Happy New Year!

Wishing you wealth, health and happiness in your travels in 2018!

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Taj Hotels reveal . . .

TAJNESS—the group’s brand and operations philosophy for the future. For more than a century Taj Hotels has welcomed guests with a signature warmth, a practice of perfection, a culture of generosity and a clear sense of true Indian hospitality. Tajness seeks its inspiration from the nobility of this Indian heritage and blends it with local cultures to deliver an unparalleled experience of sincere care at its 100 hotels around the world.

The Tajness experience at Taj hotels will focus on delivering a consistency in service and providing a taste of Indian tradition mixed with authentic local experiences. Sensorial touchpoints are key to the brand experience and several elements will be consistent across hotels.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit: By Vikramdeep Sidhu from Jhajjar, India - The Taj Hotel Mumbai, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=41479892

Treasure Beach

FROM October 18 – 20, 2016, the 9th Annual South Coast Hook & Line Canoe Tournament will be taking place at Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth, #Jamaica.

The tournament is a 3-day competition during which local fishermen vie for prizes by catching the largest fish using only traditional fishing methods of a simple hook and line. No fancy yachts or first world equipment are to be seen at this grass roots event.

The weekend also includes other exciting events such as a boat race, local talent show, fish fry and community beach party. The competition will feature environmental exhibits and entertainment.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Treehouse Adventure in South Africa

BRING out the inner child high up in the indigenous Tsitsikamma forest canopy at South Africa's Tsala Treetop Lodge with infinity plunge pools, glass walled dining, fire pits and outdoor 'moon showers' whats not to like. 

With a total of ten suites, each with their own private decking, plunge pool, mini bar and 24hour room service. Enjoy breakfasts being entertained by monkey acrobatics and there’s no need to dine alone with ‘dinner dates’ with the real tropical birds on the suspended decks of the restaurant. 

Adrenaline junkies can explore the incredible surroundings of South Africa's Western Cape and venture out for a day of surfing, sailing, kayaking, skydiving, bungee jumping, mountain biking and shark cage diving. 

Prices from £2,261 for four nights in a Tsala Villa B&B (saving £359) via Hotelscombined.co.uk

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit: www.Hotelscombined.co.uk

China ranks New Zealand as top destination

THE China Tourism Academy’s (CTA) annual report of outbound tourism was released recently and for the second year running #NewZealand topped the destination list for visitor satisfaction.

Scenery, clean air and nature ratings performed especially strongly to help New Zealand beat out 23 leading international destinations.

The rankings were based on information from a nationwide survey that included 16,000 interviews with Chinese travellers and more than 100,000 online questionnaires.

“Having rankings based on actual visitor experience has real influence especially when it highlights New Zealand’s renowned hospitality,” says David Craig, General Manager Asia.

“Research tells us that Chinese travellers really value unspoilt nature and genuine down to earth hospitality and this is something New Zealand can offer in spades.”

Singapore was rated second in the report followed by Australia Italy, US and France.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit: By David Briody, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3232712

Warwick Castle festive treats

DECK the halls! The festive celebrations commence with the arrival of the 25-foot-high Christmas tree on 14 November. Hand decorated from tip to trunk, the tree will grace the iconic Great Hall until 3 January 2017.

Santa’s Stately Breakfast, a magical feast for families inspiring lifelong memories.For the first time in the Castle’s 1,100-years guests can feast at Mr. and Mrs. Claus’ very own private dining table set in the Castle’s fairytale State Dining Room. Children can enjoy games and festivities with Mrs. Claus and the elves while Santa presents a personalised gift to each child.

Santa Sleepover ( December 2,3,9,10,17-23) complete with an Elf wakeup call. Guests enjoy exclusive storytime with Santa after breakfast and can add an evening meal with Mr and Mrs Claus to their stay. 

Welcome 2017 with the New Year’s Eve Great Hall Ball, a captivating evening of enthralling entertainment from some of Warwick Castle’s best-loved characters, with fine food served in the distinguished surroundings of The Great Hall.

