Welcome to the latest issue of our regular travelmagazine where we hope to stimulate yourtravel taste buds with a varied selection ofworldwide holiday ideas and destinations totreat yourself, partner, family or a group offriends to a well-earned break.

It is always refreshing to be able to feature newplaces and it is with great pleasure that weshowcase the newly opened Regent PortoMontenegro. Similarly, D-Hotel Maris is arelative newcomer, but following many reviewsfrom happy guests this summer, it is sure to beone of the hot shots for 2015. The location onthe Datca Peninsula is simply stunning.

In this issue we conclude our two-part spotlighton the “Golden State” of California looking atthe Northern circuit working around the sightsstarting in San Francisco and ending up at onewith nature in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Of course, no issue would be complete withoutsome reference to tropical climes and we hope

this issue will not disappoint those looking for anescape to the sun as we head both west to theCaribbean and east to The Maldives. We also traveldown to South Africa for an excellentcombination of Safari and Winelands gastronomyin the company of Sir Richard Branson.

Finally, in keeping with our regular look at theworld of luxury cruising, we embark on a tour ofluxury hotel barge cruising, as featured in RickStein’s “French Odyssey” BBC television series. Wealso review the forthcoming introduction in2015 of the new Suite Class on Celebrity Cruises.

Whether you are looking for a “trip of a lifetime”,a beach getaway, a luxury city break or justnews on some of the world’s finest hotels andresorts we are sure this issue will inspire you, sosit back, have a read, then give us a call todiscuss your travel plans

www.etontravel.comwww.escapewitheton.com

WOKINGHAM10 - 12 Denmark Street

WokinghamBerkshire RG40 2BB

Tel: 0118 979 2555E-mail: w.leisure@eton-travel.co.uk

ETON104 -105 High Street

Eton, WindsorBerkshire SL4 6AF

Tel: 01753 671747E-mail: leisure@eton-travel.co.uk

Welcome...

Issue 2, 2014

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3 Travel News

4 On the Waterfront

6 Luxury Hotel Barge Cruising

8 Turkish Delight

10 Suite Dreams

14 No Shoes & No News

16 Golden Prospects - Northern California

20 Bajan Flavours at Cobblers Cove

12 Winelands & Waterholes

22 Blackwell’s Jamaica

With arguably the best ski runs in the world, Sir Richard Branson'sluxury chalet is a dream winter wonderland escape. Experiencethe ultimate catered chalet and its legendary all-inclusive services.

For most of the winter ski season The Lodge at Verbier can only bebooked in its entirety, but selected weeks have been selected for2014/2015 to open the chalet to individual room bookings. Forinstance, early birds can book 3,4 and 7-night stays between 10thDecember and 21st December 2014. Rates on request.

Hotel style breaks at The Lodge, Verbier

A new 40-seater train offers guests transport around theresort’s grounds enabling swift access from the main hotellobby to its secluded beach via a scheduled itinerary of stops.Running daily, the train operates round trips between 09.15hrs and 20.00 hrs while outside of the schedule, the resort'steam will be on hand to meet and drop off guests via one ofthe resort’s fleet of four-seater eco-buggies.

The Ritz-Carlton, Abama in Tenerife is the perfect year -roundlocation for a luxury family holiday, or couples getaway,offering a selection of one and two bedrooms suites andnewly furbished deluxe rooms in the Citadel all with a privatebalcony or terrace and, more often than not, a perfect seaview out towards La Gomera.

Celebrating 25 glorious years atHostellerie Crillon Le Brave

Perched on a hilltop in the middle of a picturesque valley inthe Vaucluse region of Provence, near Mont Ventoux, liesthe charming medieval hamlet of Crillon le Brave, one ofFrance’s hidden jewels.

25 years ago, two enterprising Canadians, began a fascinatingproject, when they renovated a third of the village into a 32-bedroom 5 star boutique hotel spread across seven medievalhouses, accessed via bridges, hidden courtyards cobbledalleys and a terraced Italian garden. Further enhancementsfollowed with the arrival in 2006 by Robin Hutson, thefounder of Hotel du Vin. Today, Hostellerie Crillon Le Brave isa gourmet haven and a proud member of Relais & Chateaux.

www.crillonlebrave.com

There is no doubt that some cash in your wallet is a useful back-up, butcarrying large quantities of foreign currency is just asking for trouble.However, using your UK bank or credit cards abroad, whilst convenient, willonly end up in poor exchange rates and excessive charges.

A good solution is to load sufficient funds onto a pre-paid currency card withthe added advantages of very competitive exchange rates when transferringfunds and no usage fees for purchases. For instance, Fair FX, one of the UKmarket leaders, provides US Dollar & Euro pre-paid cards with the facility toload money from Sterling accounts at exchange rates that beat the high streetbanks, the Post Office and bureaus like Travelex by very significant margins.

www.fairfx.com

The Canny Traveller ...why carry cash abroad - use a currency card!

