April offers at Valldemossa Hotel

We are delighted to extend the following offer for the month of April at the Valldemossa Hotel. With spring in the air and the blossoms in full bloom, April is the perfect time to visit Valldemossa.


These offer are valid on all new bookings staying at Valldemossa Hotel during the month of April and are commissionable at 10%

 - Dine & Relax:  €300 per room Double Superior


o One night accommodation


o Welcome drink on arrival


o Romantic candle dinner with a special menu


o Buffet breakfast


o Use of our Spa facilities, swimming pool, sauna and jacuzzi




- A day to Remember:   €350 per room


o One night accommodation in a Junior Suite


o Welcome drink


o Tasting menu


o Buffet breakfast


o Use of our Spa facilities as swimming pool, sauna and jacuzzi


o Relax 30 minutes massage for him and her




- Valldemossa Basic: €265 per room Double Superior


o One night accommodation


o Welcome drink


o Buffet breakfast


o Use of our Spa facilities as swimming pool, sauna and Jacuzzi




To book please contact the hotel at: info@valldemossahotel.com

    

My recent vist to De Hoop Nature Reserve and De Hoop Collection

I have just returned from a fantastic 2 week trip to South Africa. During my trip I visited friends and family, enjoyed 2 amazing concerts, ate way too much, drank way too much but most importantly had the opportunity to visit the De Hoop Nature Reserve. I have taken a few minutes to give you a quick update and overview of my trip and a bit more information on this amazingly fabulous place!



I collected my Group B car from the airport and headed out of Cape Town on the N2 motorway. After a spot of lunch at the “Steers” in Riviersonderend (a must for all N2 trips!) I carried along the road and finally hit the dirt road to De Hoop just before I reached Swellendam.


Due to a recent experience with me being very (shall we say unkind) to my hired car on a dirt road, I decided to take this road carefully and averaged a respectable 30 miles an hour – after about 45 minutes of this I decided that dirt road driving at this speed could be implemented as a form of torture! The thing with dirt roads in Africa is that you see the long road ahead of you, you finally get up a hill and as you pass over the hill you see another long stretch ahead, shattering all hopes of the madness ever ending! I thought that nothing on earth could be worth this suffering – that is until I reached the De Hoop Reserve and on my final hill climb spotted the magnificent dunes and Fynbos landscape in the distance. It is not often I am left speechless but as I started making my descent into the reserve I really fought back the tears (call me a softie but my goodness what a view) every little bump in that dirt road was forgotten and all I could think about was getting to those dunes as fast as possible. It is also at this point that I would like to point out that the dirt road can be done a lot quicker – many cars flew past me, I just chose to do it at a crawl.


The De Hoop Nature Reserve is situated in the Overberg area of the Western Cape - an ideal stop on a Garden Route itinerary or within very easy reach of Cape Town for a stand alone wilderness holiday. I could kick myself for only booking 1 night but was determined to make the most of my time there. After checking into my superb accommodation (more on that later) I jumped back into my car and headed to the Koppie Alleen beach. This beach is about 30 mins from the main Opstal Camp.


One of the De Hoop Collection properties is situated at Koppie Alleen – a four bedroom house with direct access to the beach footpath. Whilst taking the stroll down to the beach I already imagined my next visit with my husband staying at Koppie Alleen. I went down to the beach whilst the tide was in but if you pop down during low tide you are greeted with an array of rock pools teaming with interesting sea life. It was just so great for me to a) be in the sunshine and b) by the sea that I didn’t mind too much missing out on these rock pools. I had 3 lovely little Black Oyster Catchers keeping me company and posing for my photos that made up for it! From here I took the walk back up the hill and onto the huge imposing sand dunes. I can’t possibly think that there is anywhere in South Africa I’d rather be during whale season than on these dunes. You will have the absolute definitive VIP seat from which you can watch the spectacle unfold. Remember 43% of all Southern Right whales visit this bay during whale season.


