Situated on the relatively undiscovered southern Tanzania coastline, just 35km south of Dar es Salaam, Ras Kutani (www.selous.com/ras-kutani) is a unique boutique beach retreat, which sits within 100 acres of lush tropical, coastal forest. As much of Tanzania's coastline has suffered from heavy deforestation, this truly is a hidden gem which offers a rare opportunity to explore one of the most bio-diverse indigenous coastal forests in East Africa.
Thanks to owner and keen conservationist, Charles Dobie, this idyllic forest has been saved, cultivated and is now continuously patrolled in order to protect it and retain its natural beauty. The forest boasts 132 different species of trees, including mango trees (famous for their spectacular fruit) and the Marula tree (prized for its rich bounty of fruit, and the oil from the kernel, which is used to make moisturizer). Guests can enjoy watching the antics of four species of monkey, including the spectacular black-and-white colobus, as well as many species of birds, baboons, wild pigs, the elusive Civet Cats and other wildlife.
Available only at Ras Kutani, the From Tree To Tree self-guided tour steers guests through this eclectic ecosystem on a gentle, yet fascinating walk. The corresponding map highlights each point of interest along the walk from the wild custard apple shrubs to the African Breadfruit trees - where you're most likely to find Sykes' monkeys, yellow baboons, Blue Duiker and Giant African land snails!
In addition to the coastal forest, Ras Kutani promises the epitome of barefoot-luxury and a hideaway for those seeking solace, luxury and tranquillity. The luxurious accommodation comprises nine open-fronted spacious, charming cottages, each with en suite bathroom, large verandah with a covered sand floor, seating area, hammocks and views of the clear lagoon, beach and Indian Ocean.
Ideal for water babies, the temperate seas and proximity of coral reefs ensure a wealth of marine life with the chance to see colourful fish, dolphins, whales, turtles and even a shipwreck. Complimentary snorkelling equipment, kayaks and boogie boards are available for those that wish to venture from their hammock or beach bed. And in season, turtles come to nest along the beach and guests are invited to get involved in projects that look out for their welfare.
Africa Odyssey (www.africaodyssey.com / 020 7471 8780) is offering a seven-night break at Ras Kutani from £1,869 per person (a saving of £376). Valid for selected dates throughout June and July, the price includes return flights from Heathrow, internal transfers, accommodation on a full-board basis, taxes and surcharges.
Saturday, 7 January 2012
Thursday, 5 January 2012
Looking to buy abroad? Check out Malta
Malta has been chosen as one of the top ten destinations for UK and Irish property buyers looking to purchase abroad.
The list has been drawn up by ‘A Place In The Sun’ Magazine’ which is associated with the well-known Channel 4 television programme.
Full details will be published in the magazine which is out at the end of January 2012.
It will feature contributions from UK based company www.maltabuyproperty.co.uk and their associates, Frank Salt Real Estate.
www.maltabuyproperty.co.uk was founded by husband and wife team, Ray and Elaine Woods who established the Company after buying their own holiday home in Malta 10 years ago.
www.maltabuyproperty.co.uk will be present at the UK and Ireland’s longest established and largest property show – 'A Place In The Sun Live'at Earls Court, London from 30th March – 2nd April 2012.
Ray Woods said, “It is no surprise to us that Malta has been voted one of the top ten destinations for buyers of overseas property. Buying a home overseas either as a permanent residence or as a holiday home is a serious investment decision. We have seen a continuing growth in interest in Malta not just from the UK and Ireland but from the rest of Europe, the US, Australia, Canada, Germany, Portugal , Spain, South Africa and even Russia.
"One of the factors that has emerged recently is the relative buoyancy of the property market in Malta and the economy generally.
"Clients say that they are tired of the doom and gloom in the UK and Ireland and many other parts of Europe. They want to relax and enjoy themselves whilst enjoying the fabulous weather and water sports such as diving and yachting.
"English is a joint first language in Malta and this has always been a big factor for many – particularly as English tends to be the international language of business. It helps buyers avoid the pitfalls of living in closed ex-pat communities as well as making day to day business and domestic life so much easier.
"Malta is also one of those rare places these days where the banks are still prepared to lend up to 75 or even 80% subject to income.
"The low crime rate and high standards of healthcare and education also appeal to buyers of all ages.
This is not to forget the mild climate, warm seas and good travel access to a wide range of destinations.
"It is politically stable and doesn’t suffer from the extremes of weather and geophysical instability of many areas.
