From Cornwall to Cambodia, Bacall Associates presents some of the hottest travel news from around the globe in 2011:
New wellness retreat offers holistic lifestyle in Zanzibar
Set to be a serious player on the global wellness scene, new holistic health resort Zamani Retreat Kempinski is a first for Africa. Presently operating as a conventional hotel, the Zamani Kempinski Zanzibar is undergoing a massive transformation to open early 2011 as the group's first dedicated wellness resort. The specially designed therapies and tailored programmes will demonstrate Asian, Indian and African influence, and delicious healthy spa cuisine will be prepared using the freshest ingredients from the organic garden. A dedicated sustainability team will ensure an ethical operation. www.kempinski.com/en/zanzibar
The world’s most expensive dessert
Ultra-luxury eco retreat Frégate Island Private, in the Seychelles, has teamed up with South Africa Diamonds and the world’s leading diamond cutting company, Rosy Blue, to create the world’s most exclusive dessert, worth in excess of US$5 million. The masterly, one-of-a-kind confectioned chocolate tarte by Maitre Andre Barbe, Frégate’s chef patissier, is garnished with no fewer than 929 diamonds, totalling 151.92 carats - including seven individual stones of between 5.05 and 9.04 carats. The perfect present for the girl who seemingly has everything, the diamond-studded dessert is priced at US$5,310,000 (approximately £3.33 million) and comes complete with two First Class Emirates Airlines tickets to the Seychelles from any destination in the world, and a one week full board stay for two at Frégate Island Private. www.fregate.com
Réunion Island – a new UNESCO natural heritage site
Grand Hôtel du Lagon on Réunion Island is an elegant landmark, overlooking a white sandy beach on this French departement’s only lagoon. In August this year the core zone of La Réunion National Park was awarded UNESCO natural heritage site status, on account of its “visually striking landscape”, “high level of endemism”, and “a remarkable and visually appealing mosaic of ecosystems and landscape features”. This follows the news earlier this year that Grand Hôtel du Lagon has become the first hotel in Réunion, or indeed any French departement or overseas territory, to be awarded a five-star rating by the French Ministry of Tourism. naiade.com/en/hotels/.../grand_hotel_du_lagon/default.aspx
Spa trends for 2011
With its finger always on the pulse, Wellbeing Escapes, the leading spa travel company, has identified the top health and wellness trends for 2011. The team at Wellbeing Escapes is committed to providing the most up-to-date research in order to have an unparalleled depth of understanding of the wellness approach and the products it offers, ensuring their customers are always kept fully informed. Looking at the booking patterns of their loyal client base and combining extensive guest feedback with intelligence from their inner circle of industry contacts and insights from suppliers, they have compiled the following predictions for 2011: http://www.wellbeingescapes.co.uk/content/186.html
New wellness programmes at Wellbeing Escapes
Penninghame House has recently been added to the Wellbeing Escapes programme for 2011. The team at Wellbeing Escapes have created specially tailored health breaks to the magnificent 19th century manor house, set in a stunning 90 acre estate in South West Scotland. During the programme nutrition experts will teach guests how to transform their body through modern macrobiotic food, without compromising on taste. Guests will receive personal guidance on detoxing and nutrition which they can incorporate into their daily lives and can also enjoy daily exercise classes and access to Penninghame House’s extensive facilities.
Portugal’s first integrated wellness spa, Longevity, has recently opened its doors and the experts at Wellbeing Escapes have put together several exclusive packages to the luxurious spa. Guests can relax in the eucalyptus-scented mountain air and choose from pampering spa treatments, right through to authentic integrated medical programmes targeted at preventative healthy ageing, detox and weight loss. The medical element is overseen by the famous French Doctor Claude Chauchard, one of the world's top specialists in Preventative Medicine and Ageing Management and founder of the famous La Clinique de Paris. The thorough health and vitality programmes include a full medical evaluation and biochemical analysis, with test results integrated into a personal plan which can include anything from meditation and stress management sessions to vitamin supplements.
