Jumbo Pics

 

Following the introduction of the photographic hides at the Mashatu Game Reserve late last year, we've been sent amazing feedback from guests and photographers alike about the quality of images they have managed to capture from the very unique perspective of the different hides constructed on the property.

One of the more popular hides is the elephant hide. A re-inforced steel container has been adapted for comfort and sunk into the ground so that occupants are at eye level with ‘terra firma’. This hide is frequented by herds of elephant almost every day, some of which comprise in excess of 60 animals.

Just watch this footage from the elephant hide; and not even a whisper of a mobile...

CT

Meet the Maldives' latest marine researcher - Olivia the turtle

Four Seasons Maldives just sent us a really sweet turtle story. After a year in Landaa Giraavaru’s Turtle Rehabilitation Centre recovering from a nasty head injury, Olivia the Olive Ridley turtle was finally released back into the wild in February 2012, equipped with a satellite-tracking device mounted on her carapace.

She’s loving her second lease of life, having covered a staggering 510 kilometres in her first month alone, and travelled into the middle of the Indian Ocean! The tagging device will enable research into the lesser-known Olive Ridley turtle, some of the world’s smallest sea turtles and one of many species being cared for in Landaa's Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.

Since 2010, the Rehabilitation Centre has nurtured and cared for nine severely injured turtles, seven of which have been successfully released back to the wild. Its current patients include Sally, a young female Olive Ridley found suffering from multiple lacerations and buoyancy problems, and Clover, a young male Olive Ridley with deep lacerations around his neck.

Olivia was the Centre’s longest-staying resident to date. Now – thanks to her tagging device – she’s set to become its most famous! Watch the video of her emotional released here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-V258pQ7ls&feature=youtu.be after 12 months in the centre, then follow her whereabouts via the regularly updated ‘Olivia-link': http://g.co/maps/5z2uy

Currently, there are two other turtles, Sally and Clover, that are being nursed in the Four Seasons' Turtle Rehab Centre, one of which will soon receive a satellite tag, kindly sponsored by one of the resort's guests.


CT

Jolly in Hong Kongy!!!

Mary Ann, Business Travel Agent at Colletts Travel, visits Hong Kong for the day!

Follow Mary Ann's short but full fam-trip* to Hong Kong, flying with Hong Kong Airlines
* Familiarisation trip – agent speak for a Jolly in Hong Kongy!!!

MY HONG KONG EXPERIENCE – 22^nd – 24^th March 2012

Checking in to an eerily quiet terminal, I had to ask the check-in assistant if this was normal for Gatwick North Terminal! Apparently Hong Kong Airlines departing at 9.30pm was the last flight from the terminal hence everything was so quiet. It felt like I was in a library with everyone whispering and the staff busying chatting to each other as there was nothing else to do. Even the security people were just milling around waiting for someone to go through security. Normally the queues of people waiting to go through security are snaking out to the door! I was invited to use the fast track service through security. Any other time this would have been quite useful but not when I was the only one using the service or even going through security at the time!

Travelling with Hong Kong Airlines, passengers are invited to use the No1 Lounge where there is complimentary food, drinks, use of the games room, cinema and business centre – if you wanted to catch up with the latest on Facebook. I found it to be quite noisy but I think this was because all the passengers were in there as there was nothing else to do – no shopping as most of the shops were already closed or about to close. After about 20mins in the lounge it was time to get to gate 52 for boarding. In Hong Kong, passengers are also invited to use the Hong Kong Airlines Lounge which is a lot smaller with a few computers and some complimentary food and drinks.

Never having had the privilege to travel in a premium cabin I didn’t know what to expect. Upon entering the aircraft I walked through part of the Business Premier cabin. These seats are fully flat bed with a 61” pitch and look like the British Airways Club Class seats (from what I have seen in photos). They are 1-2-1 configuration. I made my way to my seat in the Business Classic Cabin. Here the configuration is 2-2-2 with a 51” pitch. With the flight half empty I had 2 seats to myself which is more than enough room for someone of my height – even at full stretch I could not touch the seat in front of me. For someone who thinks that the seat-pitch on a standard economy seat is enough room I was more than happy with the “extra” legroom!