For more information and dates, go to: www.warwick-castle.com. To book an event for a private group of to join a shared party, email events@warwick-castle.com or call 01926 406 660.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

SWISS launches new “SWISS Holidays” travel portal

SWISS has established a new travel portal which enables customers to compile their own individual vacation packages including flights and hotels.

The airline’s new www.swissholidays.com travel portal offers scheduled flights from Switzerland on SWISS and further partner carriers, together with a selection of over 10,000 hotels and 140 vacation destinations, all of which can be freely combined.

To mark the new portal’s launch, SWISS Holidays is offering a special prize, too: an exclusive four-day city break to Barcelona with round-trip SWISS flights, accommodation at the five-star Hotel Melia Barcelona Sarriá and a culinary tapas tour.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit: 87857621@N00/90430542 Swiss Air Lines A330-200 winglet via photopin.com

Bolivia bound . . .

THE Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia is the largest salt surface in the world and can seen from space. With an area of 12,000 square kilometers, at an altitude of 3660 meters above sea level and a thickness of 120 meters complete with a hotel made of salt.

The inspiration of Juan Quesada Valda, pioneer in salt hotels worldwide. His idea was to build a hotel made entirely of salt giving birth to the Hotel known as Palacio de Sal.

Not only a place to stay the Palacio de Sal has become a tourist attraction itself and has 30 bedrooms which look like igloos but are made out of salt blocks.

www.palaciodesal.com.bo

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit:19285228@N00/387528475 Salar de Uyuni | Bolivia via photopin.com, By willy hybrid1998251995/sizes/l/ Flickr, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org

My America Last Minute Deals

MY AMERICA HOLIDAY is a tour operator specialising in tailor-made holidays to the USA. The company offers everything from city breaks with flights and accommodation to multi-destination holidays, tailor-made fly drive itineraries, escorted tours, cruises, rail holidays and much more.

They have some spectacular offers saving up to 35% on deals to Las Vegas, New York, Orlando and Cancun but booking must be made by September 30th.

www.myamericaholiday.co.uk

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit:136522029@N03/25302811020 via photopin.com, 7317295@N04/28807370754 Las Vegas Boulevard via photopin.com

Concurs De Castells

CONCURS DE CASTELLS - The Human Tower Competition is to be held in Torredembarra on September 25 and in the Tarraco Arena Plaça of Tarragona on October 1-2 .

This amazing competition is held every two years and has been declared Cultural and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

42 groups will compete in a battle of human strength and agility to build the tallest human tower.

Entrance for the Torredembarra competition is free and spectators do not need any tickets.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK


Picture Credit: By Escuraxemeneies - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org

Top 7 High Tech Hotels

HotelsCombined takes a look at the ways in which the hotel industry is embracing technology. Dmitrijus Konovalovas, Country Manager, UK and Ireland HotelsCombined said: “Hotels use technology to enhance the guest experience.”

Here are their top 7 choices for technology savvy travellers.

Yotel, New York
Arriving in a Starship Enterprise-like lobby just three blocks from Times Square, guests use the touch screen check-in machines and are swiftly greeted by ‘Yobot’ - the hyper-energetic bellman who manages luggage delivery. Innovative Yobot can even store your luggage before leaving for your flight or even send it off to the airport after you check out. Guests rooms come equipped with techno walls that have built in LCD HD TV screens and the ability to stream audio, action-sensing air-conditioning, sound-proofed rooms and super strength Wi-Fi.

Blow Up Hall 5050, Poznan
Technology and art combine at the Blow Up Hall 5050, where an enormous digital art installation captures guests entering this hotel and then projects the image back in a series of stylised surveillance shots. Instead of room keys guests are handed iPhones upon check-in that use digital recognition to navigate users to the correct room and unlock the door.

W Taipei, Taipei
W Taipei is located in the hub of cosmopolitan life in the vibrant Xinyi district. It boasts state-of-the-art technology throughout and, like Blow Up Hall 5050, an alluring marriage of technology and art. While some of the suites offer video projectors for the use of guests, a wall installation containing an interactive grid of OLED lights will change based on guests movements.

