PURE SHORES

Tel: 01428 658777 www.haslemeretravel.co.uk

Issue 7 • July 2012

The Quarterly Newsletter from Haslemere Travel

Family Adventure Sport Romance Culture Cruise Beach Safari

Inside

Crystal Cruises • Madeira & Porto Santo • Croatia • Barbados & Mustique • Cyprus • News & Events • Competitions

For more than 24 years, Haslemere Travel has kept one step ahead of changing trends in the travel world by being innovative and forward thinking. We have a strong reputation in the industry – where Haslemere Travel leads, others follow.

We have achieved this by:

• Always offering best value for money on all our holidays

• Embracing the advances of the internet and social networks

• Keeping up with the very latest trends, such as private jet seating (see right)

• Travelling the world, building an

extensive network of overseas contacts in the hotel field

• Offering clients sound financial protection

• Keeping to our strong values of good, honest customer service alongside modern techniques and business methods.

We know that arranging a trip of any sort can be pretty stressful when there’s not just your enjoyment riding on it. So our number one tip is to let us take the strain, to ensure the perfect holiday - and to start the planning process early!

Huge savings can be made - and potential problems avoided - by asking our award-winning agency to help well in advance.

Even if it’s just a weekend away, leaving yourself some extra planning time can mean a better deal, a nicer room and a more enjoyable trip.

NEW WAYS TO FLY IN STYLE ON A PRIVATE JETHaslemere Travel is delighted to announce that we are now able to offer individual seats on private jets, on a much more affordable basis.

This exclusive form of luxury travel is now available at the equivalent price of a business class fare on a commercial airline – making it the perfect way to celebrate that special anniversary or birthday in style. And exclusive jet hire, ideal for groups, is also available.

We can now book clients on a private jet from any UK airfield and bypass the queues and delays often experienced at commercial airports. Guests only need to arrive 10 minutes before departure to get straight on board their plane. The service currently offers flights to over 940 airports across Europe.

For more information, call the team at the agency on 01428 658777 or pop into our Haslemere shop at 2/4 Petworth Road – we would be happy to help.

incorporating Farnham TravelEstablished in 1988

Try our new ‘Holiday Search’ function at www.haslemeretravelsearch.co.uk

THE BEST ROUTE TO A GREAT HOLIDAY

Ask yourself:

• What do I enjoy doing?

• What do I want from my holiday?

• How long can I go for?

• Do I like cold or warm weather?

• Do I want to travel or stay in one place?

• Am I going in a group or alone?

• What is my budget?

The cost and availability of flights and hotels can vary dramatically according to local customs, religious holidays, sporting events; and we know just where to start looking for all the relevant information to suggest ideas and present a calendar of events and possible destinations.

• Avoiding peak periods (i.e Christmas, Easter, New Year) can drastically reduce costs and improve availability

• Leave enough time to adapt to certain altitudes and climates before a testing itinerary

• Time your trip to coincide with Opera and Music festivals, for example, or annual events like the famous Calgary Stampede or Siena horse Palio.

Special events require plenty of advance notice and we hate to disappoint if clients have not come to us early enough. This is especially true for honeymoons, anniversaries and, of course, for weddings abroad. It is equally relevant when you are seeking to travel in a large group or extended family, when flexibility with room availability is a vital part of the holiday’s success.

So why not benefit from our expertise and book your travel with the best? We look forward to hearing from you. Happy Travelling!

Andrew & Di Brownrigg and Gemma Antrobus

• Travelling the world, building an

extensive network of overseas

THE BEST ROUTE TO

and hotels can vary dramatically according to local customs, religious holidays, sporting events; and we know just where to start looking for all the relevant information to suggest ideas and present a calendar of events and possible destinations.

•

•May - a

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May - a stunn

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tourAugust - holiday of a lifetime, took some fantastic pictures!

February - th

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The Quarterly Newsletter from Haslemere Travel

Ask yourself:

• What do I enjoy doing?

• What do I want from my holiday?

• How long can I go for?

• Do I like cold or warm weather?

• Do I want to travel or stay in one place?

Am I going in a group or alone?

What is my budget?

The cost and availability of flights and hotels can vary dramatically

••The cost and availability of flights and hotels can vary dramatically

great time!

October - family adventure to

remember - with fab scenery!

The Difference is Crystal Clear - Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity both voted the world’s best cruise ship, more than any other cruise line, for an incredible 18 years.

Terry was fortunate to view both ships and can see why that there are over 80% of repeat guests that trust the Crystal experience.

