March 2007

Welcome to the March 2007 edition of the Medway Leisure Travel email newsletter.

This newsletter is available on free subscription only and is our way of keeping you informed about developments as well as explaining how our services may be of benefit to you personally.

If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter please just reply to this email with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line.

In this issue:

          o Subscribers Prize Draw
          o Where in the World can we go?
                + Kazakhstan is new favourite for gap year travellers
                + Mauritius
                + The Serengeti Under Canvas
                + The lush green island of Sri Lanka
          o FTO mounts legal challenge to APD hike
          o Monarch to break Cyprus Airfare 'cartel'
          o Worldwide Leisure Events
          o Cruise News
                + 2008 World Cruise
                + Privileged Passage
                + Cruising is appealing to more families
          o Guanahani Spa
          o The Caribbean – The World’s favourite cruise location
          o Special offers for those seeking ideas
                + Shangri – La Hotels special offers
                + Cruise the Mediterranean
                + Spring breaks in Dubai
                + Ukraine Waterways cruise
          o Taking a break in Bangkok
          o Golfing Holidays
                + Banyan Tree Golf Resort, Thailand
          o Detox in Dubai
          o Short break holidays now possible in the Azores

      

      Highlights from our Business Travel newsletter

          o BA apologies to passengers
          o Airport meet & Greet service
          o Airlines' route additions and changes
          o Specially negotiated fares

      

      
      Subscribers Prize Draw

      Every quarter we draw a winning name. The odds are far 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 second quarter 2007!

      The voucher certificate has 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!

     

      Where in The World Can we go ?

      Kazakhstan is new favourite for gap year travellers

      A poll of  well over 2000 gap year and long-term travellers worldwide, has named Kazakhstan as number three in their wish-list of European countries they  would like to visit.

      The survey found Italy was the most popular, with 22% of the vote, whilst the UK came second with 18%, and Kazakhstan came third with 16%.

      The next in line were Spain (12%), France (10%) and Greece (7%).

      Kazakhstan has come to the fore as a result of the recent film, Borat, by Sacha Baron-Cohen.

      For the country to get more votes than Spain demonstrates the sheer power of the media. The same survey last year gave Kazakhstan barely received any votes.

      Kazakh president, Nursaltan Nazarbayev, is recorded as having thought that Borat had damaged the world's perception of Kazakhstan. However, for whatever reason, it looks as though the film has really put the country on the map.

      Air Astana has now put a third scheduled weekly flight into Almaty from London, to cope with surge in demand, and if you also are interested in visiting the country, please contact us and we will gladly research and create a holiday to satisfy your curiosity!

      Mauritius

      Situated in the Southern Hemisphere, Mauritius a potpourri of French, Creole, Indian and Chinese cultural influences. It is surrounded by coral reefs, endless beaches and has a dramatic volcanic interior of emerald mountains, rain forests and sugar plantations.    

      Home to Sport fishing and the extinct Dodo, it boasts of being one of the most exclusive holiday spots in the world, with more deluxe hotels than any resort of a similar size.

      Exploring by car is an adventure, given the winding roads and lack of any logical road signs. However, there is always a friendly local on hand to point you the right way.

      Why not try Mauritius for your next truly memorable holiday? Contact our specialist consultants to find out more.

      The Serengeti Under Canvas

      Camps move around the Serengeti (Tanzania) throughout the year following the Great Migration. When the migration crosses over to the Mara, Kenya, the camps stay in the remote and beautiful areas of this vast wilderness, where experienced guides share their passion for Africa with their guests, until the thundering hooves of wildebeest and accompanying predators return to the lush feeding plains of the Serengeti again.     

      The locations of the camps are carefully chosen, bringing guests as close as possible to the expected migration movements and resident wildlife, in the most beautiful scenery!

      There are two Tanzania Under Canvas experiences to choose from: Serengeti Under Canvas which moves across the Serengeti using private wilderness sites, and Klein's Under Canvas that is smaller, more intimate and on a private concession, which allows for walking safaris and night drives.     

      An all-year round experience, guests don't even notice the immense preparation that goes into moving camp. They arrive in time for a refreshing drink, superb meal or can go straight off game viewing, while all the hard work goes on behind the scenes.

