Fairmont Hotel & Resorts

Whether it’s a just-opened chic hotspot or a historic landmark that has been in the community for a century, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is always at the heart of their destinations. This year our friends at Fairmont are celebrating anniversaries far and wide, with hotels from British Columbia to South Africa marking eventful histories.

One of the world’s most iconic hotels, The Fairmont Banff Springs is turning 125 years young and has a full roster of events and activities planned. Opened in 1888, the landmark hotel was the inspiration of Sir William Cornelius Van Horne, 19th Century railway pioneer and hotel visionary, who famously quipped, “If we can’t export the scenery, we’ll import the tourists.” The 125th anniversary celebrations will run all year long and include heritage tours, dining specials, a monthly artist-in-residence program, heritage golf and more. Leading up to the anniversary, recent renovations have included the Royal Suite, perched atop the Castle, and the hotel’s two signature Terrace Suites overlooking the scenic Bow River Valley. 

The special 125th Castle Celebration Package offers us two nights in luxury and a daily resort credit $125 CAD. Enjoy sumptuous dining with expansive mountain views, golf on the world-famous Stanley Thompson golf course, hikes down the Spray Valley to the site of the original Rundle stone quarry or a sojourn in the world-class Willow Stream Spa. Available year-round, rates start from $359 CAD per night with a minimum two night stay.

In Arizona, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is celebrating a quarter century of luxury. The AAA Five-Diamond resort’s 25th Anniversary Early-Bird Special is perfect for a summer getaway. The package includes nightly accommodation and a daily $25 USD food and beverage credit. Available for stays from May 27, 2013 to September 2, 2013, rates start at $125 USD per night.

Back in Canada, The Fairmont Empress will be blowing out 105 candles in charming Victoria, British Columbia, with special offers. Other sister hotels marking milestones include South Africa’s Fairmont Zimbali Lodge, which will celebrate its crystal anniversary of 15 years since opening on the beach in KwaZulu-Natal, while in Boston Fairmont Battery Wharf is looking forward to starting their 5th year in America’s Walking City. In Montreal Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth is celebrating 55 years.

All rates unless noted otherwise are subject to availability, priced per room, per night, exclude taxes and gratuity and are based on double occupancy. For reservations please visit fairmont.com or call 1-800-441-1414 and don’t miss more travel deals with Fairmont luxury hotels.

For reservations please visit fairmont.com or call 1-800-441-1414 Become a fan of Fairmont. Join the Fairmont online communities at everyonesanoriginal.com, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

It is my pleasure to introduce you to Fairmont President’s Club…

Fairmont President’s Club, a recognition program designed with your individual travel preferences, passions and interests in mind. Committed in providing benefits and privileges that offer convenience and access to what you want when you travel.

Membership is complimentary and your Fairmont President’s Club experience begins the moment you arrive at any of the Fairmont luxury hotels with a private reception desk offering express check-in and checkout and continues during your stay with complimentary high-speed internet access and local calling, Fairmont Fit, complimentary use of TaylorMade golf Clubs at select hotels, exclusive savings at Willow Stream Spas, Fairmont Store and so much more. Sign up today & enjoy the wonderful benefits tomorrow!

Alta Badia

Al fresco dining doesn’t come fresher or more tempting than Gourmet Picnics among the majestic mountains of Alta Badia. These culinary delights are part of the brand new Peaks of Gastronomy events, a summer celebration of food and wine that attracts visitors from all over the world.

After a healthy walk in the mountain, there is the chance to buy a freshly prepared picnic basket at any of the nine participating mountain refuges … then simply relax in a beautiful meadow and tuck into a delicious gourmet dish created by a Michelin-starred chef and accompanied by local meats (speck), cheese and, of course, a bottle of South Tyrol wine.

