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 Malé, 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. 

My Top 3 Tips for Fresh Holidays with a Conscience

If you're anything like me, you go on holiday to have a good time, not to save the world. But, be honest, wouldn't you like to know your break could be about giving, not just taking? 

Here's my top tips on what's new for holidaying with a tinge of conscience...

1. Tanzania

      

Situated on the relatively undiscovered southern Tanzania coastline, just 35km south of Dar es Salaam, 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.

Africa Odyssey  is offering a seven-night break during the turtle’s hatching season from £1,907 ($3005) per person - a saving of £183 ($288 ) Valid for selected dates throughout February, the price includes return flights from Dublin (via Heathrow), internal transfers, accommodation at Ras Kutani on a full-board basis, taxes and surcharges. Complimentary snorkelling equipment, kayaks and boogie boards are available for those that wish to venture from their hammock or beach bed.

2. Grand Canyon, USA

Grand Canyon Tour and Travel have launched a new range of tours they’re calling VIP Spirit. At the heart of VIP Spirit concept are their top of the line Mercedes Benz Sprinter Vehicles. As the company’s Mike Rancilio told me, 

“we chose the Mercedes Benz Sprinter for reliability and comfort but, most of all their BlueTEC Clean Diesel technology. BlueTEC is one of the cleanest automotive options on Earth. It is at the forefront of minimizing emissions and creating a smaller environmental footprint and, operating as we do, primarily in our world famous National Parks, that is critical to how we want to be working in the future”

The luxurious version of the BlueTEC Mercedes Benz Sprinter features tandem wheel suspension adding to both safety and a smoother ride. Even more obvious to the customer are the company’s upgrades including extra large picture windows, flat screen TVs, surround sound, upgraded seating, limousine lighting and the indulgence of sharing the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam experience in the intimacy of a vehicle with as few as twelve seats.

3. Germany

Environmental charity BTCV is running a conservation holiday in the enchanted Harz National Park in Germany this summer. Holidaymakers will be carrying out practical work to conserve the forest’s wild beauty.


Based in foothills near Bad Harzburg, the conservation teams will be working within the park and will have the opportunity to really get a real feel for the majesty and beauty of the place. The Harz National Park stretches from the low mountain range near Herzberg in the southern part of the mountains, across the Harz massif to its northern slopes near Bad Harzburg and Ilsenburg. It offers the entire range of characteristic ecological systems, variations in height, slopes and rocks.

Much of the practical work carried out in the park relates to either restoration of natural habitats and maintenance of traditionally managed habitats, or ‘visitor management’ to ensure people can enjoy appreciate and learn from nature whilst having the minimum negative impact on it. During the eight day break visitors will learn meadow mowing,
hay-making how to repair footpaths, bridges and signs.

Accommodation is at the Jugendwaldheim Brunnenbachsmühle – a huge and comfortable outdoor centre near Braunlage at the northern end of the park.

A continental breakfast and packed lunch will be prepared for guests, with dinner self-catered as a group. The holiday takes place July 14 to 22 and costs £390 ($615) excluding travel.

NORTHERN LIGHTS & ECLIPSE FOR KIDS

Since science these days is cool in school, I'm inspired by Explorers Astronomy Tours’ brand new selection of family-focused galactic getaways.

Right up my street, the tour company want to encourage families to see and do something spectacular on their travels. It's a welcome break from the standard fly and flop fortnight at another predictable resort.

Their holidays take in both the northern lights and desert stargazing. All tours are accompanied by Explorers’ resident Galactic Rangers who provide their expert insight into the celestial activity.

As well as increasing the number of departures for its sell-out tour to the sought-after aurora borealis, Explorers has introduced a 5-day family-only Northern Lights holiday, departing February.

David Phillips, Operations & Planning Manager at Explorers, told me:
“With northern light forecasts continuing to suggest that the next couple of years will provide prime viewing conditions, it’s wonderful to see how this natural phenomenon has captured the nations’ imagination... the sky’s the limit’ perfectly sums up the potential for incorporating astronomy into year-round adventure holidays all across the world. Whilst this November’s Total Solar Eclipse in Australia is sure to prove another ‘must-see’ experience, we’ve also introduced new 2012 stargazing trips that take advantage of the wonderful desert skies of destinations such as Jordan, Turkey and Morocco.”

