Travel Bulletin 16th August 2013

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August 16 2013 | ISSUE NO 1,838 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

How well do you the

know VERY PR CO O S I

US

A

ST

USA

M RA G

D

USA? SPECIAL

Find out more at

I

USADiscoveryProgram.co.uk and discover this land, like never before.

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DISCOVERY PROGRAM Welcome to the USA Discovery Program A new agent training tool about the diverse destinations and experiences available in the USA to inspire you to discover this land like never before.

Created by Brand USA – the official tourism marketing organisation for the United States of America – the Program is here to give you the information you need to sell trips to the USA more effectively to your customers.

USA Specialist

Live and social

As a USA Specialist you will be

Through the USA Discovery Program,

recognised and regarded for your

you will become part of a community

qualifications and expertise. Your

where you can share knowledge, ask

knowledge of the USA means you

questions and interact. You will also

can cross-sell and advise your

be able to enjoy exclusive live events

customers on all aspects of their

and webinars.

holiday.

Useful information

Perks of the Program

Benefit from the latest news sent

Receive invitations to attend

straight to your inbox and enjoy

exclusive events, roadshows and

handy and accessible information on

chances to participate in famil trips

a range of experiences available in

to the USA, such as the Brand USA

the USA.

Megafam, so you can discover this land, like never before.

Find out more at

USADiscoveryProgram.co.uk and discover this land, like never before.

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August 16 2013 | ISSUE NO 1,838 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Spa Holidays Leading Hotels of the World promotes new experiences across worldwide properties DON’T MISS...

All About

LUHOXLIDURY AY August 2013

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Your one-stop guide to all the latest news and developments in Luxury Holidays

Produced by

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

with this issue

this week bulletin briefing 6 Elite Travel Group asserts that travel agents should be left to do their job

agent bulletin what's in store for Virgo this month?

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puzzle bulletin win ÂŁ50 in M&S vouchers by playing Su Doku

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winter sun operators unveil winter thaw packages & early bird booking deals

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salessupport@holidayautos.co.uk

End of an era As a result of change of ownership of the Holiday Autos brand, our trade business will be closing its doors. We will continue to take trade bookings until August 31st for pick ups until October 31st.

The team would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to all our partners who have supported us through the years.

We will miss you all. From your Trade team, Sandra , Chantal, Andrea, Suzanne, Steph, Ian, Nicola, Michelle and Emma

For any questions, please contact sales support at 0800 093 3222 (Option 5) or email us at salessupport@holidayautos.co.uk

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newsbulletin

PUPPY POWER... P&MM Travel in Milton Keynes has recruited five furry new office companions following a ‘Pets Go Free’ promotion run by Hoseasons.

The five puppies joined the team after the agency were the first in the UK to make five bookings for customers and their pets, as part of the operator's promotion supporting VisitEngland’s Great2 campaign featuring Wallace & Gromit. Pictured with the puppies are, from the left: the agency's Kat Bennett, Hannah Crook, Alex Hirst, Charlotte Litchfield, Nikki Gray and Tula O’Connor (seated); Sas Rowbotham from Hoseasons; and the agency's Cat Sherrin.

Cover Pictures: Main - Royal Mansour Marrakech Spa

Inset - Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort

For details on new incentives and promotions visit www.hoseasons.co.uk/agents or call 0844-847 1144.

This Week news 3

research reveals cost of average cruise decreases by 22% in past five years

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bulletin briefing

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agent bulletin

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puzzle bulletin

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winter sun

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spa holidays

Elite Travel Group asserts that travel agents should be left to do their jobs what's in store for Virgo this month? win £50 in M&S vouchers by playing Su Doku operators unveil winter thaw packages & early bird booking deals Leading Hotels of the World promotes range of experiences across worldwide properties

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Broadway tickets could earn trade £4million a year WITH THE profile of British theatre higher than ever before on Broadway, the UK trade now stands to pick up nearly £4million a year in commission from booking shows in the heart of New York’s theatreland, according to Broadway Inbound.

The Broadway Collection, a group of top Broadway productions put together by the operator, can be booked quickly and easily through its UK partners, and the company estimates that 250,000 Brits will visit Broadway shows this year.

With typical ticket prices at around $115, total sales for the UK market are $28.75million, and with typical commission, including weekend mark-

up on net rates and booking fees of 20%, that means $5.75m, or £3.80m in commission.

The company's senior director Bob Hofmann said: “Broadway theatre is a huge market and valuable extra business for any tour operator sending tourists to the Big Apple either as a city-stay or a gateway to a holiday elsewhere in the US. We have all the favourites in the Broadway Collection and booking takes just two minutes.”

The Broadway Collection's shows include Annie, The Blue Man Group, The Book of Mormon, Chicago, Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia!, Motown, Newsies, Once, Rodgers and

Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Spider-Man, Stomp, The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, and the New York Metropolitan Opera.

Newly announced shows for 2013/14 include Pippin – a circus inspired spectacle around the story of a royal heir; Rock of Ages – a high energy rock musical set in 1980’s Hollywood; Les Miserables; Rock – a new musical based on the famous American boxing film; and Bullets Over Broadway – Woody Allen’s musical about an aspiring young playwright.

Shows can be booked in the UK with Attraction World, Encore Tickets and lastminute.com

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newsbulletin Research reveals cost of cruises decreases by 22% in past five years A NEW study conducted by www.bonvoyage.co.uk has revealed that the cost of the average cruise has decreased by around 22% in the past five years. Factors contributing to this include more onboard spending opportunities, meaning cruise operators can justify lower prices if passengers will spend more on the ship, as well as a surge in last minute deals and bookings on many cruises.

Booking a cruise is traditionally something most

people expect to be fairly expensive, but new research has shown that prices for this type of holiday are generally decreasing; making a cruise a more obtainable trip for many.

The company gathered information by taking into account site statistics from the past three years, as well as results from a poll of 1,274 individuals who had all been on a cruise five years ago and had booked a cruise either for this year or in 2014.

On average, when taking into account the cruise prices of those that had travelled five years ago and those that had booked a cruise for this year or 2014, this data revealed that the price of a cruise has decreased by around 22% since 2008. The study results revealed that the average cost of a cruise amongst those respondents that had been away five years ago was ‘£1,600’ per person, whereas the average cost

amongst those planning to cruise this year or in 2014, based on their bookings, was 22% lower at ‘£1,248’ per person.

Furthermore, 38% of respondents commented that, despite the lower costs and potential onboard cuts, they had noticed improvements in services on cruises in the past five years including food and entertainment quality (31%), level of service (22%) and quality of staff (19%).

YOU’RE HIRED…Surrey-based Haslemere Travel has announced that 17-year-old apprentice, Chelsea Cooper (centre), has won the Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT)’s Apprenticeship of the Year Award at a recent ceremony at the House of Commons.

Chelsea’s prize included £300, ITT membership for the year, train tickets and a hotel stay in London for the event. Pictured with Chelsea and her award are the agency's Susie Atkinson (left) and Gemma Antrobus.