As from Spring 2012, Crystal cruises are ‘All Inclusive’ - a unique experience. There are many dining options, including Silk Road designed by celebrity chef Nobu, for which there is no cover charge - and likewise Prego with Selvaggio is also an experience not to be missed.

Crystal Symphony (960 passengers) and Crystal Serenity (1,100 passengers) are refurbished every two years, with millions being spent to ensure that they are maintained to the highest quality.

Two grand cruises are planned for 2013: a 74-night Grand Circle South America voyage and a 98-night Australasian World discovery. There are, of course, many shorter cruise options and for single passengers

supplements start at just 25%!

Contact Terry on 01428 658777

Crystal Cruises - Award winning voyages and ships

On the Waterfront

• Ideal destination for: Everyone - there are a huge number of special interest cruises and ships available

• Must do: Book any spa treatments before you board & look at the excursion options too

Terry’s Top Tips

For the greatest travel experience call 01428 658777 or email experience@haslemeretravel.co.uk • www.haslemeretravel.co.uk

Madeira, a rocky outcrop in the Atlantic, lies 700km from the North African Coast. Because of its geographic position, it has a wonderful temperate climate that ensures an abundant supply of home grown fruit and vegetables. Vineyards vie with vegetables on every slope and field across the entire island; beautiful flowers grow everywhere by the roadside and along the numerous attractive levada walks (irrigation channels) that criss-cross the whole island.

There are now many lovely boutique hotels in and near the island’s capital, Funchal, in addition to the world-famous Reid’s Palace. Some of our favourite hotels have

• Best time to go: Early Summer & Autumn, warm & less crowds

• Ideal destination for: Everyone

• Favourite food/drink: Local red wine (Plavac Mall) and olives from Brac

• Must do: Watch the boats in the fishing village of Postira on Brac

Jackie’s Top Tips

Madeira & Porto Santo - Two idyllic laidback islands

been converted from old quintas, such as the Quinta de Bela Vista and Casa Velha do Palheiro, or are cutting edge Design Hotels such as The Vine in the town’s historic centre.

A visit to the celebrated Blandy’s Wine Lodge in Funchal is a must, as is the newly converted fish and vegetable market and the Cathedral. You should also take the cable car journey up to the Madeira Botanical Gardens. For the active there are 1,400 kilometres of Levadas to walk, golf courses to play, superb deep-sea fishing, as well as dolphin and whale watching.

From the rocky lushness of Madeira it is just a 10-minute flight to the other inhabited island in the archipelago, Porto Santo, an island famous for its wonderful 5-mile sandy beach and its magnificent 27-hole Gary Player-designed complex. In contrast to the steep green hills of Madeira, Porto Santo seems a very barren 30 square mile island, but is a delightful laid back destination, ideal for families and couples looking for an unspoiled and quiet year round destination. The two hotels that we would recommend

are the very peaceful Hotel Porto Santo, with just 97 simple double rooms, 5 lovely two-bedroomed villas and a magnificent new spa, specialising in Hot Sand Therapy, or the modern all-inclusive hotel, Pestana Porto Santo, much larger with 275 rooms and suites. Both hotels have easy access to the wonderful beach.

With no time difference and regular flights, a combination of the two islands makes for a

perfect holiday destination.

Contact Di or Andrew on 01428 658777

town of Dubrovnik (3 hours by car) and Split; national parks and mountain ranges for outdoor enthusiasts, and also has regular ferries to the islands of Hvar and Brac. My favourite hotel in Makarska was Hotel Osejava, a contemporary boutique hotel in the centre of the town.

From Makarska we took a 30-minute ferry ride to Croatia’s third largest Adriatic island, Brac. It is famous for its quarried white stone, which has been used in both the White House and Liverpool Cathedral. The island is not heavily populated, quite barren in parts, but does produce a good Croatian wine. For families, I would recommend Bol and in particular The Grand Hotel Bluesun Elaphusa - it would be a fun place for a family, with good access to water sports. Bol is well known for its sand spit and windsurfing.

My favourite town on Brac was Postira; a lovely working, fishing village with a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere, bars and small restaurants. There are two characterful hotels,

Croatia - A diverse, short haul destination, ideal for families

There are few destinations that are less than 3 hours from the UK that offer the diversity of Croatia. It boasts islands, mountains, beaches, vineyards, olive groves and Roman ruins; a tapestry of stunning, hilltop villages, medieval historic towns, glorious coastal resorts and National Parks. Besides the mainland, Croatia is made up of 1,244 islands of which only about 50 are inhabited.