Here's a preview of what's on offer...

Glaciers, Geysers & Northern Lights – Astronomy Kids 5 days from £1,099 ($1,724) adult & £1,039 ($1,630) child - For the first time, families can now explore the rugged beauty of Iceland and watch the Icelandic skies come alive at night with an astronomy expert on-hand to guide them through the light display. For children aged eight and above, the tour will take families away from pollution zones to get a good view of the phenomenon. Departures 14 February 2012 & 12 February 2013

                                                                       

Turkey Adventure & Astronomy 8 days from £1,429 ($2,242) pp - Taking advantage of the new moon, families will camp under the stars and watch the sky come alive as educational planetarium shows entertain and educate families with children aged 12 upwards. The clear skies of Cappadocia and its surreal scenery will allow holidaymakers to view the planets and constellations in a whole new light. Departures 21 July 2012 & 7 August 2013.

Sinai Desert & Stars 8 days from £1,069 ($1,677) pp - Incorporating a desert jeep safari, families will be whisked off on an Egyptian adventure which combines all the action of the desert with the wow factor of the stars, planets and Perseids meteor shower. During the holiday, families will be treated to two nights of stargazing hosted by resident ‘Galactic Ranger’ and acclaimed astronomer Dr John Mason. Minimum age 12. Departures 11 August 2012 & 28 July 2013.

Petra & Desert Sky at Night 7 days from £1,429 ($2,242) pp - For an experience to capture the essence of the Wadi Rum desert, families will experience life in a Bedouin Camp before sleeping under a blanket of stars. The private use of a 16-inch telescope will give children an even closer look at the constellations and the Milky Way, providing them with an unforgettable hands-on learning experience. Other highlights include exploring the lost world of Petra, floating in the Dead Sea and a 4WD desert adventure. Departures 17 August 2012 & 24 August 2013.

To find out more visit Explorers at www.astronomytours.co.uk

MAMA KNOWS BEST: MY BEST VALUE TOURS TO ITALY

Despite feeling a decided pinch, the New Year is typically a time we start making holiday plans for the year ahead.

With less money in our wallets this year, I'm keeping an eye out for the best value vacations around...

First up, Citalia, a leading Italian holiday specialist with over 80 years of experience, who just announced their widely awaited January sale. Throughout Italy, Citalia offers an unrivalled level of knowledge and expertise with a genuine passion for the country and the holidays it offers - whether it's a family holiday by the coast, an iconic city break or a multi-centre adventure.

Featuring a collection of exclusive offers - combining the very best of Italy - its biggest saving is a phenomenal $4178 (£2700) per couple in a five star hotel in the beautiful area of Puglia. Three-night breaks start from just $292 (£189) whilst other offers for the January sale include free nights, board and room upgrades, early booking discounts, free child places, savings of up to 40% as well as exclusive savings few tour operator can match.

PLUS, a guaranteed discount of $310 (£200) is on offer for all new packages booked by 31st January 2012 with a minimum stay of 11-nights. Bookings of seven-nights will be entitled to a discount of $232 (£150) per booking, whilst even three-night breaks will have a $155 (£100) discount per booking. Discounts apply to all holidays up to March 2013.

Love Culture?
A three-night package at the luxurious five star Ca’Sagredo in Venice is on offer from $440 (£285) per person with a saving of up to $573 (£370) per couple including a guaranteed room upgrade and free meal per person.

The Ca’Sagredo offers exquisite luxury in what has become a National Monument featuring artwork by some of the greatest Venetian painters. Price includes return flights from London Gatwick and bed and breakfast, based on departures 28th February 2012.



Love Lakes?
If like George Clooney it’s the picturesque backdrops, clear waters and natural spas that make Italy so appealing then the Italian Lakes are the perfect choice.
A seven-night package staying at the four star Hotel Olivi in Lake Garda is featured in the January sale with prices from $905 (£585) per person and a saving of up to $555 (£358) per couple.