Travel News

All aboard The Ritz-Carlton, Abama train

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On the Waterfront Stylish hospitality at the Regent Porto Montenegro

et against the backdrop of one of the world'smost famous super-yacht marinas, the newlyopened Regent Porto Montenegro has

become the latest addition to the Regent Hotels &Resorts collection. Situated on the shoreline of theAdriatic and overlooking Boka Bay (Bay of Kotor), thehotel offers each of its guests a unique experience ofluxury and beauty in one of Montenegro's mostcaptivating harbours.

The traditional exterior of the five storey buildingborrows from classic Mediterranean architecture, withits terracotta roof, as well as from the styles found in thequintessential Italian palazzi that have lined the coastsince the start of the Venetian rule in the 15th century.The sumptuous interior takes inspiration from bothRenaissance Venice and also the nautical setting tocreate the elegant surroundings. Most of the 51 roomsand 35 suites are accompanied by a spacious balconythat allows the guests to enjoy the vistas of either BokaBay or the famous mountains of Montenegro.

The hotel also offers a varied selection of differentdining and drinking options to suit all types of guest.The Dining Room is at the heart of this, with itsgraceful décor, French windows and plush velvetseating. The menu uses seasonal and localMediterranean produce to create a series of dishes

that combine the traditional tastes of the Adriaticregions with the occasional hint of Asian cuisine. Forthose with a sweeter tooth, The Gourmet Corner is athand with its selection of classic sweet and savourytreats, including chocolate truffles, pastries and pizzafresh from the oven.

The Regent Porto Montenegro is also the ideal locationfor an evening drink or afternoon tea. The Library Bar inparticular features an open fireplace for guests to enjoyin winter months in addition to a west-facing terrace,the perfect location to view the spectacular sunsetsover the marina. For guests seeking a more privatevenue, the Italian Garden is the perfect getaway.Situated on a private island, the open-air settingprovides wonderful views of the bay whilst dining orhaving drinks.

The amenities of the hotel include a 20-metreoutdoor infinity pool, 15-metre indoor swimmingpool, a fitness centre, and, of course, a Regent Spawhich features a Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room,hammam and fresh juice bar.

The Regent Porto Montenegro is located in the townof Tivat and can be reached through the localinternational airport or those found in Podgorica orjust over the border in Dubrovnik, Croatia.

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Montenegro is a small country with a big punch.Since gaining independence from neighbouringSerbia in 2006, this tiny Balkan Republic hasmade great strides to establish itself as a year-round, quality tourist destination offering astunning landscape of soaring mountains,Europe’s most southerly fjord and an idyllic 293km stretch of long beaches and craggy covesbordering the warm, blue waters of the Adriatic.It is no wonder that Montenegro has witnesseda flood of investment and a rush to buy property.

Along the meandering shoreline of Boka Bay thereare several historic lakeside towns with beautifullypreserved medieval stone buildings that reflectthe rich architecture of the Renaissance republicof Venice, who governed the coastal regionsuntil 1797. Today, the most popular towns ofBudva and Kotor have a contemporary-chicatmosphere, with a burgeoning supply of goodrestaurants and lively bars.

Travel into the hinterland of Montenegro andthe drama of nature intensifies. There are 5national parks, culminating in the striking alpinespaces of the spectacular Durmitor National Parkwhere you can hike though unspoiltpastureland, ski past 2000-metre-plus peaks, orraft through the colossal Tara Canyon.

Montenegro, Wild Beauty

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hat is hotel barging? Despite the growingpopularity of cruising, particularly on riverboats, this is still a little known niche concept

within the vast cruise industry. Maybe the term“barging” deters interest, conjuring up images ofnarrowboats or coal lighters. In fact, nothing could befurther from the truth.

Most hotel barges started life as cargo vessels but havesince been painstakingly converted to offer luxuryboutique accommodation for small groups of up to 20passengers. This is cruising, but in a very different style toships plying the big rivers or oceans. The pace is slow,with a 6-day cruise often covering little more than 50miles along a rural canal. Passengers can walk or bike thetowpaths and never be left behind as their floating hotelglides gently along. The idea is to offer guests fullimmersion into the culture, history and gastronomy ofone of a number of fascinating regions of Europe such asBurgundy, the Midi, Alsace, or the Italian Veneto.

Every day, when not cruising, a crew member leads anexcursion, perhaps to a vineyard for a wine tasting, amarket where the chef might buy fresh, localingredients for the evening meal or a visit to a unique“off the beaten track” location that you would neverfind on your own. These could be to still-inhabited

troglodyte cave dwellings, a private chateau or to seean olive oil press at work and sample its produce.

