European & Mediterranean News

The ambitions of the Mantis Collection toexpand their selection of “stand out”European boutique hotels and resortscontinues to gather pace. Most recentlythey have added Cannizaro House in SWLondon and Ellenborough Park nearCheltenham to a prestigious list that alreadyincludes Cap Estel on the French Riviera andthe Icehotel in Northern Sweden.

The Mantis Collection expandtheir portfolio in UK & Europe

With plentiful flights into La Rochelle anda record for as much sunshine as theFrench Riviera there has never been abetter time to plan a break to the popularwest coast French island of Ile de Ré.Known as the summer retreat of wealthyParisians, the pretty, Napoleonic fortress port of Saint Martin de Re is a focal point forthe best restaurants and hotels.

This season why not plan a group break for up to 12 people with family or friends andbook the stylish 6-bedroom villa at the chic Le Clos Saint Martin Hotel.

www.le-clos-saint-martin.com

The villa at Le Clos Saint-Martinon the Ile de Ré.

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- Tipping etiquette across the AmericasThe Canny Traveller

USA/Canada North America is the home of tipping and the general rule is ...anytime you are being served you tip. in restaurants 18% of the bill is the average. Give the bartender a dollar per round and a taxi driver at least two dollars but increasingin line with 15% of the fare.

Mexico Similar to the United States or Canada , with some exceptions. Most service employees earn very little or no base salary and the tips they earn comprise thevast majority of their overall income. Try to pay in cash in local currency.

South America Tipping is not as much part of the culture in South America. In most South American countries 10-15% service charge is usually added to restaurant bills, though a small additional gratuity given directly to the waiter is usually appreciated.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express adds Krakowand Dresden to its Central European circuit

Krakow, the enchantingformer capital of Poland, andthe recently restored baroquecity of Dresden are yourcontrasting destinations onthis new and exclusiveitinerary. The classic tripfeatures a journey on theVenice Simplon-Orient-Expressfrom Venice to Krakow andDresden, with two nightsincluded in both Krakow andDresden before arriving inLondon. Passenger numberswill be strictly limited toenable all passengers to beaccommodated in luxuriouscabin suites.

...to the latest issue of our regular travel magazinepacked full of interesting ideas and destinations toinspire your holiday plans.

It certainly has been an eventful start to the year withgeographical and political earthquakes dominating thenews. Some popular destinations in North Africa andthereabouts will remain subdued in the short term ascountries like Egypt and Tunisia pursue their democraticreforms.

We hope that this issue will help to refocus on someexcellent European Mediterranean winners. We alsodraw attention to some truly exciting holiday optionsfurther afield in USA, Peru, South Africa, Mauritius andSouth-East Asia.

For the family what could be more fun than to spend timeat a Dude ranch in Montana? The Ranch at Rock Creek hasit all! Of course, if it is sun and sea that you are after thenthis issue is packed with great family friendly options inCroatia, Crete and Mauritius. We have also discovered anabsolute gem of a resort with the Finca Cortesin insouthern Spain.

Join us on the ultimate journey of discovery in Peru aswe outline a 14 night adventure taking in the riverinewonders of the Amazon, the mysteries of ancientcivilisations and the world’s deepest canyon.Alternatively, we are pleased to review the new railjourneys in South-East Asia aboard the amazing Eastern& Oriental Express.

I am sure you will agree that there are plenty of ideasfrom which to plan a great escape, so sit back, have agood read then give us a call to discuss your perfectholiday...

Niall DouglasManaging Director

Welcome...

Issue 1, 2011

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59 St Mary's StreetWallingford, Oxfordshire

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Contents

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DalmatianDelights The Dubrovnik SunGardens offers aworld-class resortthat puts Croatia intothe Mediterraneantop league.

Worldwide

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Caribbean News22

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ItalianLandscapesMountainside,countryside andseaside - splendidbackdrops anddemanding fairwaysat Italy’s finest resorts.

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A PeruvianAdventureBreathtakingcombinations oflandscapes andcultures laced withancient mysteriesmakes Peru the mostexciting SouthAmerican destination.

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A PerfectCombinationHow Shanti Mauricehas combined theright ingredients tocreate the ideal all-round beach retreaton the South coast ofMauritius.