Price includes seven-nights accommodation at the charming Hotel Olivi, return flights from London Gatwick and 100 Euro resort credit per booking. Based on departures 12th April 2012.



Love Coasts?
Italy’s picturesque, unspoilt coastline offers some of the most stunning scenery with areas like Portofino - that has become one of the world’s most exclusive, celebrity holiday resorts. For a luxury family holiday nestled within feet of the Puglian coastline is the five star Borgo Egnazia Golf and Spa Resort with savings of up to an enormous $4178 (£2700) per couple.

Prices start from $2675 (£1729) per person staying at the five star resort for 11-nights, including return flights and complimentary half board accommodation. Price and savings based on departures 17th July 2012.



Love Islands?
A seven-night package staying at the luxury five star Hotel San Domenico Palace in Sicily is full of charm with savings of up $1236 (£799) per couple.

Prices start from $1260 (£815) per person for a week’s long stay in the beautiful five star hotel in Taormina, including breakfast and two complimentary dinners. Price includes return flights and one free night included, based on departures 26th March 2012.



Love Exploring?
If Italy is your passion, but choice is the dilemma, Citalia features a wealth of multi-centres and flexible itineraries across Italy at great value for money.
From just $1345 (£869) per person Citalia try a ten-night package that takes in the magnificence of Rome with the charm of Sorrento. The package includes three-nights accommodation at the Hotel San Remo, Rome and seven-nights accommodation at the Imperial Hotel Tramontano, Sorrento.

The price includes return flights, transfers, bed and breakfast at both locations as well as an exclusive 20% discount offered to Citalia customers from the A La Carte menu at the Imperial Hotel Tramontano. A saving of $526 (£340) per couple is included, based on departures 25th April 2012.



For more information visit website www.citalia.com

But HURRY! Bookings must be made before 31st January 2012.

THE BIG APPLE CELEBRATES 2012 WITH THE BEST FAMILY BARGAINS YET!

A spot of retail therapy may go some way towards curing the post-Christmas blues - combine it with a trip to New York, free kids admission to Broadway shows and a stay at The Hotel @ Times Square during New York Restaurant Week and your melancholy will evaporate altogether.

Trekking around the new year sales for bargains is sure to work up an appetite; thankfully 250 restaurants across the city participate in New York Restaurant Week, which offers gourmet experiences at give-away prices. Celebrating its 20th year this winter, the twice-yearly event has gone from strength to strength, extended to four weeks due to such high demand from locals and visitors!

The event takes place between 16 January and 10 February 2012 (Monday to Friday) Thrifty travellers can grab a three-course lunch for just $25 (approx. £16) or $35 (approx. £22) for dinner, allowing visitors to sample some of the best food in the city at a fraction of the menu price.

Sales across the city mean mega deals can be found in designer shops and the smallest boutiques. Savvy shoppers from outside the US can pick up international visitor discount cards at the iconic department stores, such as Bloomingdales and Macy’s - just visit their customer service counters with photo ID in hand.

And the fun’s not all for the grown-ups... Between 5 and 9 February, children (aged six to 18) can get free admission to Broadway shows when accompanied by a full-paying adult. Shows include Mary Poppins, Mamma Mia, Spider Man and Sister Act among others. The adult ticket price also includes free entry to Madame Tussauds on 7 February.

Situated in the heart of Manhattan, just minutes from Fifth Avenue, Broadway and many central restaurants is The Hotel @ Times Square. The perfect base for shoppers, theatre buffs and food-lovers, this budget-friendly hotel offers complimentary continental breakfast, wi-fi and phone calls nationwide. What’s more, children aged 12 and under stay for free!


