawn to explore the wildlife by boat. Here, native Proboscis monkeys may be seen swinging among the trees, and the rare Pygmy Elephant may be spotted by the water.

Travelers will reach the Sepilok Nature Resort the next day. Established in 1964 to return orphaned orangutans to the wild, the resort now offers public educations on conservation and research with other endangered animals as well. During their stay, guests will visit the Orangutan sanctuary, learn about the orangutans, and find out how to spot those which have been rehabilitated.

After two days, adventurers will travel on to Selingan Island, one of three “turtle islands” lying off the northeast coast of Sabah. The island is a safe haven for the endangered Green Turtle and Hawksbill turtle, both of which only lay their eggs in their original birthplace. Guests will spend the day enjoying the water and the evening observing the turtles laying their eggs.

Finally, travelers will return to Kota Kinabalu, where they can unwind on the beach, shop for souvenirs in the vibrant marketplace, or simply explore the city before catching their flight home.

Baobab’s ten-day Orangutan and Turtle adventures are set for November 9th, 2010 and April 3rd and November 9th, 2011. Pricing begins at $3,321 per person based on double occupancy and includes all accommodations, breakfast daily, meals as specified in the itinerary, airport transfers on arrival and departure, all park and conservation fees, the services of professional guides, a generous donation to the Orangutan Appeal and to the carbon offset program, and membership to the Royal Geographic Society. International and internal flights, medical and travel insurance, all personal expenses, and tips are not included.

For full itinerary details, please click here. To find out more about Baobab Expeditions or to book, please call 516 622 2279, email reservations@baobabexpeditions.com or visit www.baobabexpeditions.com. For information on the Orangutan Appeal, visit www.orangutan-appeal.org.uk.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

ROBIN POPE SAFARIS TO OPEN MKULUMADZI LUXURY SAFARI LODGE IN MAJETE WILDLIFE RESERVE, AN UNKNOWN AREA OF MALAWI

LILONGWE, Malawi- In Fall of 2011, Robin Pope Safaris will open family- and eco-friendly Mkulumadzi Lodge and eight luxury chalets on a 17,000-acre private concession within the 173,000-acre Majete Wildlife Reserve in Southern Malawi. Situated at the confluence of the Mkulumadzi and Shire rivers, the reserve is dominated by mixed bushwillow woodlands and mosaics of riparian forest. The spacious chalets, designed with unique vegetated green roofs, are tucked beneath the surrounding riverine forest of marulas, leadwood and star chestnut trees.

Majete Wildlife Reserve was established in 1955, and has been under the aegis of the non-profit African Parks Network since 2003. Robin Pope Safaris is the only company which has received permission to build within the reserve. Remote, pristine and exclusive, Majete offers a safari experince that is unique.

Four of the Big Five -- elephant, black rhino, buffalo, leopard – are to be found in Majete and the fifth, lions, are to be re-introduced in 2012. Other animals include the eland, nyala, zebra, sable, hartebeest, baboons, vervet monkeys, hyenas and many more. Some 250 species of birds inhabit Majete including the rock pratincole, Pels fishing owl, the Lappet-faced vulture and the African skimmer, to name a few.
Those who prefer the active life can enjoy game drives, boating safaris, bush walks, hiking, black rhino tracking, cultural tours, birding trips on the Shire River and to nearby Elephant Marsh and game-viewing from a hide.

Children of all ages will be welcomed at Mkulumadzi. Best times to visit for comfort: April to September Best times to visit for photography and birding: October to March.

For more information: contact Rita@robinpopesafaris.net.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

FOR LOVERS OF THE SWEET LIFE, AFRICAN TRAVEL, INC. PRESENTS A DECIDEDLY TASTY CULINARY TOUR OF SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa is popping up on more and more “bucket lists,” and no wonder – the country is a must destination for veteran travelers who want amazing, new and fulfilling experiences for themselves and their loved ones.

South Africa offers the pleasures of a wonderful climate, friendly people, great safaris, exciting cities, superb surfing, exotic landscapes, and, on top of all that, unforgettable culinary adventures that run the gamut from the messy-finger affair called bunny chow to such high-falutin’ dishes as springbok carpaccio served with truffle remoulade. And the wines? Mwah! South Africa is a wine lover’s paradise, largely because those French Huguenots who settled there in the 17th century brought vines from their homeland and the know-how to cultivate them.

To savor the eclectic cuisine and world-class wines of South Africa, African Travel, Inc., invites travelers on an exclusive Sweet Life Culinary Tour of South Africa’s finest. The itinerary includes private wine tastings, gourmet meals, local recipes, culinary secrets from top chefs, a tour of the vaunted Winelands, hands-on cooking lessons and enough leisure time to visit bustling Cape Town as well as to take an elephant-back safari under the stars.

The tour begins at the Steenberg Hotel & Winery, an historic, five-star hotel located in Constantia, one of the four great wine regions of the Western Cape.

Day 1 – Fly from JFK/US to Johannesburg and on to Cape Town.

Day 2 – Arrive at the Steenberg Hotel & Winery, winner of the 2010 Travelers’ Choice Award for excellence and ranked as one of the top 10 luxury hotels in South Africa. Settle in to your stylish, African art-filled suite.

Enjoy a light, late lunch at the Steenberg’s new and innovative cellar-door restaurant, Bistro Sixteen82, comprising a Raw Bar, a Wine Tasting Bar, a VIP Tasting Room, a Wine Tasting Terrace, and a Wine Tasting Lounge, where guests can relax in front of a crackling, wood-burning fireplace.

Executive Chef Brad Ball (formerly the cooking master of two of Cape Town’s best known eateries – the River Café and Olympia Café), orchestrates a symphony of healthy, raw food- sashimi, gravalax, ceviche, carpaccios, oysters and tartares, freshly prepared by designated sous-chefs, and harmoniously paired with Steenberg estate wines.

Walk the grounds and discover why the vineyards are bordered by white rose bushes.

In the evening, dine at Catharina’s, Steenberg’s newly-renovated fine dining restaurant, presided over by Chef Garth Almazan, a born and bred Capetonian and culinary whiz who is 10-time winner of American Express’ Award for Fine Dining. Choose from among his simply sophisticated signature dishes- caramelized king scallops served with cauliflower purée or roast pork sirloin with red onion marmalade, ciabatta crouton, asparagus, and wild mushrooms.

Overnight at Steenberg

Day 3 – After an elaborate buffet breakfast, drive to Cape Town to see the iconic Table Mountain and the historic Cape of Good Hope. Then take a four-hour lesson in Cape Malay cooking complete with shopping the local market. Learn how to whip up Bobotie, the classic Cape Malay spiced ground beef curry.

Return to the Steenberg for a refreshing spa treatment followed by a pre-prandial wine tasting on Bistro Sixteen82’s Wine Tasting Terrace. Savor the award-winning wines created by expert winemaker John Loubser- Steenberg’s Sauvignon Blanc Reserve and Catharina’s, a red Bordeaux blend.

Dine in Catharina’s Restaurant where Chef Almazan will discuss the evening’s menu and recommend the best Steenberg wines (or Graham Beck champagne) to pair with such melt-in-your-mouth dishes as Sautéed Prawns and Tempura Soft Shell Crab served with litchi aioli, sweet chilli and market greens.

Overnight at Steenberg

Day 4 – After breakfast, tour the Western Cape’s vaunted winelands. Visit the 300-year old Morgenster Wine Estate in Somerset West, a thriving olive farm and winery, producing Bordeaux-style wines and prize-winning extra virgin olive oil. Participate in an olive oil tasting and take home some of Morgenster’s excellent bottled oils or other olive products, perfect gifts for foodies back home.

Next, visit Groot Constantia, the oldest wine farm in South Africa, dating to 1685. The elegantly-gabled Manor House is the finest surviving example of Cape Dutch architecture and now houses a cultural history museum containing a superb collection of Cape furniture, porcelains and maritime art.

On the grounds of Groot Constantia is the beautifully-appointed Simon’s Restaurant, offering indoor and outdoor dining options. If the weather is warm, relax on the rolling green lawn with a boxed picnic lunch that can be pre-ordered twenty-four hours in advance (021-794-1143) and collected from the picnic kiosk.

Afternoon and evening at leisure.

Overnight at Steenberg

Day 5 – Leave from Cape Town Airport for Johannesburg and on to Hoedspruit where you will be met by a guide from Camp Jabulani, a super-chic Relais & Chateaux, five-star safari camp that supports a world-class endangered species center.

After settling into your chalet, enjoy a light lunch served on your personal deck beside a sparkling plunge pool.

Take an elephant-back safari under moonlight with the shimmering Milky Way as backdrop. Your groom carries a searchlight for spotting game as your elephant tramps through the wilderness. Before night falls, you’ll dismount from your comfy saddle to enjoy sundowners (pre-ordered) and canapés served from a buffet table set in the bush. Safari over, visit the elephant stables and feed your favorites.

Dinner will be served in the stylish main lodge with the chef making suggestions on the day’s offerings.

Overnight at Camp Jabulani

Day 6 – Join fellow guests in the main lodge for a South African-style buffet breakfast.