A Caribbean break with the baby but not the baggage
Cotton Bay Village in Saint Lucia has launched a unique “Bring the baby, not the baggage concept” which goes the extra mile to offer young parents a hassle-free holiday experience. With ever more onerous baggage restrictions, charges, and security procedures - not to mention the ever increasing amount of accessories and equipment required - travelling with babies has become such a battle that many parents would rather wave the white flag than brave a long haul flight. Cotton Bay Village’s innovative new concept has been carefully conceived to ease the burden of preparation and packing for pre-schoolers - parents can simply log onto the resort’s website and pre-order anything an infant on holiday could possibly need. Anything from nappies and baby food to car safety seats and armbands will be sourced by Cotton Bay Village and placed in their villa ready for their arrival.
www.cottonbayvillage.com
‘Michelin spa’ cuisine in Maremma, Tuscany
Terme di Saturnia Spa & Golf Resort, located in Maremma, one of the most striking and lesser-known corners of Tuscany, has launched an exciting new series of ‘Michelin Spa’ inner beauty spa cuisine menus. The Spa’s team of nutritionists teamed up with three Michelin-starred consultant chef Chicco Cerea to create a series of innovative degustation menus, designed to nourish face and body from within. The healthy haute cuisine menus combine Michelin star standards of cooking with delicious ingredients specifically selected to provide a wide range of anti-ageing and health and beauty benefits – the first in the series is an ‘antioxidant’ menu, shortly to be followed by ‘relaxation’ and ‘diuretic’ offerings.
www.termedisaturnia.it
‘Spring into life’ in Cornwall
An exciting ‘New Year New You’ package is now available at St Michael’s Hotel & Spa in Falmouth, Cornwall. With its dramatic coastline, wide open spaces and fresh sea air, Cornwall is a great destination for a short break to help kick-start a new healthy regime in preparation for the challenges of the New Year. The four night ‘Spring Into Life Break’ includes personal training sessions, consultations, yoga sessions, ESPA Skin Hydrator Body Wraps and a daily dinner from St Michael’s new ‘Healthy Heart’ menu of healthy cuisine. A ‘Spring Into Life’ pack is also provided to take home, including healthy snacks, menu ideas, exercise plans and more. Visitors can also blow the cobwebs away with walks along the spectacular coastline, ideal for energising body and mind. The Spring Into Life Break is priced from just £299 per person based on a four night stay, arriving on a Sunday from January onwards. For reservations and to book contact St Michael’s on 01326 312707 or visit: www.stmichaelshotel.co.uk
‘Dining with the stars’ in Bangkok
Epitomising its reputation for culinary excellence and innovation, The Sukhothai Bangkok’s Art of Dining programme over the coming months will see some of the world’s most revered chefs creating unique dining experiences and their Michelin-starred masterpieces at one of Bangkok’s finest iconic hotels. The Art of Dining programme will welcome in 2011 with a greatly anticipated visit by Claude Bosi of London’s two Michelin-starred Hibiscus, from 26 to 29 January. February at The Sukhothai will offer guests the opportunity to sample the delicate and creative cuisine of Chef Koji Shimomura, the brains behind the remarkable success story of Edition Koji Shimomura in Tokyo. The “Art of Dining” programme will continue throughout 2011 with visiting chefs scheduled for later in the year including Martin Boetz of the acclaimed Longrain in Sydney and Melbourne, Alex Atala of D.O.M. Gastronomia Brasileira in Sao Paulo, and Alain Passard of three Michelin-starred L’Arpège in Paris. www.sukhothai.com
Romance in Siem Reap
For a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon experience, steer away from the tourist track and enjoy a romantic escape in vibrant Siem Reap with the launch of Hôtel de la Paix’s new ‘Honeymoon Bliss’ package. Newlyweds can marvel at ancient Khmer temples and hunt for bargains in the buzzing markets, before unwinding with an authentic ‘Pamper Your Partner’ Khmer massage lesson; a rejuvenating traditional Khmer rose petal bath for two; and daily ‘turn-on’ treats – a contemporary twist on the traditional turn down service.
W&O Travel offers the Hôtel de la Paix Honeymoon Bliss package from £985 per person (based on two sharing) inclusive of: three nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation in a Deluxe Guestroom; return international fights via Bangkok; private airport transfers; complimentary room upgrade; Khmer welcome tea upon arrival; private ‘Pamper your Partner’ massage class; traditional Khmer rose petal bath for two; daily ‘turn-on’ treats. Valid for travel between 27 April and 30 June 2011. To book please visit www.wandotravel.com or call 0845 277 3310. www.hoteldelapaixangkor.com
