African Hotels & Adventures joins LRC portfolio

I am extremely proud to announce that African Hotels & Adventures has appointed


Luxury Representation Collection as their UK Sales & Marketing partner.


African Hotels & Adventures (AHA) owns, operates and manages a portfolio of boutique city


hotels, cultural villages, lifestyle retreats and game lodges throughout Southern Africa.


The hotels and lodges currently under AHA management include:


• The Adderley Hotel – Cape Town - http://adderley.ahagroup.co.za/
The Adderley Hotel blends gracious urban historic facades with chic 21st century interiors and is situated in the historical end of Cape Town’s main thoroughfare, Adderley Street. The hotel occupies a combination of refurbished historical buildings (build in 1903) and a modern eleven storey tower.



• Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites – Cape Town - http://harbourbridge.ahagroup.co.za/
Ideally position near the V&A Waterfront within the Cape Town International Convention Centre precinct, this state-of-the-art hotel provides the ultimate accommodation choice for both business and leisure travellers. Set against a backdrop of picturesque mountain views with a sea water canal running through the hotel’s bridge wing, Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites links the city to the sea.




• The Bantry Bay Leisure Suites - Cape Town - http://bantrybay.ahagroup.co.za/
An exquisite blend of seas, the mountain and the city of Cape Town. First class luxury in the heart of Cape Town’s platinum mile. Literally 200 meters from the sea, a short stroll down the road will take you to the majestic Atlantic Ocean and a number of sandy beaches.



• Simon’s Town Quayside Hotel - Simon’s Town-  http://quayside.ahagroup.co.za/
Simon’s Town Quayside Hotel is set on the water’s edge on Simon’s Town yacht basin with breathtaking views over False Bay and the majestic Simon’s Kloof mountains.



• Leisure Bay Luxury Suite Hotel - Cape Town - http://leisurebay.ahagroup.co.za/
This stylish 4 star luxury suite hotel is set right on the dunes with panoramic views of Cape Town’s Table Mountain and Robben Island. Each suite faces the ocean and the spectacular sight of the African sun setting over the Atlantic Ocean is a view not to be missed.

 • L’Ermitage Franschhoek Chateau & Villas -http://lermitage.ahagroup.co.za/home
Situated in the heart of the Franschhoek winelands on the Fransche Hoek wine and olive estate, the exclusive 5 star L’Ermitage Franschhoek Chateau & Villas offers sanctuary for the soul. With its breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains, quaint cobbled streets, vibrant piazza and indigenous Fynbos, you will experience a unique taste of the Franschhoek country lifestyle.




• The Rex Hotel – Knysna - http://www.rexhotel.co.za/
One of Knysna’s most elegant and sophisticated accommodation offerings, The Rex hotel promises its guests superior service and exceptional comfort. The impeccable appointed Rex Hotel offers travellers a gateway to world-class restaurants, blossoming forests and the shores of the serene Knysna lagoon.



• Hotel Izulu - Ballito - http://www.hotelizulu.com/
Hotel Izulu is a 5 star boutique hotel, which boasts 19 luxurious suites within a contemporary blend of Tuscan architecture, African features and Balinese influences. Crowning this unique property is Gigi’s Brasserie. A superb, elegant a-la-carte Ballito restaurant. There is also the Impolilo Beauty Spa which boasts three fully equipped treatment rooms and a hydro, using Clarins and TheraVine products.




• Casa do Sol Hotel & Resort – Hazyview - http://casadosol.ahagroup.co.za/
Situated in the beautiful Sabie River Valley, Casa do Sol is a little Eden of tranquil pools, deeply shaded glades and lush flower garden. Coupled with enchanting sounds and smells of the bush and the warm and friendly atmosphere, Casa do Sol is the true epitome of luxury and elegance




• Makalali Private Game Lodge - Makalali - http://www.makalali.co.za/
Situated on a 26000 hectare conservancy in the Hoedspruit region with the start of the Drakensberg mountains as a backdrop lies Makalali. Makalali consists of four exclusive camps of six rooms. Each suite has a king size bed, en-suite bathroom, outdoor shower and a private deck. Every suite has a raised sala which overlooks the Makhutswi river and serves as an ideal bird and game lookout or the prefect spot for a romantic dinner.




• Thakadu River Camp – Madikwe Game Reserve - http://www.thakadurivercamp.com/
Thakadu River Camp is set within the riverine canopy along the banks of the Marico river
in the eastern section of the Madikwe Game Reserve. The camp comprises of 12 tented
suites, each with their own viewing deck overlook the Marico river. Little Thakadu
comprises of 4 tents ideally used for small exclusive use with its own private vehicle and
plunge pool.




