@DEAR NAME@ The Ultimate In Villa Luxury - Camps Bay, Cape Town It really doesn’t get much better than this ultra-chic villa. Discreetly built into the slope of Glen Beach, where you literally fall out of your bed onto one of Cape Town’s most exclusive beaches - Camps Bay is spectacular. If you can tear yourself away from the cool comforts of this stylish villa, a plethora of beach view bars and restaurants are just a stroll away. Villa Blanc is that rare combination of unbridled luxury and comfort. The crisp white finishes and furnishings all contrast the surrounds of the sparkling azure waters and indigo horizon. With two separate kitchens, this would suit two couples travelling together or a family travelling with a lucky au pair. The villa sleeps 11 and contains four double rooms and one self-contained flat. RATES: Winter Rates from 1 May - 30 September 08: ZAR 3,500 per day High Season from 1 October - 14 December 08: ZAR 9,000 per day Peak Season from 15 December 08 - 14 January 09: ZAR 15,000 per day For more information or to book please contact travel@quintessentially.com. An Unforgettable Journey Aboard The Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express, Russia Launched in April 2007, the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express is Russia’s first luxury private train. The train serves the world's longest railway line from Moscow to Vladivostok as well as specially developed routes. One of them - the Silk Road - goes through Kazakhstan stopping at Baikonur Space Centre, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, before traversing the Gobi and moving on to Beijing. Additionally, the train also provides westbound journeys departing from Beijing. This unique train is the embodiment of luxury transport; a true Russian lifetime experience on wheels. The train’s 12 fully en-suite sleeping cars feature state of the art amenities. Gold Class cabins have everything from power showers and under floor heating to DVD/CD players, LCD screens, and individual air conditioning units. At 7 sq m, these rail cabins are among the largest in the world. Fully en-suite, the bathrooms contain a separate shower cubicle. Silver Class cabins are more compact at 5.5 sq m and have similar facilities as the Gold Class as well fully en-suite wet rooms. Two restaurant cars serve wonderful cuisine – gastronomical creations that are carefully-prepared using only the finest local ingredients available. RATES: Silver Class Cabins are from GBP 5,495 per person (sharing) Gold Class Cabins are from GBP7,995 per person (sharing) The price includes: Arrival and departure transfers Accommodation (4/5 star) Sightseeing led by English speaking tour guides (Excludes flights, visas, all other excursions and pre and post tours) For more information or to book please contact penny@quintessentially.com. The Ultimate Scottish Golfing Experience With tee times still available in August for the coveted Old Course, why not indulge yourself in the most luxurious way possible and discover the birthplace of golf? Staying at the newly refurbished five star Fairmont St. Andrews in an executive suite, you’ll be provided with all the tools needed to encounter the ultimate in Scottish links golf. Package Includes: Four nights at the five Star Fairmont St Andrews (inclusive of one night’s complimentary accommodation when you stay 3 nights in an Executive Suite) One round of golf at Kingsbarns One round of golf on the New or Jubilee Course One round of golf on the world renowned Old Course, St Andrews One day of heli-golf with including return private helicopter transfers and a round at Carnoustie Golf Links A dinner in the AA Awarded Esperante Restaurant, Fairmont St Andrews Private, luxury coach with an experienced driver for the duration of your trip RATES: GBP 3,958.90 per person (Rooms based on 2 sharing an executive suite) For more information or to book this package please contact travel@quintessentially.com. Balinese Escape Searching for that last minute summer getaway but struggling to find availability? Then look no further as Quintessentially has access to an exquisite three-bedroom villa, located in the ever-popular Seminyak area of Bali, Indonesia until Thursday 4th September 2008. Villa Demak can sleep up to six people in three separate 20th Century-style pavilions also with traditional Javanese Joglo intricately carved by the artisans of Demak. Enjoy the luxury of having a private chef at your disposal or take a leisurely stroll to sample the culinary delights of the celebrated Ku De Ta and legendary La Lucciola restaurants nearby. Quintessentially members who do take the villa before 4th September will enjoy a complimentary cruise and private dinner at the villa. RATES: Dependent upon on dates of travel and length of stay. Please contact travel@quintessentially.com for further information. Palazzo Sasso, Ravello Italy This beautiful Moorish fantasy, tucked away in the medieval village of Ravello, reaches the apex of sophistication in more ways than one. Set in glorious gardens with stunning views over the Amalfi coast, the palazzo’s aristocratic grandeur reveal its origins as a 12th Century nobleman’s villa. The palazzo has been lovingly restored blending the old and the new to create a stylish environment where guests can even select their preferred bed linen each night. Elegance and charm also abounds in Rosselinis, the two Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant overseen by Pino Lavarra, a former protégé of Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. The hotel staff can arrange individual itineraries for you, such as visits to the celebrated Ravello Music Festival which runs throughout the summer. Maybe you'd prefer to take a boat trip to Capri, or spend a day around the pool in the terraced gardens? There is an open air fitness area, a new spa with a hydrotherapy pool and a rooftop Jacuzzi where you can enjoy the beautiful panoramic views. Quintessentially members travelling before 30th September and staying a minimum of 3 nights will receive a complimentary massage per person. For more information, or to book, please contact travel@quintessentially.com. Luxury Delight in Rhodes This August, Lindian Village opens the latest additions to their hotel, the Ottoman Gardens Suites. Already established as 'the' luxury property in Rhodes and newest member of Leading Hotels of the World, these new suites and junior suites will add a touch of Turkish flavour - with burgundy and white furnishings, large detailed brass doors, and private gardens with plunge pools and Jacuzzis. The new section, which is inspired by the Aegean architectural style, has a superb public terrace set amidst lush greenery and oriental lanterns. The junior suites open up to lovely private terraces which have open air Jacuzzis and living room areas specifically designed for relaxation. Or, take one of the suites which are especially designed for those who seek style and complete privacy. They are set in their own lush gardens with private swimming pools and lovely sun decks – they epitomise total luxury. RATES: One bedroom junior suite from EUR 600 including all taxes Quintessentially members will also receive: Complimentary transfers to and from the airport His and Hers Massage at the LV SPA A gift in your room For more information or to book please contact penny@quintessentially.com. Silversea’s Silver Shadow For Caribbean Cricket 2009 England takes on the West Indies in the Caribbean throughout February and March 2009 and you can attend, joining Silversea’s “six star” Silver Shadow for a superb 16 night extravaganza at the Jamaica and Antigua Test Matches. For your enjoyment onboard, a star-studded line up with cricketing celebrities and entertainers will be on show, including Darren Gough, Derek Underwood, Christopher Martin-Jenkins, Allan Lamb, Antony Worrall Thompson and Mike d’Abo of Manfred Mann. In addition, Quintessentially members who book a spot on this amazing cruise, will be invited to an exclusive Captain’s Table Dinner with many of the onboard celebrities. You will also receive GBP 200 towards the cost of your cricket tickets. For those who prefer to keep their feet on dry land, you can experience cricketer tours led by celebrity players. We can also organise excellent accommodation and exceptional itineraries to include match transfers, hosted dinners, fabulous tours, exquisite sightseeing, and guaranteed access to purchase official match tickets. RATES: Cruise prices start from GBP 6,995 per person and include: International flights in economy class Transfers 16 nights of accommodation on the Silver Shadow in the suite of your choice All meals and drinks on board the ship Food and beverages in an exclusive marquee at the cricket matches All entertainment on board, including special guests, cricket transfers and celebrity hosts Cricketer tours start from GBP 1,995 To book please contact travel@quintessentially.com. Set Sail In The Seychelles Prepare to set sail in true Banyan Tree style. Launched in April 2008, the 47-foot twin-hulled catamaran ‘Banyan Tree Lagoon’ took to the sparkling seas of Seychelles. Accommodating four guests on overnight cruises to the truly magnificent islands of Seychelles, the catamaran is fully staffed by a personal host and skipper with all the amenities and luxuries typical of the brand. This modern catamaran with its wooden blonde interiors and sleek white exterior will take guests on a journey that will tantalise the imagination. You’ll find spacious bedrooms all kitted out in the best Banyan Tree can provide, an air-conditioned main salon, panoramic views all travelling at a comfortable cruising speed of 12 knots. RATES: Prices start from EUR 1,600 per night and includes: Breakfast Lunch Dinner (excluding any alcoholic drinks) 24 hour Sea Host A special gallery gift upon arrival Free guidance on island hopping and local sailing knowledge, maps etc Fruit basket upon arrival Local water and soft drinks – (alcoholic beverages not included) Snorkelling equipment Fishing equipment (on request) To book or for more information please contact travel@quintessentially.com. The Quintessentially Travel Diaries Each month, one of our travel experts will give you the lowdown on their recent adventures. This month, Dani Burke, our UK travel specialist, tells us about her magical African adventure. For members planning to visit South Africa or any other destination, we’re here to offer honest and impartial advice with firsthand knowledge to help you plan your perfect holiday. Dani Burke’s South African Adventure: CAPE TOWN: After hearing good things from friends, family and colleagues, I finally got the chance to sample South Africa for myself in April. I completely fell in love with this beautiful and diverse place. From the buzz of Cape Town to the thrill of safari, it was pure adventure in a relaxed environment! After an 11 hour flight, I arrived in Cape Town with no jet lag due to the convenient two hour time difference. I was greeted with blue