All passengers are given blankets, slippers, pyjamas, headphones and a complimentary luxury amenity bag with Bulgari products. The difference in the two cabins being in the seats, the service – the crew cannot do enough for you and they all speak very good English, the menu, the Wi-Fi limit – 10MB in Business Classic and 20MB in Business Premier and the choice of wines and the bars. The bar in Business Classic is self-service whereas the bar in the Business Premier is manned to help passengers with their order.

I think Business Classic is a great product that I would feel happy and confident in selling to our business and luxury travellers although I would sell the Business Classic as World Traveller Plus/Premium Economy and the Business Premier as a full business class.

Hong Kong Airlines, a good alternative to other airlines.

I arrived into Hong Kong Airport at 5.45pm and took the Airport Express train to Kowloon – it’s only 2 stops away and costs HK$90.00 (approximately £7). From Kowloon station I took a taxi (cost about HK$60.00) to the hotel – Harbour Grand Kowloon. What an experience! All I can say is make sure you fasten your seatbelt! (I did!) because you are in for one hell of a ride.

Check in at the Harbour Grand Kowloon - located in a quiet area by the harbour away from the crowded streets of Tsim Sha Tsui/Nathan Road/Mody Road. The hotel offers a shuttle bus to the centre leaving every 30mins and taking about 10 minutes. The entrance is lovely with a grand stairway which is popular with wedding parties.

As it was the Rugby Seven’s weekend in Hong Kong check-in was a bit sedate, but this added to my eagerness to get out and see the city! After check-in I was met by the assistant sales director Billy Wan who introduced himself and gave a mini tour of the hotel the www.harbourgrand.com

I was lucky to receive an upgrade to a Superior Harbour View room, the views out across the harbour to Hong Kong Island were magnificent. Had a shower and was out again this time taking a taxi to the famous Temple Street night market. This is where it all happens. It was buzzing! Full of people just like it was the daytime, considering it was gone past 9pm.

I walked around for about 2 hours ending up at the ladies market after which I took a taxi back to the hotel absolutely exhausted.

The next day I had breakfast and headed down to Nathan/Mody Road for more shopping then off to the Citygate outlet mall in Tung Chung for yet more shopping! Although it is worth noting that shopping in Hong Kong is not as cheap as one would have thought.

If you do get the chance to go to Hong Kong get a Chinese Visa and go across the border to Shenzen (approximately 45 minutes on the train) where the shopping is up to half the price of that in Hong Kong – although be aware of buying fake goods. After this it was time to say goodbye and head to the airport.

The return the flight was a lot fuller with all my fellow Travel agent “Fam Trippers” seated at the back this was a tiring experience but well worth it, both Hong Kong Airlines and Hong Kong are well worth a visit, just make sure you have more time that I did!!!

Mary Ann Carvalho

Great Idea for Valentines - Golf at Gleneagles

We're really excited at the launch of our new UK luxury collection and are delighted that the landmark Scottish resort, Gleneagles, have agreed to join with us in offering clients this exclusive deal. Until March 31^st 2012, double rooms at Gleneagles will be available to book from £215. This rate includes full Scottish breakfast, VAT and unlimited use of The Club, Gleneagles' superb leisure facility. In addition, Colletts Travel clients who book for a stay of 2-nights or longer will be offered the choice of either

• A private tour of the Gleneagles wine cellars (not normally open to the public) with one of the estate's sommeliers, OR
  
• 50% discount on return chauffeur airport transfers from/to Edinburgh Airport (normally £115 each way)
  

ALSO, bookings made for Sunday - Thursday nights will receive a complimentary upgrade at time of booking.

CT

The clever way to manage your holiday spending money

CashCase Visa gives you the security and convenience you need when taking money abroad. The reloadable pre-paid card enables you to access your money wherever you are and will hold more than one currency at the same time. You can hold and spend in British Pounds, US Dollars and Euros as if you were using local currency.