Travelport reveals East Africa investment plans

Jet2.com launches Rhodes & Dalaman sale JET2.COM HAS announced flights to Rhodes and Dalaman are now on sale.

To mark the launch, the flights, which depart from Glasgow, Leeds Bradford and Manchester, come with a 10% discount for departures taking place from now until October 31, 2014.

With the offer, fares lead in at £65 per person to Dalaman from Leeds Bradford and Manchester, including taxes, when the code ‘SALE10’ is quoted at the time of booking. Flights to Rhodes start from £71 from Leeds Bradford and Manchester.

Dalaman package holidays lead in at £229 per person when departing from Leeds Bradford and using the discount code ‘SALE50’ at the time of booking. The price also includes transfers and a 22kg baggage allowance.

For more information call 0800-408 5587 or visit www.tradesite.jet2holidays.com

Taber Holidays issues Great Aurora Hunt option for photographers TABER HOLIDAYS has launched a new fournight Great Aurora Hunt itinerary aimed at photographers keen to capture shots of the Northern Lights. Leading in at £1,575 per person, travellers can explore Norway’s Lofoten Islands led by aurora photographer Andy Keen. Tuition is offered by day while evenings are spent dedicated to hunting and photographing the aurora. Highlights include three photography workshops, a full-day tour exploring the Lofoten archipelago and a sea eagle and nature safari by boat. The price includes accommodation in a fisherman’s rorbu, breakfast, dinner and all workshops and excursions. Based on two people sharing, departures are available on selected

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Northern Lights

Mondays from September 30 until March 17, including a special New Year departure on December 30. The package can also be booked with flights from Heathrow via Oslo from £1,995 per person.

For details call 01274-875199 or see www.taberhols.co.uk

TRAVELPORT HAS announced its investment plans for East Africa in response to recent research from Euromonitor International, which says that the GDP growth in East Africa is set to peak at 7% by 2017.

Following the opening of the company’s Kenyan office in April, it is now aiming to boost its hub in Nairobi to provide more on-the-ground expertise and support in commercial, product and customer training and support aspects.

The company is also intending to focus more on online and mobile technologies to complement existing products already available in the region such as Mobile Agent, which enables agents to gain access to Galileo desktop from their smartphone, and View Trip Mobile, the itinerary management tool.

Research also indicates that the tourism industry in sub-Saharan Africa is continuing to develop quickly, with a 4.7% increase in arrivals in 2012 – higher than the global average of 4.3% and second only to Asia Pacific with 5.1%. By 2017, the number of tourists travelling to sub-Saharan Africa is expected to reach 42.6million.

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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newsbulletin Tweets of the Week Who’s saying what on Twitter... @ukcruising REGISTRATION CLOSING: Luxury Cruise Expo: Dover: Sep 2 & 3 more ultra-luxury action than you can shake a stick at: http://ow.ly/nK5S1 @VisitBritain Looking for something to do in London this August? Look no further: http://bit.ly/133g6xr @WaltDisneyWorld Our popular free dine offer is back for Walt Disney World Resort vacations booked by September 15! Learn more: http://bit.ly/133zLYO @STATravel_UK Want to know the up and coming destinations to add to your travel list? Of course you do!

So here they are... http://sta.travel/1be6CPY

Follow us on Twitter! http://twitter.com/ TravelBulletin

Newsbites ●

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HOLDERS OF Estonian Air's Light and Eco tickets can now check-in free of charge online or at the check-in kiosks at the airport. Checking in at the airport's check-in counter will mean a €10 charge.

MICHELIN-STARRED chef and restauranteur, Raymond Blanc, is hosting dinner on The British Pullman on November 16. The event launches a series of ‘pop-up’ dinners on the iconic train throughout 2013 and 2014 hosted by some of the UK’s most celebrated chefs. Prices lead in at £495 per person.

For details call 0845-077 2222 or see www.orient-express.com /uktrains FIRST CHOICE has teamed up with double Olympic gold medallist Laura Trott and cycling specialists Balanceability, to teach children as young as two and a half to ride a bike at its exclusive Holiday Village in Mallorca.

For details see www.firstchoice.co.uk/blog/balanceability CLASSIC COLLECTION Holidays is offering complimentary UK airport lounge passes on all bookings made until August 31.

Call 0800-008 7288 or see www.classic-collection.co.uk THE 18TH Eastern Mediterranean International Travel & Tourism Exhibition (EMITT), which is open to both the trade and public, will be held in Istanbul from January 30 to February 2, 2014.

Hayes & Jarvis sees growth in multi-centre South Africa breaks THE GROWTH in demand for twin and multicentre holidays has had a dramatic impact on a revival in popularity for South Africa, according to Hayes and Jarvis, which has reported a 35% surge in bookings for the destination this year.

The company's head of commercial, Sean Dowd, says that almost two-thirds of bookings are now for two or more centres – with 20% of clients combining four or more centres in one tailor-made trip, twice as many as a year ago.

The operator says that Southern Africa generally is performing well and Botswana, in particular, is starting to see a surge in popularity, particularly among adventurous holidaymakers and repeat visitors to Africa keen to venture slightly off the main tourist track.

CroisiEurope offers four-day cruises from £294 CROISIEUROPE IS offering two Christmas market cruises this year. A four-day Christmas Market in Alsace cruises round-trip from Strasbourg and includes wine tasting in Colmar, the Christmas markets in Colmar and Strasbourg and Strasbourg’s Christmas illuminations.

There are six departures on December 2, 5, 6, 8, 11 and 13, with cruise-only prices starting from €342 per person (approximately £294 per person).

Meanwhile, a four-day Christmas Market in Belgium cruises round-trip from Brussels and includes visits to the Christmas markets in Brussels and Bruges, plus a visit to “Diamondland” in Antwerp. There are two departures on December 8 and 11 with cruise-only prices from 454 per person (approximately £390 per person).

For more information see www.croisieurope.travel

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

For a luxury Africa adventure, the company is offering a six-night Botswana in Style fly-in safari, which features five-star accommodation in lodges plus a variety of activities, including guided safari walks and game viewing. For those travelling between April and October when water levels are high, the Okavango Delta also offers the opportunity to go on safari in a traditional mokoro canoe, giving a unique perspective of wildlife at eye level.

Prices for the package, for an October departure, lead in at £5,999 per person on a full board basis at the Moremi Wildlife Reserve. Also included are flights, transfers and game-viewing activities.

For more information call 0871-200 2211 or see www.hayesandjarvis.co.uk/agents

CLIENTS CAN now save 10% on small group family adventures in Jordan with Intrepid Travel if they book by September 30 and travel

by January 31, 2014. The operator’s eight-day ‘Journey to the Lost City’ tour now costs from £710 per adult and £639 per child, and includes a tour of Petra, a 4WD adventure in the Wadi Rum desert, swimming in the Dead Sea, snorkelling in Aqaba and a visit to the Crusader castle at Kerak. The price includes hotel accommodation, some meals, activities and a local tour leader.