I flew in to Split and drove 11/2 hours to Makarska on the mainland; part of the Dalmatian coast of the Adriatic known as the Riviera, due to the 60 km-long stretch of beaches set against the back drop of the Biokovo mountain range. Makarska is well located for visits to the beautiful historic

• Best time to go: Year-round, warmest May-October

• Ideal destination for: Walking and garden tours

• Favourite food/drink: Glass or two of Madeira wines

• Must do: Dolphin and whale watching tour

Di & Andrew’s Top Tips

both having good views over the harbour, Hotels Lipa and Pastura.

We then returned to Split, Croatia’s second largest city after its capital Sagreb. While the outskirts of Split are very Soviet in style, the old centre is lovely, with its numerous cultural influences. The Riva, the seafront promenade, runs the length of the old town and is one of Europe’s finest. The Roman Emperor Diocletian built his retirement palace here (AD295) and it is

now a UNESCO-listed, cultural monument.

Contact Jackie on 01428 658777

A perennial favourite, the Annabelle Hotel, is ideally situated close to Paphos harbour with its variety of bars, restaurants and shops. A broad esplanade has recently been built along the coast, so you can walk from here right round to the centre of Paphos town: This will take you past the UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site with its wonderful mosaics.

The Annabelle, along with its sister property, the trendy Almyra, which is right next door, offers you a great variety of restaurants and bars – the Ouzo bar, right on the water’s edge, is perfect for a midday drink. There is a world-class spa on hand and for golfers the new Nick Faldo-designed Elea course with friendly club house is just a 10-minute drive away; another three are relatively close by and more on the way.

Just 40 minutes to the North East, along winding roads and amid dramatic scenery, you will find the five-star Anassa hotel; a splendid resort overlooking a beautiful, unspoilt coast, a truly

pampering experience!

Contact Di or Andrew on 01428 658777

Cyprus - Golfing paradise with spa and scenery

• Best time to go: March - October

• Ideal destination for: Couples and families

• Favourite food/drink: Cyprus mezze on the harbour front

• Must do: Cycle around the Akamas peninsular

Di & Andrew’s Top Tips

For the greatest travel experience call 01428 658777 or email experience@haslemeretravel.co.uk • www.haslemeretravel.co.uk

Barbados & Mustique - Elegant, family escapism

Cobblers Cove is a boutique Relais & Chateaux property (the only one on the island), close to Speightstown in the north of the island. With a far more traditional and colonial feel, this property is for the more discerning traveller who enjoys fine wine, long lunches and a sun-downer on the terrace. At all times of year, Hawksbill turtles and flying fish can be seen in the waters surrounding the hotel.

The Fairmont Royal Pavilion has long been a favourite with travellers to Barbados. All rooms face the ocean and the newly renovated beachfront junior suites have a private deck and outdoor living area. While a hugely popular family hotel, The Royal Pavilion is ‘adults only’ from mid-January to mid-March and from early November to mid-December.

Elegant Hotels offers a unique collection of properties beautifully situated along stunning beaches on the west and south coasts of the island. My favourite is Colony Club, with its rooms situated around a meandering lagoon-style pool – some even have direct access. The one-bedroom ocean front suites are by far the most popular and, in peak season, there is a waiting list. The House is exceptionally popular for those who enjoy the ‘Miami Beach

scene’ and, as an adult-only property, is popular with honeymooners. For a great value, family all-inclusive property, you can’t beat Crystal Cove with its duplex suites suitable for large families.

And what better way to end my trip than with a visit to the exclusive island

Having spent most of my school holidays on the Island of Barbados and having been married to a Bajan for over 10 years, I thought I was the expert on everything this Caribbean island had to offer. That was until I took a trip to the island in May to get a refresher on our most favourite hotels.

Owned and managed by a British family, The Coral Reef Club is the epitome of classic Caribbean charm. With exquisitely finished rooms, set in a lush 12-acre garden, this property in the popular Hole Town area is perfect for the High-End traveller looking for understated elegance. Sister property Sandpiper is only a short drive away and a perfect family hotel with some stunning 1 and 2-bedroomed suites.

World famous resort Sandy Lane never fails to take my breath away. The sheer elegance of the architecture and the attention to detail makes this the premier address on the West Coast. If rubbing shoulders with the ‘elite’ is on your ‘to-do’ list, then we can check you in to this idyllic resort. The spa at Sandy Lane is a world in itself! Treatments are drawn from wellbeing traditions across the world and I can guarantee that when you enter this haven of decadent relaxation…you won’t want to leave.

of Mustique? When Colin Tennant bought Mustique in 1958, his dream was to create a sanctuary where the fortunate few could enjoy a relaxed, yet elegant, lifestyle, free from the stresses of the outside world. Princess Margaret built a house here because it was the one place in the world where she could kick off her shoes and be herself.