Boutique CapeThe Last Word inbespoke SouthAfrican hospitality.

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Europe & Mediterranean

European &MediterraneanNews

The Jewel of AndaluciaFinca Cortesin Hotel Spa & Golfoffers a relaxing and stylish refugein the heart of the glitzy Costa delSol.

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Elounda VariationsThree stylish resorts with sharedfacilities in one amazing location.

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TheRanch atRockCreekThe bigcountryexperience infrontier landMontana.

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Chronicles of South-East AsiaThe Eastern & Oriental Expressoffers a tantalising range ofspecial rail journeys.

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roatia is often described as the “Hidden Mediterranean”. Mass tourismhas not defaced its coastline and a natural seascape with hundreds ofoff-lying islands in the glistening Adriatic has created one of Europe’s

most alluring summer getaways. Dubrovnik Old Town with its distinctivemedieval battlements and ochre rooftops is a world heritage site and thesurrounding hills are carpeted with fragrant mediterranean pine forestsdropping onto a craggy coastline.

Dubrovnik Sun Gardens Resort, which is situated 20 minutes from DubrovnikOld Town is one of the first fully equipped resorts in this young country tofully embrace the demanding standards of a world-class 5 star category. It issituated on the coast near to the village of Orašac, a short drive to the historictown of Ston, a quick boat ride away from the Elafiti Islands and just 45minutes from Dubrovnik International Airport.

At the heart of the resort is the 201 room Radisson Blu Resort & Spa. Each ofthe elegant and spacious rooms has a private terrace with a view across thecrystal clear waters of the Adriatic to the nearby Elafiti Islands. For the familymarket the resort also offers 207 one, two and three bedroom fullyappointed Mediterranean style residences located just a few steps awayfrom the sea, with outdoor terraces and patios offering garden and seaviews, perfect for that all important family getaway during the schoolholidays or at half term.

The resort has excellent facilities including three large outdoor swimmingpools, an award winning Spa & Wellness Centre, extensive restaurants andbars featuring local and international cuisine, a professionally supervisedKids Club, a sports and recreation centre with a range of facilities including agym, a squash court, outdoor tennis courts, and a five-a-side football pitch.

Dalmatian DelightsIntroducing Dubrovnik Sun Gardens, Croatia’s premier coastal resort.

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1. Panoramic view of resort

2. Dubrovnik Old Town

3. Pool detail

4. The Beach

5. Sunset Bar & Grill

6. Award winning Spa & Wellness Centre

7. Spectacular sea-facing rooms & apartments

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estled below the pretty whitewashedAndalusian hilltop village of Casares in therugged Sierra Bermeja and between the

buzzing Mediterranean playgrounds of Marbella, PuertoBanus and Sotogrande it is a very pleasant surprise toenter the gates of the Finca Cortesin estate. Lying a scant5 minutes detour from the main coastal road the luckyvisitor will be set on the right path to holiday bliss by thedistinctly laid back luxury of the surroundings.

At the heart of the estate and surrounded by the worldfamous championship golf course (now home to theVolvo Matchplay Classic) lies a small but immaculatelydesigned 5 star deluxe hotel of just 67 suites and anadjoining but discreet development of villas, four ofwhich are owned by the hotel and would make theperfect option for families or groups of friends lookingfor a little more independence. Also, 2011 rates forthese four-bedroom villas offer excellent value formoney and families will love the clever room layouts.

The main hotel buildings offer a tantalising maze ofelegant public rooms, restaurants, state of the art spa andsumptuous suites that pull their inspired designs andfaultless finishing from Spanish colonial, Andalusian,Portuguese and Moorish traditions. A beautiful courtyard

with fruit trees and a central fountain is approachedthrough a Moroccan lounge whose vaulted and paintedwooden ceiling is bordered by intricate moorish tracery.Ornate panelled doors acquired from monasteries andother old buildings lead off the two-storey courtyard intospacious junior suites, whilst in another part of thebuilding of more contemporary design larger suitesprevail including some fine roof top suites with their ownprivate plunge pools.