You pay a card fee of just £9.99 and then you can load your CashCase™ Visa® Prepaid Card with money from a bank account, by debit card or credit card and even manage your money on-the-go by linking your CashCase card to your mobile phone.

You can use your card wherever Visa is accepted in the UK and abroad. It can also be used at ATMs, to shop online and over the phone.

And especially for Colletts clients, if you book before 15 January 2012 we've got 10 cards to giveaway FREE of charge. Call us on 0844 880 30 40.

CT

From sunny Cape Town back to Boris Bikes

We are now at the airport at the end of our fantastic voyage culminating in this last weekend in Cape Town on the Waterfront. As you know, we were as pleased with Cape Grace as we have been with your other selected "watering holes" and, by comparison with the other 3 locations, rather overwhelmed by its relative size - we haven't used a lift for a week and nor are we used to sharing our meals with more than 2 or 3 other tables!!! However, despite adjusting to urban life, this property lives up to the standards we are now familiar with after receiving the "Mushinda" treatment. (Even the cosy pool area was ideal for wallowing in the heat and we probably resembled those we saw and photographed cooling off in Kruger!!)

It was great meeting you again in person - particularly as we have corresponded for the last 10 months and have so much appreciated your dedication and commitment, to say nothing of your generosity and patience throughout. The quality of your selections have all been exceptional and this level of pampering will be hard to match back in London - it's back to congestion, Boris bikes and winter for us!! Please extend our thanks to the managers at each location who, together with their dedicated and friendly colleagues, made us so welcome and don't forget those various airport "meeters and greeters" who navigated us through unfamiliar territory so speedily and efficiently. As urban trekkers they were as knowledgeable and skilful as Brett and Jabalena were at Singita!!!

Anyway, having won this prize we probably lost lots of friends out of envy or boredom with our discussion about "the" trip - but as soon as we have announced our return to London and shown the countless photos of life in the Bush, wineries, coast and in the shadow of Table Mountain we are confident that our social life will return and we will then be able to recommend the Mushinda/Collett team and this itinerary - a 'winning' combination!! It's been a week of high points and contrasts and has whetted our appetite for a return visit - we will just have to keep entering competitions!!!

Very many thanks for making this possible.

Mark & Carolyn London-bound (and delayed!!!)

PS: feel free to use these ramblings on your blogs, posters, tv campaigns, letterheads and other testimonials - they are genuine and heartfelt and hopefully will encourage others to visit SA and emulate this incredible mission by the Mishons!!!

Another win in Cape Town

Just arrived in Cape Town and yet another "win". Jessica the receptionist at the Cape Grace lived up to the now familiar Mushinda "welcome" that we have been spoilt to receive throughout our amazing voyage and, with Table Mountain in the background, we are about to spend these last few days in Cape Town.
Carolyn is using the Colletts voucher pampering herself, whilst I wish to maintain my "whale scale" food intake record and will enjoy Colletts restaurant voucher! This really is one helluva prize!!!
Adele - you deserve a drink or dinner on us!!!

Regards and yet again many thanks

Mark & Carolyn

Wow, the whales of Hermanus

Well - this is the latest update from the travelling Mishons, now comfortably residing in Hermanus. All still well and good - only slightly marred by a reluctance of the local whales to come and perform for the competition winners (they must have known!). However, we can exaggerate the distant view of a fin and the oohing and aahing of the locals who clearly have had a near daily introduction to their mammal neighbours and know them all personally!

We can see why Hermanus is on many visitors' itinerary and in saying so, have decided to mimic the whales; we have eaten continuously and possibly now equal them for size!! At the introduction and encouragement of La Residence, we dine tonight with Shane at Birkenhead House, having eaten in the Relais Restaurant at the marine last night - tourists will be photographing us tomorrow!

Adele, your arrangements have been outstanding and the warm welcomes so ..... welcome! As we now prepare for Cape Town it is hard to believe we have been in your amazing country for less than a week.
Looking forward to meeting you at the weekend.
Regards and many thanks as ever

Mark & Carolyn

Prize Draw Winners Hit The Jackpot in Singita

The most recent winners of our travel show prize draw, held in February each year, are now on the trip of a lifetime to South Africa. Their prize includes stays in Kruger National Park, the Eastern Cape's Garden Route and Cape Town, with flights on Virgin Atlantic - and it looks like they're having a fabulous time.