• Bongani Mountain Lodge - Mthethomusha Game Reserve - http://www.bonganimountainlodge.co.za/
When it is time to get back to the things that are important – like the tranquillity of nature, the excitement of culture and the fascination of history – take a trip to Bongani Mountain Lodge. We have all the offerings to revitalise your spirit.



• Chobe Marina Lodge - Chobe National Park - http://www.chobemarinalodge.com/
Uniquely located in the North-Eastern corner of Botswana where the four African nations of Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia converge, Chobe Marina Lodge is surrounded by the natural beauty of Africa. The Chobe River, Chobe National Park, Kasane Forest Reserve, the Caprivi Strip and the mighty Zambezi river, each offer their own attractions and with Victoria Falls but 70 kilometres away, Chobe Marina Lodge is a 'must visit' destination when in Southern Africa



• Lesesi Cultural Village - Cradle of Humankind – www.lesedi.com
Lesedi African Lodge and Cultural Village offer the opportunity to experience the
fascinating cultures and traditions of the people of Africa. Located in the Cradle of
Humankind, a world heritage site, the village is only 45 minutes’ drive from
Johannesburg and Pretoria. The mutli-cultural village comprise five traditional
homesteads each inhabited by Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Basotho and Ndebele tribes that live
according to the tribal folklore and traditions of its ancestors






For more information on any of these wonferful properties please contact: info@luxuryrepcollection.com or see http://www.ahagroup.co.za/

How I fell in love with the Eastern Cape....

I recently returned from a very hectic but extremely productive trip to South Africa, having achieved my main objective - to come up with some exciting plans and creative strategies to increase business for my various clients and to experience the new properties in my portfolio “first-hand”.



My first visit was to Kichaka Luxury Game Lodge in the Eastern Cape. I knew I was in for something special but I can “hand-on-heart” say that my stay at this special little lodge exceeded my every expectation.


It would be so easy for me to wax lyrical for hours about the friendliness of the staff, the delicious lunch I enjoyed, my gigantic room with private plunge pool, the breathtaking view of the waterhole, my extremely comfortable bed, the rain shower, the out of this world WiFi connectivity, the mouth watering dinner (with my very own vegetarian menu!), the “Death-by-Chocolate” pudding and much, much more but what I really want to tell you about was the game experience.

I will be honest and be the first to say that after years of promoting the Kruger Park and Madikwe Game Reserve I was somewhat sceptical about the game experience on offer in the Eastern Cape. I always knew it was an adequate experience but wondered if it would “blow my mind” and make me want to return. The simple and honest answer to this question is YES IT DID – OH MY GOODNESS IT DID!


When you speak to friends who are not in the travel industry and tell them about how many safaris you have done in your life (Botswana, Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique, Kruger and Madikwe for me) they often think you are a bit of a show-off. But those “in the know” understand that it comes with the job. The point I am trying to make here is that in my position I have done some fantastic game drives and have seen some amazing things in my life but never have I had a guide / ranger who captivated me and interacted with the people on the vehicle the way Ashley did.


We had a French family on the vehicle that spoke a bit of broken English but it did not stop Ashley from going out of his way to interact and try and explain things to us. I actually for the first time in many years learnt a lot on a drive. Tracks were pointed out, spots where Hyenas had marked their territory were pointed out and the markings explained to us in detail, medicinal uses for plants and most amazingly zebra hairs from the side of the road were picked up to show us where the zebras were rolling on the ground to scratch themselves!


We had a magical Elephant encounter followed closely by sighting two amazing lions preparing to hunt. The following morning I put in a request for Cheetah and after about 2 hours of tracking (we are one of the few lodges who still have a tracker on the vehicle) we spotted a female cheetah. This made my day!


Due to our marketing meeting that morning I sadly missed out on the game walk but Kichaka is one of the only lodges that hold a rifle license and thus able to offer game walks in the Eastern Cape. With the superior knowledge of the guides at Kichaka, guests are guaranteed an amazing experience!

I am so happy that I had the opportunity to stay at Kichaka and meet the wonderful team (at the lodge and behind the scenes in Sales & Marketing). I have a rule that if I can’t be passionate about a product I won’t add them to my portfolio. I think it is safe to say that I fell in love with Kichaka and the Eastern Cape.


I believe the lodge offers fantastic value for money - not only with respect to its luxury accommodation with all the wonderful special touches like the under floor heating, most amazing ponchos on game drive, complimentary WiFi connectivity, fully inclusive rate etc. but most importantly the high standard of guiding guests will experience whilst on safari.

The team from Kichaka will not be at Indaba this year but we would love for you to experience the lodge. Drop me a line if you are doing a pre- or post- Indaba trip and I will gladly arrange it for you.