Too often in Spain one is disappointed by the excessesof development, which is why the hotel at Finca Cortesinhas already attracted such praise in such a short time asa prestige boutique property. Guests will quickly relaxin the ambient atmosphere. The facilities are superb fornon-golfers including both an indoor and two outdoorpools, the 2,200m2 spa, a dedicated Kids club andvarious restaurants offering a range of gourmet delightsthat includes innovative tasting menus by the acclaimedDutch chef, Schilo van Coevorden.

The lure of the Mediterranean itself has not beenforgotten as a new beach club will open this summerallowing guests the opportunity to relax on an exclusivestrip of nearby beachfront complete with restaurant andluxury recliners including two-person cabanas.

The Jewel of AndaluciaFinca Cortesin Hotel Spa & Golf offers a relaxing

and stylish refuge in Southern Spain

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urprising as it may seem but the popularity of Italy as agolf destination has only recently begun to take hold inthe UK. This is surprising when you consider how dramatic

and varied the Italian countryside can be with vast mountainranges, idyllic Mediterranean coastlines and the quintessentialrolling hills of Tuscany and Umbria.

Perhaps one of the reasons for the recent change of direction canbe linked to the popular combination of golf and spa resorts.Certainly, there is a very healthy association with the game of golfin that 18 holes of play is punctuated by a substantial amount ofwalking! Golf courses add an important refinement to naturallandscapes and are critical in maintaining open spaces. To gaugethe variety on offer we review four very different golfingproperties across the length and breadth of Italy:

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Italian LandscapesMountainside, countryside and seaside - splendidbackdrops and demanding fairways at Italy’s finest resorts

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This world-renowned 18-hole Pevero golf course, owned byStarwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc, stretches fromthe gulf of Pevero to the bay of Cala di Volpe. It is a magicalplace, with views of the sea from every hole. Located justminutes from the magical Cala di Volpe Hotel and chic PortoCervo, this course takes full advantage of the magnificentnatural surroundings of the exclusive Costa Smeralda.

1. Cala di Volpe (Pevero), Sardinia

The Tuscan Maremma’s mild climate and nearby hot springsmakes this course an ideal all-year-round golf destination. Theproject is the brainchild of architect Ronald Fream of Golfplan,who has been involved with some of the most prestigiouscourses in the world. The 18-hole, par 72 and 6,294m courseis gently undulating and full of hazards and bunkersdefending wide and long greens.

3. Terme di Saturnia, Southern Tuscany

The resort is set over 230 hectares of stunning landscape with1.8km of private coastline, yet has just 203 rooms and suites,giving a true sense of space and privacy. All rooms haveprivate terraces and sea views and the Olga Polizzi-designedinteriors combine modern luxury with authentic Sicilianmotifs. There are two 18-hole championship golf courses anda 9-hole, designed by leading architect Kyle Phillips.

4. Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, Sicily

The prospect of playing at one of the most exciting new golfcourses, Cortina Golf, will certainly be drawing new clients tothe famous Cristallo Hotel Spa & Golf from late spring all theway into autumn. Nine holes are in play with a further nineholes in development. A special arrangement enables guestsat the hotel to play at this exclusive club.

2. Cristallo Hotel Spa & Golf, Dolomites

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Top images from left to right:Verdura, Terme di Saturnia, Cortina Golf and Pevero

he secluded family of luxury hotels of EloundaMare, Porto Elounda and Elounda Peninsulaare located in prime position on the beautiful

Gulf of Mirabello, an area of striking beauty on thenorth coast of Crete renowned for beautifulbeaches and chic developments.

Each resort has its own personality and tends toattract different clientele, yet each benefits fromsharing their combined facilities to offer a level ofrecreation and dining that it is simply unmatched.

There is a sumptuous choice of seven restaurantsand five bars. Guests can choose from theMediterranean cuisine Old Mill and the SeafoodYacht Club restaurant of Elounda Mare hotel to theCretan Elies restaurant of Porto Elounda or thegourmet Italian Calypso restaurant of EloundaPeninsula with Michelin star holder chef, Eric Maio.

A demanding nine-hole golf course is a uniquebenefit, which along with the new and impressiveSix Senses Spa ensures that the resorts attractguests from late spring through to early autumn.

There is a strong family appeal, particularly at PortoElounda and the Elounda Peninsula, where there isa large area of 3000m2 next to the golf course called“Children’s World” including a large outdoor parkand an indoor facility with experienced childcareprofessionals. From 2011 water slides are added atthe pool of the Children's World.

