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Friday, February 17, 2012

Exclusive Eco-minded Serengeti Safari for Families



Opening on 15 June 2012, the luxurious eco-minded Singita Serengeti House will offer guests exclusive-use accommodation and access to 350,000 acres of private land, providing an unparalleled safari experience in Tanzania. Situated on the western corridor of the world-famous Serengeti National Park, this luxurious retreat offers idyllic vistas from the wide Serengeti plains to the property's nearby watering hole.



Designed to suit friends and families alike, Singita Serengeti House will accommodate just eight guests in two spacious suites located in the main house and two additional garden suites - all featuring private outdoor showers and terraces. In addition, the main house comprises large dining and lounge areas, ample decked areas with day beds, swimming pool and tennis court.

Singita’'s award-winning interior designers, Cecile & Boyd, have created a quintessentially African yet modern feel, combining classic furniture with local materials, bleached raw woods and a palette of white, ebony and ivory. While Singita  -already renowned for their outstanding community and wildlife initiatives - have taken great steps to investigate and implement some of the best green policies incorporating water efficiency, energy consumption, materials and resources.



Guests staying at Serengeti House can also expect to sample Singita’s signature experience - fantastic safari activities with a private guide and vehicle, dedicated staff offering superb personalised service, delectable cuisine by a private chef and access to an impressive selection of the finest wines. With all itineraries, meals and activities made to order, casual dinners, hearty breakfasts and light, healthy lunches lounging on the lawn are likely to be firm favourites in this home-like environment.







Africa Odyssey (www.africaodyssey.com) is offering an unforgettable four-night stay at this brand-new property from £6,200 per person ($9815) based on four sharing.  Valid for selected departures from 15 June to 15 December 2012, the price includes return flights from Heathrow, internal flights, exclusive-use of Singita Serengeti House on a full-board basis, with game viewing drives in open sided 4x4 vehicles, concession and park entrance fees.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Win - Win In the Maldives

  Want more from your holiday than another tame and predictable luxury resort? Do you really want to get under the skin of the place you visit?

Well, here's a surprisingly simple way to do it...
Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort is sprawled across the entire expanse of Meedhuffushi Island in the South Nilandhe Atoll.  The island boasts a beautiful lagoon one side and a reef the other - perfect for snorkelling and for diving. 


Reached by a 35-minute seaplane transfer from MalĂ©, the luxury resort is surrounded by lush vegetation, swaying coconut palms and pristine white sandy beaches. It offers five star facilities including an infinity pool, gym, Sun Spa, table tennis, volleyball court, a selection of restaurants and bars and a children’s playground.











Launching this month - and unique to the Maldives - I'm delighted to see that guests at Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort can put some money back into the pockets of the people that need it most, by participating in a brand new community involvement project - donating supplies and materials directly to local schools.


Vilu Reef is the first resort in the Maldives to work with the charity Pack For A Purpose.
The organisation was founded on the principal that those fortunate to travel to other countries have the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to the communities they visit and have a significant impact on the lives of children around the world. All you have to do is save some luggage space for educational supplies (5 lbs/2.27kg is recommended). You pack what they need and simply drop them off at resort check-in on your arrival.

Unlike many hotels in the Maldives, Vilu Reef is located in an atoll surrounded by thriving communtities that live on the local islands. As such, guests who would like to bring more to the Maldives and make a small, easy, but meaningful donation can do so for the Dhaalu Atoll School on Meedhoo island and the Bandidhoo School on Bandidhoo island for children aged six to 16 years.  What’s more, for those of you who would like the opportunity to personally meet the school children and teachers, you can even deliver your donated items in person. 


Vilu Reef offers a choice of half-day or full-day 'local island tours'. These  excursions visit Meedhoo and Bandidhoo island to explore the local fishing villages and to experience Maldivian culture and traditional ways of life. Guests visit the mosque, school, meet the local people and can enjoy some shopping. Prices start from US$ 45.00 per person (excluding local tax charges).
 
For more information and details of supplies needed for the local schools, 
visit www.vilureefmaldives.com and click on the community projects link.

  
Tropical Sky is offering six nights at Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort from €1,579 ($2090) per person.  Valid for selected departures in September 2012, the price includes scheduled flights (via Abu Dhabi) with Etihad, accommodation in resort on a half-board basis, seaplane transfers, taxes and surcharges.