Our team of expert travel consultants prides itself on its knowledge of destinations and hotels, customer service and above all, reliability; our plethora of recent awards hopefully reflects this. This experience and knowledge is why an article in the Daily Telegraph (pictured above) highlighted a recent survey by analysts Mintel which shows that there has been an increase in consumers booking their holidays with agents - up from 46% to 50% since 2007. Sadly, the online travel industry cannot offer this same face-to-face reassurance, with newspapers full of tales of stranded holidaymakers in Egypt and elsewhere in the areas affected by the so-called Arab Spring. Good agents are used to dealing with problems like these on a daily basis; and, like us, will have contacts in

WHY BOOK WITH US...?place for Plan B, as well as a 24-hour emergency number for you to call, so that quick, alternative arrangements can be made.

Thanks to marketing hype, many travellers are unaware that online companies rarely offer the best deals and that you can get so much more from agents - such as our A&K Connoisseurs Club and Bellini Club memberships (see right). And none of them will have the 100% financial protection that our membership of AiTO offers all clients who book with AiTO operators.

Dealing with experts in person, or talking in depth on the phone, results in a far more satisfactory holiday. It is only when we get to know our clients that we can ensure any trip is suitable; getting to know you is all part of the service.

How else will we know you would like a large resort, or prefer a boutique hotel without children, unless we have taken time to discuss likes and dislikes? Hotels may look a great price on screen, but not if it means you will have to pay for taxis to get to the beach or town? Online, how do you know if the email contact dealing with your hard-earned cash has even visited the properties they are seeking to sell? Does that pretty image on your computer hide the fact that a major road or building site is out of view? We travel the world to attend conferences and visit hotels to ensure we know what will best suit our clients; see our reports on page 2 and 3, for example.

Our team has been dealing with difficult economic and political issues that affect travel for more than 21 years, a good service reputation we guard keenly. We can’t afford to make mistakes - and nor should you. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Andrew, Di and Gemma

PURE SHORES

Tel: 01428 658777 www.haslemeretravel.co.uk

Issue 3 • July 2011

The Quarterly Newsletter from Haslemere Travel

Family Adventure Sport Romance Culture Cruise Beach Safari

Inside

Egypt • Mauritius Maldives • India • Kenya Crete • Competitions News and Events

ORIENT-EXPRESS BELLINI CLUBWe are proud to announce that Haslemere Travel is now one of only 35 UK agents (and only 200 in the world!) who are members of the invitation-only Orient-Express Group’s Bellini Club.

This prestigious membership entitles our clients to unique, VIP privileges in all of Orient-Express’ 46 luxury hotels, riverboats and famous trains worldwide. And premium-spending clients also get a resort credit to spend during their next booking!

Iconic hotels included in this special club are the Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town; Art Deco, A-listers’ Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Macchu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge in Peru and Hotel das Cataratas, Iguassu Falls, Brazil, near to the sensational waterfalls (below). If city life appeals, then why not book the Hotel Cipriani in Venice, or the Ritz in Madrid, for a sensational weekend break?

Wherever you go, the trip will now be extra special.

The river Nile, the longest in the world, provides one of the most enjoyable and interesting holidays.

Cruising between Aswan and Luxor on one of A&K’s vessels is the best and most comfortable way to see the land of one of the world’s oldest civilisations. In May this year we were virtually the only visitors to the awesome temples en route, the locals welcoming us back with open arms and the children playing in the river, as they have for centuries, waved happily, delighted to see our boat sail by.

Beautiful public rooms and cabins were a welcome haven

from the heat, the delicious food providing well-earned sustenance after our strenuous

day’s sightseeing accompanied by one of the country’s top Egyptologists - a truly wonderful experience.

A&K have 3 ships and a new dahabiyya - a traditional, yet truly funky, vessel - with just 6 cabins, this is a great way to travel for friends, family and small groups….

Offer: Exclusive hire of the Zein Nile dahabiyyas for just £18,100 full board (almost 50% reduction) until October. Or 2 nights luxury in Cairo plus 4 nights Sunboat IV from £1,795 with free child accommodation

(maximum 3 children under 12).

Contact Di on 01428 658 777

Egypt - Cruise on the Nile in style

• Best time to go: Year round, but v hot in July/August

• Ideal destination for: Couples, families and friends, ie everyone!