Visit Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre to see the Vulture Restaurant (vultures are endangered, too, and these poor, put-upon birds need to be fed), Lover’s Lane (where the female cheetah chooses her mate), and the large pack of family-oriented wild dogs, one of the most endangered species in Southern Africa.

Lunch at Hoedspruit.

Return to Camp Jabulani for a delicious spa treatment on your deck or in your room.

Dinner in the lodge is a communal affair, where international guests can exchange travel adventure stories, “best bets,” and “must-sees.”

Overnight at Camp Jabulani

Day 7 – Breakfast at Camp Jabulani followed by a drive to Sabi Sabi, a luxury game lodge within the 160,000-acre Sabi Sands section of Kruger National Park, a wildlife paradise. Settle into your lodge.

Lunch

Afternoon game drive to observe at close quarters the Big Five and other species of African animals and birds.

Dinner at Sabi Sabi is served in your lodge or on your private deck, if you so choose.

Overnight at Sabi Sabi

Day 8 – Early morning game drive is followed by breakfast.

Afternoon at leisure.

A barbecue-style dinner tonight takes place within the boma, a fence-enclosed area used for outdoor meals and parties. Of course, at Sabi Sabi, the basic boma is elevated to a fabulously memorable communal meal in a sublimely romantic torch-lit setting. You’ll drink in the atmosphere as much as the fine wine.

Day 9 – Breakfast at Sabi Sabi then drive to Hoedspruit/Fly to Johannesburg

Settle in to the Saxon Boutique Hotel, Villas and Spa, chosen by Conde Nast Traveler as the best boutique hotel in Africa. The Saxon was originally a private mansion and it’s where Nelson Mandela stayed after leaving prison. Such luminaries as former president Bill Clinton and Oprah Winfrey are frequent guests.

Enjoy a light lunch around the pool.

A scintillating dinner a deux will be served at the Chef’s Table set in the Saxon’s newly-expanded main kitchen. Saxon’s sommelier will be on hand to suggest wine pairings, and the lucky twosome can watch the kitchen magic conjured by the Head Chef, who believes in using only the freshest local ingredients, transmuted into colorful and experiential dishes.

Overnight at the Saxon

Day 10 – Morning starts with a breakfast buffet composed of seasonal fruits and berries served fresh or made into compôtes and coulis.

Tour the Saxon’s wine cellar and tasting room.

The cool, wide Pool Terrace is an inviting area for relaxing and whiling away the late afternoon, sipping sundowners and taking in the spectacular sunsets. From there it’s easy to gravitate to the Olive Bar, beyond which you will find the well-stocked, impressive koi pond that never fails to amaze.

Dinner at the Saxon

Overnight at the Saxon

Day 11 – Breakfast in your room.

Enjoy a sybaritic spa treatment at the Saxon’s Spa & Studio, named by the Tatler as one of the top 100 day spas in the world.

Day at leisure, until it’s time to depart for Johannesburg Airport, where you can shop for South African wines and specialty packaged food items to bring home the memories.

Leave Johannesburg for return flight to US.

Friday, August 6, 2010

MANTIS’ ELLENBOROUGH PARK HOTEL & SPA IS SCHEDULED TO OPEN IN JANUARY 2011

Cheltenham, ENGLAND- The Mantis Collection is preparing to open the historic Ellenborough Park, a majestic country house situated adjacent to the famous Cheltenham racecourse in the village of Southam, just outside Cheltenham, England. Scheduled to open in January 2011, Ellenborough Park is a Hotel & Spa and will offer the highest quality service and luxurious accommodations in the midst of the English countryside.

With the new renovations, the hotel will boast 62 fully restored and new bedrooms, with suites of up to 700 square foot and one grand suite with private dining room. All interiors will be designed in a traditional yet sophisticated English country house style by internationally acclaimed interior designer, Nina Campbell.

Guests will have two dining options: Classical fine dining and casual brasserie-style dining.

The hotel will also feature a full service spa, complete with hydrotherapy pool; sauna and steam room; six treatment rooms; outdoor heated pool, and fully-equipped gym.

In addition, the luxury hotel will serve as an ideal venue for conferences and weddings. The board room will hold 16 people. For weddings, a church-like auditorium will lead into a private courtyard garden with access to the banqueting suite. The estate can also accommodate marquee weddings.

Ellenborough House has a rich history. Built in the late 15th Century, the house was bought and renovated in 1831 by Edward Law, Earl of Ellenborough and former Viceroy of India. Upon his death in 1871, the house was let to a series of tenants until it was sold in 1947 and became a private school for girls. When the property was sold again in 1972, the school was transformed into a hotel.

Room rates will start from $350 a night. For more information, please visit the website at www.mantiscollection.com. As reservations for Ellenborough Park are not yet open, please email graham.vass@ellenboroughpark.com to book.

BELFAST’S ICONIC HOTEL, THE MERCHANT, OPENING NEW CHAPTER IN HIGH STYLE WITH MORE ROOMS, A LUXURY SPA, ROOFTOP GARDEN AND JAZZ BAR

BELFAST, Northern Ireland– The Merchant, the most desirable hotel in northern Europe’s fastest growing city, Belfast, is adding 38 more luxury rooms and suites to its present number of 26. The New Chapter expansion is expected to be completed by the end of July. A member of the Mantis Group, marketers/managers of five-star hotels and resorts around the world, The Merchant is located in the heart of the historic Cathedral Quarter, once the city’s mercantile center, now its cultural heart, home to art galleries, festivals and performance spaces.

The new, $24-million extension, slated to open in July, was the vision of owner Bill Wolsey, who noted, “The New Chapter has been in development for a number of years with careful consideration afforded to every new element. We have created a landmark that the people of Belfast can take pride in.” Exterior design for the New Chapter was undertaken by local conservation architects, Consarc, who were behind the original sympathetic refurbishment of the hotel. Interiors are being designed by O’Donnell O’Neill Design Associates. Taking its inspiration from the Art Deco period which encapsulates sleek style and cool sophistication, The New Chapter of The Merchant Hotel has a sumptuous yet streamlined elegance of design.

The expansion will incorporate a new luxury spa, decadent jazz bar, roof top garden, new conference and event facilities, a state-of-the-art gymnasium and 38 new bedrooms, the largest guest rooms available in Belfast at 452 square feet each. When completed, The Merchant will cover an entire city block.

The luxury spa will contain five treatment rooms, a Champagne nail bar, a hydrotherapy area and dining facilities. It will be the first full spa available in Belfast city center and will be open to non-residents. The Jazz Bar will offer live jazz and an excellent menu. The roof top garden will be beautifully landscaped with native plants and outfitted with canopies for inclement weather. Six multi-purpose, self-contained meeting rooms and an events suite with superb facilities are designed for both business meetings and sumptuous weddings.

The generously-proportioned main hotel building designed in Italianate style dates to 1860, and was originally headquarters of the Ulster Bank. Four impressive sculptures below its dome represent science, poetry, sculpture and music. The distinctive architectural exterior is complemented by interiors that are both high design and homey. In its conversion into a hotel, the spacious 21 rooms and five suites, were designed with period furniture, vivid colors and rich fabrics, and named after famous local writers. High ceilings and huge beds add to the feeling of High Victorian romance. The en-suite bathrooms are travertine marble. All accommodations feature high speed wi fi, flat screen TV, and air conditioning.

The Merchant offers a number of dining options and cocktail areas – from The Great Room’s elegant dining experience to the Cloth Ear’s casual but hearty fare to light selections at The Bar or in the Lobby of The Great Room. In 2009, The Bar snagged three world-class awards at the Spirits Awards in New Orleans: World’s Best Hotel Bar, World’s Best Cocktail Menu and World’s Best Drinks Selection, the first time a venue had won three awards at once at this prestigious event. The hotel offers cocktail-making lessons given by am in-house mixologist, so that guests can create these drinks at home.

To ensure that guests’ experience is one of luxury and indulgence, the hotel established more than thirty hallmarks representing the signature elements of their service. As Marketing Manager Petra Wolsey says, “We have hallmarks that relate to everything from how we welcome guests on arrival, to how turndowns must be executed.”

The Merchant will arrange for a VIP transfer from the airport to the hotel in its Bentley Amage. The Bentley and driver are also available for a day of touring with a picnic prepared by the hotel’s chef to include sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, smoked chicken salad, a cheese selection and pastries.

A meetings and dining room that holds up to 40 guests and the hotel’s central location makes The Merchant ideal for corporate planners.

Rates at The Merchant Hotel range from $225 and up per room per night. Suites rates are available from $675* per night. Rates include VAT and full breakfast. For further information, call +44 (0) 2890 234 888; email reservations@themerchanthotel.com; or visit www.themerchanthotel.com or www.mantiscollection.com.

MANTIS’ WHITE DESERT IS NOW OFFERING EXCLUSIVE DAY TRIPS TO ANTARCTICA

ANTARCTICA (07/10) White Desert, a member of the exclusive Mantis Group and the only property on the ice in Antarctica, is now offering once-in-a-lifetime day trips to the unique destination. With The Greatest Day package, adventurers will spend eight hours exploring the Antarctic ice followed by a champagne lunch in crisp -5°C temperature.

On November 28th, travelers will meet in Cape Town, South Africa for a safety briefing, which will provide adventurers with all necessary information and insure that they are fully equipped for the experience, including polar clothing and boots.