"It is really simple and easy to buy property in Malta and the costs of doing so, tend to be amongst the lowest in Europe.
"There are no annual property taxes, no inheritance tax and VAT is lower than in the UK and Ireland.
That is why we expect to see many existing and new clients at ‘A Place In The Sun Live’ at Earls Court, London in 2012.”
The list has been drawn up by ‘A Place In The Sun’ Magazine’ which is associated with the well-known Channel 4 television programme.
Full details will be published in the magazine which is out at the end of January 2012.
It will feature contributions from UK based company www.maltabuyproperty.co.uk and their associates, Frank Salt Real Estate.
www.maltabuyproperty.co.uk was founded by husband and wife team, Ray and Elaine Woods who established the Company after buying their own holiday home in Malta 10 years ago.
www.maltabuyproperty.co.uk will be present at the UK and Ireland’s longest established and largest property show – 'A Place In The Sun Live'at Earls Court, London from 30th March – 2nd April 2012.
Ray Woods said, “It is no surprise to us that Malta has been voted one of the top ten destinations for buyers of overseas property. Buying a home overseas either as a permanent residence or as a holiday home is a serious investment decision. We have seen a continuing growth in interest in Malta not just from the UK and Ireland but from the rest of Europe, the US, Australia, Canada, Germany, Portugal , Spain, South Africa and even Russia.
"One of the factors that has emerged recently is the relative buoyancy of the property market in Malta and the economy generally.
"Clients say that they are tired of the doom and gloom in the UK and Ireland and many other parts of Europe. They want to relax and enjoy themselves whilst enjoying the fabulous weather and water sports such as diving and yachting.
"English is a joint first language in Malta and this has always been a big factor for many – particularly as English tends to be the international language of business. It helps buyers avoid the pitfalls of living in closed ex-pat communities as well as making day to day business and domestic life so much easier.
"Malta is also one of those rare places these days where the banks are still prepared to lend up to 75 or even 80% subject to income.
"The low crime rate and high standards of healthcare and education also appeal to buyers of all ages.
This is not to forget the mild climate, warm seas and good travel access to a wide range of destinations.
"It is politically stable and doesn’t suffer from the extremes of weather and geophysical instability of many areas.
"It is really simple and easy to buy property in Malta and the costs of doing so, tend to be amongst the lowest in Europe.
"There are no annual property taxes, no inheritance tax and VAT is lower than in the UK and Ireland.
That is why we expect to see many existing and new clients at ‘A Place In The Sun Live’ at Earls Court, London in 2012.”
Wednesday, 4 January 2012
Take The Plunge In 2012 And Dive Into Great Barrier Reef
Whether inspired by BBC 2’s ‘Great Barrier Reef’ whose first programme of this three part series showed the presenter Monty Halls drifting through this spectacular underwater world or simply yearning to discover the biggest coral reef structure on earth, why not take the plunge yourself and book your own underwater adventure.
Featured in BBC2’s programmes, Heron Island and Lizard Island both offer the ideal introduction to the reef with opportunities to snorkel dive and get up close and personal with flora and fauna on these Great Barrier Reef hideaways.
Lizard Island (www.lizardisland.com.au)
Since the first exploration of the island by Captain Cook, who named the island after its large popular of monitor lizards and climbed to the top of a high rock outcrop, now known as Cook's Look, to survey the reef, Lizard island has captured visitors with its pristine beauty.
Today, one of Australia’s iconic Great Barrier Reef resorts, Lizard Island boasts first class accommodation and unrivalled dive sites suitable for all levels of diving experience and snorkelling with a myriad of fascinating corals, fish, clams and sharks providing an ever changing underwater show. Mixing with green sea turtles and giant clownfish, snorkelers are also rewarded for little effort with 100-year-old giant clam gardens just moments from Lizard’s beaches.
Within a 15 mile radius of Lizard Island’s 24 soft white sandy beaches lie most of the reef and island types characteristic of the entire Great Barrier Reef. This includes fringing, inner shelf (outer barrier or ribbon) and lagoon reefs with several types of coral cays plus continental islands, all of which play host to an extraordinary array of marine habitats.
With the delights of Humpback Whales and magnificent Giant Black Marlin frequenting the waters throughout the year, another not to be missed experience has to be the 60 minute boat ride to the aptly named world famous ‘Cod Hole’ which provides the enchanting experience of diving with huge giant cod.