Surprisingly for such a largely unknown travel concept, theleading hotel barging company, European Waterways, hasbeen offering its exclusive floating hotels for nearly 40years. There are 18 vessels in the fleet, the best known ofwhich is Anjodi, star of Rick Stein’s award winning BBC TVseries “French Odyssey”, transporting him along the Canaldu Midi on a voyage of culinary discovery. Other hotelbarges offer the same intimate atmosphere, all with highlevels of personal service and access to the tranquillity ofsmaller waterways which larger vessels cannot reach.

About half of European Waterways’ bookings are forwhole boat charters. The small passenger capacityoffers a unique opportunity for groups of friends orfamily to enjoy their own bespoke private cruise.Otherwise, clients book a cabin to join the floatinghouse party, hosted by the Captain and pampered bythe chef and the rest of the crew.

Whether you fancy a soak in the on-deck spa-pool, agame of boules on the bank or just to sit and watch thesun go down over the countryside with cocktail in hand,a “slow boat” European Waterways barge cruise offersthe ultimate in experiential travel.

Luxury Hotel Barge Cruising A truly unique experience with European Waterways

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nce in a while you get really lucky in thesearch for the ideal, luxury Mediterraneanresort. At D-Hotel Maris all the constituent

elements are supremely delivered. For a start the resortoccupies a very secluded cove within a vast,untouched nature reserve on the starkly beautifulDatca Peninsula. The surrounding volcanic mountainsoffer a splendid panorama that juxtaposes vividly withthe crystal clear waters of the Aegean.

What takes this luxury resort into superstar status is theingenious skill with which the Dogus Group, faced withcomplete restrictions on re-development of theexterior facade, have transformed the existing propertyinto a beautifully designed space fusing Turkey’s exoticcharm with modern minimalistic glamour.

The hotel boasts 200 rooms and suites as well as a stand-alone VIP villa. All are finished with richly hued woods,subtle chrome accents and elegant marble surfaces, andcome complete with WiFi, iPhone docks and touch-screen control panels. Most of the rooms and suites haveprivate balconies and a bathtub with a view whilst thevilla, which can sleep 4 guests, enhances the superlativehotel experience with 24-hour butler service, a privatepool, hamman and sauna.

Extensive outside spaces guarantee that all guests willnever feel crowded, whether relaxing at the edge ofthe vast infinity pool or at any one of the hotel's fiveBlue Flag beaches dotted around the bay, each linedwith glorious white sand (imported from Egypt eachyear!), picturesque palms and luxurious beach beds.This includes an exclusive beach dedicated toExecutive Club Lounge guests whilst Serenity Beach isfor those who want just that - life without distractionsespecially mobile phones.

For a wide range of water activities head to ColiseumBeach. D-Hotel Maris provides excellent equipmentand trainers, and the calm, private bay makes it theperfect place to try diving, catamaran sailing, waterskiing and wake boarding. For the ultimate waterborneindulgence you can even charter D-Hotel Maris'beautiful custom-made 100-foot yacht Pasa or their55-foot Azimut day cruiser. Land based activitiesinclude bike rides, tennis classes and mountain treks.

There is a cornucopia of culinary delights at D-HotelMaris, with six restaurants and four bars that each pairflawless menus with exquisite settings. A buffetbreakfast of both international and Turkish dishes(including the region's famous local almonds and

Turkish Delight A hidden gem in the heart of the Datca Peninsula

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honeycomb) is served every morning in the Terrace, withunrivalled views across the bay. The Breeze serves Aegean andMediterranean dishes of fresh seafood and locally sourcedingredients, while over on Bay Beach you'll find Nusr-Et, whichboasts a menu of the finest steaks and meat cuts fromIstanbul. For a change of flavour, head to the new al-frescoZuma. This popular venue showcases Zuma's award-winningrestaurant, lounge and bar concept, based around the'izakaya' style of shared eating and drinking with threekitchens including a robata grill and sushi counter.

D-Hotel Maris completes its perfect luxury Mediterranean resortqualification with comprehensive wellbeing and fitness facilities.The Espa spa is a haven of peace and relaxation and is home to anindoor pool, sauna, steam-room, relaxation area and well-equipped gym, alongside a menu of irresistible treatments thatuse the brand's award-winning products and are carried out byexpertly trained therapists. In Summer 2014 the hotel was alsohome to the first Bodyism “Clean and Lean” residency in Europe.