It would be true to say that the secret of success atthese resorts has always been due to a constantdrive for innovation and excellence. It was the firstresort to offer private pool bungalows and you willlook hard to find finer sand beaches than thosefronting each of these winning properties.

Elounda Variations Three stylish resorts with shared facilities in one amazing location.

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The largest of the three resorts with 140 rooms andsuites all of them overlooking the seafront. Inaddition, 70 of them have access to individual orshared pools! Families will especially appreciate thespacious suites or the interconnecting rooms that areguaranteed.

Elounda Mare is the first hotel in the world that hadbungalows with private pools. In 1987 the hotelbecame a member of Relais & Chateaux and hasremained so ever since. Traditional, aristocraticElounda Mare has 50 bungalows, all of them with aprivate pool and 50 rooms and suites in the mainbuilding.

Private and secluded, the Elounda Peninsula is a anall-suite, boutique hotel within the resort. All 50suites have their own private pool located on theseafront. The “hippier” feel to the accommodationtends to attract a very trendy, younger crowd ofcouples and new families with young children.

Porto Elounda De Luxe Resort

Elounda PeninsulaAll suite hotel

Elounda Mare

fter a day’s trekking across “BIG” Montanalandscapes cowboys and cowgirls alike willappreciate a “Saddle Soar Soak” as

administered at the spa at Rock Creek. Welcome toranch life with a difference.

The Ranch at Rock Creek, located on over 6,800 acresof rolling hillsides near the town of Philipsburg,offers guests the opportunity to escape mundaneurbanite existences and share the lifelong love of thebig outdoors that spurred former banker, JimManley, to develop this most remote, yet engagingand luxurious of frontier style activity resorts.

The ranch offers a range of accommodation withelegant rooms in the main Granite Lodge, roomsand lofts in a remodeled 19th-century barn, luxury

canvas tents by the edge of the creek including thehighly recommended Trapper tent and finally twolarger log homes. Each style has been impeccablydesigned, and whilst of recent construction havethat old feel. Small families should considerbooking adjacent rooms in the lodge whilst largergroups should opt for the three or five bedroom loghomes. For a wilderness romance to the rhythm ofthe gurgling, trout-rich creek, couples shouldconsider the Trapper Tent.

A good description of everyday life would becowboy culture without the dusty, uncomfortablebits. Guests can try barrel racing, trail rides,mountain biking, clay shooting and fly fishing. Thekids can go on adventurous mountain hikes. Thereis even a paintball course for the trigger happy.

The Ranch at Rock CreekThe big country experience in frontier land Montana

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1. Trapper tent at the river’s edge

2. In the saddle at the Silver Dollar Saloon.

3. Under canvas in style inside the Trapper Tent

4. We start our cowboys early!

5. Granite Lodge

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Once sated by the rigours of the day, retire to a suiteor the soothing spa. Come sundown re-congregatewith your fellow “city slickers” for some excellentranch fare with local cuisine as prepared by chefJosh Drage (specialities include elk and bison)followed by some honest wilderness entertainmentaround the bar at the Silver Dollar Saloon -including a 4-lane ten-pin bowling alley and afourteen foot high-definition screen. In fact, this isthe ideal family getaway or, as the owner would say,“I think people these days want to rough it duringthe day, then have a great meal and slip into somecomfortable sheets at night.”

The Ranch at Rock Creek is a 1.5 hour transfer fromlocal airports of Missoula and Butte. Transfer time isbased on motorised transport and not by stagecoach!

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A Peruvian AdventureBreathtaking combinations of landscapes and cultures laced with ancientmysteries makes Peru the most exciting South American destination.

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ew countries can offer the spectacle andgeographic diversity of Peru. There is a richhistory with mysterious pre-Columbian

cultures reaching back 5,000 years and the morerecent legacy of Spanish colonial rule. Consider thesharp juxtaposition of the narrow and arid coastalplains, the mighty wall of the towering AndesCorridor behind which stretch the tropical forests ofthe upper Amazon basin and its mighty tributaries.Then add to this the sights and sounds of modernday Peru and you will have the measure of a trulyremarkable destination that should be experiencedat least once in a lifetime. And if this be the case...then do it in style!

