Leisure Travel e-Newsletter - Jan 2008

Congratulations to Fiona Blench of Etrials Worldwide Ltd, Sittingbourne, who won our eNews subscribers' prize in our 2007 4th Quarter draw. Every quarter we draw a winning name. The odds are much better than winning the lottery, so anyone who has not subscribed to our free eNews, now is the time to be in with a chance of winning the subscribers' prize draw for the 1st Quarter 2008

The voucher certificate will have a value of £100, redeemable against any form of holiday (combination of travel and accommodation) booking made through us to the value of £500 or more, and will be valid for a period of 18 months from the date of issue. It will be transferable, providing the winner advises Medway Travel of the name of the eventual recipient.

From a City break to a Cruise, from an all-inclusive package to a tailored holiday, the choice is yours. We have a massive range of outstanding holidays to offer and a team of consultants highly qualified to research and advise on all aspects of your trip. The chances of your being the lucky winner in the next 12 months are better than 1 in 500, so the very best of luck!

We have found significant differences in the costs levied by airlines for transporting wintersports equipment.

Some airlines, such as British Airways and Air Berlin, allow passengers to carry one pair of skis, poles and boots, or one snowboard and boots, per person without any charge.

But other carriers, notably the no-frills airlines, levy charges of up to £20 each way for a pair of skis.

Some airlines, such as Virgin Atlantic, VLM and Wizz Air offer free carriage if the total weight of your luggage does not exceed the stated baggage allowance.

EasyJet charges £15 per pair of skis or snowboard if pre-paid, or £20 if paid at the airport.

Ryanair's website states: "Sporting equipment is inherently unsuitable for carriage by airlines operating fast turnarounds such as Ryanair. However, these items may be carried in the hold of the aircraft in addition to your personal checked baggage allowance upon payment of an additional discounted fee per item, per one way flight, if booked at the time of reservation."
The fees are £15.50 if booked online or £20.50 if via its call centre or at the airport.
 
So passengers need to check how 'low-cost' their airline really is when it comes to taking their ski luggage abroad.

British Airways has been roundly criticised for its decision to ban all surfboards, along with kayaks, windsurf and javelins, from flights, claiming they were too bulky. English surfboard champion Ben Skinner said: "The ban is a disgrace."

These are further examples of why it can so often end up being more expensive than you think to book your own flights and holidays, rather than paying a small fee to pass the responsibility for finding the best overall deals, to professionals!

Our grateful thanks to all those readers who kindly responded to our November survey (see  Medway Travel Limited survey for details) in which we asked our clients to mark the quality of various aspects of our service, out of 10.

Continuing our series on some of the best locations in the world for diving holidays, we recommend considering the following two, one a well known destination, but at a possibly less well known specialist diving club & hotel, the other an adventure location for divers who wish to get away from it all and enjoy something different.

EGYPT - Sharm el Sheikh

Camel Dive Club & Hotel  

Sharm el Sheik is an extraordinary diving destination in the Red Sea, Egypt, on the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula, surrounded by three protected nature areas.

Crystal clear waters, magnificent corals, exotic underwater flora and rare tropical fish are just some of the gems you'll discover here, when you don your diving gear and take the plunge.

Renowned for its small, intimate hotels, The Camel Dive Club & Hotel, situated in the heart of Sharm el Sheikh's Na'ama Bay, offers guided dives by PADI-certified instructors from the shore or from boats as well as a variety of dive packages including full or half-day diving.

For those with a greater sense of adventure, night and wreck dives are also available. Specially-designed floating platforms allow you to cross the reef and enter the water safely.

Chill out in the Red Sea on the dive boats complete with shaded areas and a saloon. Buffet lunches are served on board.

 

BELIZE - Turneffe Atoll

Turneffe Island Lodge 

Thirty recognized dive sites and three opportunities each day to explore them make Turneffe Atoll - a treasure for divers.

