Leisure Travel e-Newsletter April 2007

Congratulations to Ray Humphrey – Mondi Packaging, who won our eNews subscribers' prize in our 2007 1st 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 2nd Quarter 2007!

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!

Hike and Bike in Trøndelag

For the perfect way to unwind, take a hike or cycle ride around Trøndelag and enjoy some of the most spectacular nature Norway has to offer.

Fill your lungs with the beautiful fresh air as you travel round fjords, through mountains, fields and meadows.
The towns of Verdal and Steinkjer are great as a base for excursions into the wonderful cultural landscapes that surround them. If you go for a cycle ride or a mountain walk in the interior of Namdalen, your itinerary can include a visit to the great national parks, or salmon fishing in the River Namsen.

Combine a visit to the mining town of Røros, with its many attractions and outstanding streetscape, with excursions into the surrounding countryside. Fosen’s exciting coastline, with its rich cultural heritage including old fishing villages also offers excellent cycling opportunities.

Contact our consultants who will be pleased to advise and arrange just the “bicycling holiday with a difference” you have always wished for.

A wealth of oriental experiences to enjoy

Sri Lanka is the modest sized island, measuring some 425kms long and 225kms wide situated in the Indian Ocean just below the Southern tip of India with a population of some 18 million. Previously known as Ceylon, its capital goes by the resoundingly long name of Srijayawardhanapura.
The 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean', as it has been described, is a socialist democratic republic with a long history.

Climate

Sri Lanka enjoys a tropical climate. There are no seasonal variations except for the bi-annual monsoon rains. Colombo and the South West experience rain from April to May and September to October. The East coast gets its share of rainfall from November to January. Being close to the equator, the temperature is high throughout the year, the average in Colombo being 27 degrees centigrade (80 degrees Fahrenheit). This is accompanied by high levels of humidity. However, in different parts of the island, the temperature and the climate vary according to the elevation. In the mountainous regions of Nuwara Eliya, the temperature averages 16 degrees centigrade (61 degrees Fahrenheit).

History

The chronicled history of Sri Lanka dates back over 2,500 years. It had established trade and cultural links with many ancient civilizations, including Chinese, Greek, and Arabic. In the last 500 years the Portuguese, Dutch and then the British have been their main trading partners. Sri Lanka was the ancient name meaning "The Resplendent Isle".

There are four major religions which are Buddhism - followed by 69% of the population, Hinduism - 13% of the population, Islam - 8% of the population and Christianity - followed by 7% of the population.
Attractions

Apart from its beautiful and clean sandy beaches, its mountains, wildlife, ancient archaeological sites and the legacies of its more recent trading partners, there is much of interest to see in the production and processing of tea, coconut, rubber, spices, clothes, and gems.

Why not consider a holiday in this fascinating island, and discuss the possibilities and options with our consultants?

An Art lovers’ river cruise of Paris and Normandy

 

Do you fancy a river trip from Paris through the countryside of Northern France to the beaches of Normandy and then back to Paris? You would sail along the Seine River for eight days onboard a refurbished cruiser and enjoy individual service in the lavishly appointed outside-facing stateroom, or dining on cuisine reflective of the regions you are passing through.

Your holiday would start with a fully guided city tour of Paris. Savour the sights and the sounds that define the "City of Lights" - the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Elysees, and the Arc de Triomphe - to name just a few. The day ends with the Captain's Welcome Dinner onboard.

Your ship leaves Paris for the towns of Auvers sur Oise and Conflans Ste Honorine. The former - a favourite locale for many of the Impressionist painters - is where Vincent Van Gogh lived, died and immortalized the town in "Auberge Ravoux," the "Church of Auvers sur Oise," and the "Wheat Fields."

Continuing north, the ship will stop in the city of Rouen. There you could see the World famous Romanesque Cathedral, a subject of Impressionist Claude Monet, and view the Vieux March where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. Then on to Le Havre, and go to the beaches of Normandy, where you'll share in a piece of history that changed the world - the D-Day Invasion by the WW II Allied forces. Visit Honfleur, aptly named the "City of Painters," as this charming French harbour town was a favourite backdrop for such famous artists as Gustave Courbet and Claude Monet.

From Le Havre, you'll sail to Vernon for an excursion to Monet's beloved Giverny. While here, you'll understand how the unique light of this part of the Seine River Valley held him captive for 43 years. Your last evening onboard includes the Captain's Farewell Dinner as you sail back to Paris.

