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Greetings!
I heard there was a recession, but I think I've been too busy
to have noticed. The travel business, for me at least, has never been
better, or kinder, nor have I ever seen such great values from luxury
suppliers who must also have been listening to different stories and
forecasts. I've been delighted to seek out and deliver unprecedented deals
in accommodations, cruises, and even - surprise of surprises - airfares,
over the last few months, and from all reports, well into the coming year.
This is clearly the time to travel. Come on in! The water (and
land and air) is fine!
Roger Kershaw
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The Maria Island Walk
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Pronounce
it Mar-iah like the wind (or the trashy singer) and start a trek that
will change your life forever. This Tasmanian family-owned tour operator
offers a four-day guided experience of history and nature, a gently
achievable adventure with comfortably elegant accommodation and dining
and wildlife viewing all supported by knowledgeable interpretation.
The entire island is a
National Park, and home to many endangered species found nowhere else on
earth. Being a sanctuary for many years, the wildlife is generally
unafraid, allowing great opportunities to observe and photograph.
The four-day trip
includes two nights at comfortable beachfront wilderness camps and the
final night in the historic Bernacchi House in the Darlington Settlement.
Visit
http://www.mariaislandwalk.com/
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Porter expands in Toronto
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Porter Airlines is
investing more than $45 million in a new 13,500-square-metre passenger
terminal at Toronto City Centre Airport (YTC), laying the foundation for
significant growth as the carrier continues to add flights. Phase one of
the terminal opens November and includes passenger facilities, aircraft
gates and office space. The full facility, including 10 bridged aircraft
gates, US and Canadian customs, and two passenger lounges will be
complete by spring 2010. The new terminal includes a mix of retail, food
services, duty-free, car rentals and other services. Standard
complimentary Porter amenities, including business centres, lounge-style
seating, beverages and Wi-Fi will be enhanced in the new building.
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Best Pubs in London
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Five
minutes after the opening of the world's first pub, the world's first
prohibitionist tried to close it. Pubs have to fight hard to survive and
that struggle at the moment is as hard as its ever been. While London
pubs are closing at an alrming rate, here is a list which, at the moment,
represents the best ten in London
More ...
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Top Golf Lodges
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The
world's best golf lodges are found in awe-inspiring settings from the
foot of the Himalayas to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, from the rugged
coastlines of California and New Zealand, to the enchanting countrysides
of France and the beautiful Berkshires of Massachusetts. These hotels are
so beautiful, you don't have to be a golfer to fall in love with them.
More ...
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World's Best Cliffhangers
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Experience
spectacular views from these dramatic cliffside locations around the
world, from Europe's famed Amalfi Coast and Cote d'Azur to the jagged
coast of California and to the Far East and the beautiful island of Bali.
More ...
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Hip 'n Happening Hotels
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Mardan Palace, Antalya, Turkey
A hotel so luxe some are calling it the best in the Mediterranean. It's
surely one of the most expensive: At a cost of an estimated $1.4 billion,
the Mardan Palace took three-and-a-half years to build. Located on along
Antalya's Lara coast, the Mardan Palace has rooms decked out with
valuable antiques. The hotel even includes sketches by Leonardo da Vinci.
In addition to 560 rooms from Deluxe to Royal, the hotel also includes a
specially designed Turkish bath, 24 restaurants and 32 pubs. The hotel
offers all-inclusive accommodations, and room prices range from $680 to
$22,000 per night. More
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Angsana Riad Lydines, Marrakesh, Morocco
This sumptuously luxurious riad is part of the Banyan Tree hotel chain
and offers 5-star hotel standards while providing the exotic charm of a
traditional riad. Located in the heart of Marrakesh's historic medina,
near the Saadians Tombsand and Royal Palace, and the famous Jamaaa El Fna
Square. Seven guest rooms, each one with a unique interior design, a
swimming pool and a breathtaking view over the Atlas mountains, a blend
of contemporary elegance and historical charm make this an ideal locale
to rejuvenate the soul, leaving you with memories to last a lifetime. More
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Pantai Lima, Pererenan, Bali
Pantai Lima is an exclusive estate of five super luxury villas, each
individually designed and completely different one-from-another, .built
right on the Bali beachfront at Pererenan, an unspoiled fishing
community, a short drive north of Seminyak, Bali's centre of
sophisticated shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Each villa also its
own sous chefs and kitchen staff working under direction of the French
executive chef. The unique culinary experience encourages guests to spend
time with Chef Manuel and develop a menu that reflects their own
preferences. More
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Hotel Jeanne d'Arc, Paris, France
Recently renovated, the Jeanne d'Arc Hotel is located in the heart of the
historical Paris, in the famous Marais district. Just off the charming St
Catherine Square, you will discover a family-friendly cosy, quiet place.