• Favourite food: Mezze

• Must do: Hot air balloon ride over Luxor

Di’s Top Tips

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

I have phenomenal memories of holidays in the Indian Ocean in the Seychelles and Maldives, but had never been to Mauritius before my recent visit with Beachcomber hotels. The company was one of the first hotel groups on the island and had the pick of prime real estate in the best locations.

After a week on the island, I discovered there is a hotel for everyone and every budget; it is a wonderfully accessible island for all.

After a 12-hour flight (but only a 3-hour time difference), I was

• Best time to go: During Europe’s winter months

• Ideal destination for: Honeymooners and couples

• Favourite food: 7-course tasting menu with wine at Huvafen Fushi’s ‘Vinum’ cellar below sea level, surrounded by a collection of wines unmatched by any other resort in the world

• Must do: Sun downer sailing on a dhoni

Terry’s Top Tips

Mauritius - Family-friendly, premium hotels in prime locations

grateful that our first nights were at Shandrani Resort & Spa, less than 10km from the airport. This fully inclusive, 5* resort is perfect for action-filled holidays, families and nature lovers.

For the more budget-conscious, there are 4* hotels Le

Canonnier and Le Mauricia, both within close proximity to Grand Baie, where you can find shops and eateries. The beautiful honeymoon suites at Le Mauricia have their own pools and Le Canonnier has fantastic family apartments and duplexes. Le Victoria hotel is the closest to capital Port Louis; all rooms are sea-facing and one unit will accommodate seven!

Unsurprisingly, having had a £60m refurbishment, Trou Aux Biches is my favourite; attention to detail is exquisite, the property is just breath-taking.

But the location of Dinarobin and Paradis - on the Le Mourne peninsula, with white sands stretching for miles that connect the two - makes these 5*+ hotels feel like heaven. An 18-hole, Par 72 international golf course also wraps around the Paradis.

With annual leave looming, I’ve no doubt where I’m taking the family this year!

Contact Gemma on 01428 658777

sharks, dolphins, whales, sting rays, moray eels and manta rays, as well as many more beautifully coloured tropical fish - a true paradise for all divers.

For those wanting more

than some of the world’s top spas and diving, there are more energetic sports available, such as surfing, windsurfing, fishing, water skiing (only on certain islands) and even tennis.

This was Terry’s second visit to the Maldives, which means he has now stayed on 16 of these magical islands. They are all so different from each other, in one way or another. From six-star luxury resorts, such as Huvafen Fushi, which, with just 43 suites is one of the smallest and boasts the world’s first underwater spa; Constance Halaveli near three of the best dive sites in the Maldives and the rustic charms

Maldives - Paradise islands, perfect for all budgets

The Maldives consist of a myriad of tiny islands, about 200 of which are inhabited and which are made up into 26 natural atolls. More islands are currently being developed by the major chain hotels and are due to open shortly.

Each island resort has a shallow, yet brilliant, azure blue lagoon surrounded by a coral reef. The Islands are blessed with deserted beaches of the softest powder-white sands. Below, the ocean is a world apart from the luxury above, a kaleidoscope of over 900 species of exotic fish inhabiting the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean, including turtles,

• Best time to go: 23-30 degrees all year. May - Oct warm and dry; seasonal rains

• Ideal destination for: Families of all ages

• Favourite food: Traditional Creole curry. Spicy, but tasty!

• Must do: Kite surfing at Le Morne; Casela nature reserve and zip wire, quad bike or Segway; Les Vanille Reserve des Mascareignes for giant tortoise and baby crocodiles

Gemma’s Top Tips

and phenomenal service offered at Soneva Gili and Soneva Fushi; to more affordable resorts such as Banyan Tree, Angasana and Medhufshi make this holiday destination available to everyone.

Terry’s knowledge of the Maldives is supported by Howard, who, until

recently, spent several years living in the area.

Contact Terry on 01428 658777

Di and Andrew visit the Kenyan coast.

After a week’s safari we headed for Kiwayu Safari Lodge, a stunning coastal resort north of Lamu. Accommodation is in enormous thatched bandas, spread along a beautiful crescent bay looking out towards the reef and Indian Ocean beyond. With neither windows nor doors, so totally open to the gentle warm sea breezes, this is romantic informality at its best; a very special holiday destination, which defies adequate description and which can only be appreciated by seeing it yourself.