The vibrant and gastronomically rich capital of Limaoffers a fascinating international gateway and visitorsshould consider a short stay in town at the MirafloresPark before embarking on a circuit of domestic flightslinking the cities of Iquitos, Cuzco and Arequipaopening up a splendid combination of Peruvian

experiences beginning with a 3, 4 or 7 night riverdiscovery cruise on the Northern Amazon aboard thesmall, but ultra luxurious all-suite vessels of AquaExpeditions.

The cultural climax to the trip introduces aspectacular network of properties owned by Orient-Express in and around Cuzco and the UrubambaValley beginning with The Hotel Monasterio in Cuzcoand culminating in a mountain-top stay at theuniquely positioned Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge.Travel up the valley on Orient Express’ luxury train,Hiram Bingham, stopping off for some magical daysat the newly opened Hotel Rio Sagrado.

What better way to conclude an amazing Peruvianadventure than to head southwards to the remoteColca Canyon, an area of outstanding beauty thatremains relatively undiscovered by tourism affordingthe opportunity to completely wind down the tempoat the sublime hideaway of Las Casitas de Colca.

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The brainchild of Francesco Galli-Zugaro, AquaExpeditions is entirely unique to the Peruvian

Amazon. Trips cater to discriminating,adventurous travellers and explore themore remote and pristine areas of the

Pacaya-Samiria Reserve in the upperAmazon River and its tributaries.

M/V Aqua is 140-feet long with 12spacious and luxurious guest

suites. All of the suites have largeoutward-facing picture windows

and en-suite sitting areas.

Aqua Expeditions' new vessel, theM/V Aria, features 16 suites with

floor-to-ceiling windows, Jacuzzi, agym, sundeck, and the same PedroMiguel Schiaffino-designed menus.

Las Casitas del Colca is Peru's hidden gem, acollection of luxurious cottage villas with afabulous spa, set in the peace andserenity of the remote Colca Canyon.

Nestled high in the Andes, thisOrient-Express secluded retreatoffers a rare opportunity toexperience the traditionalbeauty of Peru. Spot condorshigh overhead, hike throughthe fields or visit the hotel’sfarm. Spend time in harmonywith this lush valley’s nature andlocal community, with completefreedom to do as much or as littleas you wish.

Nestled in the Sacred Valley of theIncas, surrounded by ancient remains,is this tranquil, rural retreat. Yet closeby is all the colour and vigour ofcontemporary Peruvian life: localmarkets, adventurous activities andthe rugged trail to Machu Picchu.

Hotel Rio SagradoUrubamba Valley

A former monastery raised on Incastones, this is a haven of near-religiouscalm. Yet just outside its tranquilcloisters is Cuzco’s lively city centre,where brightly-clad traders hawk theirwares, trekkers prepare to hike theAndes trails and Peruvian musiciansgather enthusiastic crowds.

Hotel MonasterioCuzco

One of the world’s most fabled ancientsites, Machu Picchu is a place of mostwonder and awe when the daytimecrowds have left. Wreathed in the miststhat add mystery to its spectacularsunrises and moonlit nights, to sleep atthe only lodge beside this mountaincitadel is an all-time travel great: pureadventure.

Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge

Aqua ExpeditionsLas Casitas de Colca

Lima

Arequipa

Iquitos

Cuzco

An exclusive five star historic residence in the heart of

Franschhoek village, the gourmet capital of South Africa.

It’s only a minute’s walk from the many excellent award-

winning restaurants and numerous character-filled

boutique style shops and art galleries. (images 2 & 7)

The Last Word Franschhoek

Located right on the beach in the picturesque lobster-fishing

village of Kommetjie, a short 30 minute drive from Cape

Town. The eight kilometres of fine white powdered sand set

against a backdrop of the most stunning sea views offers

Cape Town’s most romantic hideaway. (images 4 & above)

The Last Word Long Beach

The Last Word Bishopscourt is situated in what is arguably

Cape Town's most beautiful and prestigious suburb, so

close to Table Mountain, you'll want to reach out and

touch it. (images 1 & 6)

The Last Word Bishopscourt

he Cape Town peninsula and the adjoining Capewinelands offer a beautiful variety of leafy suburbs,glorious beachfronts and vine-filled valleys,

dominated by stunning chains of mountains and mostnotably the iconic flat topped peak of Table Mountain. It istherefore not surprising that discerning visitors to CapeProvince will look well outside of Cape Town city centre insearch of that elusive and relaxing boutique Cape retreat.It will be unlikely that they will find a better choice than theaptly named “Last Word” collection of 5 star sanctuaries.