Don’t forget we have a Stay for 3 only pay for 2 offer running from 01 May – 30 Sep. Please contact your preferred ground operator for rates or drop me a line if you need the STO rates directly.

My review on my stay at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa in Johannesburg will follow soon.

www.kichaka.co.za

Photos taken by me during our game drive at Kichaka

LRC appointed as UK office for Kichaka Luxury Game Lodge

Luxury Representation Collection is delighted and proud to welcome Kichaka Luxury Game Lodge to our portfolio!


Set among the hills of the Assegaai Bush valley in the malaria-free Eastern Cape, owner-managed, Kichaka is an exclusive, 5-star luxury lodge boasting just 10 beautifully appointed suites in the heart of a Big 5 game reserve. At Kichaka, service excellence is a given, not a goal ... and we pride ourselves on attention to detail and tailor-making each guests’ stay to suit their individual wishes, interests and mood.

Activities on the reserve include Big 5 game viewing on open safari vehicles as well as fascinating guided bush walks with experienced rangers. Other outdoor pursuits such as horse-riding, fishing and self-guided walks are also available nearby. In addition, guests can opt to enjoy the solitude and peaceful surroundings ... lounging at the pool, relaxing on their private viewing-deck overlooking the waterhole, or perhaps being pampered by the resident massage therapist - whilst soaking up the sounds and scents of the African bush.

Fine dining, complemented by premium wines from Kichaka’s comprehensive cellar, the highly trained and professional staff, and allthe mods-cons one would expect of a 5 star establishment, including wi-fi internet access throughout, all combine to make Kichaka a memorable luxury safari experience ... but at 4 star prices

For more information or product training please contact: tesna@luxuryrepcollection.com    www.kichaka.co.za 

Valldemossa Hotel - Golf & Relax

Enjoy playing golf surrounded by nature with an unforgettable stay at the Hotel Valldemossa

From 4th, 5th & 6th October   or   18th, 19th 20th October 2011

• 2 Green Fees per person at Son Gual Golf Club
• 2 Nights in a Junior Suite inclusive of breakfast
• Welcome Cava, 5 course dinner including wine and beverages
• Live music
• Massage, spa & sauna
• Transfer to Son Gual Golf Club

€1950.00 per person sharing  /  €1470.00  single occupancy

For more information please see http://www.valldemossahotel.com/

           

LUXURY REPRESENTATION COLLECTION WELCOMES SHONGOLOLO EXPRESS TO PORTFOLIO:

Luxury Representation Collection is delighted to announce its appointment as the UK & Ireland Representative for Shongololo Express. 

Shongololo Express began operations in 1995 to provide a very special touring experience for visitors to Southern Africa. Shongololo journeys traverse seven countries on the southern African continent: South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia and Namibia.

Just as an ocean cruise, the very special “rail cruise” takes care of guests’ every need. For the duration on board the Shongololo Express all requirements for a superb holiday are provided: transport, accommodation, meals, recreation, sightseeing and the best of all - guests need to unpack and pack only once.

The trains travel comfortably and securely during the night to the next stop on the itinerary and guests awake each morning to a fresh vista on Africa and the anticipation of new and exciting adventures. In this way Shongololo guests can make the most of every precious holiday hour.

Each train carries a fleet of air-conditioned Mercedes Benz touring vehicles with professional guides on board who are ready to take guests on inclusive scheduled tours to experience unique sights of the area. For the more adventurous there are also tour add-ons from ballooning, to elephant riding to scuba diving available at many locations.

The chefs offer South African menus that include Cape Dutch and Malay recipes as well as authentic African dishes. Meals are complemented by a selection of distinguished South African wines.

There is a selection of cabins available, ranging from the lead in Ivory Compartments to the extremely comfortable, air-conditioned and en-suite Emerald Compartments. There are four categories in total to choose from.

It is the aim and pleasure of every staff member on board to provide guest with friendly and efficient service.

Shongololo Express journeys include:


• The Good Hope Adventure (Johannesburg to Cape Town / Cape Town to Johannesburg)


• The Dune Adventure (Windhoek to Johannesburg / Johannesburg to Windhoek)


• The Southern Cross Adventure (Johannesburg to Victoria Falls / Victoria Falls to Johannesburg)


• NEW : On the traces of Dr Livingstone (Victoria Falls to Dar es Salaam)


For more information, full itineraries, departure dates, brochures or training please contact:


tesna@luxuryrepcollection.com  or visit http://www.shongololo.com/  

Your Africa appoints Luxury Representation Collection as their sales and marketing partner for the UK & Ireland region

Your Africa, one of Tourvest Destination Management’s (TDM) flagship brands, has recently appointed reputable UK company, Luxury Representation Collection (LRC) as their sales and marketing partner for the region, effective 01 August 2011.