Adrift off the coast of Belize, this private, fourteen-acre resort harbours four intimate lodges, eight private cabanas (that look like little beach shacks) and plenty of hammocks for shedding the cares of daily life.

Forget about TVs, phones and faxes—you have no choice. You're here to discover The Blue Hole, an immense ancient underwater cavern (charted by Jacques Cousteau) or the Elbow, whose pinnacles and sand shoots serve as a playground for hawksbill and loggerhead turtles, eagle rays and hammerhead sharks.

The resort is also noted for fly-fishing, and guests often combine activities.

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If you are interested in a diving holiday, ask our specialist leisure consultants for advice on where best to go, taking account of your party’s possibly mixed abilities and various interests. We will do the research and recommend some options from which you can then select the ideal diving holiday.

Recent research has shown that, on average, consumers take nearly a month to go from first search to the final decision and purchase of a travel product. This delay could be costly, as during this time, the flight costs may well rise.

Then, the survey found, on average customers made, during these 29 days, 12 searches and visited 23 websites, before they were ready to book.

It also seems that the average number of times users will visit the purchase website before actually clicking the Book Now button, is 2.5 occasions.

Whilst we understand that it can be enjoyable –if you have the time – to drool over all the wonderful places one might go to, think of all the other things you could be doing instead of trying to fight your way through all the spin aimed at tempting you to spend your money on a potentially disastrous holiday!

Clearly we are biased, but surely, just as you probably don’t write your own will, or do the conveyancing on the sale of your home, it must make sense to get the benefit of a professional consultant when spending a lot on the highlight of your year. You undoubtedly want it to be a truly wonderful experience – and it often costs no more as well as providing safeguards and support, should anything go wrong, to get a professional travel agent to research and arrange the best possible, within your budget!

So do contact us to discuss your 2008 holidays!

 

 

 

Our specialist property colleagues have just sent me this special offer, which could be of great interest to those readers who are keen Golf players. This will enable you to take advantage of the current dollar and property market weakness to make a good value investment in overseas property in a wonderful part of the world.

Punta Perla
Caribbean Golf, Spa and Marina Resort

Golf Appartments - the ultimate investment - 3 Signatures Golf Course – Golfing Academy – Front Line Golf – Fantastic Views

Guaranteed 95% minimum Profit on capital employed (as an option) and completion is contracted to be within 30 months

The developer at Punta Perla is providing the opportunity to purchase the Golf appartments with a guaranteed Buy-back which includes an increase of 30% over the purchase price, after completion               

This offer is time limited & will expire at the end of January. This unique opportunity is brought about as a result of:-

1. Extremely competitive prices when compared to nearby developments
2. Demonstrable recent capital growth on similar developments
3. Increasing demand for high-end accommodation with world class facilities in the Dominican Republic.

The developer is so confident that the value of the properties will be much higher, that he is prepared to provide a rock solid guarantee. When combining the key financial benefits, the government tax incentives with the guaranteed uplift of 30% over the original purchase price, you have a truly exceptional investment opportunity.

No Purchase Tax - No tax on rental income - No capital Gains Tax

• Guaranteed 8% Rrental return for up to 10 years
• Great opportunity for capital growth
• 70% Mortgage facility upon completion
• Only 30% deposit
• Prices start from: US$392,000 There is a buy back option for the golf apartments in block AP6, and it will work under the following conditions:

1- When the client is informed that the property is finished, s/he will have to decide whether s/he wants to keep the property or sell it to THE DEVELOPER for the same price plus 30% added value (over the purchase price minus sports membership), which is herewith called “buy back option”.

The buy back option means that THE DEVELOPER buys the property back from the client in a maximum period of 6 months. The DEVELOPER will return the amount paid by the client up to date, plus 30% added value over the original purchase price minus the sports membership ($10,000). As the DEVELOPER is returning ALL the monies paid by the client, this includes the proportional part of the golf membership that s/he has paid.