Eccleston Square, London
While the exterior of Eccleston Square emanates history, technology is at the heart of this hotel and is reflected in the extensive list of techno-amenities. Rooms are equipped with touch sensitive keypads to control music and lighting, an in-room iPad which doubles as your personal concierge, shower walls that turn from clear to frosted at the touch of a button and flat screen televisions concealed within bathroom mirrors.

Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine, Spain
This 12th century abbey hotel is the first hotel in Europe to offer Google Glass – free – to guests. The spectacles frame forms a virtual screen on which you can access the internet, or in this case, check in, open your hotel room or even order room service with a flick of the eye.

Hotel 1000, Seattle
Ever been ‘caught out’ by harried housekeepers? That won’t happen at Hotel 1000. Built-in infrared detectors alert staff as to when a room is occupied. Hotel 1000 also has a fully converged IP infrastructure that allows guests to choose their own room temperature, artwork and music.

The Peninsula Hotel, Tokyo
Perhaps unsurprisingly, gadgets abound in the Japanese entry. At The Peninsula, guests can enjoy a nail polish dryer, unlimited internet radio with over 3,000 stations, a mood lighting pad and wireless phones with Skype capability. Children may take part in a digitally-interactive Pokemon treasure hunt, brought to life by augmented reality.

hotelscombined.co.uk

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK


Picture Credit: 35375520@N07/27028121990 View on Down town via photopin.com

Zambezi River sunset cruises

A cruise is a great way to relax and enjoy the spectacular Zambezi River in #Zimbabwe with opportunity to see a variety of game; including hippo, crocodile, and elephant as well as enjoy the many different bird species that can be found living along the river.

Wild Horizons started their summer sailing schedules for sunset cruises on the Zambezi River on September 1st.

The fleet consists of three pontoon style boats and the 2 hour cruise includes the knowledge of a guide, finger snacks and local beverages. Transfers are included in the rate and guests are collected from all hotels and B&B’s in Victoria Falls town.

http://www.wildhorizons.co.za/zimbabwe-activities/zambezi-sunset-cruise/

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK


Picture Credit: 62408939@N00/20148910580 DSC05085-HDR.jpg via photopin.com

Ibiza for a BBQ?

CHIC IBIZA VILLAS manages 40 hand-picked, luxury rental properties in #Ibiza, ranging from three- to twelve- bedroom. All have the added attraction of a free guest concierge service.

The luxury villa rental firm currently has an exclusive offer, of a free three-course BBQ, with every week-long Ibiza villa booking made from now until the end of the season.

No ordinary burgers in buns, the Chic BBQs are a sumptuous array of seafood, meats and vegetarian dishes, for your whole party cooked outdoors in your own villa by a team of two experienced private chefs.

September and October availability can be found in the following #villas:

• Villa Celeste sleeps 14

• Hacienda el Cielo sleeps 18

• Panorama sleeps 12

• Skyfall sleeps 8 

• Mariposa sleeps 10

• Can Blay sleeps 4

• Moonraker sleeps 10

To book go to info@chicibiza.com

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK


Picture Credit: chicibiza.com

BMI seasonal seat sale

BMI regional's seasonal sale has 500,000 seats available to European destinations at bargain prices.

The sale which began on 2 September and runs for ten days (finishes at midnight on 12 September) and includes discounted seats to a host of exciting cities including Stavanger, Milan, Oslo, Munich, Hamburg, Esbjerg, Frankfurt, Brussels and Dusseldorf.

Travel is for anytime from 19 September 2016 until 25 March 2017 – taking in the busy Christmas period!

To book, visit www.bmiregional.com

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

African bush art

WILD HORIZONS a tour company in Victoria Falls provides a range of activities, transfers and accommodation for tourists. Activities include white water rafting, gorge swings, wildlife viewings and cultural excursions.

In partnership with Art of Africa they have created a unique elephant experience, where following a talk about the elephants and their history artists can paint the images they see surrounded by the African bush.