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bulletinbriefing

Industry Insight by...

Let travel agents do their job: Neil W Basnett, chief executive of Elite Travel Group, is perturbed by the ever-changing industry regulations… ow heartening to write these words with this country experiencing something of a feel-good factor! After the excitement in 2012 of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations followed by the Olympics and Paralympics, many felt that 2013 would be an anti-climax. Far from it! We all enjoyed the British and Irish Lions’ rugby players winning the series in Australia followed the same weekend

by Andy Murray winning at Wimbledon: we had been waiting 16 years for a Lions’ Win but 77 years for a Wimbledon win!

We then celebrated Chris Froome following in the footsteps of Sir Bradley Wiggins by winning the Tour de France; having never won it at all, our cyclists are like buses and two come along at once! All that we now need is for our cricketers to finish off Australia in The Ashes series and we can celebrate a wonderful summer of sporting success, which has lifted the whole nation.

The Royal Family has contributed to our general mood of optimism with the birth of another future king: in these androgynous times, how thoughtful that he was christened George Alexander Louis so that we could welcome a GAL into the royal family at the same time!

Even our economy is trying to make us feel better with the news that we have seen two consecutive quarters of growth to confound those who were predicting at one stage that we were going to enter a triple-dip recession.

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The feel good factor

So have these positives had a similar knock-on effect on the travel industry? All the signs over the first few months of the year were positive with Elite Travel Group’s members seeing encouraging levels of growth, which seems to have been the same for all independent travel agents. Year-on-year growth slowed down however during the months of May and June whilst the recent spell of hot weather seems to have deterred some travellers from venturing overseas.

This in turn led to the furore caused by Simon Calder’s remarks on the BBC that demand for foreign travel was such that there were bargains galore available for under £300! I have always considered him to be one of the more sensible television travel ‘experts’, doing his research before he speaks. Isn’t it sad however that they cannot seem to find somebody who actually works in the industry at the sharp end to whom they can turn for accurate assessments of exactly what is going on?

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August 16 2013

"Travel agents just want to be able to sell holidays: the paperwork and regulations now seem to make this simple task so difficult" When I was branch manager at Thomas Cook in Birmingham, I had television training by the travel presenter Paul Carter in the event of BBC Midlands wishing to speak to a local travel agent. If he recognised that travel agents dealing every day with the public really know best what is going on in relation to prices and availability, then why can’t modern TV bosses do likewise? At least our local BBC radio station that covers Coventry and Warwickshire calls me regularly to answer questions as a local expert whenever any travel-related issue comes along as they still value the knowledge and expertise of independent travel agents.

The need to regulate

Most of you will be aware that the EU has made some amendments to the Package Travel Directive (PTD) to update it and to reflect the changes that have occurred in our industry since it was first issued in 1992. I am sure that alarm bells probably rang out as soon as you learnt that Brussels is interfering yet again in an industry that is seemingly already far too overregulated! Travel agents just want to be able to sell holidays: the paperwork and regulations now seem to make this simple task so difficult. For years now, the plans for full consumer financial protection have changed so often that it has become almost impossible to keep fully up-to-date in an industry that is not a level playing field anyway. For how many more years are they going to try and keep amending the regulations until everybody is happy? It seems to have been going on for so long that all of us dread attending travel conferences as the topic is bound to rear its ugly head yet again. My final plea this month: can somebody please just sort it out once and for all and then leave it alone so that we can just get on with selling holidays? www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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newsbulletin New weekend break from The Spanish Thyme Traveller THE SPANISH Thyme Traveller is offering clients a new guided cava-tasting trip in Valencia, where travellers will visit two cava-producing wineries as well as trying the local food.

On day one, guests will sample Valencian paella in the city centre or at the beach at lunchtime, followed by an evening spent at a city centre tapas bar.

On day two, there are visits to two wineries in Requena to learn about cava and to taste different types. Traditional paella will be served at one of the bodegas (wineries) following the tasting, before returning to Valencia late afternoon.

Finally, day three will

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M O FR

TRAVEL ACCESSORIES YOU WON'T WANT TO LEAVE BEHIND...

TO BEAT the boredom on long-haul flights or just to sit and read on the beach, The Lonely Planet Book of Everything offers a visual guide to travel and the world. Subjects range from how to count to ten in 25 languages and camping tips to travelling exercises and dealing with snake bites. One for both adults and kids, it offers an illustrated 'how-to' of everything to do with travel. It costs £14.99.

ISBN: 9781742209630.

For details see www.lonelyplanet.com

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E IT

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5 9 9 3 £

leave guests time to visit the city and experience the historical centre or the City of the Arts and Science Museum.

The trip costs from €495 and includes two nights’ breakfast accommodation at a four-star boutique hotel, one tapas and cavatasting session, one midday meal and wine, all excursions and the services of a tour guide. It is based on two people sharing and there is a single supplement of €90.

The tour will this year take place on September 27-29, October 25-27 and November 22-24, with 2014 dates to be confirmed.

For more information see www.thespanishthymetrav eller.com

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newsbulletin

BRAND BUILDING... Brand USA recently took a group of agents on a Beautiful South fam trip, to visit destinations including Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana and Florida. Pictured enjoying time at Graceland in Memphis are, from the left: Darren Harris, Bath Travel; Agnes Dailly, Reed & Mackay; Katie Campbell, Avios; Sean Caldow, Clyde Travel; Abigail Nunn, Deben Travel; Clare Harvey, US Airtours; Phil Hopkins, Travel Counsellors; Jennifer Byles, Brand USA; Kate Mee, Bon Voyage; Francis Dennits, Avios; Joanna Bradle, Hallmark Travel; Karen Whyte, American Holidays; Samantha Morrison, Travel 2; Samantha Hopkins, Kuoni; and David Henry, lastminute.com.

For a chance to win a place on the next Megafam visit www.www.usadiscoveryprogram.co.uk

Tobago's four-star Magdalena Grand Beach Resort offers new wedding packages THE FOUR-STAR Magdalena Grand Beach Resort on Tobago has launched a number of wedding packages for guests with a choice of Silver, Gold or Platinum packages.

For guests staying 14 nights in a deluxe oceanfront room category or higher, a free silver wedding package

is offered. It includes a wedding coordinator and clergy/magistrate; government fees; registrar/ceremony charges and round trip transfers to local authority office; taxes and gratuities; decorated wedding arch; cake; rose-petal decorated room; and remembrance gift.

As an example of prices, Cosmos is offering a seven-night bed-andbreakfast stay from £837 per person including Monarch flights from Gatwick on September 18, transfers and all taxes and charges.

To book visit www.cosmos.co.uk or call 0871-902 5838.

Ski Safari offers Shop & Ski breaks SKI SAFARI is highlighting ‘Shop & Ski’ breaks in Boston and New England.