Example:
Property price (membership included): $400,000

30% paid by purchaser: $120,000
Buy back:
The developer returns $120,000 + [($400,000- $10,000)* 30%=$117,000] = $237,000

Should the client wish to take part in the buy back option, s/he will need to inform THE DEVELOPER in writing.

The latest the client can inform the DEVELOPER about his/her decision to choose the buy back option is 15 days after the DEVELOPER notifies that the property is finished. If the purchaser does not notify such decision within the stated 15 days, the purchaser will need to complete on the property and pay the70% balance as per promissory contract for sale.

Please notice that this offer is only valid for golf apartment block AP6. The rest of golf apartments that we release in the future will have different floor plans and prices and the buy back option will not be in place.

This offer is only valid until January 31st 2008. This means that clients have until January 31st to send their monies.

Please contact us urgently for further details, and we will be pleased to direct you to our colleagues who are the UK agents for this development

The Great Barrier Reef and The Whitsunday Islands

The Great Barrier Reef is undisputedly one of the world’s most important natural assets. It is the largest natural feature on Earth stretching more than 2300km along The Northeast coast of Australia, from the Northern Tip of Queensland to just north of Bundaberg.

In the heart of The Great Barrier Reef lie the beautiful Whitsunday Islands. These 74 largely uninhabited islands are the largest offshore tropical island chain in Australia. With 10 resorts spread over 8 islands there is something to suit all tastes. From eco style resorts, activity to pure luxury resorts there is truly something to suit everyone’s dreams and desires.

One of the best is the aptly named Day Dream Island Resort and Spa; a luxury tropical hideaway perfect for snorkelling, diving, yachting, fishing or just laying back on a glorious white coral beach, book in one hand, cocktail in the other. With an award winning Spa, the most romantic wedding venues and luxury accommodation; The Whitsunday Islands and Day Dream Island Resort and Spa undoubtedly make a wonderful destination from which to explore The Great Barrier Reef.

Contact us for more details of these resorts and a host of other ways to enjoy a visit to Australia

 

Staying In Lavish Ethnic Cottages Amidst Heavenly Seclusion

Strawberry Hill, Irish Town, Jamaica is an adorable escape from the congested and overburdened industrious life. Set amidst stunning natural beauty, the luxury 50-acre hill top resort constitutes a wide range of panoramic views of the neighbouring mountains and streams. Its magnificent location enables the resort to take a direct view at the Blue Mountains as well as the deep blue Caribbean Sea. These rich surroundings are well complemented with the incredible hospitality services and the many facilities offered to the guests.

With 12 traditionally designed cottages, it is equipped with all the premium luxuries to provide ultimate comfort to the guests. The interiors of the lavish cottages are a gorgeous replica of the colonial 19th century Georgian architecture, comprising wooden artwork and the variedly themed hand-carved fretwork. The walls are decorated with rich specimens of Jamaican art and many photographs.

The cottages differ in their individual style and are categorized into one bedroom, deluxe villas and studios. All of them come with a wonderful panoramic view of the mountains. The rooms are laden with a traditional décor of French doors, dark mahogany beds, thick ventilated windows and a picturesque private veranda. The bathrooms are well adorned in terracotta architecture and fashionable tiles, and the rooms are provided with modern essentials like TVs, DVD players, mini bars, in-room safes, high-speed wireless Internet access, deluxe bathroom accessories, and a plethora of other detailed amenities.

Dining at the Strawberry Hill resort is another experience to cherish. The exotic dining at the hotel becomes a delightful journey with a menu of delicacies served in an enchanting setting.

Strawberry Hill's Aveda Concept Spa is another amazing feature. The spa is wholly dedicated to building up and maintaining the good physical as well as mental health of the guests. The hotel’s objective is for  guests to be able to relax and retreat into complete luxury, and the spa is no exception.

For this and other luxury holiday choices, with or without specialist spa facilities, please do consult us.

Macatoo (Botswana) is never dull!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following is taken from a letter we received from this wonderful African Horseback Safari Camp, and we believe it speaks for itself!