D-Hotel Maris is situated 130 km from Dalaman International Airport and 155 km from BodrumInternational Airport. Private helicopter and sea plane transfers are available from both airports,bringing guests to the resort in just 25 minutes. British Airways is introducing a new, scheduledflight service between London Gatwick and Dalaman commencing 27th April 2015.

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tarting in April 2015, Celebrity Cruises areintroducing a new Suite Class that is set to offertheir most discerning suite guests the ultimate

refinements, access to exclusive spaces and increasedheights of indulgence.

Those that have already sampled life in a CelebrityCruises suite will be acquainted with their expansive,stylishly designed rooms featuring floor-to-ceilingwindows. You will have enjoyed the services of yourpersonal butler throughout your cruise and you willhave noticed how you were always given priority withrestaurant and theatre bookings.Let us not forget thoseadditional in-suite perks like the complimentarywelcome bottle of wine, 24-hour complimentary roomservice and Bvlgari luxury bath amenities as well as dailyofferings of fresh flowers, fresh fruit platters andafternoon savoury selections. In addition to all this, withthe new Suite Class, guests will get even more.

The new Suite Class experience* includes a privaterestaurant reserved exclusively for all suite guests.Available morning, noon, and night, every meal featuresunique menus that offer sumptuous dishes not availableanywhere else on board. You will savour dishes inspiredby the local destinations and prepared with the world’sbest ingredients ranging from locally caught seafood tothe freshest pasta. Your Suite Class Chef can also providetailor-made dining experiences to ensure your meals are

exactly as you like them. And, the Cellar Master (yourhead sommelier) will select from more than 450 wines tocreate the perfect pairing for any meal. And, as a suiteguest, you have complete flexibility to dine wherever youchoose: the main restaurant, in-suite for more intimatedinners, or in any of the speciality restaurants**.

Enjoy 24-hour exclusive use of Michael’s Club VIP Lounge,complete with Personal Concierge who can arrange yourdinner reservations, book Celebrity Shore Excursions, andeven recommend restaurants in ports of call or arrangerental cars. Savour the complimentary cocktails servedbefore dinner during daily “Happy Hour,” catch up onyour reading with the wide selection of magazines,newspapers, and books, or just kick back and relax in thisexclusive, private lounge.

For Royal Suite guests and higher suite grades there is anew in-suite “all-in” service. In addition to thecomplimentary bottle of alcohol with mixers, guests willenjoy complimentary mini bar items including water,soda, and beer (stocked daily), not to mention yourcomplimentary Premium Beverage Package that allowsyou to enjoy your favourite beverages, including wine andspirits, throughout the ship. Stay connected throughoutyour cruise holiday with unlimited Internet access.

Suite dreams are certainly going to be even sweeteraboard Celebrity Cruises in 2015...

www.celebritycruises.co.uk

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Suite DreamsIntroducing the new Suite Class on Celebrity Cruises

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Images (clockwise from top left1. Relaxing in the Jacuzzi, Penthouse Suite2. Bedroom, Royal Suite3. The Lawn Club, Celebrity Solstice4. Back massage at Canyon Ranch Spa5. Butler service6. Bathroom, Reflections Suite* Services and amenities for suite guests vary by suite category.

Suite Class experience excludes Celebrity Xpedition®** Complimentary reservations are provided to Royal, Penthouse, and Reflection Suite guests.

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ine wines and exceptional cuisine haveestablished the town and valley of Franschhoekas the gastronomic capital of South Africa. Lying

just 45 minutes from the centre of Cape Town, thisbeautiful valley allows easy access into the city whilstoffering a distinctly more sedate environment to takein the open spaces of this inspiring locality.

Situated on a hilltop, overlooking the quaint town ofFranschhoek and affording spectacular views of theentire valley and surrounding mountains, MontRochelle Hotel and Vineyards is one of the valley’s mostnotable estates, with a history dating back to the late17th century. It has also become the latest acquisitioninto the eclectic portfolio of worldwide luxury retreatsof Virgin Limited Edition and reflects Sir RichardBranson’s own keen interest in both promoting wineand gastronomy tourism in Franschhoek as well asoffering an ideal extension for guests visiting Ulusaba

Private Game Reserve in Sabi Sand, which lies on thefringes of the Kruger National Park.

The stunning 22-bedroom hotel has recently reopenedafter an intensive period of refurbishment and offers arange of accommodation including six suites, the finestof which are the Cap Classique Suites with separatelounge area, private terrace, private plunge pool and ofcourse, stunning views across the valley.

A stay at Mont Rochelle promises a true slice of theclassic Cape Winelands lifestyle. Days can be spentexploring the estate, indulging in private wine tastings,taking a picnic in the vineyards or perhaps just relaxingby the side of the heated outdoor pool. For the moreenergetic-minded one might test the equipment of thehotel’s gym before surrendering to an indulgentmassage at the spa.