The next day, travelers will board a private flight to Unknown International Airport. Upon arrival, they will be taken to the White Desert camp on the edge of the Shirmacher Oasis, their home for the next eight hours. During their time on the ice, adventurers may indulge in a sauna at the Russian base, visit the penguins, explore the ice grottos, and gently trek across the mountainous landscape. They will then celebrate the end of the best day ever with a gourmet champagne lunch alfresco, imported from South Africa, before boarding the private jet once more for the journey home.

Travelers may add to their Antarctic adventure with the White Lions Itinerary add-on. With this package, guests will enjoy two nights at one of Mantis’ Last Word properties in Cape Town before departure to Antarctica and another night upon their return; a two-night stay at the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, a five-star Mantis property just three hours from Cape Town in Little Karoo, South Africa; and a sunset cruise over Cape Town waters in The Princess Emma, an 85 foot luxury yacht. During their stay at Sanbona, guests will discover the Big Five (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard) and the only free-roaming White Lions in the world while on safari in complete luxury. They will also receive a complimentary massage at the Sanbona bush spa during their stay.

The day trip to White Desert is scheduled for the 29th of November 2010, with a training day on November 28th. Adventurers will pay $9,670 for seats in the main cabin and $14,505 for VIP seating.* Pricing includes round-trip flights from Cape Town International Airport to Antarctica’s Unknown International Airport, polar clothing and boots, all in-flight food and beverages, champagne lunch on the ice, and all activities. The White Lions Itinerary add-on is priced at $3,117.* This price includes all accommodations, all food and beverages (except premium brands) on safari, a massage at Sanbona, breakfast at the Last Word resorts, and a sunset cruise on the Princess Emma.

To learn more about White Desert or to make reservations, please visit the website at www.mantiscollection.com, call +44 (0) 800 110 5930, or email michelle.deklerk@mantiscollection.com.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

MANTIS ADDS ROYAL CHUNDU ZAMBEZI RIVER LODGE IN ZAMBIA

KAZUNGULA PROVINCE, ZAMBIA (04/2010) Mantis, marketer and manager of boutique hotels, resorts and game reserves across Africa, Europe, the Americas and Antarctica, has added Royal Chundu Zambezi River Lodge in Zambia to its ever-growing, golden portfolio of luxurious, five-star properties.

Royal Chundu is an opulent, eco-sensitive lodge set in the Katombora Forest on the banks of the Zambezi River in Zambia, just 18 miles downstream from one of the world’s seven natural wonders, Victoria Falls. The Royal Chundu (meeting place of the chief) comprises 10 secluded brick-under-thatch villas on the banks of the river and four island villas built on stilts two-and-a-half miles upstream on the private island of Katombora.

Strategically built in harmony with its natural surroundings, each of the mainland villas features a spacious lounge, en-suite dining area, glass-walled showers and private decks offering uninterrupted views of the Zambezi, Africa’s fourth largest river. The island villas are similar to those on the mainland, but the dining area is separate and the decks offer an open air bath and plunge pool. Via teak walkways, the villas link to the main lodge which houses an indoor restaurant, library, TV lounge, boma, spa facilities and an infinity swimming pool with sun lounges and thatched umbrellas.

Interiors, fabrics and fittings reflect a bygone era of colonial elegance blended with African charm. Stylish appointments include shell-embellished chandeliers and tailored netted curtains enveloping king-sized beds.

Activities include game drives, boat cruises, canoeing trips, walks, fishing trips, bird safaris, exploring Katombora Island on foot, and visiting in neighboring Botswana, the world-famous Chobe National Park, which boasts impressive elephant and buffalo populations.

And no trip to Zambia would be complete without viewing (or picnicking by) Victoria Falls, also known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya (“the smoke that thunders”), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Scottish explorer Dr. David Livingstone is believed to be the first European to lay eyes on the world’s largest curtain of falling water, and he named it after Britain’s reigning monarch.

Royal Chundu is 30 miles from Livingstone Airport and an hour and a half flight from Johannesburg. Transfers are offered from airports, hotels and lodges in Livingstone, Victoria Falls and Kasane areas or any other location within 50 miles of the lodge.

For more information on Royal Chundu Zambezi River Lodge, please contact Mantis Central Reservations at +27 (0) 41 407 10000 or email reservations@mantiscollection.com or visit www.mantiscollection.com.

PARIS’ HOTEL KEPPLER JOINS THE ELITE MANTIS GROUP

PARIS, FRANCE (4/10) − The Mantis Group has added another gem to its elite collection of five-star resorts and game reserves across Europe and Africa- the chic Hotel Keppler near the Champs Elysées in Paris.

Comfortably situated in the Golden Triangle, Hotel Keppler is in the heart of the entertainment and high-fashion district of Avenue George V and Avenue Montaigne. The most popular sights of the city are less than a mile from the hotel including the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Arc de Triumph and the breathtaking Place de la Concorde.

The hotel’s interior was created by Pierre-Yves Rochon, the famous designer of the George V hotel, and boasts a fresh decor ripe with iconic Parisian style. Throughout the hotel is a black and white theme accentuated with clever strokes of cranberry and lemon.

Housed within a 19th Century Haussmannian building, the trendy Keppler comprises 39 guest rooms and suites including Classic, Standard and Executive rooms, as well as Traditional, Superior, Deluxe and Penthouse suites.

All accommodations have custom-designed furniture and lighting by Rochon, as well as handmade Turkish rugs and molded ceilings. The spacious, bright rooms are exemplary of contemporary style, form and function, and many feature balconies with stunning views of the City of Lights.

After a long day visiting museums and perusing shops along the grand avenues, guests can cozy up to the bar for a delicious drink. The bar at Hotel Keppler is ideal for pre-dinner drinks and nightcaps, where guests enjoy cocktails while lounging by the fireplace or relaxing in the winter garden. A number of traditional French restaurants can be found near the hotel and the concierge is happy to make reservations and recommendations for lunch and dinner.

Guests also enjoy 24-hour access to the sauna, hammam and fitness center. The hotel can arrange an in-room massage upon request.

Hotel Keppler is a perfect destination for groups that require stylish surroundings for business and social events. There is a fully-equipped meeting space, WIFI and a business center.

For animals as well traveled as their owners, Hotel Keppler is a pet-friendly establishment.

Rates range from $402 to $468 for a Classic room; $435 to $522 for a Standard room; $562 to $656 for an Executive room; $736 to $870 for a Traditional suite; $830 to $1004 for a Superior suite; $937 to $1138 for a Deluxe suite; and $1071 to $1339 for the Penthouse suite.

For additional information on Hotel Keppler, please visit the website at www.keppler.fr or call 33 1 47 20 65 05. Email is hotel@keppler.fr.

REJUVENATE AT A GIRLFRIEND'S YOGA RETREAT AT SHAMWARI GAME RESERVE

Eastern Cape, SOUTH AFRICA (3/2010) − Shamwari Game Reserve is offering a three day yoga package for women who need to unwind, relax and simply get away from it all. It’s the ultimate in girlfriend getaways − an opportunity for women to truly rejuvenate while staying at The Sarili Lodge in the most luxurious game reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.

Guests are escorted on their journey to contentment by Harry Petrie, a professional yoga instructor and clinical massage therapist practicing in Port Elizabeth. Petrie has created a program of traditional yoga according to the ancient Rishikesh culture, which utilizes a variety of techniques to trigger specific neuromuscular relaxation responses.

Each morning begins with an intense session of breathing, postures and relaxation. Guests start with an advanced breathing technique called Pranayama, during which they are taught correct breathing sequences to develop full capacity use of the lungs. This is followed by Asanas, a series of postures that are held for a length of time in an effort to restore well-being and increase flexibility. The morning session ends with an assortment of relaxation techniques, including the use of specific hand positions called Mudras to stimulate different parts of the body. All exercises are taught according to each individual’s ability level.

After the morning session a nourishing breakfast is provided to guests, followed by a walking safari or game drive. Guests have the opportunity to see South Africa’s big five while under the guidance of Shamwari’s own specially trained game rangers. After a walk, or ride, on the wild side, guests are treated to lunch followed by an afternoon of meditation and shiatsu treatments. These sessions are also led by Petrie, trained at the International Centre for Yoga Education and Research in Pondicherry, India, who specializes in clinical deep tissue and shiatsu massage.

Each day concludes with a dinner served in the guests’ private lodge. Perfect for an intimate gathering of close friends, The Sarili Lodge provides an ideal combination of a colonial and bush experience. Located in the southern region of the Reserve with expansive views of the plains, Sarili is an environmentally-friendly, private African villa with a spacious deck overlooking the Bushman’s River. The décor emulates a traditional farmhouse with interiors that reflect an easy living home lifestyle in a natural environment. The lodge consists of five suites and boasts a swimming pool, dining and lounge areas and a courtyard barbeque area.

Situated in a verdant bush along the Bushmans River, Shamwari is the ultimate luxury game reserve with a special focus on responsible tourism. The Reserve, comprised of 52,000 acres, is in a malaria-free zone.

The package is $1,415 per person and does not include accommodations, meals or beverages. For further information on the Shamwari Game Reserve, please visit the website at www.shamwari.com or call 877-354-2213.

