A S H D O W N T R AV E L
W I NT E R 2 0 1 2 / 2 0 1 3
* MEXICO * SPA BREAKS * RIVER CRUISING *
* ESCORTED TOURING * SONG SAA * SANDY LANE *
A S H D OW N
A S H D OW N
W I NT E R 2 0 1 2 / 2 0 1 3
N EW S
Welcome to our latest newsletter!
Firstly I hope you have all had a lovely
festive period and would like to wish you a
happy and prosperous 2013. I know many of
you attended the Oxted late night shopping
event, and I am delighted to advise that
we raised over £250 for our chosen local
charity Pastens Action for Children.
As always in our newsletters we try and
bring you some new and inspirational ideas
that will whet your appetite to travel and
hope this will be no different.
Mexico is a country that has seen a
resurgence in demand as BA and Virgin are
now flying directly from Gatwick to Cancun
opening up a significant array of beach
resorts along the Gulf Coast of Mexico.
Of course Mexico has a lot more to offer
than just beaches and I hope you will enjoy
reading about this amazing country.
Escorted touring has also been popular
for us and we have decided to suggest some
interesting and exciting destinations where
you can visit, whilst enjoying the security
and knowledge of your own tour leader.
These are just a suggestion so if you like
the concept, but would prefer alternative
destinations, please don’t hesitate to ask.
For our clients that like a bit of pampering,
then we have included a number of fantastic
spa resorts that you can visit without going
too far away.These are all easily accessible and
can be tailored to meet your requirements.
Again this is just a small selection so call us
for further suggestions.
Once again I would like to remind
you all that Ashdown Travel hold ABTA,
IATA and ATOL licences which means
that your money is fully protected when
booking through us. We also have a 24 hour
emergency service so you really do have
someone on hand to help if you need us!
I hope you enjoy reading this newsletter
and look forward to seeing you in the
shop soon.
Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris have extended their ‘Party of
the Year’ celebrations!! Their 20th Anniversary
celebrations were so popular that they have decided
to extend it for another 6 months!
Choose from 2 Disney Parks and experience
fantastic parades; meet the Disney characters whilst
experiencing unmissable attractions and spectacular
shows! You can wander round the Disney Village
to find the perfect gift and dine in numerous
restaurants in the parks, the Disney village or in
one of the 14 hotels - one to suit every taste!
There are various offers available including: Kids
under 7 get free hotel and park tickets valid for
arrivals until 7th November 2013 inclusive or Kids
under 12 get free hotel and park tickets valid for
arrivals 1st January – 27th March 2013 inclusive.
Early booking offers also available for Spring,
Summer and Autumn 2013 and are subject to
availability.
The new brochure is now out so please call in
for more details on the celebratory offers!
Kind regards,
Nick Samuels, Director
[email protected]
A S H D O W N T R A V E L 24-26 Station Road East, Oxted
Airline News
British Airways are launching some exciting new routes from Gatwick, and with the return of direct
flights to the Canary Islands, this will offer you a fully serviced flight alternative to the budget airlines.
From 29th October 2012 | Las Vegas 3 times a week.
Upto 29th March 2013 | Puerto Rico every Friday.
From 31st March 2013 | Tenerife every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday | Lanzarote
every Thursday & Sunday | Dominican Republic every Wednesday, and Sunday.
A S H D OW N
A S H D OW N
S A N DY L A N E
S O N G SAA
Sandy Lane is the epitome of five-diamond luxury.
The truly world class resort sits on 1000ft of
gorgeous white sand beach and combines timeless
elegance with ultra-modern facilities, catering to
the most discerning couples and families.
Plush accommodations include 112 spacious
rooms and suites, each with large balcony
overlooking the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea
or exotic tropical gardens. Nestled in a mahogany
cove on the ‘platinum’ west coast of Barbados,
this unforgettable resort provides 45 holes of
championship golf, featuring two Tom Fazio
designed courses, a magnificent 47,000-squarefoot spa, four restaurants, seven bars, nine floodlit tennis courts, water sports, the Treehouse Club
dedicated children’s facility and all the warmth of
Barbadian hospitality.
A Sandy Lane holiday is an unparalleled
experience and with a captivating collection of
summer offers, your luxurious escape is closer
than ever. Stay during our endless summer, from
12th April 2013 to 31st October 2013. Packages
range from Romantic Escapades to Golf, Spa or
Family Escapes.
A S H D O W N T R AV E L
01883 714312
The new Song Saa Private Island resort in
Cambodia has been one of the most talked about
luxury resorts in the last year.
Situated just off the Southern coastal resort of
Sihanoukville, Song Saa Private Island features
luxury 1 and 2 bedroom Over-Water, Jungle and
Ocean-View villas built with sustainable materials
and with the deepest respect for the natural
environment.
Since it’s opening in late 2011, the resort has won
many top awards and has already established itself as one
of the new must stay places for the discerning traveler.