Winelands &Sir Richard Branson’s new hotel (& vineyard) in the Cape Winelands

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Waterholesis the perfect South African duet with Ulusaba Private Game Reserve

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There are also plenty of options for dining at MontRochelle, from picnics in the great outdoors to relaxedlunches in the wine cellar kitchen, perfect for a light lunchin the sunshine or a relaxed dinner. The main restaurant,Miko, is the gastronomic heart of the hotel, and will bethe stage for evenings of superlative cuisine, perhapsafter relaxing with drinks in hand on the terrace to watchthe sun set across this magnificent valley.

Now imagine a new and perfectly contrasting landscapeof the wild bushlands of Sabi Sand as found at UlusabaPrivate Game Reserve, a magical wonderland in one ofthe world’s most prolific wildlife sanctuaries. The thrills oftwice daily safari game drives (as well as walks) iscomplimented by a variety of magnificentaccommodation, giving guests the choice of twoseparate lodges (and habitat). Rock Lodge clings to theupper reaches of a sentinel hillock (Koppie) thatdominates the surroundings. From its many terraces you

literally look down and out over the forests and bushlandto the distant horizon of the Drakensberg Mountains.Alternatively, guests can stay in the thick of it at SafariLodge, located beneath a canopy of ancient trees on theedge of a dry riverbed. Guests will love the sense ofadventure as they cross rope bridges between tree housestyle rooms, with local wildlife passing by. Whatever one’sparticular habitat, (some guests stay at both lodges),Ulusaba offers one of the most refined wildlife adventureswith the promise of the hospitality and facilities thatVirgin Limited Edition is famous for.

The difficult question now is not whether to visit bothMont Rochelle and Ulusaba, but in which order! It is acompelling duet that shows off the best of South Africa.

Transfers between Mont Rochelle and Ulusaba involve a flight of 2 hours betweenCape Town and Johannesburg followed by a light aircraft transfer of 1 hour and 20minutes directly to the private airstrip at Ulusaba.

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hen you arrive at the idyllicprivate island resort of GiliLankanfushi, you will be met

in person by the general manager,whose principal duty will be to confiscateyour shoes in exchange for the servicesof your personal butler, “Mr” or “Ms”Friday, who will assist, at the press of a“red” button on your villa phone withyour every Crusoe whim during your stayuntil the sad moment of your departure.

Welcome indeed to a very special, and undeniablyromantic, barefoot Maldives holiday experience.

Gili Lankanfushi (formerly Soneva Gili) was the first allover-water villa resort in the Maldives and continues tolead the way with its palatial villas-on-stilts. There are atotal of 45 villas. All are crafted in a traditional style fromnatural materials and offer roof-top and over-watersundecks, featuring open air bathrooms, luxuriousdaybeds and a personal entertainment centre. Some ofthe villas at Gili Lankanfushi are accessed by walkwaysand for the ultimate privacy others can only beaccessed by personal boat. Gili Lankanfushi has a casualatmosphere, the food is superb and of course, nothingis too much trouble for your personal Mr or Ms Friday!

The interior decoration has been devised to recreate anatural habitat, using sustainable woods, naturalmaterials and traditional fabrics, whilst still offering allthe modern day amenities and creature comforts oftrue luxury. At Gili Lankanfushi the utmost care hasbeen taken in developing the island with respect to itsecological balance.

Dining options include several restaurants, but can alsoinclude a romantic, moonlit dinner on the deck of yourvilla, a sunset champagne cruise on a traditional dhoni,or dinners in the underground Gourmet Cellar - thesettings are as memorable as the cuisine. From the finewines to the excellent malts, Gili Lankanfushi hasachieved a reputation for providing guests with uniquedining experiences.

Leaving just your footprints in the glorious white coralsands, snorkelling or diving in the crystal clear watersamid circling manta rays and playful dolphins,spending the day out on your own desert island, ahammock for two in a quiet spot, star gazing under thecanopy of a clear night sky with no light pollution ...thisis what escaping the rat race is all about...

...No News & No Shoes.

No News & No ShoesOut of touch with the help of Mr & Ms Friday at Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives

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an Francisco Bay Area is regarded by many as the best place toexperience world-class food and wine in North America. The region'sculinary diversity, began with the California Gold Rush of 1849, when

more than 300,000 people from all over the world migrated to NorthernCalifornia to strike it rich. When the gold ran out, many of these

immigrants remained, using their earnings to start small farms, dairyranches, wineries, fisheries, and a myriad of restaurants that

served family recipes from around the world.

Present-day San Francisco offers a fascinatinghistorical landscape that pays hommage both

to the preservation of over 14,000 Victorianbuildings in key districts that survived the

ravages and fire damage of the 1906 earthquakeas well as a more modern skyline of striking skyscrapers.