Tailor Made Travel (0845 - 456 8050, www.tailor-made.co.uk) offers a 6 night Tropical Paradise package to Lizard island from £3956/person based on two sharing, including 3 nights on Lizard Island inclusive of gourmet meals and alcoholic beverages, 3 nights Angsana Resort in Cairns – the gateway to Great Barrier Reef, return international economy flights with Qantas to Cairns, the Daintree Walkabout tour and return flights from Lizard to Cairns. Terms and conditions apply.
Heron Island (www.heronisland.com)
Known the world over for its excellent Great Barrier dive sites and fantastic coral gardens and pinnacles, its no surprise that Jacques Cousteau – the world’s most famous undersea explorer of our time - listed The Heron Bommie as one of his top ten favourite dive sites.
A natural coral cay located directly on the reef, teeming with reef fish, turtles, manta rays, reef sharks and endless varieties of invertebrates, Heron Island not only boasts over 20 different dive sites but is also a precious nesting ground for endangered Green and Loggerhead Turtles as well as the cheeky Black Noddy Terns which featured in the first episode of ‘Great Barrier Reef’. Around 60% of the 1,500 species of fish and around 72% of the coral species found on the Great Barrier Reef call the waters around Heron Island home.
For underwater adventurers, diving at Heron Island is relatively shallow, with an average depth of around 15 to 35 metres, with snorkellers enjoying shallow reefs that come up to within two or three metres of the surface in places and are easily explored from off the superb sun-kissed beach.
With turtle nesting and hatching taking place from November through to May, guests also have the opportunity of watching these amazing creatures as they come ashore to lay their eggs and give rise to hundreds of baby hatchlings that will then make the ultimate dash of their lives to the sea.
An ideal place for all the family to experience the reef, Heron Island also works closely with the island’s Research Station to ensure that visitors get a real appreciation for the reef’s fascinating flora, fauna and underwater wildlife with daily presentations and a programme of educational reef and island walks.
For keen divers - a great time to visit is the island is during the Heron Island Dive Festival, which will take place from 25 – 29 July 2012.
Tailor Made Travel (0845 - 456 8050, www.tailor-made.co.uk) offers a 4 night package on Heron Island staying in a Turtle Room from £516/person including return boat transfers from Gladstone to Heron Island and all meals based on two sharing. Valid from 1 May to 31 August 2012.
Featured in BBC2’s programmes, Heron Island and Lizard Island both offer the ideal introduction to the reef with opportunities to snorkel dive and get up close and personal with flora and fauna on these Great Barrier Reef hideaways.
Lizard Island (www.lizardisland.com.au)
Since the first exploration of the island by Captain Cook, who named the island after its large popular of monitor lizards and climbed to the top of a high rock outcrop, now known as Cook's Look, to survey the reef, Lizard island has captured visitors with its pristine beauty.
Today, one of Australia’s iconic Great Barrier Reef resorts, Lizard Island boasts first class accommodation and unrivalled dive sites suitable for all levels of diving experience and snorkelling with a myriad of fascinating corals, fish, clams and sharks providing an ever changing underwater show. Mixing with green sea turtles and giant clownfish, snorkelers are also rewarded for little effort with 100-year-old giant clam gardens just moments from Lizard’s beaches.
Within a 15 mile radius of Lizard Island’s 24 soft white sandy beaches lie most of the reef and island types characteristic of the entire Great Barrier Reef. This includes fringing, inner shelf (outer barrier or ribbon) and lagoon reefs with several types of coral cays plus continental islands, all of which play host to an extraordinary array of marine habitats.
With the delights of Humpback Whales and magnificent Giant Black Marlin frequenting the waters throughout the year, another not to be missed experience has to be the 60 minute boat ride to the aptly named world famous ‘Cod Hole’ which provides the enchanting experience of diving with huge giant cod.
Tailor Made Travel (0845 - 456 8050, www.tailor-made.co.uk) offers a 6 night Tropical Paradise package to Lizard island from £3956/person based on two sharing, including 3 nights on Lizard Island inclusive of gourmet meals and alcoholic beverages, 3 nights Angsana Resort in Cairns – the gateway to Great Barrier Reef, return international economy flights with Qantas to Cairns, the Daintree Walkabout tour and return flights from Lizard to Cairns. Terms and conditions apply.
Heron Island (www.heronisland.com)
Known the world over for its excellent Great Barrier dive sites and fantastic coral gardens and pinnacles, its no surprise that Jacques Cousteau – the world’s most famous undersea explorer of our time - listed The Heron Bommie as one of his top ten favourite dive sites.