MANTIS ADDS FIVE-STAR CASASUR ART HOTEL IN BUENOS AIRES TO ITS PORTFOLIO OF EXCLUSIVE PROPERTIES

Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA - The Mantis Group, marketers/managers of upscale boutique hotels, resorts and game reserves across the world, has added the five-star CasaSur Art Hotel in Buenos Aires to its portfolio of luxurious properties.

CasaSur Art Hotel is a charming boutique hotel located in Recoleta, the city’s exclusive arts district, a lively area teeming with galleries, shops, restaurants, bars and cafes. The hotel comprises 36 guest rooms, from smart Executive suites equipped with wifi, a working desk and a French balcony, up to the Grand suite located on the 12th floor, offering panoramic views of the city from its wide, private deck. All rooms are decorated in shades of brown, beige and white, creating a stylish, rotogravure-like effect.

The hotel’s deluxe wellness center offers full-day and half-day spa packages, and its fine dining restaurant called Croque Madame caters to the sophisticated palate. Breakfast is served buffet style, while the sit-down menu items are a mix of regional and international dishes. At five o’clock, guests settle in to the lobby bar for tea and artisanal pastries; grilled sandwiches (the signature “croques”) or tapas and wine selected from the most prestigious Argentinean estates.

Because of its popular location, the CasaSur Art Hotel is ideal for exploring the neighborhood on foot. Beyond Recoleta’s shops and galleries, the district is home to La Recoleta Cemetery, an historic burial ground as renowned for its eclectic architecture as for those entombed in its many mausoleums, among them the country’s “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina” former first lady, Eva Peron. After taking a walking tour of Recoleta, visit greater Buenos Aires. With its excellent climate, French and Italian-influenced architecture, bustling arts and music scene, many museums, great cuisine and seductive tango studios, the city is considered one of the most desirable destinations in the world, often compared to Paris.

For reservations: email reservations@mantiscollection.com or visit: www.casasurhotel.com

Friday, April 23, 2010

ROBIN POPE SAFARIS CELEBRATES SILVER ANNIVERSARY WITH FAMILY SAFARI PACKAGE

SOUTH LUANGWA, ZAMBIA (04/10) - To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Robin Pope Safaris, the classical safari company based in Zambia, is offering a Family Safari Package where every second child, or the youngest, depending on the number involved, is free of charge.

The package, which will be available until the end of this year, is offered at three of the Pope properties – Nkwali Camp, Robin’s House and award-winning Luangwa Safari House. All three welcome families and tailor a plethora of activities for children of all ages, from game drives and nature walks to birding for beginners, identifying animal spoor and droppings, and learning to use spotlights at night.

After family time together, parents and children can take “time out.” Children are looked after and entertained with safari packs containing fun quizzes and puzzles; trips to Kawaza School to meet Zambian children; helping out in camp or playing games in the house. Older boys love going to the workshop for the morning, playing beach cricket or even enjoying a lazy sleep-in and fry up by the pool.

Because the three Robin Pope Safari houses are totally private, the family will be utterly relaxed and “at home.” Robin’s House boasts a wide range of children’s books and games including puzzles, cards, swing ball, paints and a sand pit. The swimming pool is nearby to cool off after safari. For groups larger than five, Luangwa Safari House with its eight beds is ideal.

Activities and services for children:

• Child minding during the day and in the evening
• Special meal times and food that is age-appropriate
• Nature walks to collect pods, seeds and feathers
• Visits to the camp kitchen, helping chefs make cakes and biscuits
• Paper and greeting card making
• Fishing
• Painting and drawing
• Face painting
• Swimming games and races
• Visits to Kawaza Village and Chimpembele Wildlife Education Centre

For families with older children (12 years plus), the safari continues with a few days at either Tena Tena (an open-sided tented camp with verandah for 10 guests that some consider the best safari camp in Africa) or Nsefu camp (six thatched rondavals housing up to 12 guests), the oldest camp in Zambia, updated by the Popes.

These Family Packages will be available until the end of 2010. Rates are dependent on which safari house or camp is chosen, length of stay and the number of family members in the group.

For rates and reservations: info@robinpopesafaris.net or visit: www.robinpopesafaris.net.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

FITNESS AND REJUVENATION AT ALLADALE WILDERNESS RESERVE

ARDGAY, SCOTLAND (3/10) - Alladale Wilderness Lodge and Reserve, a member of the elite Mantis Collection, is offering health and vitality retreats throughout the summer. Located just an hour north of Inverness in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Alladale’s 23,000 acres of rugged landscape offers the perfect secluded backdrop for the upcoming series of fitness and rejuvenation getaways, including an ‘Escape and Rejuvenate’ retreat, a ‘Fitness and Nutrition’ retreat, a ‘Yogoloji’ course, and a ‘Method Putkisto’ retreat.

•The Escape and Rejuvenate Retreat, May 16-20, 2010
Alladale’s ‘Escape and Rejuvenate’ Retreat is a four-day holistic health getaway that aims to uplift and refresh through gentle detoxification; delicious, nutritious foods; invigorating walks in the surrounding countryside and relaxation by the fireside. Under the care of an expert in health and wellbeing, guests will enjoy interactive workshops in raw chocolate making and transforming seasonal, natural ingredients into healthy food, drinks and cordials; food-dynamics demonstrations providing empowering recipes to transform your health; and colonic hydrotherapy treatments. This retreat package costs $1,483 based on double occupancy. To book, please call +44 (0) 7788 714960 or email sophia@healthessentials.org.uk.

•The Fitness and Nutrition Retreat, June 13-18, 2010
The ‘Fitness and Nutrition’ Retreat, hosted by Nature & Kind’s wellness expert, offers a unique opportunity to look after your health without distraction. Through group activities and classes, individualized exercise therapy, personal training sessions, and relaxation treatments, participants will achieve immediate results, including weight loss, body toning, improvement in energy, increased mental clarity, and de-stress. In addition to participating in the designed fitness and nutrition program, guests are encouraged to take advantage of Alladale’s 23,000 acres with guided Highland nature walks, 4x4 Highland safaris, mountain biking, Nordic walking, fly fishing, clay pigeon shooting, and Highland pony trekking. The ‘Fitness and Nutrition’ retreat package costs $1,940 based on shared accommodation. To book, please call +44 (0)845 299 7776 or email info@natureandkind.com.

•Yogologi Retreat, July 14-18, 2010
Alladale will host the ‘Yogologi’ Retreat, training in the ancient technique of Vedic Meditation led one of the UK's leading meditation teachers, Jillian Lavender. Vedic meditation is the oldest form of meditation in the world and promises improvements in health and energy and a decrease in the ageing process. The course will be complemented by a Pranayama (breathing) course and gentle Hatha Yoga each morning to awaken the connection between mind and body and facilitate the rebalancing process. This four-day course is priced at $2,172 based on double occupancy. Please call +44 (0) 207 730 7473 or email francesca@yogoloji.co.uk for bookings.

•The Method Putkisto Retreat, July 18-25, 2010
The ‘Method Putkisto’ Retreat will combine indoor and outdoor exercise and rest and relaxation to rebalance body and mind. With the ‘Method Putkisto’, guests will take full advantage of Alladale’s great outdoors, descending glens and climbing mountains to heal and tone their bodies. Floor-work classes will stretch and elongate tight muscles and strengthen and align the spine while walking through Alladale’s acres will improve breathing and increase blood flow and lymph drainage. A special ‘Method Putkisto 3D Natural Face Clinic’ will de-stress by balancing the facial muscles and freeing the neck, shoulders and head. This package is priced at $1,871 based on double occupancy. For bookings, please call +44 (0)20 8878 7384 or email office@methodputkisto.com.

With these packages, guests will work hard to balance and tone their bodies. And, at day’s end, they will unwind at the beautiful Alladale Lodge, where they will stay in beautiful en-suite double rooms, with full access to the Wilderness spa, sauna, fully-equipped indoor gym, cozy drawing room (complete with blazing log fire) and games room. For additional information on Alladale Wilderness Reserve and Lodge, please call (01144) 1863 755338 or visit the website at www.alladale.com.

ICEHOTEL - THE MOST EXTREME LODGING EXPERIENCE IN THE WORLD

Jukkasjärvi, Lapland Province, Sweden (3/10)− Located more than 124 miles above the Arctic Circle in the Lapland Province of Sweden, the unique ICEHOTEL is the first and largest of its kind in the world. For the past 20 years, the hotel− made entirely of ice and snow− has been built and rebuilt, offering visitors one of the most extreme lodging experiences on the planet.

For the people of Jukkasjärvi, a severe dip in temperature marks the start of an exciting, yet temporary, art endeavor. Each year, snow builders, architects, designers and artists from around the world gather to create ICEHOTEL. Work begins with the formation of huge steel frames on which snow is sprayed. Once the snow has frozen the frames are removed, leaving a maze of free-standing snow structures on which to build. Majestic blue-colored ice blocks, harvested during the spring from the Torne River, are then used to construct walls, ceilings, beds, tables and other furnishings, in addition to chandeliers, statues and fine works of art.

ICEHOTEL typically encompasses 60 rooms, all of which are literally one-of-a-kind, uniquely themed accommodations designed by artists from around the world. Guests can choose between several types of nearby lodging with most preferring to combine one night in ICEHOTEL with several nights in a chalet.