Straddling the mouth of San Francisco Bay the unmistakeablesweep of the Golden Gate bridge connects the metropolis to the rugged

northern shores of the bay, whilst the imposing prison island of Alcatraz, theworld’s most famous monument to incarceration, once housed famous convictslike Al Capone and Robert “Birdman” Stroud who would have entertained elusiveglimpses of freedom across dangerous waters to downtown San Francisco.

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Golden ProspectsThe “City on the Bay” and the great outdoors of Northern California

Situated 23 miles southwest of the San Francisco International Airport,The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay provides a magnificent backdrop for theperfect holiday along the Northern California coast.

Whether you’re roasting marshmallows by a terrace fire pit or relaxingon the bluff after a rejuvenating spa treatment, this resort offers a

stunning destination for your next luxury getaway. Delight indelectable, innovative cuisine in the ocean-view restaurants, tee

off on two championship golf courses or explore miles of walkingtrails in one of the most romantic settings in Northern California.With luxury accommodations, including rooms with full viewsover the Pacific Ocean, fitness facilities, indoor pool, world-classtennis and a wonderful spa, you will never be found wanting atthis luxury resort.

The sights of the “City on the Bay” make for a perfect startto any trip to Northern California. There is an excellentconcentration of galleries and museums within a relativelysmall urban footprint. It is also easy to navigate from oneplace to the next whether it be a tour of Chinatown, takingin the artistic vibes of Haight Ashbury, catching atraditional streetcar ride to Ferry Plaza and FishermansWharf or a walk through the Japanese Tea Garden of theimmense Golden Gate Park. You will certainly be rewardedwith many iconic sights, great gastronomy and a yearround temperate climate that rarely falls below 40o

fahrenheit. It does, however, have a famous microclimate,

when fog sweeps in, that can make temperatures dropsharply, especially in the summer. Locals tend to describethis as the city’s natural “air conditioner”.

Exploring Northern California will appeal to those whohave an appetite for rugged nature, open spaces and awe-inspiring landscapes. To the north of San Francisco, withinvery easy driving distance, lie California’s premier wine-growing regions of Napa Valley and Sonoma County. Forthose who have been drawn by the gastronomicpossibilities, The Wine Country will certainly be a headyhighlight, with the opportunity to spend days discovering

Located in the heart of downtown, The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco is one of thefinest San Francisco hotels to call Nob Hill home.

Welcoming guests into a timeless escape of elegant luxury, this 1909Neoclassical landmark has been transformed into a beautiful retreat of modernclassic design. It is a gateway to iconic memories, enveloping guests in thesounds, flavours and imagery of San Francisco.

Guests enter their guest rooms to the soft crooning of Tony Bennett leavinghis heart behind. A mini Golden Gate Bridge model offers sweets for the taking.And the signature restaurant, Parallel 37, is named after the geographiclatitude that runs through the Bay Area. Beyond the hotel’s doors, it is easy toexplore the city’s spirited atmosphere and diverse cultural experiences as thehistoric cable car stops right outside.

The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco

A luxurious downtown San Francisco hotel that’s close to its heart

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Discovering Northern California

The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay

An oceanfront resort with a cliff-top location that makes the most of California’s dramatic coastal scenery.

Discovering Northern California

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the many wineries and tasting the fruit of the vines.For the ultimate indulgence, why not stay close tothe finest vineyards around Rutherford at theexclusive, Auberge du Soleil.

In comparison to the open, sandy beaches ofSouthern California, the Northern coastline fromMonterey County to the wildernesses of the farnorth is rocky and at times covered in greatswathes of Redwood forests. Perhaps the bestknown stretch lies between the sleepy town ofCarmel, 125 miles south of San Francisco, and SanSimeon, 240 miles north of Los Angeles.

Known as Big Sur, the area is famous for the highlyscenic 89-mile drive along Highway 1, which hugsa meandering and often precipitous coastline thatrises and falls through many incredibly picturesqueheadlands and craggy bays. Whilst a populartouring destination, the area remains sparselypopulated, in no small part due to the Santa LuciaMountains, which rise steeply near the coast,marking one of the largest roadless areas near acoast in mainland USA (not including Alaska).

For truly monumental natural vistas, the ultimateoutdoor lifestyle awaits on the western flank of theState, where the vast Sierra Nevada mountainrange extends 400 miles north-to-south. The Sierrais home to three national parks, 20 wilderness areasincluding Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake inNorth America and Yosemite Valley sculpted byglaciers out of 100-million-year-old granite.