If you so choose - you can add additional days to your holiday in Paris where you could visit the famous Art collections and include a fully guided "Arts and the Artists" tours of Montmartre and the Louvre. Dining and transfers from the airport to your hotel and from your hotel to the ship can also be arranged.

Sailings begin at the end of March, so please contact us for more details and let us create just the holiday you are looking for – leisurely and comfortable travel in the company of others who also enjoy seeing the great master pieces of world famous artists in the surroundings in which they were painted.

The next in our series on the best golf resorts in the World, is the Kiawah Island Golf Resort in South Carolina. Last year it was selected as the Best Golf Resort in the U.S. according to a reader survey in a well-known golfing journal.

Kiawah Island Golf Resort is a family-friendly luxury golf resort located on the coast of Kiawah Island, South Carolina. It offers hotel accommodation at The Sanctuary, beachfront vacation rental homes, family luxury villas for rent and recreation for all ages.

Kiawah Island Golf Course was designed by Pete Dye and opened in 1991 before the Ryder Cup. It has five championship courses, including the world-famous Ocean Course, host of the 1991 Ryder Cup Matches and the 1997 & 2003 World Cup of Golf. The Ocean Course is also host to the Senior PGA in 2007 and the PGA Championship in 2012.

For those who take a party, not all of whom are so keen on golf, there is a lot of fun and enjoyment to be had away from the courses. The Sanctuary Hotel is just thirty minutes from downtown Charleston and captures the spirit, history, and charm of southern hospitality. It has 255 guestrooms and suites, two elegant restaurants with ocean views, a lobby bar, a martini bar, and an oceanfront poolside grill.

It also has a nature-based luxury spa with 12 treatment rooms, fitness room, indoor pool and Jacuzzi. It has ten miles of beach and 30 miles of paved, biking trails as well as kayaking, canoeing, alligator and birding walks, oceanfront fine dining and riverside oyster roasts.

For corporate “retreats” and conferences, this location could be ideal. It hosts business meetings, conferences and retreats with 18,000 square feet of meeting and conference space, and, as you can see from the above, lots to do in delegates’ spare time.

This is an example of the thousands of destinations we have access to for activity holidays.

Whatever the activity holiday you have in mind, our specialist consultants will enjoy the challenge of finding just the right combination of facilities and the best environment for you and your whole party to have the best holiday imaginable. This applies equally whether it is for a personal holiday, a group event or a corporate function. So please do contact us for our advice and professional assistance with the arrangements.

This summer sees budget airline Flybe again competing with Eurostar on the popular Avignon route. Eurostar operates a weekly (every Saturday) high-speed train direct from London to Avignon between July and September.

Air options in previous years were limited and costly. The sole option was to fly via Paris and transfer between CDG and Orly.

But last year Flybe began summer flights from Southampton. It was the first direct flight linking the UK and Avignon. Southampton continues again this year with Flybe adding an additional service from Exeter.
So air travel can be a better alternative for travellers living within easy reach of either airport especially as there are more departures. A further advantage for Flybe is that Eurostar's timings (an early departure from Waterloo with a late return) are geared for the London market so regional passengers can incur additional hotel expenses.

Eurostar's Avignon service departs from, and returns to, Waterloo every Saturday between July 7 and September 8. Return fares start at £99 in standard and £249 in first class.

Flybe departs Southampton four times a week (every Monday, Wednesday. Friday and Saturday) between March 26 and October 27. Typical return fares in July start at £100. Flybe's new service departs Exeter three times a week (every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) between March 27 and October 27. Return fares in July start at £76. Flybe's prices may vary when you travel outside the summer peak.

Our consultants will gladly research alternative modes of transport for you, as a matter of course, and find the best fares with each from which you can select the one which suits you best. So always contact us before you make your travel decisions

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!

Seville April Fair 24th – 29th April

Take a break to this Spanish city and enjoy the celebrations of this annual event. The Andalusian culture is brought alive with 24 hour flamenco parties, horse shows and bullfighting

Queen’s Day, Amsterdam 30th April

This day is celebrated throughout the Netherlands, marking the birthday of the former Queen Juliana. Over a million people flock to Amsterdam to see its world-famous street party. Why not take a few days break in the city – the party continues into the next day!

Rhine in Flames, Germany Various dates May – September

It’s that time of year again, the start of the summer firework spectaculars, when the skies are lit above the Rhine’s most scenic towns and cities – a sight to be seen! Beginning between Bonn and Linz on 5th May, events are held on selected dates throughout the summer.