Upon arrival at ICEHOTEL, where the temperature is never colder than -5 °C to -8 °C, guests are provided a guided tour and information on how to dress. Visitors are given full thermal jumpsuits, a hat, mittens and boots, as well as insulated sleeping bags. These toasty sleeping bags are perfect for extreme weather conditions, and were originally developed for astronauts walking on the moon.

There are a variety of rooms for guests to stay in, including the Art Suite where visitors relax among extraordinary works of ice art, or in the Ice Room where guests enjoy masterfully crafted ice furniture. One of the most exciting elements of the hotel is the bed− all rooms feature a specially made bed built of snow and ice that is covered with a thick layer of reindeer skins. After spending an evening wrapped in reindeer skins while sleeping under a ceiling of ice, guests wake to a cup of hot lingonberry juice at their bedside, followed by a morning sauna and an expansive breakfast buffet.

ICEHOTEL Restaurant has a modern Scandinavian, seasonal menu with many ingredients harvested from the nearby forests, rivers and lakes. With a bright atmosphere and contemporary aesthetic, the ICEHOTEL Restaurant offers a gastronomic adventure of high-end a la carte items served on plates and bowls made of crystal-clear ice from the Torne River. The restaurant also includes a champagne bar featuring an exquisite collection of bubbly from around the world. For guests who desire a more relaxed dining experience, the charming Old Homestead Restaurant is housed in a timber building, circa 1768, overlooking the Torne River. Guests can enjoy a superb dinner buffet while unwinding on the veranda. Both restaurants are open daily from December to April.

After indulging in gourmet fair, guests can visit the ABSOLUT ICEBAR JUKKASJÄRVI for a truly outrageous experience. Everything in this exceptional bar is made of frozen ice- from the walls, bars and stools, to the artwork and drinking glasses. The ICEBAR hosts an annual launch party to celebrate its opening and the new design it boasts each year.

Covering more than 53,000 feet, the ICEHOTEL also includes an ice chapel for weddings and baptisms, an outdoor sauna, an ice art exhibition hall, a multimedia theatre and an exhibit space, and can host a variety of meetings and conventions. And for those who just can’t leave it all behind, even in the Arctic Circle, high-speed internet access is available.

With the Torne River and the Lapland wildlife inspiration, the ICEHOTEL has created a range of activities. Guests may observe the spectacular Northern Lights or relax on a reindeer-pulled sled through the forest. They may also go farther north to explore the high mountains, take a moose tour by horseback or take the trip all the way to northern Norway to visit the fjords. Snowmobiling, downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and dog sledding are also popular during the winter months. Those who are particularly bold may participate in ice driving, which allows guests to challenge their skills as a driver while learning from skilled instructors.

ICEHOTEL was the chilly creation of Yngve Bergqvist whose desire was to lure travelers to the area during the winter season. Inspired to use the huge floating chunks of ice from the Torne River after traveling to cold destinations around the world, Bergqvist trained with Japanese chefs and ice artists to develop the skill of working with ice. As a result, ICEHOTEL was born with the first guests staying in the hotel in 1992.

Continuing as pioneers of the hotel industry, the hotel of snow and ice is going green. ICEHOTEL purchases 100% renewable energy with the total electricity supply based on wind, water and biofuels. The hotel does not emit carbon dioxide through its energy consumption and plans to erase its carbon footprint by 2015.

For reservations or more information please visit www.ICEHOTEL.com or email info@icehotel.com. Please note that ICEHOTEL is under construction during the month of December. During that period, each week a new area of the hotel will be available for visitors and guests. Cold accommodations are typically available from December to April, while warm accommodations are typically available between June and August.

TUSCANY’S HOTEL LE FONTANELLE JOINS THE ELITE MANTIS PORTFOLIO

Castelnuovo Berardenga, ITALY (3/2010) The stunning Hotel Le Fontanelle, nestled into the hills of the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany, is the latest addition to the Mantis Group. Located just 15km from Siena and 70km from Florence, the five-star hotel is the perfect countryside escape.

The foundations of Le Fontanelle date back to the 13th century, with the original internal stonework still visible in the hotel today. In fact, the name of the hotel, ‘Le Fontanelle,’ was derived from the long-standing water fountains and stone fonts, that were formerly used for gathering spring water when the area was home to the Etruscans, the Romans and, in the early Middle Ages, the Longobards. The ancient property eventually became a simple working farmhouse until restorations began in 1999 to transform the building into the luxury hotel it is today.

The beautiful Hotel Le Fontanelle comprises 25 rooms, with Classic, Prestige, Deluxe, Junior Suite and Suite options. The traditionally Tuscan rooms boast exposed wooden ceiling beams, Florentine terracotta floors, elegant and simple furniture, and crisp flax linens. Many also offer private gardens or terraces with striking views over the soft and rolling hills of Italy. Every room features en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, mini bar, free Sky TV, in-room safe and free internet access. Guests will also enjoy daily newspaper delivery, twice daily maid service and permission to bring small dogs.

The PEVONIA spa offers treatments from around the world including Shiatsu massage, Thai facials, and Chinese reflexology treatments. Guests will also enjoy the all-natural body scrub made with clay, honey, bran and essential oils. The serene spa experience comes complete with outdoor panoramic swimming pool, indoor heated swimming pool, Whirlpool, sauna, steam bath and fitness center.

The Chef at Le Fontanelle enhances traditional Tuscan dishes with artistic flair and refined taste. Diners may choose to eat indoors at La Colonna, with spectacular vistas of the surrounding region, or outdoors on the charming Belvedere Terrace. A master sommelier will steer guests through the extensive wine list to find the perfect wine (or wines) to accompany their meal.

La Fontanelle also offers activities and excursions throughout Tuscany. From handpicked wine tastings, to wanders and bike rides through the surrounding countryside, to visits to the nearby cities of Siena, Florence, St. Gimignano and Monteriggioni, La Fontanelle offers a perfect pastime for everyone.

Rooms at Le Fontanelle begin at $461 for a shared Classic room. For more information or to book, please visit the website at www.hotelfontanelle.com.

UPGRADES AT THE SAXON READY FOR FIFA WORLD CUP LUMINARIES

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA (02/10) – The construction of three new villas with 29 suites at the Saxon Boutique Hotel & Spa more than doubles the capacity of this luxurious hotel in time to host world leaders gathering here soon for the FIFA World Cup. The existing suites are also getting a lift so that the entire hotel will have a fresh, updated look when the project is completed in April.

Designed to offer the same exclusivity and luxury for which the Saxon is known, each of the new villas will have its own pool, terrace and lounge as well as a boardroom which may be converted into a dining room, a satellite kitchen and butler service. The suites will be similar to the open plan design of the hotel’s popular Egoli Suites with four one-bedroom Presidential Suites convertible into two two-bedroom Platinum suites.

Changes in the existing 24 suites in the main hotel will include new beds, linen, TV, blue ray DVD players, carpets/rugs, 1000 thread count linen, toweling and Saxon robes, mp3 docking stations, new integrated lighting systems, advanced air conditioning controls, free use of laptop in every suite as well as free wireless internet access. Also, one of the in-room telephones will be converted to a mobile phone for use during the guest’s visit.

The Saxon, a favorite among discerning leisure and business travelers alike, offers an extraordinary architectural design, full-service spa and gym, African art collection, fine dining and beautiful gardens as well as excellent service. One of the most sought after hotels in the world, it has been voted World’s Leading Boutique Hotel every year for the past eight years at World Travel Awards and was recognized in Conde Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice awards 2009 as the best hotel in Africa.

For further information, please contact The Saxon Boutique Hotel and Spa, Tel:
+27 11 292-6000 or e-mail reservations@saxon.co.

SIX NIGHT SPECIAL "CLASSICS OF JAMAICA" PACKAGE AT LENGENDARY ROUND HILL AND JAMAICA INN RESORTS

MONTEGO BAY & OCHO RIOS, JAMAICA (03/10) – Jamaica’s two classic resorts, Round Hill Hotel & Villas in Montego Bay, and Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios, are offering the ultimate six night vacation package replete with superb service, privacy and style. Three nights at each of these world-famous properties, including breakfast daily, private transfers between the resorts and to and from the airport, tax and service, costs only US $2,874 per couple from April 16th to October 31st, 2010, based on availability.

Both resorts offer Jamaican warmth with all the amenities needed for a top-of-the-line vacation. They have enjoyed many accolades over the years from past guests who include celebrities, politicians and socialites. The readers of Conde Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure consistently rate them among the world’s best.

Like a cashmere sweater, exquisite to experience, but never showy, Round Hill is located on a 110-acre peninsula, just eight miles west of Sangster International Airport. The resort features profuse gardens, a secluded golden sand beach, a world class Spa in an 18th century great house at the edge of the sea, inspired cuisine created by a new, award-winning chef, plenty of privacy and a friendly, courteous staff. No wonder that for more than 50 years the world’s most interesting people have chosen Round Hill as their preferred vacation destination for its low-key luxury and timeless glamour.