You can easily combine a stay with most South
East Asian cities and in particular why not combine
a stay with the World famous Angkor Wat temples
at Siem Riep.
Booking early is essential as demand for this resort
is extremely high! Please don’t hesitate to contact us
for more information and prices.
Ashdown exclusive
All bookings made to Song Saa by the 31st March
2013 will receive a 1 hr spa treatment per person.
Please check with us for any date exclusions.
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A S H D OW N
A S H D OW N
S PA B R EA K S
S PA B R EA K S
A relaxing Spa treatment is a great way to sooth away aches and pains as well as rejuvenating
the body & soul. Rather than wait until your holiday to indulge why not enjoy a relaxing
spa break closer to home? We have listed some of our favourite UK resorts where you can go
away and spend a relaxing 1 or 2 night break and come back totally refreshed.
The Four Seasons Resort in Dogmersfield Park is
a beautiful retreat in the Hampshire countryside
that makes a stunning short spa break. Elegantly
casual yet oozing in style you can indulge in a vast
array of treatments, including the signature Four
Seasons massages which are infamous worldwide.
Guests can partake in many other country
pursuits and children are well catered for as well
through the Kids for all Seasons programme. As
preferred partners for Four Seasons, Ashdown
Travel clients receive exclusive benefits, so please
ask for full details.
Bovey Castle is situated in the Dartmoor
National Park in the heart of Devon and easily
accessible from the M5 motorway. The flagship
Sundari Spa is a sanctuary tucked away from the
bustle of modern life. Echoing the tranquility
and therapeutic flow of the River Dart, they have
created bespoke spa experiences to relax, revive
and restore the body and spirit. Bovey Castle is a
pet friendly property, so why not take the whole
family for a truly indulgent weekend.
If your idea of a great short break is excellent
food, wine and packed full of activities, then
the award winning Gleneagles in 850 acres of
Perthshire countryside is the answer. Situated
less than 1 hour from Glasgow and Edinburgh
airports it can make a lovely weekend. The Spa
at Gleneagles by ESPA is proud to be one of
the Leading Spas of the World. Launched by the
exclusive Leading Hotels of the World group, this
recognises the highest levels in the spa industry.
The 2 Michelin star Andrew Fairlie restaurant has
just been announced as Britain’s best restaurant
in the 2012 Sunday Times food list. Please ask us
for the best rates at this fabulous resort.
Conveniently located 15 minutes away from
the M6, Rookery Hall Hotel is a great venue for
a Spa break and also for exploring the North
West, being within easy reach of Chester and
Manchester. The medieval town of Nantwich
is just 5 minutes away. Spa breaks start from
just £99.00 per person, including 1 night’s hotel
accommodation and a 55 minute spa treatment.
Many other packages are available and this hotel
represents fabulous value for money for a short
Spa break.
There are many other options available
in the UK so if you like the concept, but
would prefer another location, then please
do not hesitate to contact us, we will be
delighted to help you!
A S H D OW N
A S H D OW N
MEXICO
MEXICO
Riviera Maya, Mexico
The Riviera Maya, south of Cancun, on Mexico’s
Yucatán Peninsula, is an exciting destination that
ticks so many boxes for the independent traveller,
shaking off its reputation of just being a charter
holiday and enticing you to fall in love with the
warmth of its welcome.
Firstly it has fabulous powder white sandy
beaches fringing the warm Caribbean sea. Off shore
is the world’s second largest reef after Australia’s
Great Barrier Reef, providing ample opportunity
for divers and snorkellers alike and day trips can be
arranged to the beautiful island at Isla Mujeres. The
Yucatán Peninsula has fascinating historical sights
with its rich cultural history of the ancient Mayan
civilisation, so there are plenty of interesting days
out beyond your sun-bed. Ninety minutes south
of Cancun are the Mayan ruins of Tulum, perched
on a cliff-side with spectacular views of the sea; and
further afield, take a fascinating full day tour to the
ancient Mayan city of Chichén Itzá with its iconic
Kukulcan Pyramid. Overnight trips can be arranged
to other places such as Uxmal and Merida.
The weather is extremely pleasant mirroring
the Caribbean islands. The food is, of course,
delicious with plenty of tasty dishes, with as much
or as little chilli as you please! Souvenir shopping
in Playa del Carmen is a fun break from the beach.
Head to Quinta Avenida, or “Fifth Avenue” as
its affectionately known and find beautiful silver
jewellery, local pottery and glassware.
Mexico is very good value compared to the
neighboring Caribbean islands and with BA flying
3 times a week and Virgin Atlantic flying twice a
week and expanding their timetable, it’s even easier
to get to using scheduled flights with a choice of 3
cabin classes. Abigail has just returned so call now to
find out more.
The hotel choices along the Riviera Maya are
excellent. From great value 3* options to deluxe 5*
luxury depending on your budget.