As the sun started setting I had to rush back to Opstal camp as I was meeting Justin (no not Bieber!) the General Manager for dinner in the Fig Tree restaurant. The restaurant is decorated in typical Cape Dutch farm house style and we were met by a very enthusiastic and professional team. I was very impressed with the wine list and had to smile to myself when the French couple behind me commented that the food was as good as food prepared by a French master chef.


I enjoyed a Camembert Starter and a Polenta, Yellow Pepper & Sweet Chilli bake with greens as main course. Dessert was a chocolate pudding that went to my hips as soon as I saw it on the plate – but oh boy it was worth every calorie!


The following morning Jolene (Justin’s wife and Assistant Manager) took me around all the accommodation on offer at the De Hoop Collection. I was lucky enough to have the entire Opstal Manor House to myself – this is a 3 bedroom guest house. It is the original farm house and still retains historic features like the old baking oven and chimney. The rooms are all en-suite and 2 of them come with stand alone Victorian claw-baths. One of my biggest surprises was the fantastic Maria Garcia amenities – a real treat!


Other accommodation in the Opstal area included the Vlei Cottages, beautiful thatched cottages with 2 bedrooms so perfect for a small family or a couple wanting a bit more space and privacy from other guests. Another 2 bedroom option was the Equipped cottages – these all come with an open area for kids to play outside. The Opstal Village really did remind me of a small village and the 3 bedroom houses here are ideal for families or groups of friends. They are a lot bigger and have a separate dining area. The village house I visited even had 2 outdoor “African tyre” swings. Last but by no means least there are the 2 Opstal Houses, two big stand-alone houses with 3 bedrooms and private gardens.


De Hoop really is a haven for people wanting to experience open spaces, scenic beauty and prolific bird life and of course Whales & Dolphins. I really do think that De Hoop and the De Hoop Collection is one to watch and will earn its place on the “What’s Hot in South Africa” list.


For more information please see www.dehoopcollection.co.za or let me know and I can send you a brochure and fact sheet.

Some of the pictures I took at De Hoop:

South Africa whale-watching: dazzled on the Western Cape

by Sandra MacGregor - The Telegraph (a piece featured in today's edition)



South Africa's De Hoop Nature Reserve offers the best land-based whale-watching in the world, but whales are just a small part of what it has to offer, says Sandra MacGregor.


You've come at the perfect time," says the photographer, snapping another picture, "there's a lot of frisky business going on down there." There is indeed. As we crest the final dune and reach the coastline, we come upon a jaw-dropping spectacle: no fewer than a dozen southern right whales at various stages of seduction.


Some whales have begun to swim off in couples; while still-unattached, eager males continue to leap, roll and strike the ocean surface with their tails in a valiant effort to attract a mate. Meanwhile, the females float lazily in circles, their barnacled bodies barely moving, as though too bored by the trappings of courtship to expend any effort on attracting a partner. All of this carousing takes place less than 100ft (30m) offshore.


"You could almost touch them," a woman beside me whispers, as though afraid the whales might hear her. But apparently loud noises don't disturb the giants, which is fortunate as the woman's two children have been vociferously keeping count of the belly-flops (14 so far) and tail-slams (seven in a row by one male) the courting males perform.


De Hoop Nature Reserve, a three-hour drive from Cape Town, lays claim to the best land-based whale-watching in the world: every year between July and about the end of November, 40 per cent of the world's southern right whale population comes to its shores to breed.


But with so many whales on display, where are the people? There are only a handful of us at Koppie Alleen (an area surrounded by massive dunes and the best place to view the whales) and earlier we drove through the park without seeing another soul for hours.


"Most tourists go to the town of Hermanus to see whales," explains De Hoop's assistant manager Sebastien Jones, who attributes some of the town's success to its extensive marketing campaigns and proximity to Cape Town. "But while the tourists go to Hermanus, the people from Hermanus know to come here to watch the whales," he adds.


Despite the attraction of the whales, De Hoop's popularity doesn't centre around whale season; the summer months of December and January are actually the busiest time of year. Not surprising given that the 88,957-acre (36,000 hectare) reserve, known by South Africans as the "Jewel of the Western Cape", is part of a World Heritage Site renowned for its rich biodiversity and plethora of rare animal and plant species, some found nowhere else on Earth.