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New Horses

Macatoo now has 8 gorgeous new arrivals from Namibia including a spirited Palomino and a statuesque Friesian Cross.  Already, they are making themselves at home in the barn.  This takes our total up to 40 horses, all beautifully trained in our new school by our wonderful horse manager, Jo. 

French Film Crew

We were delighted to welcome a French Film Crew recently who captured the unique experience of riding in the Okavango Delta:  The excitement of galloping through water, the magic of close encounters with elephant and the thrill of being at one with a herd of giraffe or buffalo.  

We plan to release the DVD which will be on sale through our office or in camp.  We shall update you on a release date as soon as it is confirmed.

Great Game

We have had some fabulous sightings with breeding herds of Elephant recently keeping everyone awake in camp. Our October highlight was watching a 6 strong Lion hunt of a Tsessebe from the deck of tent 5 with G&Ts in hand and the sun setting over the Delta.  The start of the seasonal rains has heralded the arrival of migrant birds, baby impalas and a carpet of lush, green plains.
  

A View from Above

We are now able to offer the exciting addition of helicopter flights from camp for those of you who would like to see more of the Delta, fly back from morning rides or even fly to the pan handle for fishing trips! Guests who recently chartered the helicopter were treated to a sighting of a White Rhino with her calf! The helicopter is owned and flown by Peter Perlstein, one of the most experienced pilots in the area who is based in Maun.   

Other airline news

With Livingstone becoming a world-renowned destination, we are pleased to announce that, in conjunction with Mack Air, we shall be offering a direct flight to Livingstone (via Kasane)  from Macatoo.

Record Breaking!

Macatoo would like to congratulate a lovely German by the name of Elizabeth who originally planned to spend 2 weeks with us and ended up staying nearly 3 after continually postponing her return flights. A record we hope will be beaten in 2008 and we look forward to seeing Elizabeth back soon.
 

Non Riders

We understand that not all partners / friends and family would be happy on a holiday solely geared to all things equestrian so we will endeavour to keep everyone occupied with game drives and seasonal boat trips, fishing expeditions, walks out into the Delta, sunbathing on our deck with cooling plunge pool dips and watching the sun sinking over the flood plain with an obligatory drink in hand!

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If you are interested in this or other safaris, whether with horses or not, we will be pleased to advise you on those best suited to your particular interests, so please do contact us

 

Luxury resort in Australia’s Blue mountains

It is a dream come true feeling at the European-styled Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa, Australia.
The luxurious lodge at the heart of the Jamison Valley constitutes an exclusive destination for globetrotters. The hotel, enjoying views of the gorgeous Blue Mountains, creates a vista of beauty from every angle. The heritage resort is a wonderful escape for the romantics to hide in the lap of nature.

With a rich historical background, Lilianfels harmoniously combines traditional and modern living. The hotel has everything that the tourists can ask for on their visit to the Blue Mountains. Conveniently close to Sydney, the Lilianfels offers exclusive accommodation in which its guests are able to relax. Along with a range of glamorous and comfortable rooms, the hotel is remarkable for its splendid spa and much-celebrated food zone.

Each of the 85 rooms, reflecting the old Victorian tradition, is bathed in the bright hues of lush green, pink and lilac. The rich floral designs of the interior gives a natural aura to the otherwise well-equipped rooms. The rooms are a great combination of amenities along with breath taking views of the English style gardens, the backdrop of Echo Point and the vast mountains.

Guests are also provided with a plethora of additional facilities, like a reading room, a spacious lounge with open fires, indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, a billiard room, mountain bikes, a tennis court along with the rejuvenating spa and health clubs.

The spa is exclusively designed to create a calm and cool atmosphere for visitors to enjoy the tranquillity of nature. Its various treatments include a massage menu, facial menu, couples treatment menu, body, hand and foot treatment menu, and many others.

For this and many other exclusive and less well known luxury holiday destinations, contact our consultants who will be pleased to discuss your wishes and research a selection that are just what you could have ever wished for, for your final selection.