Guests can stay two nights at the four-star Park Plaza Hotel in Boston city centre and five nights at Killington bedand-breakfast at The Inn of the Six Mountains for £905 per person, based on two sharing.

The price includes flights and car hire for five days for the Killington portion of the trip.

For more information visit www.skisafari.com/cities.aspx or call 01273-224060.

WEBSCLUSIVES ●

Win some food and drink vouchers for this year’s Christmas Markets in Birmingham and Leeds, via the Frankfurt Tourist & Congress Board’s competition. To enter, go to www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions

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Win a place on the California Superfam 2013.

For details, go to www.superfam.visitcalifornia.co.uk

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Get 12 months worth of FREE promotion for your digital brochure when you distribute your File Copy with Travel Bulletin. Travel Bulletin offers an unbeatable all-round launch package for your File Copy drop. For more details, email jeanette@travelbulletin.co.uk

Eastern Airways’ Runway Run takes off for charity at Aberdeen Airport next month ABERDEEN AIRPORT is hosting the Eastern Airways Runway Run for children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent next month.

The run, which will start at midnight on September 21 and end on September 22, will give up to 50 people the opportunity to run the length of the airport’s runway and back again, covering 2.42 miles.

For a registration fee of £35 and a commitment to raise a minimum of £350 in sponsorship, participants will be provided with refreshments and a medal to mark their achievement.

Kay Ryan, commercial director of Eastern Airways said: “We are pleased to be supporting CLIC Sargent with our Runway Run, which also gives our staff the chance to take part. This is such an unusual event, and of course, the busy runway is usually a no-go area for the public so it offers a rare chance to run the route normally reserved for aircraft. I’m sure this event will capture imaginations as we see runners taking part to raise a lot of money for this worthwhile cause.”

For more information and to register for a place visit www.georgewalkerevents.co.uk

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August 16 2013

Go

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

All this and more at:

www.travelbulletin.co.uk The home of the web savvy travel agent

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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agentbulletin Booking incentives ●

FOLLOWING THE recent launch of its Excursions booking tool, AceRooms.com reports a 20% boost in sales and now has more than 300 new agents registered on its system. The company is offering new agents £10 off their first booking by typing in the code “SUMMER13” when confirming your first booking. The offer is valid up to August 31.

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AGENTS WHO book their customers on a Voyages of Discovery cruise before August 31 will receive a £50 Love2Shop voucher. The incentive is per booking for departures between October 21 and April 21, 2014.

For details see www.voyagesofdiscovery.com or call 0844-567 3319.

Agent training WENDY WU Tours has announced details of its 2013 agent roadshow tour, spanning ten UK locations including Manchester on September 10, Leeds - September 11, Newcastle - September 12, Gatwick - September 17, Oxford - September 18, Birmingham - September 19, Exeter September 24, Southampton - September 25, Ashford - September 26 and Edinburgh on October 1. The roadshows will offer agents the chance to meet the team, discover what’s new and take part in a fun-filled interactive event.

For details see www.wendywutours.co.uk/agents

It’s in the stars…

What’s in store for Virgo?

EVENTS OR promises made earlier this year will soon come to fruition, but despite a few busy weeks ahead, make sure you plan in some quality relaxation time it will do your physical and mental health the world of good. Now is also a good time to organise your surroundings - both at work and at home, so get the cleaning cloths out and get organised - it will be therapeutic.

Lucky day: Wednesday Lucky number: 32

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

COOL AS ICE...Gaynor Smith from Chester Travel Connection was the winner of a place on Regent Holidays’ forthcoming fam trip to Iceland. Pictured presenting Gaynor with her prize is the operator's Nigel Ham. A further four places on the trip are still up for grabs, with every agent making a confirmed booking with the company before August 31 being entered into a free prize draw. For details email Nigel Ham at nham@westernoriental.com

Agent offer USAIRTOURS HAS launched a new online agent training academy called USAexperts and is offering the first 1,000 agents who complete Module 1 “About USAirtours” entry into a prize draw to win an iPad Mini. Two training modules per month will be released and available for completion through to December. Agents who complete all 12 modules will receive a USAExpert certificate, priority selection for fam trip participation and their agency will also qualify for additional marketing support.

For details see www.usaexpert.co.uk and www.usairtours.co.uk/agent

August 16 2013

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puzzlebulletin Travagrams

Su Doku Win a £50 M&S voucher in the travelbulletin Su Doku prize puzzle

Can you solve the following anagrams to decipher the destination & tour operator?

Number: 124

A➠

A Seabed Hilly Roil

B➠

This operator shares its name with the ‘Fresh Prince of…’

C➠

D➠ Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the 3 x 3 squares contains the digits 1-9.

Once you have completed the puzzle, simply identify the numbers that relate to the letters, A, B, C and D then e-mail the solution, with your name, company name, and full postal address plus phone and ABTA number if applicable to: competition@travelbulletin.co.uk Closing date for entries is Thursday, August 22nd. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 26th July is Jane Peacock, Lincolnshire Co-Op Travel in Spalding.

July 26 Solution: A=9 B=1 C=3 D=4

Cam Aija The home of jerk chicken

Where Am I?

Theme park in the town of Kaatsheuvel.

Crossword Fill in the crossword to reveal the mystery location highlighted by the green squares.

Number: 124

Across 1. Capital of Slovakia (10) 5. Guernsey Channel Islands airport code (3) 6. Choice Hotels brand, ___ Inn (7) 8. Norfolk seaside resort, popular for crabbing (6) 9. A mess of a dessert, sounds like an English college (4) 12. Sultanate on the Arabian Sea (4) 13. Actress, ___ Kidman (6) 15. Capital of the Shetland Islands (7) 17. Scandinavian airline (3) 18. Prehistoric Wiltshire tourist attraction (10)

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Down 1. David Walliams is one of the teachers in this new BBC sitcom (3,6) 2. US state, shares a border with Mexico (7) 3. Capital of Peru (4) 4. Vigo airport code (3) 6. William the Conqueror's tomb is located in this Normandy city (4) 7. This US state is home to the Dollywood theme park (9) 10. UK's largest charter airline, ___ Airways (7) 11. Alecia Beth Moore is better known by this colourful stage name (4) 14. The Terracotta Army was discovered near this ancient Chinese city (4) 16. Rotorua airport code (3)

For the solution to the Crossword, Where Am I? and Travagrams, please see page 20 August 16 2013

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wintersun

HALF MOON in Montego Bay, Jamaica is offering a 'Great Winter Thaw' package which includes the seventh night free, room upgrades and airport transfers. The offer is available for all seven-night stays at the resort on selected dates between January 5 and April 11.

For details visit www.halfmoon.com

Travel 2 promotes deals in South Africa, Hong Kong & Indian Ocean FOR FAMILIES considering a winter sun break this December, Travel 2 recommends destinations in the Indian Ocean, South Africa or Hong Kong.