      This safari is the ultimate in luxury fly-camping with custom made Indian rugs, sparkling crystal, personalised private butler services and expert guides.

      Contact us for more details. We could tailor a superb holiday around these Safaris, which will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

      The lush green island of Sri Lanka

      Like a jewel, the lush green island of Sri Lanka is a haven of palm fronds, endless sandy beaches and coastal villages along the Indian Ocean. The interior rises to undulating hill country with clear air, fascinating tea estates and picturesque waterfalls. Ancient cities, temples and statues lie nestled within the beautiful groves of these hills.     

      With it's Buddhist roots stretching back to 247BC, Sri Lanka has the longest history of Buddhism in the world and boasts the classic sites of Anuradhpura, the 5th century capital of Sri Lanka, rock carvings of Isurmuniya Viharaya and the Dambulla Cave Temples. The Temple of The Tooth at Kandy and the famous Buddha figures carved out of rock at Polonnaruwa are now world heritage sites. In contrast, the golf courses at Nuwara Eliya are amongst the finest in Asia, and the sights and sounds of the local stilt fisherman and working elephants provide unforgettable memories.  

      All this, along with the tranquil beach resorts of the Indian Ocean, gives a breathtaking sweep of holiday possibilities that few countries can match. Our holiday consultants will be pleased to tell you more about this lovely and varied island, so contact us and let us create the holiday of your dreams.

      
      FTO mounts legal challenge to APD hike

      Major tour operators are to mount a legal challenge to the doubling in Air Passenger Duty.

      The Federation of Tour Operators and its major holiday company members have obtained advice, which suggests that Gordon Brown's doubling of APD is legally suspect.

      The rise has no statutory authority until the House of Commons passes a resolution (under the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968) or until new primary legislation is enacted, the FTO claims.

      Neither has yet taken place and the Treasury therefore has no grounds for its action.

      What makes the introduction date even more unfair is that four million holidaymakers had already booked their holidays for departure after February 1 and tour operators are not able to recover the added tax, because of UK rules on holiday prices. This will cost tour operators some £45 million and it seems to be yet another example of this Chancellor introducing retrospective legislation.

      The FTO and ABTA has called upon the government to give the industry a longer period in which to introduce the tax change, as it has always done in the past both when APD was introduced in November 1997 and subsequent changes of rates.

      A letter setting out the legal basis of possible claims has been sent to the Chancellor .

      FTO director general Andy Cooper said recently: "Because the Government to date has not on this occasion been prepared to respond positively to tour operators' needs, FTO members find themselves with no alternative than to challenge the whole constitutional basis of the tax, and have obtained strong legal advice that a Judicial Review would prove successful.”

      It is understood that the outcome will not be known for months, and if it is shown to have been illegal, the tour operators may get their money back, but what about those passengers who have had to pay the extra directly to the airlines, having booked their flights before the increase was announced?

      We would encourage anyone caught up in this, to write to “Grabber Gordon”, or at least to their MP. How can we feel secure, if the government continues to pass legislation arbitrarily affecting previously carefully thought out personal and business decisions?

    

      Monarch to break Cyprus Airfare 'cartel'

      Monarch is to start scheduled flights from Luton to Cyprus this year as the airline expands its network to the Eastern Mediterranean.

      The airline claims the four flights a week from Luton to Larnaca, will be the first low-cost scheduled flights to Cyprus from the UK.

      Flights will start on March 26 with one-way fares starting at around £70, including taxes. Flights will operate on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday using Airbus A321 aircraft with 213 seats.

      Up until now, Cyprus Airways and British Airways have operated a high fares cartel to Cyprus for decades which this new Monarch schedule will break.

      "Our new service will be warmly welcomed not just by the growing holiday and overseas property markets in Cyprus, but the 150,000 strong Greek-Cypriot community in London, who've been deprived of choice and low fares until now” a spokesman of the company said.

      Monarch's onboard service will provide a good level of service for the four and a half hour flight time, with the availability of extra legroom seating, free in-flight entertainment - including full length feature films - and the provision of hot and cold food.