Then our fourth visit to Kipungani on Lamu, a very special and romantic hideaway. The simple, comfortable thatched bandas are also open to the breezes. Facing west, it is the perfect place to enjoy spectacular sunsets and watch the passing dhows. Familiar faces welcomed us back with their special charm; the smiling and gentle service that never intrudes but always cares.

Finally to Driftwood Beach Club in Malindi; very much part of the ex pat establishment with its popular Sunday Curry Lunch! The focal point of this friendly low key hotel is the lovely open bar area with comfortable seating looking out over the ocean.

Contact Di or Andrew on 01428 658777

Kenya - Romantic stays by the sea

• Best time to go: Kiwayu/Kipungani June - March

• Ideal destination for: Honeymoon, couples and Robinson Crusoe families

• Favourite food: Fresh crab and lobster

• Must do: Sundowners on a dhow

Di & Andrew’s Top Tips

Ash’s Top Tips

• Best time to go: May/June & Sept/Oct for walking (very hot July & August)

• Ideal destination for: Families and couples

• Favourite food/drink: Enjoy an ouzo sundowner and tapas down by the water’s edge

• Must do: Take the hotel’s yacht for an afternoon’s sail around Spinalonga

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

India - An unforgettable train trip and majestic sightseeing

My journey through India’s colourful Rajasthan took in Delhi, both old and new, the beautiful lakeside city of Udaipur, the magnificent rose-coloured city of Jaipur with its bustling markets and majestic buildings and then a train journey back to Delhi - via Ranthambore National Park, the ancient Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri and sunrise at the Taj Mahal in Agra. In just its second year of operation, the Maharajas’ Express Train was custom-built to combine the luxurious glory and grandeur of a bygone era with modern day

Jackie’s Top Tips

• Best time to go: November - May (though winter months can be cold)

• Ideal destination for: Couples and older families

• Best Dinner: Spice Route in the colonial Imperial Hotel in Delhi

• Must do: Dine at the Lake Palace Hotel, Udaipur

Crete - For the relaxing, Greek island experience

par 3 golf course, Sea Sports Centre, tennis courts, kids club (from 6mths) and a fabulous Six Senses Spa.

The Elounda Mare, the most characterful, has been one of the stars along this coast for many

years. It is set unobtrusively into the hillside with rooms in the welcoming main building and in bungalows throughout the colourful gardens leading down to the sea. The more recent additions are the Porto Elounda and Elounda Peninsula which reflect a more contemporary style interspersed with traditional Greek antiques. From porto deluxe rooms to presidential villas, with a whole host of room categories in between, there is something for everyone.

The properties are about a 20-minute walk into Elounda with

Crete, the largest and most southerly Greek island, boasts some of the best hotels in the country. One area in particular is the village of Elounda, close to the island of Spinalonga, a former leper colony that featured in Victoria Hislop’s book, The Island.

I visited three hotels in particular that are owned and run by the Kokotos family. They all look out over the Bay of Mirabello, each with their individual identity, but all sharing the same facilities except for their beaches. There is a nine-hole,

amenities. With a convivial atmosphere, travellers become well acquainted with each other during the journey, mixing over pre-dinner cocktails before excellent meals of Indian and Western cuisine. Excursions were well organised, but if you prefer sightseeing by yourself this can easily be arranged.

What I enjoyed most about the journey was sitting in my comfortable en-suite cabin, with a cup of tea (brought by my valet) looking out of my picture window and watching the country unfold as we chugged along. It was mesmerizing watching the ever-changing landscape. You do experience Indian life; groups of men squatting on their heels to share a newspaper; the shanty towns; women cooking over dung fires; saris drying on lines and children waving or running alongside.

The stations were crammed with people sleeping, eating and chatting; their saris mingling in a hue of colours that is so reflective of India. In India, railway stations appear to be places of gathering, socialising and trading; unlike the UK where they are merely a functional transit point. Consequently, they have more

its range of bars and restaurants, and just a slightly further taxi ride to Aghios Nikolaos with its busy nightlife and scenic harbour. For those wanting a bit of culture, the ruins of Knossos are not too far away and can easily be combined

with a visit to the island’s capital, Heraklion.

Contact Ash on 01428 658777

colour and life and are of more interest to the traveller.

In a local bar in Delhi we watched the Cricket World Cup final - India versus Sri Lanka - the noise and excitement was tremendous. In Jaipur, the bazaars offered a tumultuous and colourful variety of items and dining on the terrace of the beautiful Lake Palace Hotel in Udaipur has to be one of the most romantic places in the world.