We've had a memorable weekend at Singita. We saw the Big 5, and experienced maybe the 8th Wonder of the World at Singita Boulders Lodge. The level of comfort, warm welcome, six-star professional service and a sensational setting all combined to make this a memorable stay that's hard to better. All this complemented by the enviable skills of Brett and Jab who ensured that we urban dwellers entered a different World in Sabi Sands. For us to share our day with the Big 5 leaves us with memories which exceeded our expectations. What a way to start our African adventure - we will spread the word !!


Another one for the blog ! La Residence is outstanding - we have been spoilt, pampered and indulged - we are concerned that we will struggle to achieve such high standards at home next week !! In Hermanus at the moment - different offering, looking for whales ...
Mark & Carolyn Mishon

CT

Just when you start to believe that it could not get any better!

Mark Kirsch, a well-respected travel agent here at Colletts Travel thought he'd like to share some recent feedback from Richard, a repeat cruise client after a recent cruise onboard Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas..

Just when you start to believe that it could not any better, then it becomes just that, better. We have, as you know, cruised for so many years and on so many ships, so we are used to it. I will tell you this, it was better than ever it was before. The whole concept of staying in Southampton over-night was brilliant - and in a brilliant hotel which was the Dolphin Hotel. This hotel is what I would call a 5*+ town hotel; it was within walking distance of the main town and the port, they arranged a cab service which was brilliant, they helped me both ways with all my cases by taking them out the car, and then when we returned they loaded my car for me. The hotel with parking and cab service both ways cost £95 for the night including a breakfast which was second to none. The Royal Caribbean Independence of the Seas was fantastic, as was the Junior Suite and the service, we had a fantastic time! I don’t know what other agent enquires about how their clients enjoyed themselves a week after they return? I don't know anyone! You are brilliant at what you do and, more to the point, you are a true friend. RICHARD

aahh... contact Mark on 020 8202 2233, mark@collettstravel.co.uk
CT

Planning on taking kids to the US for the first time, we had a great trip…

Jason – who works in the Sales and Marketing department at Colletts Travel shares his recent family holiday to the US…

Thank goodness for seat- back TV! We had an excellent flight with British Airways, the journey literally flew by, and before you knew it we were coming in to land! As soon as the passengers disembarked we asked the stewardess if we could take our kids onto the flight deck, which to our surprise, they were happy to do, so up the stairs we went, the kids loved it!

Anyway after a ‘slight’ delay at immigration we jumped in a cab and headed off for the Four Seasons New York, our first of five hotel stays… after a quick cab ride from the airport (it really was quick!) we arrived at the hotel and checked in.

The Four Seasons New York is a classic New York hotel, we could tell it was the place to be, with its great location two blocks from Central Park, and great family attractions like the Sony Wondertech Lab, the Rockefeller Centre, and of course THE SHOPPING!

Our room was very spacious and had more than enough room for our large double bed, a sofa/bed and a rollaway bed for my son, off we went to explore!

We visited all the sites, including The New York Skyride, the Empire State observation Deck, Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum (Intrepid is an out of service 1950s US Navy aircraft carrier), NBC Studio tour, Top of the Rock (Rockefeller building) observation deck, and more, including the NY Water Taxi - a great way to see Manhattan from the Water, we didn’t stop!

In order to get better value for the attractions, we bought ‘The New York Pass’ a great value pre-paid credit card style pass, it was accepted at all our attractions and was excellent value, well worth it!

Next we’re off to Soho, for our second two night stay…

The Trump Soho was a pleasure to be in from the moment we arrived, the hotel is chic but friendly, which is entirely down to the excellent staff, all genuinely concerned to make sure we had a great time! The room (a one bedroom suite) was excellent, very smart, great views, all the latest gadgets! The Trump is well located to walk to local shops and restaurants, all very boutique style, so not having to rely on taxis is great! You are ideally located to visit many New York attractions and landmarks, such as China Town and other up and coming neighbourhoods, the Business district, including the 9/11 Memorial, the New Freedom Tower, which is currently under construction, and many small museums, galleries and other hidden gems.