      Airlines’ coverage of the Globe is forever changing, as of course are their fares. So what you may have become familiar with, could have altered by the time you next take that trip. This is one of the many reasons to entrust your travel to our consultants. We have the specialist technology to ensure the fares we research are right up to date, and that you therefore do not lose out. So do contact us for the latest “best buy” fares!

      
      Worldwide Leisure Events

      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!

      Keukenhof Gardens                                             22nd March – 20th May

      Not yet seen the beauty of the Dutch bulb fields? Then a visit this Spring is a must. Set in 77 acres, Keukenhof is one of the most spectacular flower gardens in the world, with its 7 million buds offering unforgettable pictures.

      Holders Season, Barbados                                    13th – 31st March

      Spanning over 2 weeks, this arts festival offers a range of theatre, opera, musicals and concerts. It takes its name from its location - the dramatic setting of the gardens surrounding the 17th century Holders House, St James, adjoining the renowned Sandy Lane Resort

      Seville April Fair                                                   24th – 29th April

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

      .Antigua Sailing Week                                          29th April – 5th May

      This event, in its 40th year, will be drawing enthusiasts and competitors from around the world. Antigua, with its 365 beaches, excellent climate and beautiful hotels offers plenty of reasons to visit – the chance to capture this exciting event offers just one more.

      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.

      Chicago Blues Festival                                            7th – 10th June

      For 4 days the lakefront in Grant Park, fills with blues bands and its fans, making it the biggest free blues festival in the world.

      Tuen Ng (Dragon Boat Festival), Hong Kong      19th June

      First held in 1976, these races have become a spectacular annual event, with over 100 teams from around the world taking to the waters around Hong Kong and its islands. With affordable flight offers now available to this Chinese hotspot, why not treat yourself to a trip?

      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

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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.

      
      Cruise News

      2008 World Cruise

      On 16 January 2008, Silver Shadow will embark on a 110-day World Cruise, visiting more than 25 countries and over 50 different ports of call.

      Departing Fort Lauderdale, Silver Shadow will sail through the Panama Canal and along the Mexican Riviera to Hawaii. Intriguing island destinations like Majuro in the Marshall Islands, Pohnpei in Micronesia, Apra Harbour on the island of Guam and historic Iwo Jima, will host inaugural calls. Guests will discover exotic Far East traditions and the timeless beauty of Egypt. They'll then explore the splendours of Italy and Spain before crossing the Atlantic to the Caribbean, returning full-circle to Fort Lauderdale.

      In addition to Silversea’s all-inclusive value, guests who book the full 110-day cruise will also receive the following complimentary amenities:
          o exclusive shoreside events, including a hosted event on the eve of departure;
          o an onboard spending credit;
          o escorted shore excursions in select ports of call;
          o a gala farewell event and special commemorative gifts.

      A complimentary Business Class air upgrade is available for guests who purchase Silversea’s optional Air Programme.World Cruise 2008 fares start from £33,027 per person and are now open for reservations. Higher category suite pricing and the complete itinerary is available

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      Privileged Passage

      Silversea’s innovative Privileged Passage programme will launch aboard Silver Cloud on 13 July 2007.  This unique 7-day cruise will journey from Athens to Istanbul with calls in Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, Patmos and Kusadasi.

      Privileged Passage dispenses with formal nights and receptions and offers a casual onboard atmosphere. Guests will receive complimentary Early Embarkation and Late Disembarkation and the fitness centre and spa offers extended opening hours. Guests will enjoy three complimentary shore adventures, from the breathtaking views of the island of Mykonos, to an exploration of the whitewashed village of Lindos and its famed Acropolis, to a classical concert at ancient Ephesus. Other enhancements include a more casual, entertainment programme featuring DJ Ravin, the resident DJ of the renowned Buddha Bar in Paris.

      Also on board will be Paisarn Cheewinsiriwat, Executive Chef of the multi-award-winning Chiva-Som luxury health resort in Thailand. The renowned chef will present his signature culinary style, a fusion of Thai and European cuisines based on a philosophy of health and nutrition.
      All inclusive cruise only fares start at £3,325 per person.

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      Cruising is appealing to more families

      Cruising is broadening its appeal across generations and more families are taking to the seas for their holidays.