Prices in January and February start from just $134.99 per room per night (approx £43 per person based on two sharing). To book, visit www.thehotelattimessquare.com

Helen Truszkowski... For Sale

Announcing a New Gallery Location for

607 Nth La Brea LA, CA 90036
- one block south of melrose - opening Jan. 5th 2012

Wallspace is extremely happy to announce a new physical gallery location opening for business the first week of January 2012 at 607 Nth La Brea, Los Angeles, CA 90036. Wallspace are just one block South of Melrose on the West side of the street, next to the restaurant Tar Pit, with parking spots in the rear and easy truck access from the alley.

Exhibiting contemporary artwork by Los Angeles-based artists and photographers worldwide, inc... Helen Truszkowski. All works are available for rent or for sale.

England's Norfolk Coast: The Traditional Christmas Experience

Continuing my series of the best vacation spots in the UK, we get all Christmasy on the Norfolk Coast.

There are few better places during the festive season than England's North Norfolk Coast. This beautiful part of the world is already famous for its seafood, great pubs, beautiful beaches and shopping. For those in the know, it’s also the best place to get Christmas started.

With a combination of the week long Fakenham Christmas Tree Festival, Holkham’s ‘Victorian Christmas Celebration’, Creake Abbey’s Christmas Farmers’ Market and the Deepdale Christmas Market visitors have a wonderful opportunity to eat, drink and complete your Christmas shopping all in one weekend.

Fakenham Parish Church holds its 11th Christmas Tree Festival from Thursday 1st to Thursday 8th December 2011 between 10am and 8pm daily. This ever popular occasion attracted 25,000 people last year and raised over £18,000 for charities mostly in small coins! This year 78 charities will be taking part and there will be 90 trees! Entrance to the Festival is Free, but please bring a bag of coins to donate to the charity trees of your choice. Inside there will be a Christmas Bazaar selling a wide range of Christmas goods; also refreshments, a Tombola and a Grand Draw. - www.fakenhamparishchurch.org.uk


It will be a truly a wonderful experience for visitors to Holkham Hall on 3 and 4 December for a ‘Victorian Christmas Celebration’, as Queen Victoria arrives to stay for Christmas. Inside the wonderfully decorated hall, musicians will lead for dances and traditional carols will be sung, games played and stories told by the fireside. A daring fire breather will perform, redcoat soldiers will keep guard and in the kitchens, cooks and household staff will be found bustling to get the royal feast prepared. All will be captured for posterity by period photographic camera and techniques. Florence Nightingale will drop by to recruit more nurses and the Holly King, sitting beneath his Christmas Tree, will give out gifts to the children.
- www.holkham.co.uk

Hundreds of ingredients produced and made in Norfolk will be for sale at Creake Abbey’s Christmas Farmers’ Market, North Creake on Saturday 3rd December from 9.30am – 1pm. Over 45 producers are booked to attend. Together with the regulars the market is welcoming Godwick Turkeys and Norfolk Saffron. To inspire you to give this years’ Christmas dishes an interesting Norfolk twist, top local chefs including Richard Bainbridge will be demonstrating some of their favourite recipes. The producers will be offering tastings galore plus all the info you might need to make an informed purchase. Cookery demonstrations in the workshop on the car park start at 10am. - www.creakeabbey.co.uk

The annual Deepdale Christmas Market welcomes over 50 stalls to Burnham Deepdale to join Dalegate Market’s shops & Deepdale Café on both Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th December from 10am to 4pm. The stalls & shops offer presents, decorations, food & drink, cheese, clothing, jewellery, cupcakes, photography and you can even buy your Christmas trees. There will be a wonderful selection of refreshments available from Deepdale Café, including paella, mulled wine, paninis and their usual great food & cakes. Entertainment includes the Norwich Ukulele Society, Fakenham Town Band and Hunstanton Concert Band who are joined by carollers. FREE entry. – www.deepdalechristmasmarket.co.uk

A Friday visit to The Jolly Sailors, Brancaster Staithe for their Sausage Fest would be a great addition to a weekend of festive cheer. – www.jollysailors.co.uk

There is a huge choice of accommodation including holiday cottages, hotels, B&Bs, backpackers hostels, tipi, yurts and for the brave hearted you could even camp! For information about accommodation along the coast, visit www.burnhamdeepdale.co.uk