Prague Spring International Music Festival 12th May – 3rd June

Ever popular as a short break destination, Prague offers even more during these weeks in Spring. Together with the Czech Republic’s great orchestras, it showcases international artists, and a variety of singles and musical players.

Red Earth Festival 2nd – 4th June

Tribes and bands from across North America gather in Oklahoma City for a weekend of music, dancing and celebrations, making this the largest Native American gathering in the country.

Central Park Summer Stage 16th June – 13th August

Why not visit New York during the summer months and take advantage of the free entertainment on offer. Over two months Central Park becomes home to a wide range of music, dance, theatre and opera, in what has become one of the city’s great summer traditions.

Ommegang Pageant, Brussels 3rd and 5th July

This colourful festival has taken place since 1549, and today focuses on local folklore and heritage. Visitors are limited to 3000, with spectators including the Royal Family and their guests.

Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular 4th July

Soak up the American excitement with this annual event. 14,000 aerial shells are set off from barges along the East side of Manhattan, synchronised and set to music. An event not to be missed

Antigua Carnival 28th July – 7th August

The Caribbean is truly home to the carnival. Now it’s Antigua’s turn to shine. Be part of the atmosphere, and make yours a holiday to remember.

Havana Carnival August

Is Cuba on your list? Then why not go now and join the party? For several weeks, parades are held along the length of the coastal road, the Malecon, with music, dancing and conga lines everywhere. Add colourful costumes and dazzling fireworks, to make an event you will never forget.

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We have not listed travel arrangements, as there are often countless options available, so please contact us or call us on 01622 608265 about any of these which take your interest, and we will research the most suitable travel and accommodation for your requirements

Mega cruise ship to sail from Southampton

Royal Caribbean International's latest $900 million mega ship Independence of the Seas is to sail in Europe from Southampton next summer.

The 3,600-passenger vessel is scheduled to make several calls into Madeira and Gibraltar en route from Southampton to Tenerife during this summer, but the full itineraries have yet been made public.

Independence of the Seas is thought to be part of a mass deployment of six ships in Europe by Royal Caribbean in 2008 with Navigator and Voyager, Brilliance, Legend and Splendour of the Seas all scheduled to make calls in Madeira.

Independence of the Seas is the third in the company's trio of 160,000 gross tonne Freedom-class ships. The largest cruise ships in the world, they carry 500 more passengers than Voyager-class vessels.

It is thought that the Independence of the Seas, currently under construction at the Aker ship yard in Finland is being prepared to enter service in May 2008.

Royal Caribbean is also bringing the 3,114-passenger Voyager-class ship Navigator of the Seas to operate ex-UK cruises from Southampton this summer and signed a £10 million, seven-year deal with the Port of Southampton last September, to enlarge the port's City Cruise Terminal.

Readers interested in sailing on the maiden cruise with this fantastic vessel, should contact our cruise specialists, who will be pleased to keep you informed as details become available.

Crystal Cruises offers over three dozen new adventures in Asia

Crystal Cruises is introducing over 30 new land adventures as part of the ultra-luxury cruise specialist's 2007 return to Asia. Canoeing and snorkeling in Thailand, a Tate-do martial arts performance in Japan, longboat sailing along the Vietnamese Mekong Delta, cookery classes in Vietnam and Hong Kong and multiple-night overland adventures to Hanoi, Angkor Wat and Laos are a selection of the new excursions Crystal Cruises is introducing.

Among the new Crystal Adventures are:

• Palate-pleasing excursions including a Kagoshima exploration to learn about the brewing of rice vinegar and spirits and visits to local produce markets in Hong Kong and Vietnam in conjunction with regional cooking demonstrations.
• Two- and three-night overland adventures to Hanoi, Angkor Wat and Laos
• Canoeing and snorkeling off the coast of Thailand.
• A Mumbai Jewish heritage journey to the Gateway of India, Knesseth Eliahod Synagogue, the Magen David Synagogue and Magen Hassidin Synagogue, as well as a visit to the fascinating local laundry called the dhobi ghats.
• Restorative hot springs soaks in Taiwan and energising spa treatments at the Cheraim Spa in Thailand.
• Visits to the imperial city of Hue and the preserved, ancient Vietnamese seaport, Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Crystal guests can also choose to ride an elephant in Thailand, explore the Cu Chi tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War plus dozens of other adventures throughout Asia 

Onboard destination experts, including speakers from the Smithsonian Institution, will add rich insight into Asian culture, history, art and literature.