      Carnival UK – parent of P&O Cruises, Cunard, Ocean Village and Princess Cruises – is one of the major cruise companies gearing up to attract more families with a range of dedicated activities and amenities on new and existing ships.

      Carnival UK managing director David Dingle recently announced  a 14% increase in the number of families taking cruises last year over 2005.

      The report shows that P&O Cruises alone carried almost 10,000 children in 2006, about 1,000 more than the previous year, and it predicts a further surge in 2008 when new family-friendly vessel Ventura is launched. It will have features such as:
          o funpacks for children
          o MP3 players for teenagers
          o a partnership with the Early Learning Centre
          o Regular appearances by children's favourite 'Noddy'

      Families are a critical part of the business, but probably the most discerning and so cruise lines have made further enhancements to attract growing numbers of parents with young children. They are recognising that cruising is a holiday for the whole family and not a compromise for one or the other.

      Single parents travelling with children, while one partner works or is unable to take a holiday, are finding it the ideal way to give the family a real holiday with the freedom they all wish for, but can rarely achieve in any other environment.

      There are thousands of cruise solutions to choose from, so please do contact our cruise specialist advisers, who will be only too pleased to find the ideal one for you, after learning of your aspirations and budget.

     

      Guanahani Spa

      St. Barths, Caribbean

      The Hôtel Guanahani & Spa, long a favourite jet-set getaway, has added a spa with five treatment rooms in a series of thatch-roofed bungalows.

      The hotel's barefoot-chic style continues here, with muted tropical hues covering the walls. A pool beckons next to a huge daybed awash in pillows and draped with billowing white cotton curtains.

      Massages employ global techniques, but facials are slanted towards the French, with leading Parisian brand Clarins products. The hydrating facial ($128) deploys extracts of seaweed and cactus and is an excellent antidote to the hazards of sunbathing. Staff are knowledgeable - particularly Jessie, whose magic fingers defy anyone to stay awake during their treatment (massages, $145).

      Our consultants have access to a wide variety of “Health and Spa” destinations and treatments, so by contacting us, we can advise you on where best to go either for treatment alone, or for a combined treatment and connected holiday.

      
      The Caribbean – The World’s favourite cruise location

      It's easy to find reasons why more people take cruises to the Caribbean and Bahamas than anywhere else in the world. A warm climate; an array of ports of call, each with its own distinctive character and appeal; thousands of beaches, including some of the world's best; shopping at duty free prices; and clear seas teeming with marine life make this part of the world a cruise vacation destination.

      There's much more to this region stretching from south Florida to South America than sun, sand and surf. No other destination presents so many choices of cruise itineraries, with anything from a two-night getaway to an extended voyage sailing from many ports from New York to Central America. In fact, it is so big and diverse, that it really constitutes three separate areas, traditionally defined as Southern Caribbean, Western Caribbean and Eastern Caribbean / The Bahamas.

      A typical week long cruise allows vacationers to sample these varied cultures, history and peoples at four or five different ports. Each port of call opens the door to where you might discover traces of France, Britain, the Netherlands or Spain, woven into the distinctive pace and style of the region's many individual nations.

      Although a year-round cruise destination, the strong appeal of the Caribbean and the Bahamas for family cruise vacations makes school holiday periods among the busiest times of year. We would therefore recommend those looking for the best values in a cruise to the Caribbean and The Bahamas to check sailing dates in January, late spring or September through early December. Do contact our cruise specialists Stephen and Astra, who will be pleased to advise you.

      In this month’s issue, we will outline the distinctive features of the Western Caribbean, having covered the rest of the area in our previous two editions.
      

      Western Caribbean

      Combining some of the Caribbean's most vibrant cultures, natural wonders on land and in the sea, the rich historical treasures of the Mayan Empire, and legendary resort areas, the Western Caribbean ranks as one of the world's great vacation spots and offers extraordinary variety as a cruise destination.

      Cruise ships depart for Western Caribbean sailings year-round from all the major Florida ports, including Tampa, as well as New Orleans, Mobile, Houston and Galveston on America's Gulf Coast, and Cancun, Mexico.