Participating this year are event promoters the Dolomitici’, three of Alta Badia’s Michelin-starred chefs: Norbert Niederkofler (St. Hubertus/Relais & Chateaux Restaurant at Hotel Rosa Alpina, 2 Michelin stars), Arturo Spicocchi (La Stüa de Michil Restaurant/Hotel La Perla, 1 Michelin star) and Fabio Cucchelli (La Siriola Restaurant/Hotel Ciasa Salares, 1 Michelin star). They are joined once more by Giancarlo Morelli from the Pomiroeu restaurant (1 Michelin star) in Seregno (MB) and Alberto Faccani from the Restaurant Magnolia in Cesenatico (1 Michelin star). The international contingent includes Thomas Kammeier from the Hugos restaurant in Berlin, Heiko Nieder from The Restaurant at The Dolder Grand Hotel in Zurich, Karl Obauer from the Obauer restaurant in Werfen/ Austria and André Garret from the Galvin restaurant at Windows in London. Prices start from 40€ for a picnic for two.

GET ON YOUR GOURMET BIKE!
What better way to carry your Gourmet Picnic into the heart of the mountains than by electric bike? Thanks to an initiative that was kick-started last summer, Alta Badia’s visitors can now rent an electric mountain bike that can then be left at their destination without having to be returned. The bikes are available at stations in Pralongià, Piz La Villa, Piz Sorega and Col Alto, where you can also buy a package that includes your Gourmet Picnic. The mountain cableways are open from 22 June to 22 September. Bikes can be used by children from 14 years old and over up to 18 years old with an accompanying adult) at a price of € 20 for ½ day and € 31 for a whole day. Children aged 14-18: € 13 half a day € 22 the whole day. For additional days the daily rate is € 20 for adults and € 14 for children.

MOON WALKING
Our love of art and food is brought together in ARTemoziun…ert y saûs on July 31 with a guided moonlight walk down the Artists’ Path. The Path, which will be lit by torches, links the villages of La Villa and San Cassiano along the Gadera stream and has been transformed into a stage where local artists can display their art all year round. As well as focussing on the emotion of art, as its name suggests, ARTemoziun aims to highlight culinary art along the route – each piece of artwork has an accompanying dish of finger food, created by local restaurateurs, and accompanied by a glass of fine South Tyrol wine. The works have been created by Lois Anvidalfarëi, Giovanni Rindler, Helmuth Pizzinini, Pepi Pescollderungg, Silvester Promberger and Pepele Rinna.

PRETTY IN PINK
Enrosadira, which comes from the Ladin and means “to turn pink”, is the beautiful natural phenomenon witnessed at sunset when the Dolomites become sparkling coral. During July and August, several bars in Alta Badia are hosting live music and creating an Apenrosa (Enrosadira) aperitif, which will be served with an array of South Tyroelan products, such as snacks of cheese, farmhouse speck and pücia.

SURE OF A BIG SURPRISE
August 9 will see the annual picnic on Piz Sorega, 2050m above sea level, organised by Alta Badia’s three Michelin-starred restaurants – a creative combination of sustainable tourism and ancient traditions in recipes that unite these Dolomitici and local farmers. In the mountain huts of Piz Sorega in San Cassiano, surrounded by the atmospheric Dolomites, guests can enjoy an informal but elegant lunch for €70, including drinks. Proceeds will go to the Provincial Farmers Association, which helps farmers in financial difficulty. Visit www.altabadia.org

LADIN
Erica Pitscheider, from the Sotciastel farm above the town of Badia, has been sharing the hitherto secret ingredients and methods of Ladin cookery for several years now. Under his guidance you will discover this cuisine is actually simple, wholesome and easy to prepare. Lessons are held every Wednesday from 10.30am. The most popular recipes are panicia soup, cajincì t’ega, which are ravioli with cheese, les turtres, typical fried snacks filled with spinach and ricotta or sauerkraut and les furtaies, which are sweets traditionally prepared for weddings.  For more information and bookings visit www.altabadia.org

It’s possible to also enjoy typical Ladin dishes in farmhouses, such as Maso Runch, a 19th century home (tel. 0471 839796) or the Alfarëi farm run by the family of Tone Piccolruaz (tel. 0471 839825). This is one of the oldest buildings in Alta Badia, built in the 13th-14th century. In La Val there is also the Ciablun farm, with accommodation (tel. 0471 843094), or the Lüch de Survisc farmhouse (tel. 0471 843149). Ladin tasting menus are on offer in many restaurants in Alta Badia – a brochure is available from the local tourist offices.