In fact, as I am a bit of a birder, my excitement at seeing the whales does not dwarf the earlier thrill of sighting dozens of blue cranes (South Africa's national bird), which were feeding alongside cows in the fields just outside the reserve. They were remarkably elegant. De Hoop is home to one of the country's largest populations of this endangered species.


Animals are so plentiful in De Hoop that one couldn't be blamed for suspecting that they are paid to stand around and pose for visitors. We come upon baboons, eland and bontebok, all grazing together on a vast plain just beyond the main reception area. Maybe animals here have learnt that playing hard-to-get is no way to compete with whales that are anything but coy.


Luckily, however, coyness is an attribute the local snake population seems to possess. Puff adders and Cape cobras are apparently plentiful. "But don't worry," promises Pierre Mouski, one of the reserve's guides, "no guest has ever been bitten. But you might be lucky enough to see one crossing the road," he adds. Which explains the road signs throughout the park with images of snakes entreating "Give Us a Break". Big or small, cuddly or scaled, all animals are respected here.


If you have a soft-spot for snakes, ask to meet resident reptile ecologist Tony Phelps. He captures, tags and releases many of De Hoop's "less-appreciated" population and is more than happy to introduce guests to his temporary captives.


Although our cottage is self-catering, we opt to dine at the Fig Tree, the on-site restaurant aptly named for the stately wild figs adorning the courtyard.


We reconsider our plans to dine out of doors, however, when we are joined by an unexpected dinner guest on the restaurant's patio: Klakkie the ostrich. A gregarious (if imposing) resident, Klakkie was raised by the staff after she was found orphaned.


Though I'm sure she would be charming company, she doesn't look like the type to share, so we head indoors where we find more suitable dinner companions: a couple from Germany who have spent the day snorkelling among rock pools along the coastline. However, the amazing meal can't erase my jealousy when I learn that, on their return from the beach, they spotted several of the rare Cape mountain zebra in the bush.


Although I have come to see all that De Hoop has to offer, the prospect of encountering this elusive and endangered species excites me most of all.


I need not have worried. As we head home, there, right by the reserve's exit, are four Cape mountain zebras. It is as if they want to send us home with a reminder that whales aren't the only reason to come to De Hoop.

  For more information on the accommodation, activities and services available at De Hoop please contact me or visit www.dehoopcollection.co.za

Christmas Market at Valldemossa Hotel this weekend

Clients staying in Mallorca this weekend may want to visit the traditional Christmas Market being held on the terraces of the Valldemossa Hotel.

The stalls will be open from 12:00 to 16:00 on Saturday 18th December and Sunday 19th December.

Guests can enjoy a fine lunch in the Valldemossa Hotel’s restaurant and then stroll around the market stalls. There will be live classical music and stands include hand made gifts such as: Candles, jewellery, fragrances and Christmas decorations.  

And remember if you want a last minute escape our fantastic Christmas Offer is still in place! 



Christmas at Valldemossa Hotel

Looking to escape the cold and snow this Christmas?  The Valldemossa Hotel & Restaurant are offering guests a fantastic festive break

The Valldemossa Hotel Christmas offer includes:

• An upgrade from standard room to a junior suite (subject to availability)
• A glass of Cava to welcome guests to the hotel
• A romantic dinner in the fine dining restaurant with its magnificent views of the Valldemossa monastery
• Complimentaty access to the spa, heated in-door pool, sauna and jacuzzi
• Breakfast buffet
• A Christmas gift from the team at the hotel

All of this for the amazing price of €145 per person per night !  Valid on all new bookings up to and inclusive of 29 December 2010

Set in one of the most beautiful parts of Mallorca the Valldemosa Hotel offers guests tranquillity, luxury and comfort in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. Situated at the foot of Valldemossa town, famous for hosting Chopin one winter, this hotel is in idyllic surroundings http://www.valldemossahotel.com/

Madikwe and De Hoop Collection booking competition

We are delighted to launch our bumper Madikwe & De Hoop Collection incentive booking competition for the UK market

Prizes:


