From Russia With Love

image No city in the world can compete with Moscow right now for energy, glamour and sheer exuberance. Along with grand architecture and magnificent cultural treasures, the Russian capital also boasts exquisite restaurants and cutting-edge bars known only to a select few. To get the most out of Moscow, you'll need a well-connected guide who can open doors for you and get you beyond the velvet rope. Look no further than Quintessentially. We'll design a personalised Moscow city break package for you where you can have your own private cultural concierge to show you how to circumvent the crowds, what to do and how. Our guides will show you the greatest historical treasures of the Tretyakov and the modern masterpieces in the State Pushkin Museum. This, and much more.

Is St Petersburg the most beautiful city in Europe? Peter the Great certainly thought so, and generations of visitors, dazzled by the glorious art and architecture, have found themselves agreeing. Spend two days exploring the city centre, taking in the great architectural set pieces and some of the world’s richest art galleries. Don’t miss the Hermitage Museum in the Winter Palace, where we can arrange an exclusive tour of the Gold Treasure Rooms. Quintessentially can also organise a performance at the world-famous Mariinsky Theatre and a private meeting with a ballerina at the intimate Hermitage Theatre.

For more information or to book, please contact travel@quintessentially.com.


graphic
China In Your Hand

image Banyan Tree Lijiang and Ringha make for a fascinating combination to explore China’s history. Located in China’s once remote south east, Lijiang’s winding canals and centuries old streets have earned it the epithet “Venice of the East” and a rating on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Stay at the Banyan Tree to experience the old town’s historical charm, mesmerizing landscape, spectacular views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Complete your journey through Yunnan with a stay at Banyan Tree Ringha on the Tibetan plains of mystical Shangri-La, 3,200m above sea level.

For 2 nights at Banyan Tree and 2 nights at Ringha inclusive of a Shangri-La trek with an experienced guide is from RMB 19,810 for single occupancy or RMB 21,990 for a double/twin room. Quintessentially members benefit from a Culture trek, set dinner, a complimentary bottle of champagne and a one way transfer.

For more information or to book, please contact travel@quintessentially.com.


graphic
All Aboard: An African Odyssey

image Have you ever thought of traveling along the Garden Route in South Africa by train? Now you can. A picturesque 550-kilometre 24-hour steam train trip runs between Cape Town and George during the summer months, the trip is rated one of the most beautiful in the world. From the Mother City, the train travels through the Du Toits Kloof tunnel towards Worcester. Grapes are grown in vast quantities in this area, and apart from several co-operative wine cellars, there are a number of brandy distilleries. The KWV Brandy Distillery is visited on the George to Cape Town leg. The train continues along the Breê River Valley towards Robertson and then onto Ashton. On the Cape Town to George leg, a stop is made here to sample the wines of a local wine estate. Simply delightful.

Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences. Step aboard these regal coaches – remodelled and refurbished to mint condition and enjoy fine cuisine in five star luxury. On the Rovos Rail there are three luxury cabins – Pullman, Deluxe and Royal. Quintessentially members benefit from discounted rates.

Departure Dates:

10th October 2008 - Cape Town to George, 7th November 2008 - Cape Town to George
11th October – George to Cape Town - 8th November George to Cape Town

And prices per person:

Pullman Cabin: ZAR 5,250
Deluxe Cabin: ZAR 7,800
Royal Cabin: ZAR 10,300

Quintessentially member benefits include a discount on the above prices, for further information on these wonderful train journeys or more suggestions, please contact travel@quintessentially.com.


graphic
History In The Making: The First Ever Everest Skydive

image Have you ever seen what the world looks like from 29,500 ft at the summit of Mount Everest? No? We didn't think so. If, like us, it's on your list of things to do before you die, then we have just the trip for you. This September, you can be one of the first people to jump out of a plane at the height of Mount Everest, right beside the majestic mountain, and land in the highest drop zone on earth. When we say this has never been done before, we are completely serious. The fact that nobody has ever attempted this skydive before means you will be making history.

And to prove it, you'll have top quality video footage of the whole tantalizing trip, as well the right to buy a totally exclusive custom-designed Everest Skydive Breitling watch - never been seen before either. From flights to transfers, acclimatisation, accommodation and food, we have all the nitty gritty sorted. Landing in Kathmandu, you will be escorted, trained, psyched, fed and partied until the culmination of the big jump on day 12. You'll have a couple of days to explore the city before you begin a gentle trek up through some of the world's most stunning foothills.

Length of stay is 15 days and prices are from GBP 5,280 observers (non-participants), GBP 15,990 solo, GBP 21,024 tandem;

For more information or to book, please email travel@quintessentially.com for discounts on the above prices.



graphic
WE ♥ IBIZA…..

image There is so much to see and do in Ibiza, planning a holiday there can sometimes feel a little overwhelming. As well as boasting the most legendary club scene in the world, Ibiza has over 50 beautiful beaches, dozens of gorgeous villages, stunning views and an average 300 days of sunshine a year. Quintessentially can help you experience the best the island has to offer, from top hotels to yoga classes, we've got you covered. For this month's villa offer, Casa Sol is an ultra luxurious villa with a strong Balinese influence. It accommodates 20 people, comes with two swimming pools, extensive gardens, a sun deck and a snooker room with a full size table and bar. Casa Sol is normally available at EUR 1,000 per person per week in August. We are now delighted to offer a discounted rate for bookings of two weeks or more in August, if you book a two week period we can offer it to you for just EUR 845 per person per week and for bookings for the whole month of August are entitled to a further discount of EUR 733 per person.