From palaces hotels to boutique gems such as Devi Garh in a small village outside Udaipur, Rajasthan has a huge amount to

offer the first-time visitor to this amazing country.

Contact Jackie on 01428 658777

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“We had a wonderful holiday in New Zealand and Langkawi and I would like to thank you very much for putting together such an imaginative and such a successful tour. “

Ian Percy

Contact us if you would prefer to receive ‘Pure Shores’ 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

Follow in the footsteps of...

The royal honeymooners in the Seychelles

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge first visited the Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, back in 2007. Tabloid rumour has it that this is where they first talked of marriage, so it seemed an apt place to return to for their honeymoon.

While taking over an entire island might be out of most people’s reach, there are 5-star hotels and exclusive retreats for memorable stays among stunning, natural surrounds. Sixteen of Seychelles’ beautiful islands currently offer accommodation, with more expected in the near future.

The temperature seldom drops below 24°C or rises above 32°C and all but the remotest southern islands lie outside the cyclone belt, making it a year-round destination for beach lovers. There is also plenty to do if sunbathing is not your priority too; there are many cultural events among Seychelles’ ethnic groups and international sailing and fishing competitions.

We have been sending clients to this paradise for more than 20 years and know it well. We can’t promise to exactly match the young royals’ experience, but we will get as close as we can, thanks to our contacts and our expert team’s knowledge. Why not give us a call and we can begin planning a truly majestic, romantic trip that we promise you won’t regret, “as long as you both shall live”?

For more ‘Footsteps’, go to www.haslemeretravel.co.uk

Mrs Vivien Ruffell photographed (above) with her eco bag in the craft market at Nizwa, Oman during a recent stay at the Al Bustan Palace hotel, Muscat.

BAGS OF FUN!

TOP PRIZE FOR THE YVONNE ARNAUDAs part of our policy of working with, and supporting, like-minded, leading Surrey enterprises, we were pleased to provide the top raffle prize for this year’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Grand Prize Draw fund-raising raffle, which was launched this month.

The prize, a luxury holiday in Switzerland for two, staying at the wonderful Grand Hotel Kronenhof, in association with Switzerland Tourism, will hopefully inspire plenty of

ticket purchases to raise much-needed funds for this delightful, award-winning regional theatre in Guildford.

To purchase raffle tickets, call 01483 440000.

One of our younger clients, Amy Styles, is pictured (left) looking stylish with her Haslemere Travel bag in Al Waha, Oman.

Mrs Susan Coates (above) proudly holds her eco bag in Hamilton, Bermuda.

EVENTS DIARYHere are some of the forthcoming events from Haslemere Travel:

Thursday, 8th SeptemberSpecial event with the Spanish Tourist Board, as part of the Haslemere Food Festival, at Haslemere Educational Museum at 6.30pm. Guest speakers will talk about the Pilgrims Walk to Santiago de Compostela, Northern Spain. Price £5pp, including drinks and canapés, all monies to be donated to our two charities.

Wednesday, 5th October1221 Luncheon Club at 12 noon. Branksome Place Hotel, Haslemere with a speaker from operator ITC on ‘voluntourism’. Price £15 pp, including a two-course luncheon with wine.

Wednesday, 7th December1221 Luncheon Club at 12 noon. Branksome Place Hotel, Haslemere with a speaker from luxury cruise specialist Orion Expedition Cruises. Details as above.

To book a place at any of these events - or to find out more about what’s in store later in the year - call Haslemere Travel on 01428 658777 or visit www.haslemeretravel.co.uk.

WIN A NYC 2-NIGHT STAY!At our special event in May, when best-selling novelist Elizabeth Noble entertained clients with amusing tales of life in New York (right), we announced our latest competition link - with Thompson hotels and Life in Haslemere magazine - for a top prize of an amazing two-night stay for two at luxury 6 Columbus Hotel in New York.

For a chance to win, entrants need to fill out a reader survey at: http://issuu.com/lifemags/docs/lih28_15_survey. Either print it out and send to: The Media Barn, King’s Court, St Peter’s Road, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 3HX; or email your answers to info@lifemags.co.uk. For a copy of the magazine, call 01730 235668. For Terms and Conditions, go to www.haslemeretravel.co.uk. Good luck!

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

Mrs Heather Ogborn (above) in Red Square, Moscow.