A natural coral cay located directly on the reef, teeming with reef fish, turtles, manta rays, reef sharks and endless varieties of invertebrates, Heron Island not only boasts over 20 different dive sites but is also a precious nesting ground for endangered Green and Loggerhead Turtles as well as the cheeky Black Noddy Terns which featured in the first episode of ‘Great Barrier Reef’. Around 60% of the 1,500 species of fish and around 72% of the coral species found on the Great Barrier Reef call the waters around Heron Island home.
For underwater adventurers, diving at Heron Island is relatively shallow, with an average depth of around 15 to 35 metres, with snorkellers enjoying shallow reefs that come up to within two or three metres of the surface in places and are easily explored from off the superb sun-kissed beach.
With turtle nesting and hatching taking place from November through to May, guests also have the opportunity of watching these amazing creatures as they come ashore to lay their eggs and give rise to hundreds of baby hatchlings that will then make the ultimate dash of their lives to the sea.
An ideal place for all the family to experience the reef, Heron Island also works closely with the island’s Research Station to ensure that visitors get a real appreciation for the reef’s fascinating flora, fauna and underwater wildlife with daily presentations and a programme of educational reef and island walks.
For keen divers - a great time to visit is the island is during the Heron Island Dive Festival, which will take place from 25 – 29 July 2012.
Tailor Made Travel (0845 - 456 8050, www.tailor-made.co.uk) offers a 4 night package on Heron Island staying in a Turtle Room from £516/person including return boat transfers from Gladstone to Heron Island and all meals based on two sharing. Valid from 1 May to 31 August 2012.
N/a'an ku sê Lodge
Marlice van Vuuren, one of Namibia's most well-known conservationists, and her husband Dr. Rudie van Vuuren started N/a'an ku sê Foundation in 2006 with two aims - 1) to protect and conserve Namibia's vulnerable wildlife and 2) to improve the lives of the marginalised San Bushman community.
They now run several projects including:
1. Namibia's only charity lodge
2. A Wildlife Sanctuary for orphaned and injured animals
3. Carnivore Conservation Research Project to protect and
conserve wild cheetah, leopard and brown hyena in Namibia.
4. Clever Cubs School and free education for San children
5. Lifeline Clinic and medical outreach for the San community
Through each of their projects, N/a'an ku sê provides an important source of employment and accommodation to several Bushman families. The San are considered to be the oldest culture in the world and are traditionally hunter gatherers.
They have been forced from their original lands, which are increasingly being used for grazing cattle, leaving the San unable to survive in their traditional lifestyle. N/a'an ku sê is committed to improving the lives of the San community and giving the next generation a brighter future through education, healthcare and better living conditions.
N/a'an ku sê Foundation has built up trust, respect and a credible reputation amongst the Namibian San community, local farmers, worldwide conservationists, government officials as well as the general public in Namibia. They have also received international recognition for the work they are doing from global companies, award bodies and celebrities.
They do not receive any government funding and are solely reliant on generous donations and the time of volunteers to continue their vital work to help the people and animals of Namibia.
www.naankuse.com
They now run several projects including:
1. Namibia's only charity lodge
2. A Wildlife Sanctuary for orphaned and injured animals
3. Carnivore Conservation Research Project to protect and
conserve wild cheetah, leopard and brown hyena in Namibia.
4. Clever Cubs School and free education for San children
5. Lifeline Clinic and medical outreach for the San community
Through each of their projects, N/a'an ku sê provides an important source of employment and accommodation to several Bushman families. The San are considered to be the oldest culture in the world and are traditionally hunter gatherers.
They have been forced from their original lands, which are increasingly being used for grazing cattle, leaving the San unable to survive in their traditional lifestyle. N/a'an ku sê is committed to improving the lives of the San community and giving the next generation a brighter future through education, healthcare and better living conditions.
N/a'an ku sê Foundation has built up trust, respect and a credible reputation amongst the Namibian San community, local farmers, worldwide conservationists, government officials as well as the general public in Namibia. They have also received international recognition for the work they are doing from global companies, award bodies and celebrities.
They do not receive any government funding and are solely reliant on generous donations and the time of volunteers to continue their vital work to help the people and animals of Namibia.
www.naankuse.com
Tuesday, 3 January 2012
That's Health: Left is best?