The Classics of Jamaica package includes three nights accommodation in an oceanfront room located in the Pineapple House, designed by Ralph Lauren, with bathrooms by Waterworks. Upstairs rooms have beautiful views; first floor rooms have balconies or patios. In addition, guests receive full breakfast daily on the seaside terrace or in-room, a complimentary welcome beverage on arrival, daily New York Times fax, afternoon tea and complimentary use of non-motorized water sports and the fitness center.

Jamaica Inn, owned by the same family for nearly 50 years, assures guests the utmost in unobtrusive service and attention. Located on a private cove, the six-acre property boasts a 700-foot private white sand beach, which is arguably the most perfect in Jamaica. Cuisine is fresh and flavorful with an international twist. Guests can indulge in an innovative menu based on the finest local ingredients in an open air/outdoor dining room or in the privacy of their suite on their own verandah.

The package includes three nights accommodation in a Premier Verandah Suite located either directly on the water or right on the beach, both with magnificent views of the blue Caribbean. All suites have huge verandahs, air-conditioning, ceiling fans and Jamaican antiques. Also included in the package is a daily breakfast served in the dining room overlooking the sea, a complimentary Planter’s Punch on arrival and one each day on the beach. In addition, there is a fitness centre, kayaking, snorkeling and sunfish sailing at the property, and tennis available nearby.

For additional nights, guests will receive a 10 percent discount on accommodations and breakfast. This promotion cannot be combined with any other package or special and is applicable to new bookings that arrive and depart during the above dates.

For more information, please visit the web sites: www.roundhilljamaica.com or www.jamaicainn.com. For reservations for the Classics of Jamaica Package, email reservations@roundhilljamaica.com or call 800-972-2159 at Round Hill; email reservations@jamaicainn.com or call 800-837-4608 at Jamaica Inn.

FROGGING SAFARIS? LEAPING AMPHIBIANS!

Mpumalanga, SOUTH AFRICA (03/2010) For veteran bush trekkers who’ve been there done that,. Mantis’ Jock Safari Lodge in Kruger National Park is offering something new under the sun – a Frogging Safari. Here’s what gives:

With an estimated 34 different species of Amphibians in Kruger, Jock Safari Lodge ranks as one of the best places for Frogging Safaris. Froggers are issued head lights, nets and gum boots and set out after dark. Frogs are caught and identified, and then released back into their habitat. Guests get to marvel at the kaleidoscope of colors and the choir of sounds emitted from these tiny creatures, some no bigger than your thumb.

Every different species of frog has his or her own look – color, pattern and size. Mark Twain’s celebrated frog of Calaveras County has nothing on the amazing frogs of Kruger. Some recent “catches” include Banded Rubber Frogs, Bubbling Kassinas, Sand Frogs and Painted Reed Frogs.

Frogging Safari-goers will discover the wee wet ones get a bad rap for such characteristics as sliminess and bulging eyes. Truth is they have very good eyesight because they bulge out the sides of their heads in order to see in nearly all directions. And their skin must remain moist to help them breathe.

Best time to go wet and wild? The rainy months of November through March are the top months for frogging.

Jock Safari Lodge is a luxurious, five-star safari lodge set on 15,000 acres in South Africa’s vaunted Kruger National Park. It was the first private concession in the Park and was developed along the original camping sites used by trekkers on the route to Delagoa Bay. The Lodge is themed around one of the country’s most popular children’s classics, Jock of the Bushveld, true tales of a nineteenth century adventurer’s travel through South Africa with his faithful and plucky dog, Jock. The story was written at the time of the country’s first gold rush and the lodge brings this era alive by incorporating elements of the colonial past along with facets of the indigenous Zulu and Shangaan cultures. Jock Safari Lodge is part of the Mantis Group, a portfolio of boutique hotels, resorts and game reserves across Africa, Europe and South America.

For reservations, Toll Free: 1-877 354 2213
reservatrions@mantiscollection.com or visit www.jocksafarilodge.com

SABI SABI SUBTRACTS SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

SOUTH AFRICA (03/2010) Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve is welcoming single travelers by waiving the supplement charge for the first two singles of any booking.

Previously, single travelers had to pay an additional 50% of the rate to stay at Sabi Sabi on their own. The new format, applicable to all prices and packages (excepting June and July 2010 and December 20th, 2010 to January 5th, 2011) offers great saving to single guests. As Marketing Director Jacques Smit stated, “We have noticed a growing demand in single requests and would like to assist in these requests without discounting our rates. I do believe that this will be of great value and be very well received.”

In addition, Sabi Sabi is bringing back the 16th guest free policy. For every group of 15 guests, the 16th guest will stay free in a twin sharing suite. For groups of 31, complimentary stays in a twin sharing room will be extended to two guests. There is a maximum of 2 free guests per group.

Located near Kruger National Park, Sabi Sabi offers a classic bush experience with four five-star lodges following the philosophy of “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”. Guests can return to “Yesterday” while staying at the romantic Selati Camp that echoes of a vintage colonial era. “Today” may be found at the more contemporary Bush Lodge and Little Bush Camp with their familiar comforts. The Earth Lodge defines the style of an eco-friendly “Tomorrow,” where the architecture is escavated into a slope in the earth and dramatically merges with the surrounding landscape.

Suites at Sabi Sabi begin at $622 per person per night, all inclusive. The price includes all accommodation, breakfast, lunch and traditional “boma” dinner, all South African house wines, other select beverages, open Land Rover safaris by day and night accompanied by qualified rangers and Shangaan trackers and VAT.

For more information or to book, please visit the website at www.sabisabi.com, call (800) 524 7979 or email res@sabisabi.com.

“MANTIS MADNESS” HAS HIT SOUTH AFRICA

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – Mantis Madness has hit South Africa, where travelers can enjoy savings of up to 46% on summertime bookings with Mantis properties. For $1,020, guests may enjoy five nights in the some of the best accommodations in South Africa. Guests will pay for two nights at one of South Africa’s exciting five-star Mantis game reserves: Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, Jock Safari Lodge, or Nkomazi Game Reserve, and will receive three nights free at the charming Constantia boutique hotel, located in the Cape’s oldest wine region, 20 minutes from the center of Cape Town.

For those with more time, an additional option is available: guests may receive a complimentary night at the Sheraton Pretoria Hotel with the booking of an overnight journey on the luxurious Blue Train. The Blue Train will transport guests from Cape Town to Pretoria (or vice versa) in style for $1342, with a free night at the end of the rails.

Pricing includes accommodation; meals, game drives and select beverages at your game reserve of choice; and breakfast and beverages at the Constantia. For the Blue Train option, all meals, off train excursions, high tea, beverages, and single transfers to/from the Cape Town and Pretoria train stations are included. Upgrades are available on all accommodations for an additional fee.

Valid from April 15th to the October 15th, 2010, excluding the dates of the World Cup (June 10th to July 15th), the Mantis Madness deals are subject to availability. For reservations, please email the Mantis Collection Central Reservations Office at reservations@mantiscollection.com or call +27 41 407 1000.

JAMAICA INN SHORTENS MINIMUM STAY FOR 2010 HOLIDAY SEASON TO SEVEN NIGHTS

OCHO RIOS, JAMAICA (03/10) – If you’ve always wanted to stay at the Jamaica Inn during the holidays but just haven’t had the time, your luck is about to change. The Jamaica Inn near Ocho Rios, Jamaica, has reduced its minimum stay requirement for the 2010 holiday season, December 23, 2010, to January 3, 2011, allowing guests to forgo the 10-night minimum and instead book for seven nights.

Situated on a private cove, the lovely and traditional Jamaica Inn provides everything desirable in a Caribbean vacation. A lush green lawn, which incorporates a croquet court and swimming pool, edges the hotel’s perfect 700- foot beach, often cited as one of the best in the Caribbean. Combined with a staff who genuinely wishes to please, spacious accommodations and delicious dining, it is easy to see how the Jamaica Inn lends a sense of profound contentment.

Jamaica Inn’s full-service KiYara Spa is like being in a rain forest and is totally connected to nature. Two treatment rooms are set on the cliffside among verdant tropical plants and a third room juts out over the sea as if it were a house boat. All feature open-air thatch roof huts and no walls to put the client in total harmony with the environment. The outdoor spa showers are made of bamboo and are also set in prodigious plantings. All treatments are holistic, combining the use of fresh Jamaican herbs and fruits.

It is quite possible to do absolutely nothing at Jamaica Inn and be totally happy. For the active-minded, croquet, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, sunfish sailing and an exercise room are available on-site. Windsurfing, sailing, water skiing and diving are also found nearby. Golf at a discounted rate to Jamaica Inn guests, horseback riding, and tennis at no charge is also available nearby as well as many cultural excursions.

Rates at Jamaica Inn start at $479 plus tax and service beginning December 15, 2010, depending on room selection. This offer applies to the Balcony Suite, Deluxe Verandah Suite, Premier Verandah Suite, Cowdray Suite and Blue Cottage. It does not include the White Suite, Cottage Three, Cottage Four and the Jamaica Inn Cottages, where there is still a minimum 10-night stay. For additional information or reservations, call 1-800-837-4608 or fax 876-974-2449. E-mail is reservations@jamaicainn.com and the web site is www.jamaicainn.com

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK’S JOCK SAFARI LODGE

Mpumalanga, SOUTH AFRICA - Mantis owned and operated Jock Safari Lodge recently underwent an extensive refurbishment program that was so successful, the lodge re-earned its five-star status as well as praise from the inspector, who noted its high level of “quality, service and facilities.”