Rarely has the term boutique been more appropriate as eachof the four hotels only offer between five and nine oversizedrooms and suites all with private patios or terraces. Unlikelarger hotels this promotes a more engaging experience foreach guest and the owners are keen to extend genuinehome-spun hospitality, charm and local knowledge so thatthe maximum enjoyment is achieved.

By combining stays in two or more of the hotels it ispossible in just one visit to discover the rich variety of thearea. Imagine a few days enjoying magnificent mountainviews amid tranquil gardens in Cape Town’s most exclusivesuburbs Constantia and Bishopscourt, ultimate relaxationand romance on the beach front at Long Beach, or simplya couple of nights wining and dining in South Africa’sgourmet capital Franschhoek.

Boutique CapeThe Last Word in bespoke South African hospitality

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Situated in the Cape’s oldest and most beautiful wine

valley, The Last Word Constantia is close to seven of South

Africa’s top wine estates and many internationally

celebrated restaurants. (images 3 & 5)

The Last Word Constantia

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hanti Maurice prides itself in being the perfectMauritian boutique retreat. Firstly it is small withonly 61 junior suites and villas dotted across 36

acres of exquisite tropical gardens and around a pristinehorseshoe coral sand cove. Secondly, everybody getsthat picture perfect sea view and the orientation of theresort is perfect for romantic offshore sunsets. Mostimportantly, the attitude and service is spot on withstaff who genuinely spoil their clients and cuisine that isthe envy of the “oh so” hotels in the not so close vicinity.In a nutshell Shanti Maurice is a little gem that pridesitself in promoting the creole* culture of Mauritius.

The largely untouched south coast means that theresort feels richly detached from the ribbons ofgimmicky developments now redolent to the north.Instead, Shanti Maurice has taken enormous care towork with the community both to respect its environsand minimise the impact of the resort on it.

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A Perfect BalanceShanti Maurice, a Nira Resort, has combined the right ingredients to create the ideal all-round beach retreat in Mauritius

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Bring the family to Shanti Maurice and nobody will bedisappointed. Between 8am and 9pm a dedicated kidsclub, toddlers pool and play area together with manyplanned activities will keep children between the ages of 4-12 well occupied (younger children will needparental/nanny supervision). Unburdened, parents canmingle with other guests reliving life before..., rechargetheir batteries with a range of restorative massages andtreatments at the award winning and expansive Nira Spa orindulge in a range of land and watersports (non-motorisedin resort but with waterskiing and deep sea fishingavailable locally). Of course, the ultimate objective will besimple relaxation and on this the resort will deliver!

The luxury one and two bedroom beachfront villas areideal for families and come complete with temperature-controlled private pools, Jacuzzi, an outdoor rain shower inan enclosed courtyard and a private garden with Salas(pavilions) for dining or relaxation.

Shanti Maurice offers extensive dining options, with anemphasis on locally-sourced fresh fare. Head Chef WillibaldReinbacher sources the vast majority of ingredients fromthe island’s farmers and fishermen, as well as utilising herbsand vegetables grown on the estate to offer dishes whichare sustainable, seasonal and delicious.

*Creole Mauritius

Reflecting a colourfulhistory as an importantisland crossroads fortrade across the IndianOcean Mauritian cultureis a unique mix ofIndian, African, Frenchand Chinese influences.

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outh-East Asia’s premier rail service, the Eastern & Oriental Express, renowned for its superlative3 to 4-day classic itineraries across the Malay peninsula between Singapore and Bangkok, hasnow introduced a fascinating new programme of extended rail journeys to explore destinations

a little more off the beaten track with extended itineraries and new routes.

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Chronicles of South-East Asia

SThe fully air-conditioned train consists of four types ofwell-appointed private cabins with ensuite facilitiesranging from single and twin (upper and lower berthsbeds) pullmans to State Cabins and Presidential Suites.All are beautifully decorated and finished withpanelling of cherry wood and elm burr.