Soho is a great place to stay for a second or third visit to New York, as it really contrasts the skyscrapers of Uptown, with its small original buildings containing trendy boutiques and artisan workshops, and doing a two centred stay in New York really gave our kids a complete picture of New York, new and old!

Next stop… Orlando!

Are you looking for an understated, five-star luxury hotel in Paphos, Cyprus?

I have just returned from a fantastic stay at the Constantinou Bros Hotel - Asimina Suites located right on the beach, which I can highly recommend.

From the moment I arrived I was welcomed with a private check-in, complimentary drinks and canapés and the feeling that nothing was too much trouble.

The Asimina Suites is an all-suites hotel with spacious, elegant suites (various types) all with Flat screen TV’s , Free WIFI, mini bar, Espresso machines, comfortable living room areas, floor to ceiling windows & large balconies.

If you choose to upgrade to Superior Deluxe Suites they include use of private cabanas on the beach with seating area & sunbeds.

The buffet breakfast was definitely worth getting up for, served till 11am they were really fabulous, better in my opinion than other deluxe hotels on the island, that are considerably more expensive!

With a large outdoor pool and lovely gardens that lead to the beach, the Asimina is the perfect location for a totally relaxing, chilled break.

With wonderful views, and its close distance to shops and restaurants, in my opinion this is a really well thought-out hotel, but crucially the service was exceptional, with all staff doing everything possible to make your stay relaxed and chilled, for a memorable stay.

Other facilities include the Elixir Spa with various therapies, which are not madly expensive! Steam bath, Sauna, Hair Salon & Gym (I didn’t use either!)

Local Tavernas/Restaurants are 300 metres from the hotel or a short taxi ride to the harbour.

In summary I had a wonderful time & will return again soon (and I am very fussy!!)

If you would like to speak to Laura to arrange a visit to the Asimina Suites please email her at laura@collettstravel.co.uk or call her on 020 8238 8484

CT

Luxury and Adventure in Morocco, from Jo, an excited travel consultant!

I flew to Marrakech on British Midlands to check out the latest Four Seasons Hotel and Resort. Flying business class was a great start to the trip. We had breakfast at BMI’s lounge at Heathrow, then lunch on board followed by tea and cake. On arrival in Marrakech the transfer to the Four Seasons was only 10 minutes.

The hotel itself is located just outside the Medina. The Four Seasons has a resort feel so you can really relax and unwind by one of the two pools – one is for families and one is adults only.

I would recommend going for a longer duration than a normal city break to take some time to relax at the hotel as well as exploring the surroundings. We explored the medina where there were monkeys, snake charmers and all sorts of food stalls. It was fun getting lost in the souk and haggling with the stall holders.

The next day we headed into the mountains in 4x4 vehicles. We stopped in a Berber village for mint tea in one of the houses and then went to the Kasbah Toubkal for lunch which is perched on top of a hill.

We had the option of walking up or taking a mule, once up there we were rewarded with stunning views, lamb Tajines (typical Moroccan dish served in a terracotta dish) and cous cous.


We then stopped for an afternoon cocktail at Richard Branson’s property – the Toubkal Tamadot. It is a boutique retreat property in traditional Moroccan style, It would make a very romantic honeymoon, a special retreat or a great twin centre with Marrakech to see two sides of Morocco.

Back at the Four Seasons we had massages in the spa on our final morning to send us back to the UK lovely and relaxed.

After the massage I stayed in the spa to make the most of the relaxation areas, swimming pool, Jacuzzi and Hamam.

CT

If you would like to speak to Jo to arrange your trip to Marrakesh please email her at jo@collettstravel.co.uk or call her on 020 8202 8101

The Four Seasons Resorts - Maldives – Like a Silversea Cruise without the ship!

We simply had to tell you about one of our valued client's, Simon’s, comments after staying at the Four Seasons Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru...

