inspirations simonseeks
april 2011
Inside:
Blue-blooded cities fit for a future queen The hottest new openings Luxe for less: Berlin Athens in pictures Win a night with Michael Caines
Exclusive chalet offers
Wales National Parks
£199
From pp Five star Pembrokeshire cottages £50 off Click here
Family deal in Les Arcs
Two night Glasgow hotel
£1375 for 4 April 4-17, amazing whole family deal in Les Arcs Click here
£75pp
From Two nights with free threecourse meal on first night Click here
UK
EUROPE AND THE MED
£395pp
From 50 per cent off plus no flight supplement Click here
Deals of the month
The Simonseeks team has trawled the internet for the best offers so you don’t have to Seven nights in Turkey
Three nights in Iceland
EUROPE AND THE MED
£329pp
From Whale watching in Reykjavik and the Blue Lagoon Click here
MEDIUM AND LONG HAUL
£249pp
From All inclusive, save up to £200 per person Click here
Seven nights in Sharm
14 nights in Majorca
£329pp
From all inc Save up to £130 per person Click here
7 nights Dominican Rep
£647pp
From All inclusive. Includes selected sports and activities Click here
Seven nights Eastern Med
£825pp
£699pp
From 50 per cent off plus free car hire Click here
From Departs May 29. Inc. $100 on board spending money Click here
France & Spain with P&O
£649pp
£579pp
From Departs April 22 includes balcony stateroom
From return Amazing Australian adventures with this great flight deal Click here 5* London hotels from £125pn Click here
Tenerife hotels from £78.11pn Click here
Discounted Barcelona hotels from £62.82pn Click here
Great hotels in Greece, including islands from £122.15pn Click here
Click here
Adriatic from Venice CRUISE
OTHER DEALS
FLIGHTS
Flights to Australia
£629pp
From Departs Oct 8. Inc. $100 on board spending money Click here
THESE DEALS ARE HOT, IF THEY’VE SOLD OUT CLICK HERE FOR MORE
Win a night at ABode Manchester
Welcome to the first edition of Inspirations. For many years, I’ve wondered why people have to pay for glossy travel magazines when there is so much information already out there for free. It’s one of the reasons we have launched Inspirations, using content from our website to help people find better holiday ideas and offer them the chance to book for the best price possible. And in this first edition, we have some great ideas to share. There are all the best new openings, Berlin on a budget and our Community Guide of the month. There’s of course, the Royal Wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton, so we’ve drawn up a list of destinations that are fit for anyone with blueblooded aspirations. Enjoy reading Simon Nixon
Where am I? On the crux of two continents, I’m a city that is always on the Straits and narrow. Guess where this picture was taken and click here for the chance to win a Soul on Fire night at Manchester’s ABode hotel. The Ultimate ABode package includes a stay in an Enviable bedroom or a Fabulous
suite, a pre-dinner glass of MC Champagne, a seven-course tasting menu by celebrity chef Michael Caines and breakfast. The usual cost of the break is £329 in an Enviable room (two sharing) or £380 per suite (two sharing). There is a £70 supplement for Saturday nights. Visit www.abodehotels.co.uk for more information.
IN THIS MONTH’S ISSUE n WHAT’S HOT: All the best new hotel , restaurant and bar openings in our Expert destinations n COMMUNITY GUIDE OF THE MONTH: February winner, Finn McCarthy discovers Saxon Switzerland n LUXE FOR LESS: Our choice of the best of Berlin with hotels that cost less than £100 n IMAGE GALLERY: Be inspired to take a closer look at gorgeous Athens n PERFECT DAY: 24 hours in Manchester n FIT FOR A QUEEN: Ahead of the Royal Wedding, check out these cities with a regal touch. n THIS MONTH’S BEST DEALS: Bag a bargain
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The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas The new kid on the block known as Las Vegas Boulevard, The Cosmopolitan (main picture), only opened in December but quickly shot to be number one in our Las Vegas Expert Julia Buckley’s list of hotels She highlights its gorgeous decor, great selection of bars, art collection and free concerts. Julia says: “It’s definitely the hotel to go for if you don’t think of yourself as the typical Vegas tourist.” Click here to read Julia’s full review and book this and other Las Vegas hotels
What’s hot...