At a surface elevation of 6,225 ft, Lake Tahoe is ahugely popular summer activity and wintersports destination. The surrounding mountainsoffer some of the best powder skiingplaygrounds, whilst the freshwater lake itself isfamed for the clarity of its waters and the mantleof alpine forests that cloak its banks.

Auberge du Soleil, Napa Valley

Gourmet delights amid the vineyards of Rutherford

Post Ranch Inn, Carmel

Adult-only refinement on the edge of Big Sur

The Post Ranch Inn, located in Big Sur, California is simply heaven onearth. From its position above the cloud line, its easy to understand why.Known amongst the Hollywood elite as the ultimate weekend escape,Post Ranch Inn offers 39 secluded suites scattered along the cliff top.,

Post Ranch Inn is where you come to relax and reconnect with yourself,your partner and the environment. With this in mind, guestrooms do notinclude televisions or alarm clocks. This is also a grown-ups only getaway.

Auberge du Soleil began life as a highly acclaimed restaurant. Today’sAuberge also includes 52 rooms and cottages as well as a superb 7,000sq. ft spa and a glorious pavilion that overlooks Napa Valley.

The rooms, suites and cottages have a Mediterranean design, completewith shuttered windows and Italian bed linen.

The restaurant still retains its excellent reputation, and has been awardedthe title of Napa's best restaurant. This, along with its location inprestigious wine country, makes the hotel a food lover’s dream.

The Lake Tahoe region is the perfect base for visitors looking foroutdoor adventure. A ski paradise in winter and a hiking and naturelover's destination the rest of the year. The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe isthe premier resort in the region and offers distinctive service, greatfood and large rooms with wonderful views of the surroundingmountains and valleys. Most of the rooms have their own fireplacesand balconies. The nearby village of Northstar can be reached bygondola and is packed with restaurants, bars and shopping.

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

Legendary comforts on the northern lake shore

The Ahwahnee Lodge is in the heart of theYosemite National Park, in an area that was oncethe village of the native Miwoks. In 1925, GilbertStanley Underwood was selected as the architectfor this new luxury hotel. Due to its remotelocation, the construction of The Ahwahnee wasthe most complex trucking endeavour of its day.More than 5,000 tons of stone, 1,000 tons of steel,and 30,000 feet of timber were hauled over thechallenging mountain roads.

The hotel is renowned for its grand public areaswith large stone fireplaces, vast wooden beams,rich tapestries and elegant stained glass. The viewsof the Half Dome and the Yosemite Falls areexceptional. The hotel features a fantastic solariumwith indoor fountain from which to view themajestic Glacier Point.

The AhwahneeYosemite National Park

Art Deco meets Native American

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Discovering Northern California

Driving times and distances

San Francisco to CarmelDistance - 125 MilesDriving Time - 2 hours

San Francisco to Napa ValleyDistance - 60 milesDriving Time - 1 hour 5 minutes

San Francisco to North Lake TahoeDistance - 200 milesDriving Time - 3 hours 20 minutes(North Lake Tahoe to Reno InternationalAirport - 45 miles/minutes)

Lake Tahoe to Yosemite NPDistance - 125 milesDriving Time - 2 hours 30 minutes

Yosemite NP to San FranciscoDistance - 175 milesDriving Time - 3 hours 30 minutes

The jewel in Northern California’snatural crown is without doubt,Yosemite National Park. Sights likethe daunting sheer face of ElCapitan, the grandeur of GlacierPoint and the 200 giant Sequoiatrees of Mariposa Grove testify to theincredible pioneering work that sawthe protection of Yosemite Valley(and over 747,956 acres of terrain)during the presidency of AbrahamLincoln in 1864, some 8 years beforethe first official national park wascreated at Yellowstone in Wyoming.

Northern California offers awonderful combination of urban andoutdoor attractions to satisfy all thefamily. Excellent roads and highwaysconnect many of the key areas,making self-drive a worthwhileoption for a truly memorable holiday.

t the heart of Cobblers Cove, and in a culinary leagueall of its own, the ocean-front Camelot Restaurant isthe creation of Michael Harrison, the only Barbados-

born Executive Chef cooking in a 5 star setting on the island.Chef Michael trained under Michel Roux Jr. at Le Gavroche inLondon, before working at a number of world-renownedrestaurants in Europe and the US before returning home toCobblers Cove in 2012.

Imbued with Chef Michael’s unique, Bajan approach,Cobblers Cove’s reputation for excellence in cuisine hasearned the hotel its much coveted 5 star recognition from theprestigious Relais & Châteaux group, whose emphasis onfood and wine has set the culinary bar at the highest level.The Camelot was also awarded 'Restaurant of the Year' at theBarbados Hotel & Tourism Association Awards in May 2014.