As an example of packages, a nine-night stay in South Africa leads in at £7,939 for a family of four. The price includes four nights’ self-catering accommodation at the threestar Camps Bay Resort in a two-bedroom apartment; three nights’ breakfast accommodation at the four-star Protea Hotel Knysna Quays in a lagoon view room; two nights’ full-board accommodation at the fourstar Rippons Safari Lodge in a standard room including game drives; flights from London; and six days’ car hire with Avis. The price is valid on bookings made by November 30, for travel between December 21 and January 5.

Alternatively, a ten-night package to Mauritius costs from £11,999 for a family of four and includes all-inclusive accommodation at the four-star LUX Tamassa in a deluxe family room, flights from London and transfers. It is valid on bookings made by November 30 for travel between December 21 and January 5.

Families can also travel to Hong Kong from £3,199 for a family of four. The price includes five nights’ room-only accommodation at the five-star Harbour Grand Hotel, Kowloon in a superior courtview room, flights from London and transfers. The offer is valid on bookings made by December 1, for travel between December 21 and January 5.

For further details visit www.travel2.com

Belleair Holidays issues new price insert for winter sun breaks BELLEAIR HOLIDAYS has launched its latest price insert, valid for travel until April next year, complete with early booking offers.

It includes the addition of two new direct routes from Leeds Bradford and Glasgow Prestwick to Malta with Ryanair plus the addition of the new four-star Coastline Hotel near Salina Bay. Xlendi Bay, Malta Clients can also now receive free private transfers from the airport when booking five-star properties in Gozo in addition to the private transfers provided with Malta five-star hotels.

As well as the one-day hop-on, hop-off bus pass for the City Sightseeing excursion, the operator now offers a two-day pass (£38 per person) which can be used over two nonconsecutive days. The one- and two-day passes are valid on all routes, including the Malta by Night and Fireworks tours.

As an example of packages, 21 nights’ breakfast accommodation at the three-star Primera Hotel costs from £369 per person, departing between December 1 and 12, based on two sharing. It includes flights from Gatwick, accommodation in an internal twin room, transfers and complimentary entrance to a selected Malta attraction.

For more information or to make a booking call 0845-365 3412 or visit www.belleair.co.uk/agents

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August 16 2013

Exodus offers 'Cycling in Cuba’s Cigar Country' option EXODUS TRAVEL has added a nine-day ‘Cycling in Cuba’s Cigar Country’ itinerary in the westernmost part of the island, where colonial villages and rustic farmland provide the backdrop to daily rides.

The journey takes cyclists through the heart of cigar country, witnessing the tobacco plantations that characterise Vinales Valley.

Cyclists will stop to visit the famous vega of Alejandro Robaina, once known as the ‘Godfather of Cuban tobacco’. Back in the saddle, guests will continue across the causeway to the deserted beach of Cayo Jutias. The trip ends in Havana where cyclists will visit a cigar factory to see cigars carefully rolled by hand, with the chance to make purchases.

The first departure for this tour is October 17 and leads in at £1,659 per person, including flights, accommodation and most meals.

For more information or to book call 0843-863 9601 or visit www.exodus.co.uk

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wintersun City break addition to Madeira from Anatolian Sky ANATOLIAN SKY reports that following positive response to the launch of its first brochure of holidays to Madeira and Porto Santo last year, it is further expanding its programme to include twin-centre holidays combining Lisbon or Porto with the islands, and city breaks to both destinations.

The company says that the addition of Lisbon and Porto represents an exciting chance to combine the natural beauty and laidback atmosphere of Madeira and Porto Santo with the vibrant culture of two of Portugal’s most fascinating cities.

The programme continues to offer a choice of tailor-made holidays, two-centre trips combining both Madeira and Porto Santo, walking holidays on the ‘levadas’ of Madeira, luxury spa and golf breaks, plus accommodation in a range of character ‘quinta’ hotels.

In Lisbon prices start from £485 per person based on two sharing a double room at the Sana Rex Hotel between November 1 and December 15, including flights, transfers and breakfast accommodation.

Prices in Porto lead in at £465 based on two sharing a double room at the Eurostar Oporto Hotel between November 1 and December 15, including flights, transfers and breakfast accommodation.

Meanwhile, a twin-centre break costs from £795, based on two sharing a double room for three nights at the Eurostar Oporto Hotel in Porto followed by four nights at the Quinta Bela Sao Tiago in Funchal. The price includes flights, transfers and breakfast accommodation.

For more information visit www.anatoliansky.co.uk or call 0844-273 3585.

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RANI RESORTS’ Medjumbe Private Island, situated in the Quirimbas Archipelago, Northern Mozambique, is offering a Sanctuary Spa ME TIME package, with a range of treatments available ranging from 30 minutes to three hours. A therapist will give guests a consultation and then tailor-make an experience for them ranging from hair and scalp treatment, shiatsu, aromatherapy massage, facial treatment and grooming of the hands and feet. Prices lead in at $531 (£347) per person per night on an all-inclusive basis (including all meals, select beverages and non-motorised watersports), including an island transfer discount per couple and a five-night stay for the price of four.

Become a New Zealand Explorer on Explore’s 19-day tour EXPLORE IS offering a 19-day New Zealand Explorer tour for £4,561 per person.

The tour combines New Zealand’s North and South islands and explores the glaciers, volcanoes and mountains, as well as discovering the wildlife. Guests can also experience Maori tribal cuisine and home-grown wine, stay on a farm among the hills of the Coromandel Peninsula and take a boat trip along the fjords of Milford Sound.

Departing between October and April 2014, the price of the tour includes flights, 16 nights’ hotel accommodation, one night’s farm stay and one night’s chalet stay, all with breakfast. Also included are three further meals, transport and the services of a tour leader and driver.

For more information or to book call 0844-499 0901 or visit www.explore.co.uk

Prestige Holidays adds more properties in the Canaries PRESTIGE HOLIDAYS has launched its fourth dedicated winter Canaries brochure, featuring the islands of Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma and La Gomera. New properties for 2013/14 include the adultonly RedLevel Gran Melia Resort Palacio de Isora in Tenerife, the rural Casa de Hilario in Lanzarote and Radisson Blu Resort in Gran Canaria.

Prices for December lead in at £563 per person for a week’s stay in Finca Salamanca in Tenerife,

including breakfast accommodation, flights from Luton and group B car hire.

The same break from Gatwick costs £586.

The operator is also highlighting a number of properties throughout the programme as ‘star buys’.

The RedLevel Gran Melia Resort Palacio de Isora operated by Gran Melia Hotels and Resorts offers a range of personalised services for adult guests including butler service, access to a private pool with concierge, preferential

bookings for à la carte restaurants, plus an exclusive lounge and reception area. It also features six private villas with their own pools. Prices lead in at £1,137 for a week’s breakfast accommodation in a suite with a garden view, including flights from Gatwick and private transfers in December. The package includes an early booking saving of £381 per couple if booked by October 31.