On cruises ranging from 11 to 16 days, Crystal Symphony will visit 17 cities in nine different countries, including a maiden call at Chan May, Vietnam:

As an example, prices start from £3,794 per person for the 14-night Kingdoms of Jade & Gold fly/cruise from Hong Kong to Singapore departing the UK on 18 April. Price includes return scheduled flights from the UK, 11 nights on the award-winning Crystal Symphony in a Deluxe Stateroom with Large Picture Window with all meals and soft drinks, port taxes and basic gratuities.

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Whether or not you believe this is the right type of cruise for you, we suggest you consult our qualified cruise specialists before finally making up your mind. We know of literally thousands of cruises, offered by a large number of cruise lines, and (having understand your preferences and budget) Stephen or Astra will be pleased to research and advise you. This way, you can be sure of choosing the very best - for you!

We recommend saving the hassle of an early start and the stress of not knowing how long to allow for motorway hold-ups, by booking an airport hotel with holiday parking for the night before. We have access to a choice of airport hotels with parking at 22 UK airports. Of course, they all have courtesy bus facilities to and from the airport terminals.

And it gets better! If you are going to be away for some time, the room and parking for the duration at the hotel can work out very little more than the off airport parking in a conventional airport car park.

For Example:

Gatwick Airport - 9th May 2007

SOFITEL LONDON GATWICK
Room and up to 8 days parking £131.00
Room and up to 15days parking £157.00

IBIS LONDON GATWICK
Room and up to 8 days parking £95.00
Room and up to 15days parking £129.00

To use the conventional airport perimeter car parks could cost you nearly as much:

The 8 day “turn-up” rate at LGW with Summer Special - South Terminal is £64.
For 15 days, the equivalent is £120 – only £9 less than the hotel room and its 15 day parking!

However, if you prefer to have the evening prior to your trip, at home, then we can still offer you benefits. By pre-booking and paying in advance, we can offer significant savings compared with the “turn-up” parking fees.

8 Days Parking	Turn Up Rate	Pre Pay Rate
Holiday Parking - North Terminal	£60.00	£34.00
Summer Special - South Terminal	£64.00	£46.80
Courtlands - Off Site	£62.40	£46.80
15 Days Parking
Holiday Parking - North Terminal	£105.00	£48.80
Summer Special - South Terminal	£120.00	£53.60
NCP Flightpath - North Terminal	£123.20	£65.80
Courtlands - Off Site	£109.20	£82.60

Or, if you wish to drive AND reduce at least some of the hassle of parking as well as eliminate transfers to/from airport terminal with heavy luggage, why not book our Meet and Greet Parking. A driver will meet you at the airport terminal, park your car for you, and bring it back to the terminal ready to meet you on your return
8days £70.00 and 15days £115.00

We strongly suggest therefore that you discuss these options with our consultant next time you book a trip with us. It can make so much difference!

In this section we bring you some of our outstanding offers that are currently available. If any of these are of interest, or have given you food for thought, please do contact our specialist consultants. They will be delighted to assist you and have a vast selection of other tempting alternatives to help you to choose from.


Cape Verde

Looking for somewhere different this year – why not try the unique charm of the Cape Verde Islands. Located in the Atlantic, off the west coast of Africa, they offer year round temperatures in the high 20’s, with varied scenery from mountainous landscapes to spectacular beaches.

Boa Vista – With a new direct flight from Gatwick, this island is now easily accessible, with discounts available between 10th July and 23rd October.

Ventaclub Hotel – 4 * All Inclusive for 7 nights from £929. This large resort is ideally located on the beautiful beach of Praia das Chaves, and provides an impressive wide range of activities and facilities.

Parque das Dunas Hotel – 3* Room and Breakfast from £819. This hotel, also set on the beach, is set among tropical gardens, providing the perfect place to relax.

Above discounted prices based on 2 sharing, and include visa, transfers, in – flight meal, fuel surcharges and taxes.


Sardinia

With a host of fine beaches, and a mountainous and verdant interior, this island has a varied character. With a choice of hotel or villa accommodation, and a range of activities based around the sea, the island offers plenty for everyone.

3* Residence Hotel Riva Azzurra, Cannigione - from £319 for 7 nights and just £439 for 14 nights.

3* Villa Vittorio, Cannigione – from £329 for 7 nights, and £449 for 14 nights.

Prices based on May departures from Gatwick and based on 5 people sharing a self -catering property.


Please contact us for the wide variety of accommodation available.


Easter in Russia

Why not make it an Easter with a difference with this cultural tour to Moscow and St Petersburg.

From just £699 per person, we can offer:

8 days / 7 nights departing 7TH April
Return flights with British Airways from Heathrow
Room and breakfast accommodation
All transfers
Half day city tour in Moscow and St Petersburg, with English speaking guide.
Overnight rail travel between cities

Price based on twin sharing.


Far East Specials

With these amazing prices, you can afford to travel a little further this year.

Paradise Sandy Beach, Penang

For selected dates in April, May and June we can offer 10 nights at this popular beachfront hotel from an outstanding £669.
With pool and a wide range of watersports available, there will be plenty to keep guests occupied.

Based on daily departures with Malaysia Airlines from London


Pimalai Resort, Thailand

For departures between 30th April and 30th June, we are pleased to offer 10 nights at this deluxe hotel from just £939.

A stunning hotel set on a remote island, this resort provides the perfect holiday escape.

Price based on daily departures with Thai Airways from London


Pangkor Laut Resort, Pangkor Laut Island

7 nights luxury from £1110 – room only

One of Malaysia’s most famous resorts, this is set on a small private island, and offers the ideal retreat for those wanting to relax and unwind.

Tanjong Jara Resort, Terengganu

7 nights in this deluxe beach resort from £1249 – room only.

One of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this beautiful resort features 100 luxurious rooms, a spa and 2 pools - the ideal destination to escape from the rest of the world.



These holidays offer just a snapshot of the vast range of holidays available around the world, so please contact Astra, James or Sue on 01622 608265 or email us at leisure@medwaytravel.co.uk for your own personal choice.

When in Vienna, do as the Viennese do and make sure you experience one of the historic coffee houses, as well as “doing” the usual tourist sights. Memorable and impressive as the latter are, your coffeehouse visit will probably remain in your mind for just as long if not longer!

Vienna's Coffee Houses are an ancient institution and an engrained part of Viennsese life.

Numerous stories tell how the exotic coffee-bean found its way to Vienna. with the most plausible concerning Georg Franz Kolschitzky, who served as a messenger between the two opposing camps during the unsuccessful Turkish siege of the city in 1683. It seems he was quite fluent in Turkish and familiar with Turkish customs and when the siege collapsed, Kolschitzky supposedly asked for (and received) large bags of green beans as a reward for his services. It was not long before Kolschitzky opened his first coffeehouse.

Some of the very old Viennese coffeehouses are luxurious, with crystal chandeliers, plush sofas, and marble-topped tables, but most of them are quite unprepossessing, with large rooms, small tables, uncomfortable chairs, non-descript décor and creaky floors. One could describe them even as a bit shabby, but quite cosy and friendly. One habitué is recorded as explaining "A coffeehouse is a place for people who wish to be alone, but in good company”

The selection of coffee drinks puts Starbucks to shame, in that typically this can run to well over twenty. From the basic Kleiner Schwarzer, through Melange – a less strong Grosser Brauner (large brown) with a little steamed milk, an Einspänner – a large Mocca with whipped cream on top, sprinkled with cocoa and served in a tall glass, to a superb Kaffee Maria Theresia – Mocca with orange liqueur and whipped cream.

Your coffee will arrive on a small silver platter accompanied by a small glass of water with a spoon balanced precariously over it, symbolising the establishment's desire for you to stay indefinitely.

Patrons read all of the day's newspapers (which are provided free of charge along with a vast selection of periodicals), students do their studying, tutors their tutoring, writers their writing while others play chess or cards and many meet friends just to chat or gossip. Business partners negotiate huge deals over a Melange and whatever lobbying is done in Vienna, it is likely to happen in a coffeehouse – for there are several good ones near City Hall and Parliament.

All coffeehouses serve light fare such as Würstel (Frankfurters) or sandwiches, with many offering full-fledged and often delicious meals. This being Vienna, pastries are also invariably offered but the pastry serves to complement the coffee and not vice versa.

If you are interested in City Breaks, do contact our leisure consultants for details of the huge variety we can arrange, including a memorable trip to Vienna

Bmi regional has exposed a loophole in the new rules over Air Passenger Duty so that all of its passengers – business and economy - will pay the lower rate.

According to a notice issued by the airline, the airline has removed the cabin dividers between business and economy class to create just one cabin.

Although business passengers still benefit from seating at the front, better catering and lounge access, they will now pay the same duty as economy passengers.

Under the APD rules, passengers travelling with airlines which have only one class of travel - even airlines like Silverjet, Eos and MAXjet which are all-business class – pay the lower rate of APD.

However, passengers flying in premium economy cabins on two or three-class airlines are liable for the higher rate.

More airlines say they are considering following bmi regional's lead over the 'class anomaly' of Air Passenger Duty.

A spokesman for the Treasury said "If the aircraft is separated into different areas and has different seats, in a different configuration, and are marketed differently, this counts as a different class."

"It's also for two reason," he said. "Firstly because the seats are more expensive and someone paying £5 on a £3000 seat is an insubstantial amount of money, so they need to pay a higher level. Secondly, there should be a higher price for business travel to give a greater environmental signal."

But when reminded of the fact that business passengers on all-business class airlines pay the lower rate, while holiday makers on charter airlines who pay slightly more for more leg room pay the higher rate, he said: "We're aware of the concern about this anomaly and discussions are taking place with the industry. All I can say is that we keep all taxes under review."

This sort of confusion is the inevitable outcome of ill-considered legislation, and the government richly deserves to be taken to task for the anger and disquiet it has generated through levying the tax retrospectively on those who had already bought their tickets. It represents the thin end of a seriously thick wedge into a basic principle of our way of life. We must surely all be confident that, having made a purchase, the cost to us of that purchase will not later be increased.

Imagine the outrage if a shop were to try such a scam on the public! If you agree. please do write to your MP. This is no way to foster trust and confidence in the future nor maintain a vibrant economy!

Spas have become a favourite stress-buster today and people are flocking to them in increasing numbers for pampering and wellness treatments. Below are two more in our series of a worldwide selection of spas that featured in a list of the world's best spas for 2006.

Waters of Royal Malewane Bush Spa

Royal Malewane Private Game Reserve, South Africa

Outside the camp, there's the blazing heat of Kruger National Park; inside, this cluster of suites hides a cool and sophisticated spa. Water is used to great effect, from the courtyard's half-Olympic-sized pool to hydrotherapy treatments drawing on a mineral-rich underground stream flowing through the game reserve. Positioned around the spa's central courtyard are several treatment rooms, a gym (from the stair climber, observe buffalo at a watering hole), a steam room, hot and cold African baths, and shaded casitas. Save the Dermalogica facial for when you're back in the city and opt instead for a three-hour ritual that takes advantage of the skin-saving benefits of indigenous ingredients such as marula tree extracts rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. The Royal Treatment ($203) starts with a foot scrub, then progresses to a soak in the hydro tub, followed by full-body exfoliation and an African-style wrap (deliciously messy mud applied and washed off outdoors), and finally a full-body massage that includes a heavenly scalp rub (massages, $71–$87).

Amenities: Resort spa, Water feature, Couples' rooms, Outdoor, Regularly scheduled exercise, Spa dining


Qi Urban Spa

Mexico City, Mexico

The Centro Qi, in a sleek concrete-and-glass building in Mexico City's Condesa neighbourhood, has long been one of the capital's smartest fitness centres. Now the Centro has unveiled its new Qi Urban Spa, located on the third floor. The waiting area is comfortably removed from the traffic below, overlooking the treetops of the Parque México. Seven treatment rooms are set in the rear, the most elegant of them with a walnut wall lined with candleholders. While flotation chambers may worry claustrophobics, there are few places in the world where the idea of escaping into the dark warmth of a salt bath is more appealing than in the chaotic Mexican capital. In addition to 90-minute sessions in the flotario ($26), the Urban Spa also offers sea salt, algae, and milk and honey wraps as well as numerous massages (massages, $36).

Amenities: Day-spa

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Our leisure consultants would be pleased to create a holiday to include a session - or a series of sessions - for you at any of these, or indeed any other spa of your choice. So, please contact us for advice on the ideal holiday for you, to include that extra welcome bit of pampering at a first class spa.

A Hungarian village is offering people the chance to have a street named after them in an
effort to raise money.

The cash-strapped town of Ivad is hoping world famous celebrities will apply and is charging around 100,000 forints (£267) per metre to name each of its eight streets. The offer also includes a guarantee that the name won’t be changed for 300 years.

But if the owners are keen to visit the street named after them, they may be disappointed as Hungarian law dictates roads can’t be named after a living person. So they will have to rely on a contract guaranteeing the name change will take posthumously ( – unless of course you have the same name as an ancestor, in which case I guess you win! – Editor).

Have you visited Hungary yet? There is so much to see in this fascinating and “different” country, both in the major cities and in the countryside, so please contact our specialist consultants who will be pleased to discuss your ideas and create just the holiday to match your interests.