      Ports of Call

      Key West - The southernmost point of land in the United States, the "Conch Republic" of Key West also has a stellar history as the favourite haunt of artists, celebrities, presidents and literary giants such as Ernest Hemingway. It's easy to spend a day in Key West just soaking in the ambiance, but there are lots of other things to enjoy, including:
          o Famous Places - Cruise visitors can easily spend a day touring the island’s famous places, including the homes of Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams, Harry Truman’s “Little White House” and the legendary Sloppy Joe’s Tavern.
          o Shopping - Shoppers can find anything from funky crafts to fine arts, along with specialties like Key Lime treats along Duval Street and its tributaries.
          o Fishing - Its location makes Key West a perfect starting point for a day of fishing in the Gulf Stream, where anglers have an opportunity to hook a really big catch.

      Ocho Rios, Jamaica - The most popular of the cruise ports on the Caribbean's second largest island serves as an entry point to many of Jamaica's most famous and appealing attractions. Favourite shore excursions for cruise vacationers calling here include:

          o Natural Wonders - Most visitors to Ocho Rios include spectacular Dunn's River Falls, and a chance to climb up the waterfall, in their itinerary. Natural wonders abound in Jamaica, and a cruise visit offers ample opportunities to sample them.
          o Arts and Artists - From reggae music to fine art, the cultural heritage and life of Jamaica ranks among the richest anywhere. Many cruises offer shore excursions that focus on the arts, usually including visits to museums, galleries such as Harmony Hall and tours of Noel Coward's beautiful retreat, Firefly.
          o Sport and Adventure - Active vacationers can go river rafting, mountain biking, horseback riding, golfing or any from an almost endless selection of active pursuits during a day at Ocho Rios.

      George Town, Grand Cayman - Long famous among divers and once a favourite haunt of pirates, the Cayman Islands have become one of the most popular ports of call on Western Caribbean itineraries. Among the reasons are the many distinctive experiences available here, including:

          o Swimming with Stingrays - Few cruise visitors miss the chance to visit the famous Stingray City and swim and snorkel among these strange and fierce looking creatures, who are actually quite docile and even friendly.
          o Diving Adventures - Scuba divers rate the spectacular coral reefs and clear waters teeming with marine life in the Cayman Islands among the world's best spots, and most cruises that call here offer excursions for certified divers.
          o Turtles and Tours - For those who don't want to go in the water, Grand Cayman Island is home to the world's first sea turtle farm, the spectacular limestone and coral formations known as Hell and the popular Seven Mile Beach.
          o Golf, bicycling and horseback riding are also available,  if you are looking for something a little more land-based and conventional.

      Hopefully, you have seen there is a huge variety of cruises you can choose - lots for every taste. So let us, as experts, guide you quickly to the best solution to satisfy everyone in your party. Do please contact us and we will discuss your outline ideas, preferences and budget before researching a short-list of best options.

    

      Special offers for those seeking ideas

      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 will also have a vast selection of other tempting alternatives to help you to choose from.

      Shangri – La Hotels special offers
          o Golden Sands, Penang

      From just £819, you could be spending 10 nights at this 4* plus  property. One of Penang’s most popular beach hotels, the Golden Sands offers a wide range of activities, and a free shuttle for easy access to the capital Georgetown.

      Valid from 9th April – 14th June. Room only.
          o Rasia Ria Resort, Borneo

      From just £939, enjoy 10 nights at this relaxed, informal 400 acre resort, complete with 2 miles of unspoiled beaches, and its own orang-utan sanctuary.

      Valid from 11th April – 14th June. Room only.

      Cruise the Mediterranean

      Aboard the brand new Carnival Freedom - 12 night Fly cruises from just £999
          o Mediterranean and Greek Isles – departures 13th May and 5th August

      Includes Rome, Rhodes, Istanbul, Athens and Izmir.
          o Mediterranean – departures 6th June, 4th October and 16th October

      Includes Rome, Venice, Dubrovnik, Barcelona and Cannes.
      Includes return flights with British Airways from London to Rome.

      Spring breaks in Dubai

          o Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa

      Enjoy everything this 5* property has to offer with a 3 night break from just £455.
      Valid for departures 1st – 30th June
          o Jumeirah Beach Hotel

      With its premium location on Jumeirah beach, this  5* deluxe landmark property can be yours from just £585 for a 3 night stay.

      Valid for departures from 10th – 30th June.

      Above include return flights from London with Emirates, accommodation with breakfast, and prepayable taxes.

      Ukraine Waterways cruise

      Capture the sights and beauty of Eastern Europe from just £1199, on this cruise from Kiev to Odessa.

      Price includes: Return flights from Heathrow, 11 nights accommodation, full board throughout, excursions in Kiev, Zaporoj’e, Sevastopol, Yalta, Odessa, and all transfers.
          o Departure dates from Kiev to Odessa, 10th July, 1st August, 23rd August, 14th September
          o Departure dates from Odessa to Kiev, 21st July , 12th August, 3rd September , 25th September

      14 night cruises also available from Kiev to Istanbul.

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      These holidays offer just a snapshot of the vast range of holidays available around the world , so please contact Sue, Astra, or Stephen  or call us on 01622 608265 for your own personal choice.

     

      Taking a break in Bangkok

      Take a break to sample Bangkok's vast and varied culinary delights, when you have had your fill of "wats" or temples, bargaining in the markets or even that massage! For the gourmet, the proof lies in the eating and there are many restaurants in the Thai capital that will pass the test with flying colours. Here is a selection of what the city has to offer:

      La Normandie, which is also frequented by the Thai royal family, boasts sweeping views of the Chao Phraya River, and the French kitchen has been overseen by some to the world's most renowned chefs. To delight your palate, try the Goose liver ravioli with truffle sauce, for example, and filet of sole with osetra caviar cream sauce.

      Mango Tree, off  Suriwong, is where Bangkok locals go to celebrate a big occasion. The classic Thai food is well presented, well prepared, and doesn't make allowances for foreign tastes by keeping it as spicy as it was meant to be. So, be prepared!

      Bai Bua, an inexpensive outdoor eatery—few dishes cost more than $2—is located in the heart of the central Banglamphu district. Shaded by trees and umbrellas in a little bamboo-lined courtyard it serves up a mean fiery red curry soup with chicken and refreshing spring rolls with glass noodles and vegetables.

      Last but not least, try Cabbages and Condoms in Sukhumvit Soi, which is (unlike its name suggests!) a respectable restaurant run by a Thai charity (the Population and Community Development Association) committed to helping the country's rural poor. So while you have your marinated chicken satay, you also get to help a good cause. The food is traditional Thai with a few variations. Some of the more popular dishes: mieng khum, an ancient Thai appetizer consisting of a dozen tiny nests of ingredients (lemon, dried shrimp, peanuts, ginger, deep-fried coconut, chilis, and shallots), each piled onto an herbal leaf to be wrapped up like a present and dipped into the hot, sweet sauce.

    

      Golfing Holidays

      Over the next few months, we will bring you a random selection of luxury golf courses from around the world which are recognized as premier golfing destinations. Apart from their golfing facilities they also score top marks for their luxury accommodation and facilities.

      This month, our selection is:

      Banyan Tree Golf Resort, Thailand

      Bordered by the golden sands and gentle waves of the Andaman Sea, Banyan Tree Phuket is an oasis of peace and tranquillity. It is set between the saltwater lagoons and its landscaped gardens, which lead down to the white powdery beach and seafront at Bang Tao Bay.

      A beautiful retreat tucked in a tranquil corner of Laguna Phuket, an integrated resort of hotels, shops and golf. The accommodation comprises of a variety of villas sumptuously furnished with Thai silks, low raised beds and open-air sunken baths.

      It offers a choice of 5 restaurants serving specialities from Thai and Southeast Asian to Mediterranean and seafood dishes. Adjacent to the property is the world-class Banyan Tree Spa offering a variety of rejuvenating body and beauty treatments.

      For golfers the Laguna Phuket Golf Club is a mere step away and one of the finest in the area. It is an 18-hole, par-71 resort course, designed by Max Wexler and David Abell, and challenges golfing enthusiasts of all abilities. The course features a wealth of scenic lagoons, coconut groves and undulating fairways, set against the dramatic backdrop of the surrounding mountains and nearby sea.