 

Turks and Caicos Islands

Dotting the ocean atop plateaus rising 10,000 feet from the sea floor is a series of spectacular islands known around the world for their stunning scuba diving. Just a few hundred miles off the south-eastern coast of Florida and a short crawl from Cuba, the Turks and Caicos Islands are the refuge of choice for Hollywood's most recognisable, and home to the third largest coral reef system in the world.

Sporting a history rich with legend and lore, Turks and Caicos is experiencing a tourism boom. Real-estate development abounds, and while this means that the islands are dense with construction, it also signifies a rich supply of accommodations, sporting outfits and fantastic eateries. One can enjoy island hopping, resort jumping and scuba cruising, and find that paradise exists above the water as well as below it.

The private island resort on Parrot Cay lies nestled within the Turks and Caicos archipelago, just 30 minutes by speedboat from the island capital of Providenciales (known locally as Provo). Boasting 3.2 miles of pristine white beach and the eastern-inspired elegance of Christina Ong, Parrot Cay is simple yet absolutely extraordinary. Stark white walls trimmed with dark teakwood, terracotta tiling housing four-poster beds, private verandas overlooking a constantly tranquil sea – this is paradise understated.

 Renowned for playing host to the likes of Bruce Willis and Paul McCartney, Parrot Cay has convinced a number of stars to invest in their own private accommodations on the island, which can also be rented by guests. From ocean-view suites perched beside floodlit tennis courts to three-bedroom beach villas equipped with private pools and pandering butlers, Parrot Cay exudes exclusivity.

Set over 1,000 acres of thick cacti and sprawling mangroves, the resort houses one of the four world-renowned Como Shambhala spas. Distinguished instructors come to host week-long yoga retreats and internationally-trained therapists offer a catalogue of signature spa treatments. The amenities are endless. All that relaxation makes one hungry. The Lotus Restaurant here features an array of delicious Pan-Asian delicacies with a focus on local and organic ingredients. The service is extraordinary, and the menu changes with a new gourmet chef every year.

Almost every facet of resort-living in the Turks and Caicos offers some degree of lavish indulgence. The Palms recently unveiled its luxury quarters and deluxe spa along the splendid yet fast-developing Grace Bay Beach on Provo. The facility sits above reflecting pools within a Grecian oasis, and is surrounded by Japanese gardens and individual treatment cottages. Signature treatments worth trying are Zareeba Steam and Massage Therapy and Mother of Pearl Body Scrub. The Palms also plays host to opulent wedding parties. The Spa can be converted to a discothèque, which makes for an extraordinary venue.

The lovely, laid-back Coral Gardens has unveiled a more modest spa offering Ayurvedic therapies and one complimentary 30-minute massage per guest. In addition to individually-owned condominium units, the resort offers a range of luxury guestrooms just steps away from Grace Bay's best snorkelling.

Another noteworthy luxury newcomer, the exclusive Amanyara, has just opened on a nationally protected section of land in Provo. It will certainly rival Parrot Cay with its 40 Pavilions interspersed throughout a secluded nature preserve skirted by white sandy beaches.

We could go on, but are sure readers will “get the picture”! Contact us if you are interested in a visit or a holiday here, and we will be pleased to advise you and make arrangements for your visit to paradise!

 

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If these or any other holiday appeals to you, why not contact our specialist Leisure Travel consultants to discuss your ideas and ask for their unbiased their advice?

Air Travel Organiser Licence [ATOL] bonds will be replaced with a £1 levy, the government has confirmed.

The new scheme will be introduced from April 1, 2008 and follows an announcement last August agreeing to the change "in principle".

The announcement by transport minister was welcomed by ABTA

ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer said: "We are very pleased that the Government has confirmed this important change to the funding of the ATOL scheme. We will now look to the Government to ensure that the system is effective for consumers.