TASTE-BASED TRIPS
This year there are also guided “taste-based excursions”, including a trip to a dairy farm high in the mountains, a Nordic walking excursion, which offers a sportier version of a simple stroll combined with the new Kneipp baths on the mountains and dishes created by Michelin-starred chefs. There is also the Cultural Route that passes the oldest farms in Badia, where you can learn about local architecture and agriculture, before enjoying a lunch of some of the finest Ladin dishes.

Finally, there is a visit to the working mill of Rüdeferia in San Cassiano, with a typical speck-based snack, an excursion to observe medicinal plants with an Alpine herb-based lunch at a dairy farm and a sunset walk with an Apenrosa aperitif at the Bioch refuge, 2000m up in the mountains. For more information on these Peaks of Gastronomy events, please contact the Alta Badia Tourist Board, Tel: +39 0471/836176-847037, E-mail: info@altabadia.org, or visit www.altabadia.org

St. Ermin’s Hotel London

St. Ermin’s Four Star Hotel understands that a hotel is more than just a bedroom, it is a place where people meet, do business, celebrate, relax and eat and drink with friends and colleagues. You’ll be spoilt for choice at St. Ermin’s, with the three Caxton environments, the welcoming Lobby, the antique book-lined Library, all make ideal places to stop for coffee and please do partake in my favourite pastime in London  The St. Ermin’s Classic Afternoon Tea, or have a full meal.

Staying in one of the spacious suites you will have exclusive use of the Club Lounge, where a buffet breakfast and complimentary newspapers are served in the morning and cocktails and mouth-watering canapés are on offer in the evening.

Set back in a tree-lined courtyard from the vibrant streets of central London, this 4 star deluxe hotel, on the West Ends doorstep, allows us to explore all of London’s top tourist attractions, galleries, theatres & sporting events with effortless ease.

 

The White Company Pamper Package
The combination of St. Ermin’s’ comfortable bedrooms and attentive service together with The White Company’s indulgent and calming products ensures a relaxing and memorable stay.

• One night’s accommodation in a beautiful King Suite
• Full English breakfast - served either in the comfort of your suite or in Caxton Grill
• A perfectly chilled bottle of Laurent Perrier (N/V) Champagne on arrival - what better way to set the mood
• Free WiFi
• Late checkout (3pm) - who wants an early start?

And of course, ‘The White Company Pamper gift box’, which is jam-packed with the following gorgeous White Company products

• Cashmere Socks (ivory)
• Seychelles Bath & Shower Gel (250ml)
• Seychelles Scented Candle
• Seychelles Body Lotion (250ml)
• Seychelles Body Soap (150g)
• Hand Soaps x 2
• White Company Shampoo (150ml)
• Discount Voucher to use at The White Company

This luxurious package is available until 31st December 2013. Book online today OR CALL +44 (0)20.7227.7760 for further details and don’t miss more special offers

Rocco Forte’s Hotel Amigo

In celebration of the Steven Spielberg-directed film ‘The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn,’ Rocco Forte’s Hotel Amigo and Moulinsart are rolling out the red carpet for Belgium’s favorite comic book hero and his loyal sidekick Snowy with two new exciting Tintin experiences.

Located in the historic heart of Brussels, and moments away from the giant Tintin mural in the Rue de L’Etuve and the Tintin Boutique near the Grand Place, Hotel Amigo is an ideal base for anyone wishing to set off on an adventure in the young reporter’s footsteps. While many of the adventures of Tintin and his faithful fox terrier see him traveling across the globe, the stories are always linked to his hometown of Brussels. Armed with a detailed Tintin map provided by the hotel, tracing his steps around the Belgian capital now requires none of the young adventurer’s detective skills.

Hitting the Tintin trail, fans can walk through the Brussels’ park depicted in King Ottokar’s Sceptre, visit the concert hall that inspired the Hippodrome in The Seven Chrystal Balls and browse antiques at the daily flea market on the Place du Jeu de Ball – the setting for the film’s opening scene in which Belgium’s national hero buys his best friend Captain Haddock a model ship.

No adventure would be complete without a visit to the Hergé Museum, located 30 minutes from Brussels’ city centre. With tickets included in both of Hotel Amigo’s Tintin experiences, guests can explore this astounding piece of architecture which contains more than 80 original print plates along with a plethora of documents and photographs, highlighting the work and life of the comic book mastermind.