For more information or to book, please contact travel@quintessentially.com.


graphic
Langkawi & Borneo - Gems Of The East

image A trip to Malaysia wouldn’t complete without a visit to Langkawi. Here you will find yourself lazing on a beautiful white beach or taking a dip in the calm and tranquil waters of the Andaman Sea. The Datai is where you can be at one with nature and their guided rainforest tours and jungle treks are simply the best. At the Datai it's always service with a smile and the perfect place for a relaxing break.

Combine relaxation in Langkawi with some adventure by heading to Borneo, home to magnificent Mount Kinabalu. It is one of the few places in the world where orangutans can be observed in their natural habitat . The Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort is Borneo's leading hotel and even has its own nature reserve.

Guests staying in the new Ocean Wing will be cosseted by opulently furnished sea-facing rooms and a rich array of facilities, including an exclusive free-form swimming pool. Or take an excursion to visit orangutans in their jungle habitat and visit brooding Mount Kinabalu.

Quintessentially members are entitled to take advantage of the following offers:

The Datai, Langkawi

Stay 7 nights or more and receive an upgrade from a deluxe room to a superior villa plus:
A complimentary Balinese Massage for 2 persons
Valid 1st April to 31st October 2008

Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort, Kota Kinabalu, Borneo

Stay 6 nights and receive 1 additional night free.
Valid 1st April - 14th July 2008; 1st September - 20th December 2008; 5th January - 22nd January 2009 and 1st February - 31st March 2009.

Quintessentially members booking early staying for a minimum of 7 nights will receive a complimentary room upgrade.
Valid year round

For more information or to book, please contact travel@quintessentially.com.



graphic
Moonlighting Down Under - Moonlight Head Private Lodge, Victoria, Australia

image Located at the mid point of the Great Ocean Road, this Murcutt/Lewin designed lodge is suitable for couples seeking complete privacy, or is flexible enough to meet the holiday requirements of the most demanding of families. This "all inclusive" private lodge offers 4 beautifully decorated suites, the cuisine is led by your needs and, for active days, hiking the Great Ocean Walk, fishing on a private lake, playing a round of golf , horse back riding through the bush, riding a Ducatti along the Great Ocean road or exploring the historic wilderness on a mountain bike are some of the experiences offered and for Quintessentially families, the opportunity to get up close with Spike the Koala, worth AUD 200 and a discount on the all inclusive rates.

The Private Lodges are available, each lodge accommodates up to 8 people, all inclusive rates start from AUD 3,500 per night (all inclusive)

For more information, a brochure or to book, please contact travel@quintessentially.com.


graphic
Cool Runnings: Caribbean Luxury At Villa Aquamare

image Voted by the New York Times as the one of the 53 Places to Go in 2008, Virgin Gorda's Villa Aquamare is set to be one of the most sought after holiday spots for those seeking the utmost in luxury, privacy and exclusivity. The secluded resort - comprised of only three 8,000 square foot, 5-bedroom beachfront villas - provides guests with the highest standard of service to cater to guests' every desire. Enjoy a relaxing massage beach-side, lounge by the side of your villa's private pool or enjoy a candlelit dinner prepared by your very own private chef.

For the more adventurous, scuba dive the reefs and shipwrecks that the British Virgin Islands are famous for, or take to the seas on Aquamare's private power yacht to explore the beautiful Virgin Gorda and surrounding islands. Guests have the option of renting one, two or all three villas for a truly spectacular holiday. Children are welcome at Villa Aquamare making this a fantastic destination for families. Take advantage of the following offers when you book the Villa.

Quintessentially members will benefit from:

Welcome champagne and two complimentary massage services from the Aquamare Spa Menu.
A two hour sunset champagne cruise through the Sir Francis Drake Channel.
A gourmet dining experience: Local fishermen bring the fresh catch at the end of the day to the private Villa Aquamare Pier and, together with the Aquamare chefs, guests can choose their favorite catch to be prepared for their freshest seafood dinner. A truly unique culinary experience.

For more information, please contact travel@quintessentially.com.







Text by Penny Henson.

If this newsletter does not display correctly, please click here

If you do not wish to receive the Quintessentially Travel Newsletter, please email travel@quintessentially.com.

Kindly note that if you receive this e-mail your e-mail address is being held by us for the purpose of communicating with
you on Quintessentially related matters. If you do not wish us to e-mail you, please notify us by return.
Quintessentially (UK) Limited is a Data Controller for the purposes of the Data Protection Act 1998.