That's Health: Left is best?: Research by Premier Inn has revealed there is such a thing as sleeping on the wrong side of the bed. According to a new study u...
Eurostar Provence service tickets already on sale
Holidaymakers are advised to book early to avoid disappointment for the weekly direct services that will run from 7 July to 1 September 2012. With direct journey times of less than six hours from St Pancras International in London and Ashford International in Kent, the summer service is a favourite with travellers and tickets sell quickly each year.
Customers can take advantage of these Eurostar deals by boarding a Eurostar service in the UK, then travelling non-stop through the magnificent French countryside, directly to Avignon in the heart of Provence.
Nick Mercer, commercial director for Eurostar commented: "Our direct Avignon summer services grow in popularity each year, as people across the country see how easy and enjoyable it is to travel across Europe by high-speed rail.
"By opening sales to Avignon earlier than usual we are giving customers even more flexibility when planning their summer trip to Provence. Journeys with Eurostar avoid the summer scramble at the airports and increasingly, passengers see their journey as part of the holiday itself."
Direct Eurostar tickets are available in both Standard class Standard Premier. If direct services are full, Eurostar offers connecting services all year round that arrive into Avignon TGV station, which is located just outside the town centre.
Tickets for the Avignon direct summer service and for connecting services all year round are available from www.eurostar.com, by calling 08432 186 186, at Eurostar stations or from travel agents.
"Requested by you, crafted by Kuoni" holiday service announced
Kuoni, a top name in international travel providers, has launched what is set to be its biggest campaign, ever, 'Requested by you…Crafted by Kuoni'.
The campaign, which launched on Boxing Day, December 26, 2011, aims to offer clients a range of value holidays with exceptional service in some pretty stunning destinations.
To convey this message in an engaging way, Kuoni, in association with Brighton based advertising agency Designate, has designed a multi-media campaign that resonates with customer sentiment and needs as they think about planning their time away from it all.
The campaign will include outdoor media in key locations which be including London, Bristol, Liverpool and Sheffield and Manchester, escalator panels in the Bank, Knightsbridge and High Street Kensington tube stations, and radio advertising for 14 Kuoni stores and two Kuoni partner stores, as well as brand advertisements in a range of glossy travel and lifestyle magazines throughout 2012.
Naomi Wilkinson, Kuoni's head of marketing said: "This campaign brings the essence of Kuoni alive - that we listen to our customers' needs and are specialists in creating unique travel memories that endure - as our Personal Travel Experts can craft the perfect holiday for you. The themes of the campaign are based around customer requests and real customer behaviour."
Alongside the brand campaign runs a multi-million pound tactically-led brand campaign including synergy of creative across all media channels, supported by stunning imagery to mirror customers’ needs. These needs were highlighted in an extensive customer centric research carried out by the company earlier this year. All the activity is designed to showcase Kuoni's hand-made approach to personalised holidays and service which all serve to underpin Kuoni’s values of authenticity, reliability and passion.
Jason Triandafyllou, Designate's MD said: "We were excited when we won the pitch, and are thrilled to see the work come to fruition and go live. Kuoni are a great, truly prestigious brand and they gave us an exciting advertising brief to work to. We think that with our 'Requested by you... Crafted by Kuoni' concept we've come up with a strong memorable idea that will stretch across all media and deliver on a truly integrated level."
Naomi Wilkinson, Kuoni's head of marketing said: "This campaign brings the essence of Kuoni alive - that we listen to our customers' needs and are specialists in creating unique travel memories that endure - as our Personal Travel Experts can craft the perfect holiday for you. The themes of the campaign are based around customer requests and real customer behaviour."
Alongside the brand campaign runs a multi-million pound tactically-led brand campaign including synergy of creative across all media channels, supported by stunning imagery to mirror customers’ needs. These needs were highlighted in an extensive customer centric research carried out by the company earlier this year. All the activity is designed to showcase Kuoni's hand-made approach to personalised holidays and service which all serve to underpin Kuoni’s values of authenticity, reliability and passion.
Jason Triandafyllou, Designate's MD said: "We were excited when we won the pitch, and are thrilled to see the work come to fruition and go live. Kuoni are a great, truly prestigious brand and they gave us an exciting advertising brief to work to. We think that with our 'Requested by you... Crafted by Kuoni' concept we've come up with a strong memorable idea that will stretch across all media and deliver on a truly integrated level."
To find out more visit Kuoni at www.kuoni.co.uk
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