'We returned from the Maldives last night having had one of the best holidays we have ever had.
It was just like Silversea without the ship! The accommodation, service, food and attention to detail was amazing. On Jan’s birthday the staff made her day very special with champagne and candles at every meal.
Just a very special trip for which we both thank you, please feel free to pass our comments to Four Seasons as they did us, and you, proud.'

More about the Four Seasons Maldives Resorts:
The Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa. A short speedboat ride from Malé, this Maldives resort, infused with Maldivian village charm, has a vibrant garden island all to itself. Sail to the Resort’s Island Spa for an afternoon of natural bliss. Embark on a snorkelling shark safari, find your perfect wave at our Surf School, or cast away for a day on a Robinson Crusoe adventure. Celebrate your Maldives vacation with infinite views of sea and sky, sunshine and stars, and discover the unforgettable, on land and at sea, right on your doorstep.

The Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru. A scenic seaplane ride from Malé, this Maldives resort offers 44 acres of unspoiled wilderness in the heart of the Baa Atoll, the Maldives' only UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Snorkel with turtles, manta rays and whale sharks in one of the country's largest natural lagoons. Join pioneering conservation projects in the Marine Discovery Centre. Immerse yourself in the healing heart of the Spa and Ayurvedic Retreat. Or spend your Maldives vacation hiding away in vast, ultra-private accommodations – on the beach, over the lagoon or down lush tropical paths.

CT

So now we know - we're ‘real’ travel agents…

It's always nice to hear when something goes well. It's usually just the problems that reach our desks so to receive this lovely 'thank you' from friends and clients, Cheryl and Peter, was really heartwarming.

Cheryl and Peter stayed at the Grand Hotel Timeo in Taormina in Sicily. It's built on the cliffs of Mount Tauro; right above the rocks and sandy coves, and looking out over to Mount Etna.

Not only is it a 'Leading Hotel of the World' but, as one of the Orient Express hotels, it's offering a voucher for US$500 discount off a subsequent stay at any one of the hotels in the group.

This is what Cheryl and Peter had to say about it (and us!)

"I had to write to thank you so very much for all that you did for us in arranging the trip to what can only be described as the finest hotel I have ever stayed at (and I have stayed at some stunners).

We were treated magnificently and will return often. I just hope we are always given room 232 - what a beautiful place to rest one's head!

It was simply the best holiday we have ever taken. You really are the best at what you do. You clearly understand us and what we require. As a consequence we will trust your recommendations always.

We gave (and will continue to give) your name and details to whomever we felt would give you further business which you wholeheartedly deserve.

A million thank you's."


CT

Santa Monica - End of the Journey

Next Santa Monica - I loved this place! Another 2 hours south from Santa Barbara, we stayed at Shutters on the Beach - another fab hotel and definitely the best in Santa Monica. The hotel is right on the beach so we could do lots of celeb spotting! The rooms are homely with books and a library and have balconies although they are quite small; Shutters is one of the few hotels in Santa Monica that actually offer balconies. Some views though are over the car park and back streets. The hotel hosts many weddings/events and often the lower terrace by the pool will be closed for private functions from 4pm each day. I loved it as I got to watch some great weddings whilst sunbathing by the pool!

I would also recommend Casa del Mar that is next door. It's a bigger, formal, quite grand hotel with good rooms and big bathrooms, no balconies though. There's also a good sushi bar in the restaurant. For young couples, I would recommend The Viceroy which is across the road (so not right on the beach) but very cool and trendy. It has a real buzz to it and it's where the music execs and producers/TV people etc all stay.

Melissa@collettstravel.co.uk
Tel: 020 8906 0542

Driving the Californian Pacific Coast

The drive from Napa Valley to Carmel should only have taken about 3-4 hours but we got lost in San Fran and it took us 6 hours. We stayed in Quail Lodge which isn’t by the sea but great if you like golf. It's a lovely hotel and we stayed in a gorgeous suite that Arnie had stayed in before us!