1st Prize from draw  = XBOX360 Kinect   OR   iPod Touch 8GB 4th Generation  OR  
Kindle eBook (+book vouchers)


2nd Prize from draw =    £60 iTunes voucher  OR   £60 Pizza Express Voucher  OR
£60 Cineworld Voucher

+ Winner with most room nights booked: 3 Nights at a Madikwe Collection lodge PLUS 2 Nights at Opstal Manor House at De Hoop for two on FB basis

How to enter:

Bookings:   Every time you have booked 6 room nights at one of participating lodges you have to contact Luxury Representation Collection with the following information:

- Guests names


- Lodge booked


- Arrival and departure dates



After booking 6 room nights your name will be placed in a hat for the lucky draw – the more times you enter the better your chances of winning! Remember there is also a prize for the most room nights booked


Validity: The competition will run from the 23rd Nov 10 until the 31st Mar 11. All new bookings made during this period will qualify. Clients can travel at any time but bookings have to be made during above dates.


Participating lodges:

Tuningi Safari Lodge - Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge - Thakadu River Camp - Madikwe Hills Safari Lodge - The Bush House - Motswiri Safari Lodge - De Hoop Village at Opstal - Vlei Cottages at Opstal - Equipped Cottages at Opstal - Opstal Manor House - Opstal Houses - Koppie Alleen


Terms and Conditions:
Only NEW bookings made 23 Nov 10  onwards are valid
Competition is open to all agents, operators, MICE companies in UK and Ireland ONLY
Accommodation is subject to availability and can not be taken during the following dates:
20 – 27th April 2011 and 15 December 2011 – 07 January 2012 and 4th April – 12th April 2012
All drinks and extras are for the winners own account
Transfers are not included
Winner of accommodation must travel before 31May 2012
Travel Agents are welcome to enter
Only bookings made up to the 31st March will be valid – ensure you have all your room nights logged with Luxury Rep Collection before then
IF YOU DON’T NOTIFY US OF YOUR BOOKINGS THEY WILL NOT BE VALID – contact Tesna at Luxury Representation Collection to log your bookings tesna@luxuryrepcollection.com  

We wish you all the best with this competition – remember the more times you book the more times your name will be entered into the draw.


Drop us a line if you need refresher training on the properties or if you need any further information on the competition


Happy selling !!!
Tesna and the Madikwe & De Hoop Collection team


http://www.madikwecollection.com/           http://www.dehoopcollection.com/

Valldemossa Hotel & Restaurant joins Luxury Rep Collection Portfolio

We are delighted to welcome The Valldemossa Hotel & Restaurant to our luxury portfolio....



A member of the Relais & Chateau family, The Valldemossa Hotel is a luxurious boutique property nestled in the famed historical village of Valldemossa in Mallorca.


Surrounded by the majestic Serra de Tramuntana Mountains, the hotel enjoys stunning views of the valley and its olive groves - as well as the beautiful old monastery of Valldemossa


Everything in the Valldemossa Hotel oozes the elegance and charm so typical of the area. Impeccable decoration combines with traditional architecture in perfect harmony.

As well as its delightful rooms and suites, the hotel has an outdoor pool, a heated indoor pool, sauna, jacuzzi and beautiful gardens from which guests can enjoy impressive views of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. Another of the hotel’s big attractions is its restaurant. The Valldemossa restaurant offers select gastronomy with a menu that has been meticulously designed, right down to the last detail.


The town of Valldemossa is located in Mallorca’s most dramatic and scenic region and is famous for it Carthusian monastery which welcomed many prominent guests during the 19th century. Its most famous residents include Chopin and George Sand who scandalously lived together during the winter of 1838 to 1839. She wrote of her experience on the island in a book entitled “A winter in Majorca”.


Activities which can be enjoyed from the hotel include hiking, mountain biking, strolls around the town of Valldemossa or golf at the near by Son Termens course.


With its breathtaking views the hotel is the perfect setting for a romantic wedding and reception.


In short, the Valldemossa Hotel and Restaurant is a select place, and one that is unique in Europe. An open door onto what Frederic Chopin called “the most beautiful place in the world.”


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