Luxury Representation Collection is driven by its owner, Tesna Simonsen George, a well-known entity in both the South African and UK travel industry. Prior to her 2009 purchase of LRC, she worked for 7 years at another reputable representation house in the UK. As a native South African with her roots and her early years of experience in the country, she passionately represents Southern Africa to the UK and Irish markets for all of her clients, making her company the obvious choice when Your Africa made the decision to appoint a UK representation house.

Monika Iuel, Sales & Marketing Director of Your Africa is ecstatic about this new association, and has this to say:  “This new appointment is an indication of Your Africa’s continued commitment to the UK market, as we believe that there is definitely growth potential within this particular region. Immediately upon meeting Tesna, and realising her focus and drive, I was confident that she would be the right person to represent our interests in the UK. I’m very excited about this new appointment.”


Whilst Tesna’s enthusiasm equally comes to the fore:  “Further to visiting Monika and the team in the Your Africa offices in Sandton, it was very clear that everyone is extremely passionate, friendly, professional and dedicated to offering high levels of personalised service (everything I firmly believe in). I am incredibly proud to be an "extended" member of the Your Africa family, my main objective being to further strengthen the brand awareness in the UK market.”

Your Africa, as one of the main destination management companies bringing UK holiday-makers to Southern Africa, enjoys great competitiveness due to the consolidated buying power of Tourvest Destination Management, whilst guaranteeing the personal service of a boutique operation. .

It looks as though there are exciting times ahead for both Your Africa and Luxury Representation Collection!

 

• Your Africa is a specialised boutique inbound operator providing personalised, innovative and professional travel services within Southern Africa. Visit http://www.yourafrica.co.za/  for further information.


• Driven by well-known personalities such as Monika Iuel and Merl Kwan both of whom have been in the South African travel industry for many years, Your Africa comprises of a dynamic team of multi-lingual staff.


• Your Africa offers key account status for every client and benefits for each individual source market


• Your Africa caters not only toward the individual traveller but also group clients.


• Your Africa is a leading brand within Tourvest Destination Management, a diversified portfolio of tourism businesses.


• The team at Your Africa are actively involved in numerous social responsibility projects, including special reference to “Yithuba Lami”, an outreach programme for underprivileged and vulnerable children in Johannesburg

FLIGHTS NOW INCLUDED AT TUNINGI SAFARI LODGE ....

Another Indaba has come and gone and I hope that everyone who made the pilgrimage down to Durban had a very successful show. The show was definitely quieter this year but overall feedback was that it was a “quality” show.

Indaba is usually the time for suppliers to launch their rates for the upcoming season and update tour operators on their product - so I am very happy to share the exciting news and rates from the Madikwe and De Hoop Collection team...

MADIKWE COLLECTION


TUNINGI SAFARI LODGE – NEW INCLUSIVE RATES!!!

We are delighted to announce our new rates (not an offer but our new rates) for TUNINGI SAFARI LODGE which ***INCLUDE RETURN FLIGHTS FOR ALL 3 NIGHT STAYS*** -   in addition to this if clients stay for less than 3 nights we have negotiated very good air fares with Federal Air AND you get commission on the accommodation and flights !! But why not book 3 nights and get the flights included FOC?



BUFFALO RIDGE SAFARI LODGE - SPECIAL OFFER – REDUCED WINTER RATE !!!

For any last minute bookings at Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge we are thrilled to offer the following rate of R1950 per person sharing for all new bookings staying at the lodge between now and 31st July 2011
This rate is a nett.




DE HOOP COLLECTION


De Hoop is fast becoming the “place to be” and interest for the reserve was huge at Indaba. With everything it has to offer it is easy to see why.

The whales will be arriving soon and guests coming down to De Hoop this season are in for a treat, with over 40% of all Southern Right whales coming into the bay at De Hoop, the season is geared to showcase some of the best *if not THE best* land based whale watching in South Africa.

De Hoop is perfect for couples, families and groups of friends travelling together. During the Easter weekend the team entertained the little ones with fun Easter egg hunts and the team are available every day to ensure kids have a great holiday, with fun activities.

Couples can enjoy romantic picnics on the beach, go for long walks or enjoy romantic meals in the Fig Tree Restaurant.

A huge variety of activities await guests of all ages: walking, birding, game drives, mountain bikes, quad bikes, rock pools, whale watching, swimming pool, tennis court, golf course, picnics,
learning centre and lots more ...


Don’t forget that we have a WINTER WHALE SEASON offer - stay for 2 nights and get 3rd night free AND kids under 12 stay free – valid for all bookings between now and 31st July.


Please let me know if you would like any training, product information, images or any assistance with the De Hoop & Madikwe Collection properties.

We understand that it has been a very tough year for all of us and we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing support – we really appreciate it!