Simonseeks Experts’ favourite recent openings from around the world
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The Savoy, London After a three-year, £100 million restoration, The Savoy is causing as much of a sensation as it did when it first opened its doors in 1889. London Expert, Nigel Tisdall, thinks the reopening was worth the wait as the hotel is now one of the most prestigious places to stay in England’s capital. Click here ro read Nigel’s review and book the Savoy
En Petit Comité, Barcelona Venture to one of Barcelona’s prettiest (and most secret) squares (C/Lluis el Piadós), to find En Petit Comité, a lively neighbourhood joint that is fast becoming a favourite with locals. Click here to read Expert Sally Davies’ review
San Carlo Cicchetti, Manchester Manchester’s hottest new opening, San Carlo Cicchetti, is the place to be seen in the city centre. Manchester Expert, Cathy Baldwin, loves the concept of the stylish new eating place where you can make up a meal by ordering several small cicchetti dishes, sip good wine and soak up the marble-clad atmosphere. Click here to read Cathy’s review
Viu Lounge bar, Tenerife A nightclub opening in Tenerife may not seem like the most surprising news but the fact that it is in the San Telmo area of Los Cristianos (pictured) will excite in-the-know holidaymakers. The Viu Lounge bar has just opened its doors in the resort that our Tenerife Expert, Andrea Montgomery, says is giving Playa de Las Americas a run for its money. Click here to read Andrea’s blog
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Between a rock and COMMUNITY GUIDE OF THE MONTH: Simonseeks is not just about Expert content. We also have a Community of travel professionals and enthusiasts who submit inspirational stories from their travels. Here FINN MCCARTHY tells us about his latest trip to Saxon Switzerland THE NAME Saxon Switzerland sounds initially like a mellow heavy metal band or a fantasy mountain kingdom. It is neither but instead a magnificently rugged region in eastern Germany dominated by bizarre sandstone formations overlooking the River Elbe. Situated about an hour by the S1 train from Dresden and close to the Czech border, it offers some of the best walking in Germany, cycling, rock climbing and the chance to explore historic towns and castles. Bad Schandau We based ourselves in Bad Schandau, a compact spa town,
which in 2009 was the setting for Quentin Tarantino’s film ‘Inglourious Basterds’. It had a helpful Tourist Office as well as a separate National Park Centre. Excellent advice, information about the availability of travel cards and maps were all accessible. The town has its own opened Toscana Therme, a thermal spa, which has several pools where guests can choose a variety of experiences. Nevertheless we were drawn to the area for the scenery, the history and the hiking. Schrammsteine Strolling east by the River Elbe
towards Ostrau was the prelude to the climb towards the peaks of Schrammsteine. The path, like all the trails in this area, was clearly marked by the National Park authorities and was a difficult but not an exhausting climb. There was a magnificent panorama including grandstand views of daring climbers scaling sandstone stacks. It is Germany’s premier rock climbing site where practitioners have to use traditional methods. The Bastei Castled crags and extensive views dominated our daily experience. The top headline act was the
THINK YOU CAN DO BETTER? FIND OUT HOW TO
a winding river Bastei, meaning “the bastion” or “the fortress”. Armed with a family day ticket (euro 11) which covered most forms of travel, we took the ferry across to the station. A brief train ride to Rathen and another short ferry crossing led us to the the climb. It was not too daunting an ascent. After half an hour’s exertion, we reached these eccentric steeplelike rock formations that rose dizzily above the Elbe. Linked by a series of stone footbridges, they gave wonderful vistas of the river and the surrounding forest. It was worth getting here before the coach loads arrived and an added bonus was the opportunity to return through the valley via the
town to Konigstein. Towering leafy trees, gorges and gullies reminded us why this landscape was an inspiration to German Romantic artists. The pathway had even been named the Painters’ Way and it led back to the fortress at Konigstein. Konigstein This was an impregnable castle which housed a number of famous prisoners. We explored dungeons, armoury displays and a mysterious, fathomless well. Again the views were outstanding and the trip there was enhanced by a variety of transport including an ancient bus and land train. To read the rest of Finn’s trip, click here
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Luxe for less
Berlin Expert Paul Sullivan’s best hotels for less than £100 The Ritz-Carlton Berlin's Ritz Carlton features a glamorous spa, outstanding service, grandiose rooms and gourmet food. In other words, everything you need. There's a price to be paid for all this luxury of course, but in my opinion this one is definitely worth the splash. Click here to book from £97 per night
Michelbergerhotel The Michelberger is the kind of hotel that aims for the stars and hits the moon. My favourite thing about this place is that it has a good sense of humour (as can be seen from the website) and a commitment to creativity in terms of decor and management. It's a fun place to stay and close to plenty of great nightlife and sights. Click here to book from £49 per night
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Soho House Berlin One of the newest and most controversial accommodation spots in Berlin, Soho House follow up on their successes in New York and London with an impressive hotel-cum-members club in a building once used alternately as a centre for the Hitler Youth and a Communist archival house. Opinion is torn between those who adore the arrival of such a brazenly sassy space in the city, while others feel it's a mismatch with Berlin's historically unkempt and egalitarian vibe. As is often the case, the truth lies somewhere in between. Click here to book from £80 per night
Hotel Concorde Though this hotel - part of the French Concorde hotel chain - is 'officially' aimed at the business market, it impresed and surprised me with its fantastic design aesthetic and a friendly, welcoming appeal that makes it a wonderful option for all kinds of travellers to Berlin. Click here to book from £82 per night
Hotel Mandala This hotel is as ultra-swanky as they come - a geniune boon for anyone seeking high end comfort, a stylish environment and a great, central location. For my money, it's one of the best hotels in the city all round. Click here to book from £77 per night
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My perfect day in... Manchester
By your Expert, Cathy Baldwin 10am I can’t function without breakfast and Browns (right) in the city centre feels like a rather grand place to enjoy a coffee and croissant to start the day. 11am Despite having lived in Manchester all my life, I still enjoy looking at its architecture from above. The Wheel of Manchester (below) is a great vantage point and is right in the heart of my favourite shopping area, Exchange Square. 1pm After browsing the shops, working my way up St Ann’s Square and then finishing in the city’s oldest department store Kendals (98116 Deansgate, 0844 800 3744; www.houseoffraser.co.uk), my favourite place to have a mid-shopping trip lunch is in San Carlo Cicchetti. 3pm I love the spa in the Radisson Edwardian Manchester and I could happily spend the whole afternoon there having a treatment, relaxing in the pool and unwinding in the steam room and Jacuzzi. 7pm Michael Caines at ABode Manchester is a great spot for a celebratory dinner. As I am indecisive and prefer grazing to gorging, I tend to go for the tasting menu on offer here. 10pm One of my favourite bars in Manchester for a nightcap is Socio Rehab (108 High St, 0161 832 4529; www.sociorehab.com) – their cocktails are amazing!
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The Parthenon-topped Acropolis, the stunning new Acropolis Museum, a performance at the ancient Herodus Atticus theatre, the Temple of Cape Sounion... The Greek capital can be picture perfect. Click here to find the best hotels, restaurants and things to do here
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Fit for a future queen We pick the best cities with a regal flourish
Get in the spirit of the Royal Wedding and celebrate the upcoming nuptials in one of our five regal destinations
London
One invites you… Pack your bunting and head to the capital to see Will and Kate tie the knot at Westminster Abbey. Home to Buckingham Palace, Beefeaters and buses, there is no better place to be for the wedding of the year. London isn’t just about sights though, according to our London Expert Nigel Tisdall, Londoners are also blessed with super cafés and restaurants, where pioneering British cooks ply their trade with the best chefs from around the world. Click here for hotels, restaurants and things to do in London
Madrid
Something borrowed... Be prepared for a visual onslaught at Madrid’s 18th-century royal palace, where the opulent decoration bombards your senses at every turn. Standing on the site of the 9th century Alcazar fortress, you can see why they chose this location. Just a few hours in this exhilarating city will remind you how much fun you can have when you just go with the flow, according to Annie Bennett our Madrid Expert. Click here for hotels, restaurants and things to do in Madrid
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Amsterdam
Something blue... Built in the mid-17th century, the Royal Palace on Dam Square, was hailed as the eighth wonder of the world. You can now visit it when Queen Beatrix is not using it to host formal receptions – and you should. Yes, the coffeeshops, sex shops and the Red Light District are all there, but it's easy to avoid Amsterdam's sleazy aspects according to Amsterdam Expert, Fred Mawer. Click here for hotels, restaurants and things to do in Amsterdam
Copenhagen
Something old... Copenhagen is bursting with more than 1,000 years of uninterrupted royal lineage, from palaces to ancient fortifications. Follow our
Copenhagen Expert Andrew Stone and walk the cobbled streets and admire the copper spires and fairytale castle walls. Click here for hotels, restaurants and things to do in Copenhagen
Las Vegas
Something new... Why not marry Prince Charming in the presence of the King, left, in one of Vegas’ wedding chapels such as Viva Las Vegas Weddings ? Admit it – you've always had a secret Vegas wedding fantasy. And although you might not want to make it a reality, a cruise around the most famous chapels is fascinating, according to Julia Buckley, our Las Vegas Expert. Click here for hotels, restaurants and things to do in Las Vegas
GET THE NEXT ISSUE SENT TO YOUR INBOX CLICK HERE
Exclusive chalet offers
Wales National Parks
£199
From pp Five star Pembrokeshire cottages £50 off Click here
Family deal in Les Arcs
Two night Glasgow hotel
£1375 for 4 April 4-17, amazing whole family deal in Les Arcs Click here
£75pp
From Two nights with free threecourse meal on first night Click here
UK
EUROPE AND THE MED
£395pp
From 50 per cent off plus no flight supplement Click here
Deals of the month
The Simonseeks team has trawled the internet for the best offers so you don’t have to Seven nights in Turkey
Three nights in Iceland
EUROPE AND THE MED
£329pp
From Whale watching in Reykjavik and the Blue Lagoon Click here
MEDIUM AND LONG HAUL
£249pp
From All inclusive, save up to £200 per person Click here
Seven nights in Sharm
14 nights in Majorca
£329pp
From all inc Save up to £130 per person Click here
7 nights Dominican Rep
£647pp
From All inclusive. Includes selected sports and activities Click here
Seven nights Eastern Med
£825pp
£699pp
From 50 per cent off plus free car hire Click here
From Departs May 29. Inc. $100 on board spending money Click here
France & Spain with P&O
£649pp
£579pp
From Departs April 22 includes balcony stateroom
From return Amazing Australian adventures with this great flight deal Click here 5* London hotels from £125pn Click here
Tenerife hotels from £78.11pn Click here
Discounted Barcelona hotels from £62.82pn Click here
Great hotels in Greece, including islands from £122.15pn Click here
Click here
Adriatic from Venice CRUISE
OTHER DEALS
FLIGHTS
Flights to Australia
£629pp
From Departs Oct 8. Inc. $100 on board spending money Click here
THESE DEALS ARE HOT, IF THEY’VE SOLD OUT CLICK HERE FOR MORE