Upon returning to Hotel Amigo, intrepid explorers can relax with a Loch Lomond Whisky, the favorite tipple of Captain Haddock, in the bar or continue their Tintin-inspired trip in one of four uniquely designed rooms.

One luxurious suite and three deluxe rooms have been cleverly redesigned to incorporate memorabilia relating to the boy reporter’s adventures including artwork donated by Moulinsart (the Hergé Foundation), original lithographs, figurines of Tintin and his friends, the famous canes and black bowler hats worn by the bumbling comic detectives Thomson & Thompson and statues of the mythical creatures that featured in the film, the rooms will delight Tintin fans at every turn.

The Hergé Suite tells the story of Tintin and Brussels, with images depicting his adventures in local locations such as the flea market at the Place du Jeu de Balle, La Monnaie Theatre and the Royal Palace. The living room showcases a Tintin bust and the Fetiche Arumbaya figurine from ‘The Broken Ear’ comic book. Snowy can be found snoozing on the armchair, and there is a replica of the famous rocket from ‘Destination Moon’. An image of Nestor, the long-suffering butler at Captain Haddock’s Marlinspike home, sees him answering the room’s phone. Additionally, the suite has a chest filled with Tintin comic books, and a large book on the hero’s history.

An Interconnecting room is decorated with images of the six key characters: Tintin, Snowy, Captain Haddock, Thomson & Thompson, Bianca Castafiore and Professor Calculus, awhile the bathroom features a figurine of the shark-like submarine from ‘Tintin and the Lake of the Sharks’.

A further two interconnecting rooms are dedicated to Spielberg’s movie, ‘The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn.’ The film combines the stories of ‘The Crab with the Golden Claws’, ‘The Secret of the Unicorn’ and ‘Red Rackham’s Treasure.’ Tintin fans young and old will revel in the rooms, which are filled with reproductions from the three adventures, including a model of the Unicorn ship, a big wooden statue of the Arumbaya figure and black-and-white images of Tintin and Captain Haddock. A picture of Snowy answering the phone is complemented by a replica of the phone itself, and there is another chest full of Tintin comic books for fans to enjoy.

The Tintin Collector Experience at Hotel Amigo includes one night accommodation with breakfast, tickets to Hergé Museum, a Tintin map of Brussels and a Tintin gift upon arrival. Prices start at €239 for double occupancy.

Families can take advantage of the Tintin Family Affair and enjoy the children’s room complimentary with children under twelve receiving 50 percent off all meals and drinks and children under three eating for free. Also included are family tickets to the Hergé Museum, a Tintin map of Brussels, a Tintin gift and selection of Wii Tintin games and DVD’s in the room. Prices start from €341 for two adults and two children.

To book or for more information, visit www.roccofortehotels.com

Le Four à Sel France

Le Four à Sel is a group of french holiday homes in the Dordogne, located just 5 minutes from Montignac and the prehistoric Lascaux caves and 25 minutes from Sarlat . Nestled in 15 acres of private grounds, the riverside setting is peaceful and stunning. Enjoy magnificent views from your bedroom window and onsite facilities to amuse all ages: a children’s play ground with swings , slides , football field and badminton area, Table tennis in the covered play area, a covered terrace for al fresco dining and BBQ’s whatever the weather, 450 meters of private fishing from dawn to dusk and free Wifi. The area around the gites, pool and garden is fenced to keep your children safe.

Villa Orchidee, restored perigourdine farmhouse with 7 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms which sleeps up to 17 and is suitable for 3 families to share.  It still retains original oakbeams and ochre coloured stonewalls. Usually priced at 2400 eur per week in July, now offered at 1900 eur/week, a 25% discount. Available from 9 July-3 August.

Villa Hibiscus is also a restored stone farmhouse, good for 8 people with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, suitable for 2 families to share or for a family that likes a lot of space,especially those with teenage children. Normally 1400 eur/week, now 1000 eur per week, available 9 July- 27 July,  about 28% discount

And the cottage, Villa Mimosa, with 2 bedrooms suitable for a family of 5 and popular with couples. Normally 900 eur per week, now 800 eur per week or if staying for 2 weeks, we will offer it at 700 eur/week. Available 9 July- 20 July

For more information, please visit online or call UK 078999 08389 / FR 0033 (0) 606 421611 or email lefourasel@yahoo.com