After expressing themselves on canvas the guests will enjoy a two-course buffet lunch and are then transferred back to their lodgings in Victoria Falls. Further details are available via www.wildhorizons.co.za

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Tourism Numbers up in New Zealand

TOURIST numbers in #NewZealand have risen 16.1% with 3.3 million international visitors arriving for the year ending June 2016 reported by Tourism New Zealand.

Australia, China and the USA accounted for the largest number of tourists with increases in visitors from India and Indonesia.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK


Picture Credit: 99771506@N00/8237986807 - lake te anau via photopin.com

Celebrate Canada's Birthday in 2017

2017 will mark Canada's 150th birthday, being the anniversary of the 1867 British North America Act, which created the country called #Canada. The date became known as Dominion Day, and in 1982 its name was changed to #CanadaDay.

Celebrations will take place throughout the year and it is estimated that 1.75 million additional visitors will visit Ottawa in 2017 to take part in the celebrations and that more than C$218 million (£110 million) will be generated for the local economy.

#Ottowa2017 created by Ottawa Tourism and supported by a growing community of partners, the Ottawa 2017 Bureau is tasked with creating 12 full months of big, bold, and moving experiences that will complement national celebrations and annual events and festivals.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK


Picture Credit: By User:Pmx - Based upon Image:Canadian_postal_district_map.svg and Image:Flag_of_Canada.svg both PD, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2432255

Lost in translation . . .

WELCOME TO …

Adam Jacot de Boinod’s Wide World of Language Mistakes

• In a German lift: Do not enter the lift backwards and only when lit up. 

• In a Norwegian lounge: Ladies are requested not to have children in the bar. 

• For visitors to the Czech Republic: Take one of our horse-driven city tours: we guarantee no miscarriages. 

• In a German maternity ward: No children allowed in the maternity ward. 

Adam Jacot de Boinod worked on the first series of BBC Television’s QI for Stephen Fry, and is the author of The Meaning of Tingo and Other Extraordinary Words from around the World – Penguin Books, £10.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK


Picture Credit: 54677546@N02/28917675201 Look via photopin.com

Up in the air . . .

FLYBE is starting its new year-round daily service to Lyon, France, from Manchester Airport. The airline has also confirmed it will be adding Chambery as a new destination to its Manchester 2016-17 winter schedule.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Visit Orlando's mobile app a first for travellers

THE NO. 1 most visited #destination in the US – #Orlando, #Florida – has unveiled another first for visitors with the beta launch of a destination mobile app that uses WayBlazer's IBM Watson-enabled technology. The app taps Watson's artificial intelligence to understand conversational language from users and offer personalized recommendations of Orlando experiences that best fit an individual's needs and preferences. 

In addition, the Visit Orlando App also features ‘augmented reality experiences’ for visitors to explore and earn savings. It can be downloaded in Apple App and Google Play stores.

Travellers begin their app experience by speaking or typing in natural language into their mobile device, the same way people normally ask questions in conversation.

Once a user asks a question, the app narrows available options based on individual-specific factors such as the traveller's interests, time of day, location, and weather. It then refines the final recommendations by applying insights from numerous data sources such as media reports, consumer and expert blogs, trusted third-party travel resources such as TripAdvisor, and Visit Orlando's database.

 Sample natural language questions a traveler could ask the app include:

• Where can I find a scenic view of Orlando? 

• Where can I eat that has live music? 

• What's something adventurous to do? 

‘As the first destination to create a mobile app using this advanced level of cognitive computing, our goal is to help visitors maximize their Orlando vacation in a way that is personally meaningful to them,” said George Aguel, Visit Orlando president and CEO. ‘Visitors to Orlando can be awed and sometimes overwhelmed at the array of unique attraction, dining, shopping, and entertainment options. This innovative technology is like having your own personal Orlando expert 24/7. It analyzes numerous options, extensive data, and insights from destination experts and fellow travellers to create a recommended experience that is just right for you.’  

www.visitorlando.com

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK