TN Features

Highlights of South Africa- A 2 week itinerary

Lisa Corcoran — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 17:36:29 +0000

Having just returned from South Africa I can honestly say that it was a truly memorable holiday, in fact my husband thinks it was straight in at number one! I was actually relieved that my itinerary fell into place as I had researched and booked everything myself. The weather held up and out of two weeks we only had two days of bad weather although people we met did say they were experiencing a mild winter. For us, visiting in their winter (off season) provided better rates (inc free nights) and less crowds which meant we could stay at places we definitely would not be able to afford in high season. In my opinion a great time to visit!

IMAGES OF SOUTH AFRICA See the photo gallery

Here is our itinerary with highlights along the way;-

Camps BayDays 1-3 Capetown

Sleep: More Quarters - Apartment style room in a good location with friendly, helpful staff. Breakfast was really good.

Eat: Aubergine Lovely food in a relaxed atmosphere. Enjoyed talking to the sommelier Dominic who ensured we had good wine as well.

Bombay Bicycle Club Relaxed setting with decent food, felt a bit bohemian. Quite cramped near the door, we had to move seats.

Drinks: Bascule (Cape Grace Hotel) A great little place for a cocktail down at the Waterfront

Memorable: Afternoon Tea at Mount Nelson Walking distance from More Quarters I have never seen as many cakes in my life. The 'Teaman' as we christened him was a real character. You could have as much as you wanted for about £15, unreal!

Climbing Table Mountain A little more than we bargained for! We climbed the Platteklip Gorge route in the blazing sun and it was definitely not for the faint hearted. The route took you straight up the mountain via a series of steps. Enjoyed talking to people on the way up as everyone had to stop for breathers. Felt great when we reached the top and good views all around. Took the easy way down in the form of the cable car.

Robben Island Tour An emotional tour which was informative with a former political prisoner as a guide.

The Waterfront and Table MountainWaterfront Lively collection of shops and restaurants with good views of Table Mountain

Cape Point Drive A scenic drive around the Cape Peninsula including a penguin viewing point.

Days 4-5 Franschhoek (50 mins drive) Franschhoek is a delightful town in the heart of the winelands with a lovely atmosphere and beautiful scenery. It is definitely 'foodie heaven'!

Sleep: Akademie Street I would highly recommend this guesthouse where the attention to detail is second to none. We were upgraded to Gelatenheid which was stunning and so spacious with a private pool. Katherine (owner) and Hazel were so lovely and provided good recommendations and an excellent breakfast.

Eat: Reubens Local chef, decent food

Ryan's Kitchen: This was voted top meal of the holiday, only open for two months, Ryan and his wife Lana have succeeded in creating a lovely atmosphere (small, open kitchen) with excellent food and service. Even though my fish was delicious I was so jealous when I tasted my husband's fillet steak which was tender beyond belief for the price of approx £12. Unbelievable!

Bread and Wine: A great place for lunch. Found on the Moresons wine farm, we ate outside and enjoyed good food, service and wine.

Memorable: Wine tasting at Stony Brook (small family run wine farm with the personal touch) and Delaire Graff Estate (stunning new winery, restaurant and boutique hotel.)

Days 6-9 Knysna (About 5.5 hours via Hermanus)

This was the longest drive we had to do and because I had read about Hermanus I wanted to call in for the afternoon. Can't say I know what all the fuss is about. It's a busy seaside town where whales can be seen. Needless to say there were no whales around when we arrived.

On to Pezula:

Horse Riding at PezulaSleep: Pezula Resort This is a fabulous place to stay, our room was huge and the bathroom fantastic. A luxury resort that in my opinion is unstuffy with delightful staff. This is where we had a couple of days of bad weather but can't say it was a problem...I can think of worse places to be stranded in the rain! The concierge was so helpful especially when we kept trying to get out horse riding, finally made it on the last day and it was well worth the wait. The spa was also superb and a relaxing way to spend a wet afternoon. Very sad to leave....

Eat: Cafe Mario Friendly Italian with good atmosphere and great pizza and pasta

Memorable: Horse Ride, Spa, Hike

Day 10: Port Elizabeth (3 hours)

A stopover at Manor 38 in Port Elizabeth meant that the journey up to the safari lodge was not too long. This was a lovely small guesthouse with friendly host and excellent breakfast. This was the only night I hadn't booked in advance so I was quite pleased with myself when I stumbled on this little place on the internet.

Yours truly on safariDays 11-14 (2 hours) Safari

I remember reading about CC Africa (now &Beyond) a while ago and always wanted to stay in one of their lodges. Well now I have and it certainly didn't disappoint. This was definitely the highlight of my holiday and from the moment we stepped into Kwandwe, everything was perfect. The food was excellent and the rooms were huge. We met some lovely people and this includes the staff who really went out of their way to ensure a memorable experience. I have to give a special mention to Ryan and Andy who made our game drives so much fun as well as seeing much of the wildlife at a very short distance. Still can't believe we saw a 'cheetah kill'!

Would love to stay in another &Beyond Lodge in the future..can't recommend them highly enough.

'The Dream Team' aka Andy & RyanSleep: Ecca Lodge, Kwandwe

Eat: All inclusive

Memorable: Lodge Choir So moving and a memory that will stay with us for ever.

The entire 4 days!!

And so it ended. Well almost- a couple of hours to Port Elizabeth airport to drop the car off and then a one hour flight to Capetown before the night flight back to Heathrow. All good things come to an end but hopefully I will return to Africa in the future...

Introducing Shemshak Lodge, Courchevel 1850

Lisa Corcoran — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:47:12 +0000

Shemshak Lodge is a stunning new chalet situated in an enviable position on the piste in the fabulous Courchevel 1850. Making its debut this winter, the chalet has been finished to a standard to match this world class resort.

Sleeping up to 13 guests in 5 ensuite bedrooms, the chalet is alpine chic at its best, with luxurious materials and furnishings designed by a top London interior designer. Bringing you a whole floor dedicated to your wellness and relaxation, Shemshak features a large swimming pool with panoramic views of the valley, separate Jacuzzi, sauna, hammam and your own state of the art gym.

Shemshak Lodge is positioned perfectly to enable you to ski in and ski out. Giving the advantage of a fantastic central location in one of the most glamorous resorts in the world along with direct access to the best skiing in the Trois Vallees. The lodge's desirable location means that you are also within walking distance of the famous boutiques of Courchevel 1850 but, as always with Consensio, you have your own private chauffeur to whisk you back in the comfort of a luxury 4x4.

The service with Consensio is always second to none. Your team will ensure that your stay is uncompromisingly bespoke, providing you with the ultimate ski experience.

Consensio has handpicked the finest properties throughout Europe, with Lodges and Villas set in the most desirable destinations.

Luxury Hotels At Affordable Prices

Lisa Corcoran — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 09:46:30 +0000

Opus Hotel Montreal now on Jetsetter.comIt seems this year the idea of the private hotel sale has definitely caught on. So where can you bag yourself a bargain? Join the following and enjoy the discounts!

Jetsetter: By invitation: Invite Link

Voyage Prive: By invitation: Invite Link

Tablet Hotels: Become a member or email me for link

Design Hotels: Join the club

Off & Away: Register (Auction site rather than private sale)

Images of Lion Sands River Lodge

Lisa Corcoran — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 15:42:36 +0000

Lion Sands River Lodge has recently completed a $1.8 million renovation. Check out this luxury private game reserve in South Africa. Looks good to me!

Luxury Chat Indeed!

Lisa Corcoran — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 08:54:26 +0000

The first Luxury Chat discussion took place on Twitter yesterday (3pm PST) with an enlightening conversation spanning social media, luxury brands and twitter engagement. Good to find out opinion on what brands are getting it right and who has no idea, Four Seasons Hotels certainly seem to be on the right track with numerous compliments sent their way.

If you missed it, see the transcript here and be sure to join in next month.

Luxury Chat discusses social media, luxury travel, fashion, technology, culinary and lifestyle and takes place on the third Wednesday of every month 2:30 PST/5:30 PM EST

Over the rooftops

Lisa Corcoran — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:01:09 +0000

It is a view often seen in glossy brochures (no not me!) and one which cruise ship passengers will have seen in their thousands but standing on the walls in Dubrovnik and seeing it 'in the flesh' for the first time is really quite something. Apart from being a spectacular vista (that view will be etched in my mind forever) it is also a contradiction in terms, where a sense of sadness and hope pervade.

Walking around the walls was fascinating in itself, walk around one corner and you can see over the rooftops, around the next, a tennis court and the next thing you know you can go through the wall into a make shift bar cut out from rock where you can watch the locals diving into the sea to cool off. It is also amazing to see local houses along the way or an alley where local children play football.

Looking out over the rooftops, it is hard to believe that this beautiful city was anything other than peaceful, however the buildings bear the scars of the all too recent and violent past. The optimistic future for this special place was best epitomised in a conversation with a local resident who having returned from Canada was eager to share his love and pride of his hometown. Although he wasn't too happy when the cruise ships sounded their horn right outside his house everyday!

This post has been entered into the Grantourismo and HomeAway Holiday-Rentals travel blogging competition.

Luxury Hotels in Tuscany

Lisa Corcoran — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:23:32 +0000

Tuscany is a classic destination for discerning travellers looking to lodge in elegant accommodations in one the world’s most sumptuous and visually stunning regions. Some of them are located in ever-busy cities, while others treat you to the tranquillity of the Tuscan countryside. These luxury Tuscany hotels range from an opulent Palazzo in Florence to a picturesque farmhouse in awe inspiring surroundings. The top notch standard of service, hospitality, accommodation, cuisine and amenities are what puts these accommodations in a true luxury class of its own.

If you are looking to luxuriate in the heart of Florence, the Palazzo Magnani Feroni is sure to fit the bill. This historic hotel on the Borgo San Frediano near the Ponte Veccio is decorated with numerous art pieces that you would expect to find in a fine arts museum. Special aspects of this 5 star accommodation are its original frescoes, traditional furniture and tasteful modern touches such as the state of the art marble baths. You will feel like a true principe or principessa waking up in this palace of grandeur.

On an exceptionally beautiful peninsula just 145 km North of Rome, a stunning environment awaits travellers at the recently opened luxury and design hotel Argentario Golf Resort & Spa. All of the 73 extravagantly designed rooms look out over the 18 hole golf course which was conceptualized by the famous golf architect David Mazzacane. The exclusive spa Espace invites guests to luxuriate in various saunas and succumb to heavenly treatments. White space interrupted by black and light wood creates an amalgamation of retro and contemporary designs. So kick back with a view of the Mediterranean sea and find pure tranquility in the surrounding landscape of centenary olive and cork tree groves.

If a luxury abode in a historic farmhouse strikes your fancy, then a stay at the 5 star Hotel Le Fontanelle in Pianella of the Chianti region near Siena is highly recommendable. This picturesque brick farmhouse building’s history leads back into the 13^th century, hints of which can be seen on the inner structures of the building. The hotel’s charming terrace overlooks the rolling hills of the surrounding landscape with its pine forests, olive groves and vineyards. From this lovely vantage point, Epicureans can revel in the outstanding selection of wines which are gracefully complemented by outstanding cuisine.

Rated among the best hotels of the world by Condé Nast Traveler, the 5 star luxury hotel Il Pellicano is dramatically stacked against a steep cliff side on the south eastern tip of the Tuscan peninsula of Argentario. The vibrant atmosphere of this state of the art hotel is complemented by endless sea views across the turquoise Mediterranean sea. Its excellent and international cuisine was awarded 2 Michelin stars and complements the hotel’s outstanding amenities which include a private beach, terraced patios, grass tennis courts and a heated seawater pool overlooking the ocean. Unwind at this luxurious cliff side nest which will pamper you with the exceptional high standard of service and ambiance of a unique and outstanding luxury hotel.

Contributed by Escapio.com where these and many more luxury, design and boutique hotels in Tuscany and beyond can be booked with a best price guarantee.

Skiing in Vail

Lisa Corcoran — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 10:59:54 +0000

I'm always asked the question 'Is it worth making the long journey to Vail (from the UK) to ski when Europe is on the doorstep?' I can answer with a resounding 'yes' every time. Having first skied in Vail ten years ago, just after the opening of Blue Sky Basin, I have since returned several times.

So what can possibly make a nine and a half hour flight followed by a two hour car journey (this year it took 3 hours as the I70 was covered in snow!) worth the effort. Easy, Vail is quite simply superb and has something to offer everyone from the complete beginner to the advanced skier. The slopes are much less crowded than Europe (at nearby Beaver Creek we virtually had the piste to ourselves!) and the runs are longer with little queuing necessary.

I'm always amazed when people say that Vail is fake, it sits beside the highway but for me that's a real plus because it makes access very straightforward. Vail village is pretty and Lionshead has a real buzz about it.

Staying at the Arrabelle at Vail Square is a real pleasure. Located in Lionshead, it is almost ski in/ski out. A couple of minutes walk to the ski valet where you can put on skis, boots and board the gondola takes away any hassle and makes for a relaxing start. I found the staff very helpful and the service was good although if I'm being picky it could have been better at breakfast. Complimentary hot chocolate and cookies were a welcoming touch and wi-fi internet access was complimentary. The room was spacious, the bathroom luxurious and I would certainly stay again at Easter as the rates were more reasonable than at peak times.

Tips

When to go: The ski season runs from the end of November to mid April but remember flights, room rates and lift pass are cheaper at Easter.

Eat: Blue Moose Pizza, Tavern on the Square, Larkspur, Bully Ranch

Sleep: The Arrabelle at Vail Square, Sonnenalp Resort of Vail

After the slopes: Vendetta's, Vail Chophouse

Don't miss: Blue Sky Basin

Coming soon: Four Seasons Vail is scheduled to open this summer.

Introducing City-Pick

Lisa Corcoran — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 21:29:55 +0000

With so much information readily available on the internet, iPhone Apps and traditional guidebooks, you have to raise the question, ' Is there any room for another city guide?'

In relation to the new City Pick Series, the answer has to be yes. An inspiring new series, City-Pick brings a city to life through a collection of writing. Examples include 'Elizabeth Bowen stays at the Shelbourne' (Dublin), 'Barbara Cartland takes us to a West End Ball' (London) and 'John Simpson sees the Wall come down' (Berlin).

I think this series is different in that rather than a guide to the best culture, restaurants, shops etc, it gives you a sense of how the city has evolved and lets you get under the skin of it, something which I know I failed to do on a recent trip to Berlin.

Jeremy Head (Travelblather.com) recently asked " Do people only buy guidebooks after deciding where they want to go or are guidebooks part of the decision making process?" The City Pick series definitely falls into the latter.

Cities available now priced at £8.99: London, Paris, Berlin and Dublin. Amsterdam and Venice will be published later this year. Keep up to date with the latest news at The City-Lit Cafe

The Best City Guide Apps

Lisa Corcoran — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 20:35:34 +0000

So you want a stylish city guide on your iPhone? Here's a comparison of chic city guides available to buy now from the App Store.

Unlike City Guide

Price: £2.99/$4.99

Sections: Shop, Club, Bar, Food, Hotel, Culture, Art, Wellness

Search: Browse by category & district

Features: Location based technology, My Tour personalised itinerary, Maps, Events

Like: Finding what is around you with the help of location based technology, underground stations on every listing.

Dislike: No general overview of city. almost too much information- can feel a little swamped.

Personal Use: Yes, used app in Berlin.

Available now: Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Copenhagen, London, Miami, Paris, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, Vienna

Wallpaper City Guide

Price: £2.39/$3.99

Sections: City at a Glance, Introduction, Essential Info, Neighbourhoods, Landmarks, Hotels, 24 Hours, Urban life, Insider's Guide, Architour, Shopping, Sports & Spas, Escapes

Search: No

Features: Directions based on location, Contact details for all listings.

Like: Good introduction and writing, Insider's Guide

Dislike: Uninspiring and not particularly interactive.

Personal Use: No

Available now: Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, London, Los Angeles, Milan, New York, Paris, Rome, Tokyo

Luxe City Guide

Price: £5.99/$9.99

Sections: Introductions & Blah Blah, Accommodation, Wine & Dine, Spa & Beauty, Activities, Shopping, Very Useful, Loves & Loathes, Anecdotes

Search: Full text search

Features: Personalised itinerary and favourites feature, maps, free updates for a year.

Like: Concise listings, easy to use, fun writing.

Dislike: Price

Personal Use: Not yet but have downloaded app for New York in the hope of using before the year is out!

Available now: Bali, Bangkok, Hong Kong, London, New York, Paris, Rome, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney.

Look out for new city guide app from Hg2 coming soon...