Ancestral Footsteps If you’ve ever wondered why you have a mysterious longing for a place you’ve never visited, or a musical talent that seems to defy both your genes and education - and if you long to embark on an exploration that is guaranteed to be entirely unique to you, then a brand new travel concept can not only solve questions about your past, but also provide a potentially life-changing first class adventure holiday. Quintessentially has teamed up with a producer from the series Who Do You Think You Are - to offer you a bespoke journey which combines luxury travel with an adventures that traces your descent and lineage. You’ll experience a personal version of the acclaimed TV series that helped celebrities unearth the family stories and hidden histories. With an unrivalled worldwide network of genealogists, historians and foreign fixers and access to archives and research institutions, background research is intensive and meticulous, and carried out in consultation with you. Once the research has been completed, your personal travel itinerary brings to life how your ancestors lived, worked and played. Just as every family history is unique by definition, so every tour is finely tailored to each individual, wherever in the world your ancestors hail from. Many of us are fascinated by who we are and to what extent our roots play a role in our sense of identity and place in this world. In an age where communities are becoming increasingly fragmented, such journeys can sometimes instill a powerful sense of belonging, as you slowly piece together the jigsaw pieces of your past. Expect surprise, discovery and delight for what could be some emotionally charged and life-changing experiences. Prices include months of advance research and a TV production style ‘recce’, then first class treatment all the way - with luxury accommodation, a personal chauffeur from arrival to departure, an accompanying researcher guide immersed in your family history, access to intriguing archive material and ancestral locations, 1-2-1 meetings with experts and historians, plus a beautiful commemorative album for posterity. There is also the option of a special film documenting your experience. Discounted rates are available for Quintessentially members and their families. Prices 7 day Journey from GBP 25,000 for a two people (all tours are tailor-made for you) . More family members, the lower the price per head. For more information or to book please contact travel@quintessentially.com. Private Yacht Charter on the Amazon For an extraordinary holiday, explore the Amazon in style by chartering your own luxury yacht. This cruise takes you along the dark and mosquito-free waters of the Negro and Jau rivers, where you will explore Brazil's largest national park, stopping wherever and whenever you feel like it. Using one of the most comfortable boats in the Amazon as your base, you will visit isolated communities, explore secluded river tributaries by canoe and eat picnics on beautiful river beaches. During the cruise you will sail through virgin jungle and enjoy wildlife such as alligators, iguanas and beautiful birds in addition to meeting river side communities. The fully air-conditioned boat has a large living area including a home theatre, a very large sundeck and is equipped with canoes and water skis. One of Brazil's top chefs will cook for you throughout and all local drinks are included. A naturalist guide will accompany you show you the best of the rainforest, as well as a host who will take care of your every need throughout your journey. The cost for a five night package including 4 nights aboard the 97ft yacht and one night pre- or post-cruise in Manaus is £23150 for six people on a full board basis. Quintessentially members receive a 5% discount when the trip is booked by 30th June 2008 and Champagne on arrival. Prices 5-Night package is GBP 23, 150 for 6 people on full-board basis 4 nights aboard on 97ft yacht 1 night pre or post cruise in Manaus Champagne on arrival Book by 30th June 2008 and receive 5% discount For more information or to book please contact travel@quintessentially.com. Summer Rentals: A Celebrity Designer Villa 7 nights for the price of 6. If an exotic beachside location is more your style this summer holiday, then consider renting The Sanctuary at Parrot Cay. The private estate belonging to American fashion designer, Donna Karan consists of four adjacent bedroom villas, on either side of a Balinese screened-in pavilion, which are available to rent for groups up to 16 people. The look combines the understated style and good taste of Donna Karan with that of leading Singapore architect and designer Cheong Yew Kuan. Prices Minimum 5 night booking at USD 20,000 per night and includes: All transfers, daily breakfast, Daily Yoga and Pilates classes, Butler Service, Modern luxury facilities include air-conditioning, iPod docks, plasma televisions, fax and direct dial telephones, and WiFi Internet connections and full Access to Parrot Cay Resort’s facilities including the award-winning COMO Shambhala Spa. For more information or to book please contact travel@quintessentially.com. Something New – Anahita Residences Perfect for a family summer holiday, Anahita Residences lie on the east coast of Mauritius, facing Iles aux Cerfs Island. A first-of-its-kind Mauritian development comprising a collection of luxury residences offering all the facilities of a hotel – Anahita is spectacular. The two and three bedroom residences, some with sea views, feature solid timber and natural fibres. Each has a veranda and step up infinity edge plunge pool, with every amenity from a gourmet fitted kitchen to flat screen televisions, DVD and WIFI – all with daily maid service and turndown. Dining choices range from à la carte at the Waterside Restaurant and snacks at the Beach Club to the delicatessen at the open-air market and meals prepared in your residence by your Villa Master. Located on white-sand stretch of beach on a large lagoon, water-based activities are aplenty including deep-sea fishing and scuba diving. On land there’s tennis, horse riding, quad biking and a magnificent 18-hole Ernie Els golf course, whilst kids will love the Kids Club and Teens Club. The kids club will also take babies from 8 months. Prices For this summer, Quintessentially can stay for 14 nights and pay for ONLY 7 nights Receive 2 days at OurSpace Childcare Club for every 5 days paid at OurSpace. 