skies and glorious sunshine. We headed straight to the renowned Cape Grace hotel, with its own private quay perched on the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. The hotel itself is classic in design and will appeal to honeymooning couples as well as families. There is a relaxed atmosphere created by the efficient and friendly staff and it was complete heaven sipping Pimms by the pool after an afternoon of quayside shopping. The hotel's Bascule Whisky Bar and Wine Cellar has the largest collection of whiskies in the Southern Hemisphere and the finest of Cape wines - should you wish to indulge. Cape Town is also home to stunning beaches and scenery. The best way to experience them is from the top of Table Mountain by cable car as this offers spectacular views in all directions and provides a bird’s eye view of the city. Do also visit Cape Point for its amazing views and perhaps you’ll spot a few cheeky baboons along the way! Word to the wise - just keep your vehicle windows closed. We also found time to visit Simonstown nestled on False Bay and home to the delightful and cute African penguin. The main highlight of this trip was visiting the Cape Winelands for a spot of wine tasting. I was left completely speechless when I arrived at The Residence, a hotel set on a private thirty acre farm in Franschhoek Valley. This hotel is an indulgent fantasy and will have you feeling like a celebrity within just a few moments. It is understandable why so many high profile names have named it as a favourite. Each suite comes with its own personality; my favourite was the pink suite – a girly paradise. We also had the chance to visit Hermanus and, even though whale season is typically from June and July through to December, the scenery is breathtaking and the beaches beautiful. For any adrenalin junkie, there is always the option of shark diving! Hermanus has the status of being the best land-based whale watching destination in the world so I will definitely be back for another spot of whale watching. On my future return, I intend to stay at Birkenhead House. This is a modern, adult-only boutique hotel with a laidback Ibiza vibe recognizable in all 11 beautiful suites. Some have views overlooking the two best swimming beaches in Hermanus. There is also the six bedroom Birkenhead Villa, adjacent to Birkenhead House that can accommodate families so everyone is neatly catered for. The Cellars-Hohenort in Constantia Valley is again just a hop, skip and a jump from Cape Town but with its immaculate, manicured gardens this adult-only property feels like a million miles from the hustle and bustle. There are various styles of accommodation, from the imposing Hohenort Manor House to the splendidly restored 18th Century wine cellars of the Klaasenbosch estate. Both offer understated luxury. The bar has the funkiest cocktails (each arriving in a differently designed glass every time) and, together with the hotel's two restaurants, has a great feel to it. Rooms are comfortable but not overly modern with high tech gadgets kept to a minimum and laptops aren’t allowed. Guests go there to enjoy leisure time only; business travellers should look elsewhere. SAFARI: Situated in the Kruger National Park, the Ngala Private Game Reserve offers three different safari experiences: the classic Ngala Safari Lodge in the north, the contemporary Ngala Tented Camp in the south and the exhilarating Ngala Walking Safari Camp - an incredible up close-and-personal experience. I stayed in a suite at the Ngala Safari Lodge and before I'd even stepped inside I strolled onto my private veranda and saw a family of elephants drinking at the property’s water hole. After tea and biscuits, our personal ranger and private 4x4 safari vehicle were waiting to whisk us away. Our tracker ‘January’ was also on hand and found a herd of buffalo drinking at another water hole. There must have been over 400 and they were an amazing sight to behold. Next up, we saw zebra and we must have had lady luck with us as we also saw giraffe, sleeping lions and hundreds of impala. Next stop was Camp Jabulani, adjacent to the Kruger National Park. This is the only camp in South Africa offering the thrill of safaris by elephant. I was quite nervous to be that high but the grooms are so professional they really put us at ease. We set off with the baby elephants hot on our heels! Being up so close to giraffe and warthogs and even a crocodile was beyond this world. This is definitely a camp where opulence is abound as each suite features a large freestanding bath, fireplace, deck and plunge pool. The cuisine is also high quality. We had the opportunity to visit the nearby Cheetah Sanctuary where we fed and cuddled a fully grown and tame Cheetah called Tom who had been rescued and hand reared. Finally, we ended our safari experience at Tanda Tula, known as the most luxurious tented camp in South Africa. You really feel like you’re the only one on the safari. It was here with our ranger and tracker we finally caught sight of a leopard on our final game drive. Our ranger also took us to a secluded spot where we also saw a family of lions. From the outdoor shower to the myriad sounds of the bush and the beast, with just a tent to separate you from the outside world, this camp really gives you a full on safari experience. If Dani’s diary has inspired you to embark on an adventure of your own, our travel team will be happy to talk to you about organizing one for you. Please contact travel@quintessentially.com for more.