For further details call 01425-480400 or see www.prestigeholidays.co.uk

Seven-night all-inclusive Antigua deal from £3,795 with Caribtours CARIBTOURS IS offering a seven-night all-inclusive stay at the private island retreat of Jumby Bay, located two miles off the coast of Antigua.

With 40 guestrooms and suites, as well as villas and estate homes, facilities at the resort include a spa, three restaurants, unlimited open bar, all meals, day sails, an infinity pool, nightly movies, non-motorised watersports and snorkelling excursions.

Prices start from £3,795 per person for seven nights, based on two adults sharing a Rondavel Room. The package also includes flights, private transfers and use of lounge facilities at Gatwick.

For more information visit www.jumbybayresort.com or www.visitantiguabarbuda.co.uk

August 16 2013

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All you have to do is relax Guaranteed sunshine, beautiful beaches and stunning scenery, above and below the water.

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wintersun INNTRAVEL HAS introduced the little-visited Canary Island of El Hierro to its winter Walking & More programme. Providing an ideal destination for those seeking winter warmth away from the crowds, visitors can cover most of the island on foot in a week. Prices lead in at £798 per person based on two sharing, including seven nights’ breakfast accommodation, five dinners, three picnics, luggage transfers, walking notes and maps, plus a return flight from Tenerife North to El Hierro. International flights are extra.

For details call 01653-617000 or see www.inntravel.co.uk

Florida highlights new craze of stand-up paddling with seven nights from £1,145 NEEDING WATER to paddleboard is a thing of the past in St. Pete/Clearwater, Florida, with new craze land paddling offering a drier alternative.

Instead of a paddleboard and oar, the land-based version of stand-up paddling involves participants hopping on an elongated skateboard and using a long stick with a rubber plunger on the end to

propel themselves forward.

The popularity of this new sport has risen significantly in St. Pete/Clearwater due to the area’s downtowns, beachfronts and urban trails.

David Downing, the tourist board's deputy director, said: “We’re quite excited to see that visitors and locals alike are finding new ways to enjoy everything that St. Pete/Clearwater has to offer

Arblaster & Clarke highlights pre-Christmas Champagne shopping weekend ARBLASTER & Clarke Wine Tours is encouraging agents to suggest clients take advantage of Champagne’s close proximity and head to the vineyards of the most celebrated wines to taste and stock up on an array of Champagnes for Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Departures for a 'Pre-Christmas Champagne Weekend' are between November 30 and December 2 and lead in at £750 per person, based on two sharing.

Highlights of the trip include a visit to Reims Christmas market in Place d’Erlon and private tastings at top quality Champagne Houses.

The two-night break includes travel by executive coach, ferry crossings, three-star hotel accommodation with breakfast (including Champagne), one meal with Champagne, two comparative tastings, visits and tastings, plus a wine guide.

To book or for more information call 01730-263111 or see www.winetours.co.uk

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and definitely encourage people to give this new trend a whirl as it is actually quite easy to do.”

For clients keen to try out the new craze, Virgin Holidays is offering a sevennight stay at the Sandpearl Resort, which offers beachfront accommodation, a spa, dining options and a lagoon style pool. Priced at £1,145 per person, the

package is based on departures in September and includes flights from Gatwick, car hire and all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges. It is based on two adults sharing a bay view room on a room-only basis.

For more information visit www.visitstpeteclearwater.co m or to book call 0844-557 3973 or visit www.vhols4agents.co.uk

New wellness offering at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island THE FIVE-STAR Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has launched a new collection of wellness programmes, designed to offer a wealth of solutions to modern-day illnesses. Combining the skill of guest yoga practitioner Areeya, with the range of health and wellness facilities available at the resort, the programmes are: ‘Sleep Therapy’, ‘De-stress in Paradise’, ‘Wake up to Energy’, ‘Holiday season countdown – beach perfect’ and ‘Falling in Love again’.

Kuoni is offering seven nights with breakfast at the property in a beach villa from £2,398 per person, based on a September 10 departure. The price, based on two sharing, includes flights with Sri Lankan Airlines from Heathrow and group transfers in resort. The direct rate would be from $625 per room per night, valid on stays up to September 30. To book call 01306-747008 quoting KU9306.

For more information see www.kuoni.co.uk and www.conradmaldives.com

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wintersun

TRUE BLUE Bay Boutique resort in Grenada is offering guests seven nights for the price of six this winter. Valid for bookings made by August 31, the offer is available for stays between December 1 and January 4 on both a bed-and-breakfast and all-inclusive basis. The family-run resort is set on a hillside running down to True Blue Bay and offers two swimming pools, a spa, restaurant and bar, plus an onsite dive centre.

For details visit www.truebluebay.com

Red Sea Holidays adds 36 hotels across eight resorts in new 2013/14 brochure RED SEA Holidays’ new September 2013-October 2014 brochure sees an expanded selection of 36 hotels across eight resorts on the Red Sea plus additional packages to Luxor and Cairo.

Jason Hilton, the operator's sales director, said: “Demand is high for good value sunshine holidays, both winter and summer and we continue to

build on that. We have also extended our high-end offering by adding scheduled Egypt Air flights and expanding our third party hotel options to include four- and five-star properties from top hotel chains Rixos, Meliá, and Four Seasons in Sharm el Sheikh, as well as Iberotel in Dahab and Luxor.”

The operator has also recently acquired the four-star Savita Resort &

Spa, Sharm el Sheikh. Located in Sharks Bay, the beachfront hotel will operate on an all-inclusive basis.

As an example of packages, a tennight all-inclusive stay at the Savita Resort & Spa costs from £559 per person, including flights and £75 off per room when booked before September 30. Departures are from Gatwick on November 25.

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AFFORDABLE LUXURY HOLIDAYS PRIVATE TOURS & TWIN CENTRES

0800 008 7288 www.classic-collection.co.uk

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wintersun Sandals LaSource Grenada set to open in December SANDALS LASOURCE Grenada Resort & Spa is set to open its doors in December.

Located on Spice Island, the resort will offer 225 rooms housed within three villages: Pink Gin, Italian and South Seas.

With accommodation ranging from Millionaire Suites to swim-up river rooms, the resort will feature private infinity pools, outdoor freestanding stone soaking tubs, private grottos with outdoor showers, enclosed patios with Jacuzzi, infinity plunge pools and private whirlpools.

There will be nine dining options, including the brand’s first steakhouse, which guests will be able to explore through the company's new Discovery Dining experience.

Health and wellbeing will also be an important focus, with the inclusion of an indoor and outdoor wellness centre with a gym, waterfalls and reflective pools, plus a spa offering nine treatment rooms.

Island Routes Caribbean Adventures has also expanded in Grenada, offering a selection of new adventures with an initial inventory of 14 new off-road adventures, water-based attractions, plus epicurean and cultural excursions.

Seven nights’ all-inclusive accommodation at the resort in a Pink Gin deluxe room costs from £1,875 per person, saving £503 per person for travel between January 1 and March 23.