For 50 years, heads of industry, bold-faced names in art and society, and discerning travellers from around the globe have come for the same freedom, so I felt exceptionally privileged to stay in the top suite (The Cotton Hill Residence) at the island’s only hotel, Cotton House. With many famous names staying in the Residence before me (including Kate & Pippa Middleton), it goes without saying that the attention to detail and level of service is exceptional. The vibe at Cotton House is one of intimacy, relaxed elegance and a home away from home. Each Tuesday night, a cocktail party is held at Cotton House for everyone on the island and it’s common to be rubbing shoulders with Tommy Hilfiger, Mick Jagger or Bryan Adams - who incidentally I bumped into at the airport! He was so inconspicuous, I had to be told who he was! If you prefer something even more exclusive, then the island hosts over 70 fully staffed villas available to rent – my favourite being the Moroccan-inspired Toucan Hill, the highest point of the island.

Barbados is a great twin centre with many of the Caribbean islands, but for that little bit of escapism, you won’t find anything more perfect than

Mustique and its allure of escapism.

Contact Gemma on 01428 658777

Gemma’s Top Tips

• Best time to go: December to May

• Ideal destination for: Families & couples

• Favourite food/drink: Rum punch!

• Must do: Catamaran day trip, to swim with turtles

Haslemere Travel Ltd2/4 Petworth Road, Haslemere, Surrey GU27 2HR

Tel: 01428 658777 Fax: 01428 651415 Email: experience@haslemeretravel.co.uk

www.haslemeretravel.co.uk

CLIENT VIEW“Thank you and the team for all the attention to detail which helped to make the holiday such a success.”John Hurrell

Contact us if you would prefer to receive this Newsletter by email • Look out for your next edition of Pure Shores in the Autumn!

For the greatest travel experience call 01428 658777 or email experience@haslemeretravel.co.uk • www.haslemeretravel.co.uk

Email your photos with the Haslemere Travel Eco Bag to gemma@haslemeretravel.co.uk and we will print them in the next newsletter!

WINNING WAYS WITH WILBUR!

incorporating Farnham TravelEstablished in 1988

Michael Orchard in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia

BAGS OF FUN!

OLYMPICS PHOTOGRAPHER JOINS US FOR SPECIAL EVENTJon Nicholson, the official photographer for the London Olympics 2012, entertained more than 70 of our clients with accounts of his personal experiences in countries such as Ethiopia and Bhutan, at an event at Haslemere Educational Museum on May 2, which raised £800 for the charity Surrey Air Ambulance (SAA).

Jon also accompanies groups on exclusive A&K photographic tours to Burma, Bhutan and India, all of which can be booked with Haslemere Travel.

Pictured at the event (left to right) are Justin Wateridge, managing director, Abercrombie & Kent and sales manager Scott Bearman-Brown; photographer Jon Nicholson; Gemma Antrobus with chairman Andrew Brownrigg and Karen Milton, fund raising assistant, SAA.

We had an excellent response to our children’s drawing competition, run in association with Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre.

The judges, managing director Gemma Antrobus and Isabel Kay, funding officer for the theatre (pictured) were most impressed with the standard of entries, but the worthy winners were: Kitty Stevenson (4-7 years category) and Francesca Blakey (8-11 years), both of whom win 4 tickets to see a performance of Charlotte’s Web The Musical in July, (while runners up receive either a trunki, drawing materials, books or a DVD). Congratulations girls!Congratulations girls!

SURREY AIR AMBULANCE GOLF DAYThe Haslemere Travel golf team got very wet and muddy in a good cause recently!

Chairman Andrew and Di Brownrigg, Alison and Peter Wallis joined 46 other enthusiastic golfers to take part in the Mayor of Reigate’s Charity Golf Day 2012, in aid of Surrey Air Ambulance at Reigate Hill Golf Club. After changing into dry clothes, dinner was a lively affair with photographs of the team’s play projected for all to see, and was topped off with an auction

and raffle. Just over £3,000 was raised for Surrey Air Ambulance, our chosen charity for 2012.

Our manager Susie Atkinson took her bag to Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa and captured this iconic view.

Happy couple Anne-Marie and Evo Hannan pose with our bag after their wedding in Thailand - congratulations!