We understand that ABTA will also be looking for ways through which the scope of the scheme can be extended to cover all forms of travel arrangements replacing the current fragmented and inconsistent state of financial protection, which still leaves millions of customers' money and holidays at risk, especially when they book direct with airlines and hotels.

Medway Travel is of course, fully licensed by the CAA, and has bonds with the CAA and ABTA to ensure the security of your money, when you make bookings through us

 

Some readers may already know that we have on our website a page entitled "Worldwide Leisure Events", to give surfers information about some of the most famous, interesting and fun events happening in the coming 6 to 9 months, one or more of which you may wish to incorporate into your next holiday.

We have extracted the following examples to give you a flavour, but strongly suggest you click here to see much more!

Dubai Shopping Festival          24th January – 24th February

Finished with the January sales at home? Why not escape to the sun and grab some more bargains? For a whole month, Dubai, renowned for its duty free, offers further savings on fashion to jewellery, and electronics to carpets. With street entertainment alongside, and the beach to lure any non- spenders, there really is something for everyone.

Desert Festival Jaisalmer          19th – 21st February  

Experience the charm of this Indian destination at any time, but visit this 3 day event in February, and experience much more. Camel parades, local musicians, puppeteers, camel races and polo matches, sound and light parades – just some of the events that make this one of the best times to visit.

Museum Night, Rotterdam          1st March

Visit now and get the most out of your stay. Spend the daytime sightseeing, and enjoy some culture in the evening. This annual event sees more than 40 galleries and museums staying open into the night, with guided tours and exhibitions taking place. 

Snow and Symphony, St Moritz          March - April 

Add a little music to your skiing? Snow and Symphony is a series of classical music events held during these months. In all, around 20 performances by renowned artists will be taking place in this popular resort.

Venetian Carnival, Paris          March - April   

Missed the Venice Carnival? Why not take a break to Paris to capture the atmosphere here. Port de Plaisance is the venue for this spectacular 2 day event, with more than 150 participants dressed in Venetian costume and numerous gondolas and decorated boats lining the canal.

Antigua Sailing Week          27th April – 3rd May        

Combine famous Antiguan hospitality with some of the best sailing conditions in the world, and you have here in the Caribbean, one of the world’s premier sailing regattas. 

May Day Music Festival, Rome          1st May

Held in Piazza San Giovanni, this annual event heralds the beginning of Spring, with a celebration of music, welcoming musicians from around the world.

May Day Breakfasts, Rhode Island          1st May 

Is this a destination on your holiday hit list? Include May Day in your stay, and you will experience the area’s unique breakfast celebrations. Early morning feasts can be found everywhere, from churches to schools to local yacht clubs, as well as in the more traditional restaurants.

27th Annual Steamboat Marathon, Colorado          1st June

Looking for a run with a difference! This annual event in Steamboat Springs has been voted one of the most scenic, winding through the beauty of the Rockies. For the less energetic, it also offers a Half Marathon and Fun Run. 

San Diego Restaurant Week          22nd – 27th June

For the second time this year, San Diego’s top 130 restaurants open their doors, offering 3 course meals at greatly reduced prices. What better time to visit!

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We have not listed travel arrangements, as there are often countless options available. If you are interested in any of the above events, please contact us and we will research the most suitable for your requirements.

Pressures of modern day life are creating 'family time famine' with couples and children seeing foreign holidays as more important as ever.

A recent survey found that 99 per cent of families thought a holiday was "an important or very important" time to bond together.

The survey found that Brits are very poor when spending quality time together over meals.

The research shows that one in five families spend an hour or less at home together each day. Only 15 per cent of families were able to spend four hours or more having fun as a family at home, while on holiday that figure soars to 87 per cent of families. The average family apparently shares only six meals together a week compared to 12 when they are on holiday.

There is a huge range of holidays suitable for those with children of all ages and ranges of interests, apart form the conventional seaside one, so why not discuss your family’s interests with us and let us offer a range of possible holidays that might suit you all, but which you may not ever have thought of?