      Meandering through a labyrinth of lagoons, the course requires golfers to play with great accuracy, and to select clubs carefully. Water looms on 13 of the 18 holes and threatens to swallow any shot veering too far to the side. On several holes, adventurous long hitters will certainly enjoy taking a rewarding gamble by cutting corners, while on others holes, strategic iron play is a must!
      Please contact us if you fancy a golfing holiday. There are so many wonderful places to chose from, some to the really dedicated and some for those who wish to combine their enjoyment of the game with other holiday pleasures and interests.

    

      Detox in Dubai

      Dubai is the ultimate destination to get away from it all and detox from too much high or stressful living. Only a seven hour direct flight from the UK or Ireland, the emirate boasts a plethora of spas and treatments to help you cleanse and de-stress your body. Dubai has earned a reputation for being one of the world’s leading spa destinations – whether you’re staying in the city, beach or desert, there are spas to suit everyone’s tastes and pampering needs.

      Visitors are spoilt for choice with the variety of luxurious spas in Dubai and their unique themes, styles and concept treatments. Influences are drawn from East and West and this international feel is evident with themes ranging from Egyptian and Thai to contemporary. Treatments are equally global with specialists practicing techniques from Bali, Sweden, Thailand, China and beyond.

      As awareness of health and wellbeing becomes a growing trend and Dubai’s hotels are satisfying the demand by creating spas as a key element of their offering. Most offer well-known treatments with international brands such as Givenchy, La Prairie, Elemis and ESPA. Meanwhile, others focus on traditional Arabian ingredients alongside the Middle Eastern spa technique, Rasul - a detoxifying mud treatment which purifies and relaxes the body as it is cleansed – for example at the Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa.

      The emirate also offers spas aimed at men as well as women. Approximately 25 per cent of spa visitors to Dubai are now men, leading to a new trend of men-only spas. For example, Jumeirah recently launched the emirate’s first spa dedicated to men - H2O The Male Spa - at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel. And, in addition to this, the Grosvenor House West Marina Beach by Le Meridien offers ‘1847’ for male spa seekers.

      Dubai’s spas continue to satisfy and impress visitors, offering exceptionally high standards of excellence and comfort. If you’re staying in the desert, then the Jamilah Spa at the Emirates Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa is a must. The eco-friendly resort’s spa is set among date palms and has spectacular views across the dunes. This Arabian-style spa has its own ‘Timeless’ signature products using local products such as frankincense, apricots and dates.

      For those staying in the city, Willow Stream Spa at The Fairmont has an entire floor of relaxation designed in a Romanesque style. A unique feature of the spa is that it boasts two pools – one to catch the morning sun and the other to capture the afternoon rays.

      Or near the beach, visitors can sample Caracalla at Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa which has devoted three floors to its baths, taking inspiration from Rome’s Antonine Baths with five plunge pools in addition to a plethora of treatments.

      With over 120 spas, health clubs and clinics offering wellness services in Dubai there truly is something for everyone. So, it’s time to pamper and makeover the mind, body and soul - detox and revitalise in Dubai.
      You may, like to consider combining time in one of these spas with a holiday in the Maldives or sample one of the other Emirates for a while too. Contact us and we will be pleased to discuss the possibilities.

     

      Short break holidays now possible in the Azores

      Flights between Gatwick and Ponta Delgada in the Azores are to be doubled this summer.

      SATA International will be adding a second weekly direct flight between May 5 and September 29.

      The summer service will run on Saturdays, complementing a regular Tuesday departure from Gatwick, which will run from April 3 to October 30.

      The airline is using an Airbus A320-200 with 161 seats, split 12 business class and 149 economy.

      The new service is featured in a number of tour operator brochures, and Medway Travel will be pleased to arrange 3, 4, or 10 night short breaks for you. Up until this development, it was difficult to arrange anything other than whole week trips.

      Bearing in mind that it is quicker to reach the Azores than it is to travel to many of the Greek Islands and that the climate is good all year round, without suffering from the extreme temperatures that the Mediterranean islands experience during the peak summer months, the Azores offer a great holiday opportunity.

    

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