Chef Michael’s cuisine adopts true Caribbean flavours usingthe freshest, local produce, whether it be fresh fish broughtstraight from the sea by the hotel’s fisherman, Barker, or a

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Caribbean cuisine and hospitality reach new heights at Cobblers Cove

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delicious vegetarian delicacy like Olive Crusted Mahi Mahi,whose main ingredient is plantains. Such dishes sit ingood company with fine internationally inspired dishes,but be sure to look out for Chef’s Barbadian touches! Suchfine fare also deserves a robust selection of fine wines, andthe hotel is justifiably proud to maintain a verycomprehensive wine list.

Cobblers Cove also invites famous guest chefs for shortresidences. In 2015 these will feature visits by award-winning South African Chef Garth Stroebel in January andMasterchef 2010 winner Dhruv Baker in March.

For those who may not be acquainted with one ofBarbados’ most cherished luxury hotels, Cobblers Cove,which lies on the “Platinum” Coast near to the quaintfishing village of Speitstown, is a privately-owned Englishcountry house-style hotel which blends immaculateColonial décor with understated luxury.

There is a distinctly intimate, and informal atmospherethat seems to rub off immediately on the lucky guests(many returning again and again), whether couples orfamilies, who can choose from just forty suites dottedthrough its lush, tropical grounds – each with a breeze-cooled sitting room and private terrace.

There is a swimming pool, floodlit tennis court, smallfitness centre and complimentary watersports includingwaterskiing, sailing and windsurfing. Supervised activitiesare available for children aged 2-12 yrs during Christmas,Easter and summer holidays.

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Blackwell’s

Discovering the rich beat of Jamaica with Island Outpost

here is a wonderful synergy with the villas and resorts ofChris Blackwell’s Island Outpost that perfectly mirrorsthe Jamaican pace of life. Vibrant, yet laid-back, here is a

collection of diverse properties that will appeal to visitors withboth an appetite to immerse themselves into the culture aswell as a preference to chill out in a low-impact luxuryenvironment in some of the most beautiful locations that thismusically rich and colourful country can offer.

In this respect whether it be the hills overlooking Kingston, thedelicate and lush bays and lagoon of Oracabessa or the clifftopand sea cave setting of Negril you are in for a treat. You willappreciate why the island, and especially Blackwell’sproperties, has offered both a secretive bolthole as well as aninspirational place to stimulate creative minds.

These are retreats with great personality, where, for instance atOracabessa, Ian Fleming chose to build and reside at his villa“GoldenEye”, penning all 14 of the James Bond novels. Today,his villa has become the focal point for the larger collection ofcottages, villas, restaurants and bars that all make up theGoldenEye Hotel & Resort.

In the context of a more modern appreciation of Jamaica, it isnot surprising that Jamaican-born Chris Blackwell who, asfounder of Island Records, nurtured some of the world’s mostfamous rock and pop musicians including Bob Marley, has alsoinvested much energy into his passion to promote the cultureof his home country. Certainly, his enthusiasm has rubbed offon his creative peers with celebrities, rock stars and A-listers allbeing regular visitors to Island Outpost.

Notwithstanding the need for luxury trappings, of which thereare many sybaritic pleasures from well-stocked bars, luxuryspas to water toys like jet skis, the true magic of Island Outpostis best summed up by Chris Blackwell himself:

“I want guests to feel as if they have been to a country and acommunity rather than just a resort or a beach”

TGoldenEye, Oracabessa

GoldenEye was Ian Fleming’s Jamaica retreat and where hewrote all 14 of the James Bond novels. Today,accommodations at the original resort include: The fivebedroom Fleming Villa, 11 one and two-bedroom Beachand Lagoon Villas, six Lagoon Cottages, and one OceanFront Villa. Located on a stunning 52-acre site, GoldenEye ishome to secret coves, breathtaking private beaches, tropicalforests, and a seawater lagoon.

Strawberry Hill, Irish Town

Strawberry Hill, the 26-acre mountain-top resort, is locatedin the heart of Jamaica’s Blue Mountains in Irish Town, 3,000feet above the Caribbean Sea and overlooking Kingston. Theproperty features twelve 19th century Georgian-stylecottages, an infinity-edge pool, The Spa at Strawberry Hill,expansive botanical gardens, and world-class dining.

The Caves, Negril

The Caves is a 10-acre all inclusive resort consisting of twelveexclusive cliff-side accommodations, including a selectionof one and two-bedroom cottages and suites, plusClandestino, a three-bedroom villa with double occupancyannex. The property’s series of coral stairways, grottos, cavesand private nooks invite exploration.

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”Good hotels are places where you dream of staying,great hotels are where you want to live. This is how a lotof these hotels began, as places I lived."