For a hotel nearer the beach in Carmel I would probably recommend either La Playa or Highlands Inn.The drive from Carmel down the coast is INCREDIBLE - the best drive I have ever done. The scenery is amazing and constantly changing from woodlands to coastline, all literally right at the edge of the Pacific. It was all very dramatic and the drive was one of the highlights of our holiday. I'd recommend ‘Nepenthe’ for lunch on the Big Sur; a great place to stop with fab views. The Post Ranch Inn next door is one of the best hotels on the Big Sur but gets fully booked way in advance so it's very difficult to get rooms here. I'd also suggest a visit to Hearst Castle en-route to San Luis Obispo - you get a great tour of the castle. Next we stayed at Madonna Inn. This place is insane, like nothing you could imagine. One night is enough here. All the rooms have different themes and the restaurant is like someone puked up pink everywhere. Good food though.

Next day it was about a 2-hour drive to Santa Barbara and the Four Seasons The Biltmore, a great hotel where we stayed in total luxury. It's owned by Ty Warner, the zillionaire who made his fortune from the Beany Babies and has a very Mexican/Spanish-country feel to it. The rooms are lovely but mainly garden views and not all rooms have terraces/balconies. The food is fantastic but highly over-priced although the Sunday Brunch is great with every possible choice of food you can imagine from sushi to crepes to waffles to salmon, champagne etc. Very yummy! The hotel has its own beach club that only F.S guests and members of the club can use (membership is $250,000 per year). So you can imagine the type of people you see sitting round the pool, 80-year old women that look 20.

I'd recommend Santa Barbara for a stopover. It's a lovely place - loads of shopping and restaurants… but that’s pretty much it! It's flat though so good for cycling and you can rent bikes for free at the hotel. We also visited the San Ysidro Ranch, a stunning hotel but up in the hills so no beach. Probably used more for a romantic/peaceful weekend getaway from LA…

Next up... Melissa reaches Santa Monica

CT

More from Melissa in the Napa Valley, USA

We spent 2 nights in Napa Valley – well worth it if you like your food and drink. It's only about an hour’s drive from San Fran and the weather totally changes. It's amazing, blue skies and endless views of rolling vineyards - so beautiful. There are only 2 main roads running parallel through the wine region with all the vineyards dotted along either side. Most of them you can just pop into for wine tasting sessions (some exclusive ones are by appointment only). I'd recommend William Cole vineyards - family owned.

Restaurants - well, there is Thomas Keller's ‘French Laundry’ although that has a 2-month waiting list as it is one of the most famous restaurants in the USA. I had been recommended ‘Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen’ by a client of mine and this was fantastic, too. Also, Thomas Keller's ‘Bouchon’ is great for lunch and half the price of his other restaurant.

Hotels - the Auberge du Soleil is arguably the best hotel in Napa; great location, beautiful views, amazing food, pool etc., very private. Also the Calistoga Ranch (sister to the Auberge) looks fantastic - a bit less pompous maybe and still as beautiful/private. I stayed in Solage Calistoga that is in the same group as the others. It's a new hotel, all open-plan and a little strange looking when you arrive but it's actually a great hotel for less than half the price of the other 2 properties. It has a very young feel to it but the rooms are stunning and the food fantastic. Good for young couples I would say…

Melissa@collettstravel.co.uk
Tel: 020 8906 0542

CT

It's staff holiday time!

Before Melissa set off for her California holiday we asked her if she'd gather up some tips on where to eat and what to do while they were over there. Her plans were to start off in San Francisco, do a quick whizz round the Napa Valley wineries and then head off down Pacific Coast Highway to end in Santa Monica.

We guess she's landed safely then; this is what she's got to say.

San Francisco is a really buzzing, cosmopolitan city and has quite a continental/European feel to it that I like. It's famous for its thick fog which will normally disappear by lunchtime in the summer but that makes it always pretty grey in the mornings and not the clear blue skies we were expecting from California! There's plenty to do though - Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, Golden Gate Bridge, China Town, Italy Town, lots of galleries and museums and of course the usual American stores (Saks/ Macys/ Bloomingdales/Abercrombie etc).

More later, we hope...(and maybe a bit about where to eat as well, please Melissa?)

CT