Its façade, which boasts lanterns and large authentic windows, hides a
unique place to stay. Rooms are provided with all modern comfort: cable
TV, phone, ensuite bathroom. The best news, a double room is only 89
euros/night! Breakfast, at 6 euros, is extra. More
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Feature Destination
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The World
I was recently invited
aboard The World, a floating residential community owned by its
residents, condominium style. The residents, currently from 40 different
countries, live on board as the ship slowly circumnavigates the globe -
staying in most ports from 2 to 5 days. Some residents live onboard full
time while others visit their floating home periodically throughout the
year.
At 43,500 tonnes, it's a
little smaller than Crystal's Symphony, but whereas the cruise ship has
nearly 500 staterooms, The World has 165, with a typical passenger load
of 100 to 150 residents at any one time, served by a staff of several
hundred, each meticulously trained and uniformed. Every element of the
ship is top quality, as you would expect at one of the finest resorts or
the most upscale condominium residences. The individually designed and
decorated apartments range from 337-sq-ft studios, to a 4200-sq-ft
6-bedroom penthouse. All but the studios include full gourmet kitchens
and laundry, although of course these mundane activities of cooking and
cleaning can be handled by the ship's staff as well.
Other facilities on board
include a small grocery store and delicatessen, boutique, athletic
facilities that include a golf simulator, putting green, casino,
full-sized tennis court, jogging track and gym, library, theatre, and
both an outdoor and indoor swimming pool, the latter of which has a roof
that pivots outward to form a sea-level dock and diving
"beach."
There are five
restaurants, although of course not all are open every day. We dined in
"East" - a magnificent dinner in quiet surroundings reminding
us once again that this was not a cruise ship. This is home. And a very
refined home, at that.
You can jump right in and
purchase a condo aboard The World (there are always a few for sale), or
just test sail it, by subletting for a week or more and sailing as a
Guest, on an all-inclusive basis, in any one of a varying number and
variety of exquisitely furnished Residents' apartments. The itinerary is
planned by the Residents about 2 years in advance, and Guests are welcome
to join at any of the major ports of call. Test-sail this sybaritic
lifestyle with an "un-cruise" aboard The World! We're looking
longingly at next August, Cardiff to Glasgow.
More ...http://www.aboardtheworld.com/
Villa Beware
A recent villa scam with
all the trappings of legitimacy has just cost about 150 Britons an
average of £3,000 each for non-existent villas in Spain. And just as
website promoter, holiday-rentals.co.uk, has agreed to
"compensation" of about 10% to most of the victims, a second
scam involving 72 more in Cyprus came to light. The fake adverts were
listed on two of Britain's largest (and seemingly most respected) villa
rental sites, Holiday Rentals and - in the Cyprus case -
holidaylettings.com.
These examples of
outright fraud, coupled with simple misrepresentation of an actual
villa's location, facilities, or condition, make it especially important
for vacationers to make arrangements through a completely reputable
source. Even the referral of a previous guest is no guarantee the villa
hasn't changed hands, and circumstances, in the meantime.
When you book through me,
your funds are protected by TICO, but perhaps more importantly, your
vacation itself is protected by diligent inspection and verification
procedures in effect by the suppliers I use. Internet bookings have none
of these protections - Villa Beware!
CAA/AAA member?
Please let me know if you are a member of
CAA or AAA, as many car rentals and hotels offer discounts that I may be
able to provide.
Referrals welcome!
The highest compliment my clients can give
is the referral of their friends, family and business associates.
Thank you for your support.
"Two of the
greatest gifts we can give our children are roots and wings."
--
Hodding Carter
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