Flights from Gatwick and transfers are also included.

For more information or to make a booking call 0800-597 0002, email sales@sandals.co.uk or visit www.sandals.co.uk

CLIENTS LOOKING to swap winter weather for the Maldives this year can now take advantage of early bird booking rates.

For bookings made by October 31, a 10% discount is available on stays at Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort.

Facilities at the property include a selection of restaurants and bars, two large pools, a spa and a watersports centre with a kitesurfing school.

First Choice offers seven nights at the property from £2,155 per person (including the 10% saving), based on a January 12 departure. It includes accommodation in a deluxe room on an allinclusive basis, flights from Gatwick with Thompson, speedboat transfers, taxes and surcharges.

For details see www.firstchoice.co.uk or call 0871-200 7799.

CANARIES

5* ABAMA GOLF & SPA RESORT TENERIFE

5* SEASIDE PALM BEACH GRAN CANARIA

5* PRINCESA YAIZA LANZAROTE

Stay 7 pay 5 and Early Booking discount for arrivals 1 - 20 December 13 when booked by 31 August.

Prices from £827 pp

Book by 30 September 13 to receive an early booking discount for holidays 1 November - 30 April 14 Prices from £896 pp

Book by 31 October 13 to receive an early booking discount for holidays 1 November - 30 April 14 Prices from £775 pp

PRESTIGE H O L I D A Y S

.C O.U K

01425 480400

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s y a d i l o h spa CROATIA'S DUBROVNIK Sun Gardens is offering a range of special deals on spa packages. As an example, an Ionithermie Body Contouring System offers weight loss treatment with guaranteed results aimed at reducing cellulite, promoting loss of centimetres around the waist, reducing fluid retention, improving circulation, as well as firming and toning the body. The property's OCCO Spa offers Ionithermie super detox ‘ultimate’ or ‘express’ treatments with prices leading in at approximately £110 for an hour's treatment.

Jamaican spa properties offer savings on accommodation CLIENTS LOOKING to travel to Jamaica for a spa break can take advantage of a range of offers from a selection of properties.

At the Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa, a seven-night, all-inclusive stay is being offered for the price of six, leading in at £999 per person and offering a saving of £135 per couple. The deal from Letsgo2 includes flights from Gatwick, transfers and accommodation, and the price is based on two sharing a Resort View Room, departing from January 10 to March 20, 2014. To book call 020-3582 3874 or visit www.letsgo2.com Alternatively, a 14-night, all-inclusive package at ClubHotel Riu Negril with Thomson costs from £1,199 per person, including flights from Gatwick with Virgin Atlantic, and offers a saving of £432 per couple. The price is based on two sharing and a December 2 departure.

Call 0871-230 2555 or visit www.thomson.co.uk Clients with a higher budget can opt for a seven nights for the price of four package at Round Hill Hotel & Villas, which leads in at £1,720 per person and offers a saving of more than £575 per person. Turquoise Holidays is offering the deal with Virgin Atlantic flights, private transfers and breakfast accommodation, based on two sharing an Oceanfront View room for travel on November 6.

Call 01494-678400 or visit www.turquoiseholidays.co.uk

Rose Hall golf course

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August 16 2013

Saint Lucia set to host second health and wellness retreat SAINT LUCIA will be hosting its second annual health and wellness retreat from November 1-3.

It will take place at various hotels across the island, including The BodyHoliday, Sandals Grande Beach Resort & Spa, The Landings, Cap Maison, Blue, Bay Gardens Beach Resort and Coco Palm.

The four-day programme will explore themes such as mental wellness, spiritual awakening, anti-ageing, nutrition and healthy cooking, yoga and natural healing remedies.

Activities include spa experiences, rainforest hikes, cooking demonstrations, beach fitness boot camps and yoga and tai chi.

For further details see www.saintlucianow.co.uk

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spaholidays COMO Shambhala Estate launches traditional oriental medicine programme COMO SHAMBHALA Estate in Bali is offering guests a comprehensive healing itinerary based on classical oriental beliefs regarding health and longevity.

Individual diagnosisbased programmes are crafted to suit each guest and begin with a consultation with the property’s oriental medicine practitioner.

Programmes include acupuncture, massage therapy, herbal medicine and nutritional advice, as well as specific exercises such as Qigong and meditation. Guests also have the opportunity to take part in a daily complimentary schedule of activities.

The Oriental Medicine Programme, which can be undertaken over three to eight nights, includes accommodation at the hotel and all meals, plus a personalised wellness consultation, acupuncture, massage therapies and private Qigong lessons.

The number of sessions depends on the length of stay.

For more information visit www.comoshambhalaestate .com

Family-friendly spa holidays at The Residence properties THE RESIDENCE properties in Mauritius and the Maldives are offering a range of familyfriendly spa packages.

In Mauritius, children can now join their parents in the Sanctuary Spa following the introduction of a new range of treatments designed for kids, including Haute Beauté facials for teens, minimanicures, pedicures and hair braiding.

The property also offers a free Planters Kids Club for ages three to 12, where children can participate in organised treasure hunts, snorkelling classes, facepainting, glass-bottom boat tours, pony rides, plus fashion shows, plays and films.

Turquoise Holidays is offering seven nights for the

price of six in two Colonial Garden View rooms at the hotel from £1,359 per person, based on two adults and two children under 12 travelling, offering a saving of more than £1,850 per family of four. The price includes a complimentary room for the children, breakfast, lunch, dinner, flights and private transfers, and is valid for travel during school summer holidays. For details call 01494-678400 or see www.turquoiseholidays.co.uk.

Alternatively, the group’s Maldives' property now offers a Clarins Spa, offering a range of beauty services and treatments as well as local techniques and rituals. It also features six overwater pavilions with sunrise and

sunset views, a hair salon and a large open deck for meditation and yoga classes.

A range of spa packages are available as well as a special menu for children including a 50-minute gentle Swedish massage, a 30minute facial and an icecream to finish.

Angel Fish Travel offers seven nights for the price of six in a Beach Villa on an allinclusive basis at the property from £3,199 per person, saving £671 per person. It includes BA flights from Gatwick, one free night and private transfers and is valid for travel from now until August 31.

For details call 01580-712690 or see www.angelfishtravel.com

GoLearnTo.com offers Mediterranean yoga & spa breaks GOLEARNTO.COM IS offering Mediterranean yoga and spa breaks, with a four-day/threenight yoga break in the Sabina Mountains near Rome, Italy leading in at £224 per person.

As well as yoga, the trip offers a range of holistic therapies and spa treatments at the retreat and cycling, walking, horse-riding, salsa dancing, painting, visits to the hot springs and sightseeing in Rome outside of the retreat.

Alternatively, a four-day/three-night Pilates and spa break in Alicante, Spain costs from £491 per person. Guests will experience a five-star hotel spa and will have a Pilates programme tailor-made for them by an instructor.