Dining on board is a culinary tour de force in splendiddining carriages where tables are laid for dinner withdistinctive European cutlery and hand-cut crystalglassware. Evening dining offers the guests anopportunity to dress up for the occasion with glamourand style.

Pre and post-dinner entertainment may be sought inthe Piano Bar and Observation Car, or simply relax inthe charming Saloon car where there is also a boutique.During the daytime the train will organise fully escortedsightseeing excursions thus ensuring the perfectbalance of relaxation on board with the opportunity forinteresting and fascinating experiences off the train.

On Board The Eastern &Oriental Express

The Eastern & Oriental Express offers a tantalising range of special rail journeys

Call to order your copyof “Chronicles ofSouth-East Asia”.

Entitled Chronicles of South-East Asia, these four journeys offer guests not onlythe quintessential Orient-Express step back in time experience of life on boardthe luxury train but also the most elegant mode of transport wherein to visitsome very special retreats. For instance, there are two extended 6-nightjourneys along the classic route between Singapore and Bangkok. Fables ofthe Hills includes a detour to the mist-shrouded Cameron Highlands with itstea plantations and lush jungles. The southward variation of this journey,Legends of the Peninsula, breaks the journey for a leisurely sojourn on thesparkling Andaman coast at Trang. Both journeys visit the famous Bridge overthe River Kwai, Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Tham Kasai Viaduct.

Another 6-night journey, Epic Thailand, leads from Bangkok throughThailand’s remote north-east plain, with its exquisite Khmer temples, and on toculture-rich city of Chiang Mai. Also departing and returning to Bangkok, thefinal journey, Tales of Laos, offers a truly unique experience as passengersonce again head through North-East Thailand and then onwards across themighty Mekong river on newly laid tracks to neighbouring Laos and its capital,Vientiane. The city will delight with its old-world air, traditional markets,golden temples and colonial residences lining leafy boulevards.

Caribbean News

Round Hill near Montego Bay extendsbeach and opens a new restaurant

Round Hill was the first resort to embrace the idea ofa hotel amid privately owned villas. This has createda unique resort environment where guests can eitherstay in the main Pineapple House or select one of theindividually designed villas that line the hillsideabove. The famous fashion designer, Ralph Lauren,owns one of these villas and has contributed todesign makeovers of the main building over the last25 years. This year the resort plans to increase thesize of the beach and a new restaurant, The Grill, willopen in June offering al fresco dining.

Readers will be fascinated by the concept of RoundHill and it is strongly recommended that they viewthe resort’s excellent website, especially the sectionthat shows the extraordinary plan of the resort andthe individual properties - www.roundhill.com

Jamaica Inn lies in its own, private horseshoe bay andoffers an intimate retreat on the north coast ofJamaica. Whilst the main hotel nestles around itsbeautiful beach there are also some detachedcottages on the bluff (headland). Cottage 7 lies at thevery tip with just the bright blue Caribbean beyond!Plans are now underway to give this private retreat athorough refurbishment that will transform it thisautumn from two bedrooms into a regal 1-bedroomsuite with infinity pool on point overlooking theCaribbean sea ...surely a honeymooners’ dream!

Also, there are fabulous, new bathrooms in all thesuites – including the White Suite (where WinstonChurchill once stayed) which has also had its poolrefurbished into a relaxing, cooling space.

Honeymooners get the ultimate suiteat Jamaica Inn, Ocho Rios

Everyone agrees that the best beach on the romanticCaribbean island of Bequia is Friendship Beach and nobodyknows this better than Bengt Mortstedt, owner of thefabulous Bequia Beach Hotel. Indeed, he has created anidyllic boutique haven above the beach that offers cuttingedge luxury with a superb selection of accommodationconsisting 27 spacious suites, 6 villas and 10 classic rooms.

Bengt has been quick to realise the popularity of hisbeachfront restaurant, Bagatelle, which will be extendedthis summer whilst the hotel is closed. Al fresco dining onthe veranda is a firm favourite with guests as they enjoy thefine cuisine. Bengt also intends to raise the bar on thegastronomy next season by inviting two Michelin starredSwedish guest chefs to join the kitchen team to create aninspired Caribbean/European food experience.

Beach front dining is all the rage at thefabulous new Bequia Beach Hotel

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