Jock Safari Lodge is a luxurious safari lodge set on a 15,000-acres concession in South Africa’s vaunted Kruger National Park. It was the first private concession in the Park and was developed along the original camping sites used by trekkers on the route to Delagoa Bay. The Lodge is themed around one of the country’s most popular children’s classics, Jock of the Bushveld, true tales of a nineteenth century adventurer’s travel through South Africa with his faithful and plucky dog, Jock. The story was written at the time of the country’s first gold rush and the lodge brings this era alive by incorporating elements of the colonial past along with facets of the indigenous Zulu and Shangaan cultures.

Interesting aspects include historical ox wagons of the gold rush era, strategically placed in and around the lodge. One is parked under the thatched porte cochere of the main reception, and serves as a mounting platform for guests embarking on game drives. Buffalo horn motifs are featured on the walls and furnishings, paying tribute to the abundant herds found in this part of the park. Walls are also decorated with framed prints depicting incidents of Jock’s and his master’s life in the wild.

Twelve individual thatched suites, screened by lush foliage and reed walls, offer guests utmost privacy, and create a unique experience of old-world elegance surrounded by unspoiled wilderness. Each suite, with king or twin beds outfitted with the finest linens and enveloped in a canopy of white netting, has its own private ‘sala’ (viewing deck), plunge pool, romantic Victorian ball and claw bath, ‘his and hers’ vanities and outdoor shower, all with a view of the rivers and breathtaking bushveld, the subtropical eco-region emblematic of large swaths of South Africa. Each suite is also fully equipped with air-conditioning, ceiling fans, tea- and coffee-making facilities, private bar and safe.

The Main Lodge comprises a dining room, lounge, deck, bar, library and walk-in wine cellar. At night staircases are fitted with oil lamps, creating an atmosphere that harkens back to the gold rush era. Cuisine at the Lodge has a strong South African influence. Meals are served in several locations - from fine dining either inside or out, to a gourmet adventure in the Lapa under the crystal-clear African night skies. The upstairs bar, with sinkable leather couches, overlooks the pool and river, offering frequent glimpses of the vast array of wildlife.

The spa, Pilgrim’s Rest Relaxation Retreat, was named after the quaint historical mining town featured so prominently in Jock of the Bushveld and still in existence today, was a place to rest, rejuvenate and restock. So too is the Relaxation Retreat for men and women at Jock Safari Lodge. It overlooks a serenity garden and is fully equipped with therapy and relaxation rooms, hydrotherapy bath, steam room and sauna. Only the finest products are used for a wide variety of treatments. Therapies are also available in the privacy of the guest rooms.

Magnificent trees and abundant bird and wildlife offer stunning views from the communal deck and rock pool. The lodge overlooks the confluence of the Mitomeni and Biyamiti rivers. Highly qualified rangers drive guests into the ‘bushveld’, an area regarded as one of the best in the Kruger Park for its ‘Big Five’ sightings.
Animal sightings are likely while relaxing around the rock pool or in the upstairs bar or one’s own room. Activities include morning and evening game drives and walking safaris. There is a collection of San rock art, a small business center with internet access to e-mail photographs home, and a comfortable lounge and library.

Jock Safari Lodge is in the southern area of Kruger and accessible through the Malelane gate to the park. Direct flights to Kruger/Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) are available from several destinations including South Africa’s major airports and the lodge will arrange transfers.

All-inclusive rates, including accommodations, meals, most activities and local alcoholic beverages are from $528 to $610 (depending on the season) per night, per person, based on double occupancy.*

For further information on Jock Safari Lodge, please visit the website at www.jocksafarilodge.com. For further information on the Mantis Collection, please visit the website at www.mantiscollection.com.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

JAMAICA CHARITIES TAKE CENTER STAGE AT A FESTIVE WEEKEND AT THE LEGENDARY ROUND HILL

Montego Bay, JAMAICA (3/10) Over 300 diplomats, socialites, and business leaders from the US, Europe, and Jamaica gathered at the world-renowned Round Hill Hotel & Villas recently for a weekend of festivities to raise a record-breaking amount of funds for Hanover Charities, the largest charitable organization in Western Jamaica.

Round Hill, located in the Hanover Parish, has been a major fundraiser for the Hanover Charities with its annual Sugar Cane Ball every February since 1957 when the charity was founded. Last year, a Polo Invitational on the day following the Ball was introduced so successfully with additional fund raising and conviviality for the participants that it was included again this year. Hanover Charities plays a major role in the Parish and covers a wide range of projects for its citizens from very young to old. It includes the provision of reading and computer skills, funding a soup kitchen and health clinics, supplying basics to the disabled and elderly and contributing scholarships to local deserving students.

The theme of the Sugar Cane Ball this year was “The Moroccan Kasbah.” Guests decked out in Moroccan attire or Black Tie sampled a Moroccan menu as they danced the night away and put in their bids for 155 fabulous silent auction items provided by very generous international supporters. The following day, the group gathered at the Chukka Blue Polo Club for the Hanover Charities Polo Invitational, also hosted by Round Hill.

Among the notables attending these events were former US Ambassador Brenda La Grange Johnson and husband Howard, Nicole Miller and husband Kim Taipale, Bob and Veronique Pittman, Michael Smith and partner James Costos, Lennox and Violet Lewis, Daisy and Paul Soros and Vanessa Noel, co-chairperson of the fundraising committee.

Katrin Casserly, chairperson of Hanover Charities Board, said: “The money raised on these two days makes an enormous difference to the needy in our parish. Last year’s events raised nearly $200,000 and this year when the final tally is in, that amount will be increased.”

Some of the extraordinary silent auction items included a week for eight ski package at Sun Valley, a gift certificate of a pastel portrait by Barbara Hamilton, a Vaness Noel gift certificate, a white gold diamond bracelet from Tropicana Jewelers, tickets to Broadway Shows, many fashion accessories, and other travel packages.

BAOBAB LEADS BELIZE TRIBAL TREK

Belize City, BELIZE (3/10) Trek through Belize in the footsteps of the Mayan people, with a unique 12-day adventure from Baobab Expeditions, offered from May 9th to the 20th, 2010.

The adventure begins in Belmopan. While here, explorers will visit the Belize Zoo (filled with all the country’s native animals); discover the local Mennonite community, users of modern methods to sustain their community; and travel to the Green Iguana Farm, hidden on an Indian Reserve, which has sought to bring back the Green Iguana from the brink of extinction.

The next day, adventurers will trek to the famous Mayan ruins of Caracol, the largest Maya archeological site in Belize. At its peak, Caracol had a radius of 10 km, larger than modern Belize City, with a central acropolis, three plaza groups, and two ball courts. While in the deep high-canopy jungle surrounding Caracol, adventurers will receive basic jungle training to prepare them for the days ahead.

Travelers will then make their way along the coast to the Toledo District, stopping at Nim Li Punit to admire the views of the Caribbean islands and at Lubaantun to discover striking jungle-backed Mayan ruins. They will spend the night at the Sun Creek Lodge, a premier eco-adventure lodge nestled between the Mayan mountains and the Caribbean Sea.

From here, adventurers will hike along the Cacao Trail to a local village, where they will learn about the medicinal properties of the local jungle flora, before going cave swimming at Blue Creek. Next, they will travel onwards to discover the non-excavated Uxbenka site (estimated to be 600 to 700 years older than either Lubaantun or Nim Li Punit), the waterfalls at Santa Elena, and the unexcavated Kayuko Cave and Mound Group. The group will camp out overnight, where they will enjoy open-air evenings by the camp fire and sleep under the jungle’s thick canopy in hammocks, bashas and mozzy nets.

After several days, travelers will reach the Sun Creek Jungle Lodge from where they will explore the Mayan village of Santa Cruz, the Pusilha Acropolis and the Maya Bridge, before proceeding on to several days in the sun at either the stunning diving destination of Caye Caulker or the beautiful beaches of Placencia.

Explorers will return to Belize for their return flights home. Please note that there must be a 24-hour layover between diving and flying.

Baobab’s 12-day tribal Belize journey is set for the 9th to the 20th of May, 2010. Pricing begins at $4,444 per person for double occupancy and includes accommodations, all meals on expedition and breakfasts at hotels, local experienced guides, drinking water, all transportation and excursions, and Royal Geographic Society membership. A luxury camp upgrade is also available, which provides higher quality hotels (where available), vehicle upgrades, faster boats (where available) and the use of tents on expedition. The expedition, available to groups of up to ten, will require moderate to difficult physical effort.

Baobab Expeditions has been ranked by National Geographic Adventure Magazine as one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth 2009,” with a client satisfaction rating of 100 percent. For more information on Baobab Expeditions, please call 516 622 2279 or visit www.BaobabExpeditions.com.

RENOWNED JAMAICA INN IS OFFERING EASTER DEALS

Ocho Rios, Jamaica (03/2010) The exclusive Jamaica Inn is offering special rates on stays beginning March 28 through April 15, 2010. The savings range from $100 to nearly $300 per night on the hotel’s luxurious suites and cottages.