Malta spa breaks from £464 with Belleair Holidays BELLEAIR IS offering seven nights at the five-star Le Meridien St. Julian’s Hotel & Spa, Malta from £464 per person.

Situated along the seafront of Balluta Bay, the hotel features a MyoKa Spa and is located within close proximity to a variety of restaurants, bars, nightclubs and the main shopping area of Sliema.

The price, which is based on two sharing for a November 15 departure, includes flights from Gatwick, breakfast accommodation in a superior room, private transfers and complimentary entry to a selected Malta attraction.

For more information call 0845-365 3412 or visit www.belleair.co.uk/agents

Award-winning Spa by OCCO is a haven of tranquillity and indulgence at the heart of the Radisson blu Resort, Dubrovnik Sun Gardens Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Dubrovnik Sun Gardens Na Moru 1, 20234 Orašac Dubrovnik, Croatia, Tel: +385 20 361 500, Fax: +385 20 361 501 KPHQ FWDTQXPKM"TCFKUUQPDNW EQO ũ www.radissonblu.com/resort-dubrovnik

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August 16 2013

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spaholidays Leading Hotels of the World promotes range of spa experiences We asked our staff the following question this week: What’s the bravest thing you’ve ever done?

Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk I confronted a bag snatcher and demanded he return my sister's bag!

Editor: Lauretta Wright lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk Walking on thin ice (literally) on a lake with my brother when I was about 11 (stupid rather than brave!)

Assistant Editor: Jill Sayles jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk I had 11 teeth out at once when I was 10 years old

Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore post@travelbulletin.co.uk Saying I do

Sales Director: Simon Eddolls simon.eddolls@travelbulletin.co.uk Advertisement Manager: Tim Podger tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk Being on the back of a motor bike taxi in Bangkok rush hour

Online Sales Manager: Nick Boocock nick.boocock@travelbulletin.co.uk Pitched movie projects to seasoned Hollywood producers, and to a packed room at BAFTA HQ

Account Manager: Bill Coad bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk A parachute jump

Sales Executive: Chris Gascoine chris.gascoine@travelbulletin.co.uk A bungee catapult ride which throws you 150m in the air

Sales Executive: Matt Gill matt.gill@travelbulletin.co.uk Jumped off the 80ft cliff at Ricks Cafe, Jamaica

Senior Designer: Genaro Santos genaro.santos@travelbulletin.co.uk

LEADING HOTELS of the World (LHW) is promoting a range of spa experiences at a selection of its member hotels worldwide.

Located in the Swiss Alps, the Gstaad Palace hotel offers a mountainthemed spa to fit in with the property’s surroundings, complete with a 60mlong wall constructed using granite from the nearby Blausee region in the Bernese Oberland.

La Mamounia, Marrakech Spread over 1,800sq.m, the spa includes eight treatment rooms; a hammam; private spa suite; saunas and steam baths; relaxation areas; indoor and outdoor pools with Jacuzzi; gym; and a Pilates studio.

The hotel has also launched a new spa product range, Ivo Pitanguy Day, as well as a boot camp.

Meanwhile, the Dunton Hot Springs Resort, located in the San Juan Mountains of the Colorado Rockies, offers amenities including a private spa and natural hot springs, with accommodation provided in 12 private log cabins and one luxury tent crafted from canvas, salvaged wood and materials from the 1800s.

Spa treatments include a hot river rock massage, a Swedish massage, a Mountain Glow massage, a hydrating wrap and customised facials.

Alternatively, the Royal Mansour Marrakech offers a choice of four hammams with a range of treatments. Facilities include a hair salon, manicure and pedicure suite, private spa suites with a private terrace and a plunge pool. The fitness centre offers yoga, fitness classes, Pilates and personal trainers, along with a pool.

The La Mamounia, also located in Marrakech, offers a 2,500sq.m spa with a traditional Moroccan hammam, two private hammams; a fitness centre; tennis courts; and indoor and outdoor pools.

The hotel features 136 guest rooms, 71 suites including seven Signature Suites and three Riads, each with three bedrooms, private terraces, Moroccan salons and a private pool.

ST. MICHAEL’S Hotel & Spa in Falmouth, Cornwall, is located minutes away from a sandy Blue Flag beach and features a spa complete with a range of treatments. Facilities include a heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, steam room, sun deck and a recently renovated fitness suite.

For details see www.stmichaelshotel.co.uk

Assistant Designer: Nicky Valsamakis nicky.valsamakis@travelbulletin.co.uk Swimming with sharks

Production: Nick Salt production@travelbulletin.co.uk I once went to a pub in Birkenhead

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August 16 2013

View of the gardens from St. Michael's Hotel

puzzlesolutions Crossword: Across: 1. BRATISLAVA, 5. GCI, 6. COMFORT, 8. CROMER, 9. ETON, 12. OMAN, 13. NICOLE, 15. LERWICK, 17. SAS, 18. STONEHENGE. Down: 1. BIG SCHOOL, 2. ARIZONA, 3. LIMA, 4. VGO, 6. CAEN, 7. TENNESSEE, 10. THOMSON, 11. PINK, 14. XIAN, 16. ROT.

Highlighted Word: TEXAS Travagrams: (top) Belleair Holidays

(bottom) Jamaica

Where Am I?: Efteling

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LUXURY LATE

summerSAVINGS Cyprus

Lanzarote

5+ Annabelle HALF BOARD

DEPARTS 27 SEP

£969pp

IURP

SAVE £U S3HUVR4Q SH8U ZN SH

5+ Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel B&B

BEST PRICE

DEPARTS 27 SEP

£1,039pp

IURP

Reduced rates + FREE upgrade WR KDOI ERDUG )RU VWD\V EHIRUH 2FW

Mallorca

Madeira

B&B

B&B

4+ Es Moli

BEST PRICE

DEPARTS 27 SEP

£999pp

IURP

Cyprus

5+ Le Meridien Limassol HALF BOARD DEPARTS 27 SEP

£1,147pp

IURP

SAVE £3VR0Q SH1U ZN

5+ Reid’s Palace

BEST PRICE

DEPARTS 27 SEP

£1,499pp

IURP

Turkey 5+ Susesi Luxury Resort

BEST PRICE

ALL INCLUSIVE

DEPARTS 27 SEP

SHU SHU

£1,449pp

IURP

FREE upgrade to half board )RU VWD\V EHIRUH 2FW

Madeira 4+ Quinta Bela Sao Tiago HALF BOARD DEPARTS 23 SEP

£789pp

IURP

SAVE £1HUVR0Q SH3U ZN SHU S

Turkey

5+ D-Hotel Maris B&B

DEPARTS 27 SEP

£1,124pp

IURP

BEST PRICE

Reduced rates )RU KDOI ERDUG VWD\V XQWLO 6HS

Call 0800 008 7288 QLJKW JXLGH SULFHV LQFOXGHV *DWZLFN Á LJKWV DQG SULYDWH WUDQVIHUV Prices & offers subject to availability

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