2 free children's dinners in the main restaurant (children under 12, max 2 children) One night free babysitting Prices are from £1850pp including breakfast plus a 50 minute massage for two persons. Price based on 4 people sharing a 2 bedroom residence. Valid 01 Jun - 30 Sep 08 For more information or to book please contact travel@quintessentially.com. Bush Babies We at Quintessentially know how important it is to choose the right destination and - even more crucially - the right hotel when travelling with children. This is why with school holidays on the horizon we have many suggestions up our sleeve to keep even the most active of tots happy. Where better to begin than in friendly South Africa, which boasts an array of child friendly lodges and hotels, not to mention a variety of exciting activities. Tswalu Kalahari Reserve is one place where children of all ages are welcome. Parents are kept happy with the luxurious facilities and accommodation, while kids will get the education of a lifetime on the game drives and bush walks with the knowledgeable guides - they’ll be having so much fun, they won’t even realize they’re learning. Tswalu Kalahari Reserve is in a malaria free area so there is no need to worry about preventative malaria medication for yourself or your little ones. Prices Rates at Tswalu start at R4,900 per person and children under the age of 12 sharing with their parents are complimentary. For more information or to book please contact travel@quintessentially.com. Old Nantucket Historically a summer family destination for the well-to-do, Nantucket Island off the coast of Massachusetts maintains its colonial New England appearance with new innovations in modern luxury. Nantucket is the image of the classic American seaside retreat where cobblestoned streets, pristine beaches and beautiful villas blend effortlessly into their surrounds. Experience the ultimate in summer luxury and stay at one of two of Nantucket Island’s finest estates, Cliff Road Estate and Lily Pond Estate. Cliff Road Estate is a stunning 5,000 square foot, 6-bedroom home with luxury amenities to suit even the most discerning of travelers. Manicure grass drives, antique stone courtyards and exquisite landscaping, guests will be struck by the beauty of the property especially the wide carriage house doors. Prices July/August: $35,000 per week September: $27,500 per week Lily Pond Estate is a beautiful 6-bedroom estate location on prime land in Nantucket’s historic district. It offers extraordinary privacy with direct access to the Lily Pond Conservation Area where you can explore 5.7 acres of walking trails. Relax poolside or on the white sands of the beach - just a quick stroll away. Prices June: $24,710 per week July/August: $37,100 per week September: $26,180 per week Quintessentially members can also enjoy: 2 Complimentary bottles of wine on arrival. A gourmet clambake on a private beach. Eat in the shadow of the lighthouse and watch the steam ship sail in. Price, including food, wine service, tables/chairs, is $220 a person. A half day or full day private outing on a 20’s Dauntless boat (up to 5 people). Price is $90 per hour plus food, drinks and fuel. There is a 7 night minimum stay in both Lily Pond and Cliff Road Estates. To book please contact travel@quintessentially.com. Tuscan Castle A gorgeous 10th century hilltop castle overlooking the sea, Forte dei Marmi is a beautifully restored and managed property is undoubtedly one of the great private estates of Italy. Within the castle’s park is a large heated marble-bottomed pool and a fully-equipped pool-house not to mention a new grass tennis-court, small football pitch, private chapel, well-equipped games room, pizza-oven. Have a picnic on candle-light dinner on the castle’s own private beach where white sandy Tuscan beaches will provide an enjoyable or seductive backdrop. The castle sleeps up to 16 comfortably, with additional rooms by arrangement at extra cost. The castle is also fully staffed, and includes a wonderful cook. Occasions of any kind are possible at this castle. Prices You can rent this stunning castle from Euros 52,500 per week. There is currently selected availability in June, July, end Aug, September. Book a two week stay and receive a 5% discount from the total price. Or enjoy a complimentary bottle of champagne per couple during dinner on your first night. To book please contact travel@quintessentially.com. The Quintessentially Travel Diaries Each month, one of travel experts will give the lowdown on their recent adventures. This month, Shelley Jordan, our Johannesburg travel special tell us about her trip to the magical island of Mauritius. For members planning a visit there or any other destination, we’re more than happy to offer honest and impartial advice with firsthand knowledge to help you decide where to go, stay and what to do wherever you wish to be. Magical Mauritius by Shelley Jordan While Mauritius entrances many a traveler with its beautiful beaches and pristine waters, the island is much more than the holy trinity of sun, sand and sea. Take a bicycle and explore the island or even visit the extinct volcano at Trou aux Cerfs, at the top of the crater you can experience vistas of Curepipe. For the nerdy geologist in you, head to the Chamerel 7 – one of earth’s most beautiful natural wonders, the result of volcanic erosion. Step straight into a National Geographic magazine and see cascading dunes of colored hills – an almost Martian landscape where seven hues from red to yellow jump out at you. Of course, the sea is never from you so instead of the usual swim, take a speed-boat and accelerate your way to Ile aux Cerfs – an idyllic island where you’ll find sugary white beaches and shallow turquoise waters – paddle in Paradise. Though gleaming brochures may show you images of the holy hotel trinity of The Shanti Ananda, The Taj Exotica Resort & Spa and The One&Only Le St Geran in Mauritius, the properties should never be underestimated in terms of beauty, charm and luxury when you’re there in person. For spas, without a doubt – it must be The Shanti Ananda with a 50,000 square foot treatment and relaxation area with an emphasis on Ayurvedic treatments and tailored food menus ideal for whatever new fad diet or regime you’re on. For the best sunsets, head to The Taj Exotica Resort & Spa which located on the west coast just outside of the bustling town of Flic en Flac. Couples should take a private villa with it’s own private pool and watch the orange disc melt into the horizon after a fabulous lunch of delectable Pan-Asian or Indian food. Gourmands should stay at the aptly titled One & Only Le Saint Geran, where a unique and diverse gourmet experience awaits to entrance your palate. Rasoi by Vineet is headlined by Michelin-starred wunderkind Indian chef Vineet Bhatia while French master-chef Alain Ducasse has created the cuisine at Spoon de Illes. To book please contact travel@quintessentially.com.