The Easter specials apply to the following suites and cottages: a Balcony Suite, usually $590, is now $490; a Deluxe Veranda Suite, usually $715, is now $594; a Premier Veranda Suite, usually $885, is now $735; the Cowdray Suite, usually $920, is now $764; the Blue Cottage, usually $960, is now $797. In addition, Cottages 3 and 4, along with the White Suite, are $1,606 instead of $1,935; Jamaica Inn Cottage without pool is now $1,192 instead of $1,435; and Jamaica Inn Cottage with pool is now $1,378 instead of $1,660. All rates are per room per night. Meal plans are not included and the special rates cannot be combined with any other specials or packages. The offer is also only applicable to new bookings and to bookings that both arrive and depart during the special dates.

Situated on a private cove on the outskirts of Ocho Rios, the Jamaica Inn provides everything desirable in a Caribbean vacation. The 47- suite hotel is designed for maximum comfort and privacy. A lush green lawn, which incorporates a croquet lawn and swimming pool, edges the hotel’s perfect 700- foot beach, often cited as one of the best in the Caribbean. Meals are served in an open-air or outdoor dining room, prepared by world class chefs who create delectable menus. There is also a main bar, lounge, beach bar, and room service. Combined with a staff who genuinely wishes to please, spacious accommodations and delicious dining, it is easy to see how the Jamaica Inn lends a sense of profound contentment.

Jamaica Inn’s full-service KiYara Spa is like being in a rain forest and is totally connected to nature. Two treatment rooms are set on the Cliffside among verdant tropical plants and a third room juts out over the sea as if it were a house boat. All feature open air thatch roof huts to put the client in total harmony with the environment. The outdoor spa showers are made of bamboo and are also set in prodigious plantings. All treatments are holistic, combining the use of fresh Jamaican herbs and fruits.

For additional information or reservations please call 1-800-837-4608 or fax 876-974-2449. Email is reservations@jamaicainn.com and the web site is www.jamaicainn.com.

BLISS IN THE BUSH - GLAMOROUS WEDDING PACKAGE OFFERED BY CAMP JABULANI, THE ELEPHANT EXPERIENCE

Hoedspruit, SOUTH AFRICA (03/2010) Camp Jabulani, a luxury safari camp close to Kruger National Park in South Africa, is offering a glamorous wedding package for brides- and grooms-to-be looking for a remote and romantic destination to tie the knot.. Known as “the Elephant Experience,” Camp Jabulani is the only safari camp in Africa where guests can take elephant-back safaris under the stars. Imagine the Milky Way as the glittering backdrop of an unforgettable ride atop a gentle beast as he tramps single file into the bush.

Camp Jabulani’s main lodge is a perfect expression of the African bush. An open-plan dining room and lounge merge with a wooden deck which lies in the shade of a gigantic leadwood tree. A hanging bridge connects these spaces to the free-standing suites which flank the river bed.

Each suite is fronted by massive wooden sliding doors which open to stylish and comfortable interiors. Rooms are appointed with enormous stone tubs, an outdoor glass-enclosed shower, a fireplace with separate lounge area, and a private plunge pool. During the day the “walls” of the suites are rolled away to bring the bush just that bit closer.

Facilities include a therapy Lapa and a Bush Gym. Guests are also able to enjoy game drives and visits to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre.

With its luxury and glamour and romance, Camp Jabulani is an ideal setting for a wedding. The Camp will provide the services of a local pastor to conduct the ceremony and details such as flowers, photography, cake, videography or special requests can all be handled by the camp.

The $4500 wedding package includes:
- An exclusive photographic session with one of the Camp Jabulani elephants
- Overnight accommodation for bride and groom in a luxury suite
- Beautiful honeymoon turndown
- Bottle of sparkling wine and fruit basket
- Special honeymoon gift
- Private dinner or breakfast

It excludes:
- Beverages
- Additional photographic sessions with elephants; available at a rate of US$390 per session
- Additional elephant-back safaris available at a rate of US$162 per person per safari
- Photographer/Videographer/ Flowers (quotes available on request)
- Entertainment (quotes available on request)

Valid April 1, 2010 – March 31, 2011
For reservations: Tel 012-460-7348/5606 or email: reservations@campjabulani.com
Visit: www.campjabulani.com

SUBLIME MOTHER'S DAY PACKAGE AT LONDON'S DRAYCOTT HOTEL

London, ENGLAND (03/2010) Children or spouses of Moms who need a break, listen up!. The small but charming Mantis-owned five-star Draycott Hotel, situated in one of London’s most elegant enclave between Chelsea and Knightsbridge, is offering a Mother’s Day package for those Americans who want to give Mom a special treat – a stay at one of London’s finest boutique hotels and a body treatment at the city’s most exclusive Day Spa.

The package is designed to spoil Mom. She can luxuriate in a room overlooking a beautiful, private garden square lined with flowering fruit trees. If she loves the outdoors, you can special order from the hotel a gourmet picnic for her to take in the garden. At four pm she can enjoy afternoon tea in the drawing room and at six pm a complimentary glass of bubbly before a sparkling fire. Then, to assure a solid night’s sleep, she’ll be served soothing hot chocolate just before bedtime.

The following day she can completely mellow out at Ushvani, the luxe day spa in the heart of Chelsea providing an oasis of tranquillity, a much-needed antidote to the stress of 21st century metropolitan life. Here, therapists take a holistic approach to authentic South East Asian treatments, and it’s here Mom will receive a complimentary Balinese Massage and a Bespoke Foot Treatment.

The powerful Balinese massage derives from the Spice Islands of Indonesia and effectively balances the body, restores vitality, releases tension, and boosts circulation – leaving Mom feeling uplifted and recharged. The Bespoke Foot treatment is an invigorating jojoba scrub containing peppermint oils used to thoroughly exfoliate the feet, before they are nourished with Ushvani’s Coconut and Kemiri Blend, a rich body butter fragranced with natural essential oils. Reflex zones are worked while the feet are massaged, putting a spring back in Mom’s step.

Now Mom’s ready to step out. She can take in the sights and sounds of the Chelsea/Knightsbridge area where the vibe is all about shopping, dining, theatre and museum-going.

Rates for the Draycott Mother’s Day package are US$662 + VAT for a double room per night. This includes an English Breakfast and the 120-minutes Ushvani Balinese Massage and Bespoke Foot Treatment.

The offer is valid from April 30 through May 9, 2010, and is subject to availability.

For reservations please email: reservations@draycotthotel.com or call 020 7730 646. For more information on the Draycott Hotel, visit www.draycotthotel.com

FROM CAPE TOWN TO KIGALI

Cape Town, SOUTH AFRICA (3/10) Discover Africa in style, with Baobab Expeditions’ exclusive Cape Town to Kigali adventure. This fifteen-day expedition combines the most luxurious accommodations in Africa, convenient private air transport, and some of Africa’s finest safari guides (Lynne Leakey and Gavin Ford) for the trip of a lifetime.

Explorers begin their adventure with three days in Cape Town, where they will stay at the super swank Cape Grace hotel, right on the waterfront. While here, they will explore the Cape Peninsula, climb Table Mountain, wander along the bustling Victoria and Albert Waterfront and wine and dine through the best of the Winelands.

Adventurers then delve into the South African bush for three days at the world-famous Sabi Sabi Game Reserve in greater Kruger National Park, where lions, buffalos, leopards, rhinos, and elephants abound.

Travelers jet off to Zimbabwe to discover one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, the Victoria Falls, where they will enjoy walks alongside the mile-wide chasm, helicopter rides over the Falls, elephant-back safaris, boat cruises, and bungee jumping from the Falls bridge. At day’s end, guests will retreat to the lush tropical surroundings of the Victoria Falls Hotel, a Leading Hotel of the World.

The next stop is Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater, another of the world’s natural wonders. The crater is the largest intact caldera in the world at about 100 square kilometers. Travelers will venture out on safari through this unique ecosystem (which boasts over 30,000 animals) and soak in the views from the one of East Africa’s most luxurious properties, the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, perched on the edge of the Serengeti overlooking the imposing crater.

Travelers then journey upstream to the Serengeti National Park, which hosts the largest migration of large animals worldwide. Over three million animals live in the Serengeti, half of which migrate between Tanzania and Kenya’s Masai Mara according to a unique oval migration pattern determined by the area’s seasonal rain. Adventurers are certain to catch glimpses of this amazing wildlife during their stay at the luxurious Serengeti Under Canvas tented camps, which offers a classic 1920s safari experience.

Finally, travelers arrive in Rwanda, where they will spend three nights at the plush Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge at the foot of the awesome Virungas peaks. While here, they will also spend two days trekking through the Parc National des Volcans, where over half of the world’s surviving Mountain Gorilla population still resides.

Baobab’s fifteen-day “Wings Over Africa” journey is set for the dates of October 1st to 22nd, 2010 and October 1st to 22nd, 2011. Pricing begins at $19,690 per person for double occupancy based on a group of 14. The pricing includes all accommodations, local experienced guides, two gorilla permits, and laundry as well as meals, refreshments, transportation and excursions as specified in the itinerary. The expedition, available to groups of up to fourteen, will require moderate to difficult physical effort.

For more information or to book, please call 516 622 2279 or visit the website at www.baobabexpeditions.com.