We love Now Sapphire for its excellent value,
standing on a great stretch of beach, with lots of
facilities and evening entertainment, proving a good
choice for families and couples on a budget. Dreams
Tulum is a little further afield but is also great value
for money and enjoys a lovely established garden
through the property and great facilities for families
and couples alike.
For modern, sleek, contemporary chic try
Paradisus Playa del Carmen’s sister hotels, La Perla,
exclusively for adults, and La Esmeralda, geared
towards families including kids and teen clubs from
12 month old to 17 years.
Adults will enjoy Secrets Maroma Beach on
a prime stretch of beach with excellent value
all inclusive, a range of activities and nightly
entertainment, plus a huge spa featuring a fabulous
choice of treatments.
The most established all-inclusive on the
Riviera is Royal Hideaway Playacar styled like a
grand colonial home. Don’t miss the incredible
“Chefs Table” featuring an array of courses and
the opportunity to meet the Executive chef. It’s
also very close to the shopping and nightlife of
Playa del Carmen.
A S H D OW N
MEXICO
The Mayakoba development is best for the nature
lovers amongst you with a network of canals
and lagoons snaking through the three hotels
on site, teeming with wildlife including racoons,
cormorants and 2 very shy baby crocodiles! It is
easy to get around each resort by the hotel’s own
golf buggies, but we also love the eco-boat tours
on offer. Fairmont has been designed to combine
conservation and luxury side by side. As well as
abundant facilities, it also boasts management of
the El Camaleon Golf Course, the Greg Norman
designed course that hosts Mexico’s only PGA
event. Rosewood is an all suite property, with
private plunge pools in each suite and some of
its accommodation on stilts over the lagoon.
The Banyan Tree is all about the stunning rooms,
private plunge pools, incredible spa and unrivalled
service.
If you prefer smaller hotels, we love Zoetry
Paraiso de la Bonita with its unique design and
eclectic mix of handpicked treasures collected
from around the world. It is an all suite, all inclusive
property with endless privileges including wi-fi
and international calls.The cuisine can be designed
for any specific diet and every day you will receive
champagne, fresh fruit and a replenished minibar. Rooms are themed with Balinese, African,
Oriental, Mediterranean of Caribbean designs and
even feature an elevated bed so you can wake up to
views of the Caribbean Sea every morning.
A S H D OW N
MEXICO
Our favourite is the Maroma Resort & Spa, an
Orient Express hotel that gives a real WOW factor.
Its motto is “mi casa es su casa” and the welcome
couldn’t be warmer. It has been converted from a
private home and it delivers an authentic Mexican
experience, with its hacienda style, on a beach
that consistently wins awards as one of the best
in the world! From the moment you arrive you
are charmed by the genuine smiles from the staff
and the attention to detail and every evening the
pathways through the gardens are illuminated by
1000’s of candles.
The hotel has three pools, a beautiful spa and
2 tennis courts. There are several dining options
serving delicious food including the beachside
restaurant, El Restaurante and El Sol for Tapas with
a Mexican twist. The Executive chef also offers
regular cookery demonstrations and other options
include romantic dinners that can be set up on the
beach or in the jungle gardens. There is also fun
tequila tasting, a refreshing change from the usual
perception of this traditional drink! Families are
welcome, but activities are low key so we would
suggest it is better for independent families, but it
does have a games centre and TV lounge.
The rooms and suites are individually designed
with unique artwork and hand-painted tiles.
They all share great tasteful design and wonderful
features including possibly the comfiest beds in
the world!! It’s a place to relax, unwind and have
attentive staff looking after your every need from
the morning coffee service delivered to your room
to the nightly aromatherapy turndown service. It
wont fail to charm you!!
A S H D OW N
R IV E R C R U I S I N G
Spectacular landscapes, local cultures, regional
cuisine, luxurious accommodation, incredible
convenience and excellent service are just some
of the experiences a River cruise offers. The
Heart of Europe, Russian Waterways, Vietnam and
Cambodia; the choices are amazing.Your river ship
goes right into the heart of the cities, allowing you
to step straight ashore and enjoy some amazing
excursions with local guides who will take you on
a more intimate sightseeing experience.
Convenient travel at a relaxed pace. A daily
river cruising schedule is quite flexible giving
you ample time to explore independently, on
board user friendly bicycles give you the ultimate
freedom to take in even more sights.
Providing an intriguing insight into local life,
from discovery by foot or bicycle to excursions by
coach, a gondola ride, zipping around in a rickshaw
or setting off aboard an ox-cart, all itineraries
are planned to maximize your enjoyment of the
scenery, history and local atmosphere.
Large picture windows in the lounge give
you great views of the beautiful countryside as
you gently cruise along. With either a full picture
window or a delightful French balcony enabling
you to enjoy the views whilst in your stateroom.
The food is fabulous and award-winning chefs
create menus featuring regional specialities,
with accompanying wines and beers. A visit to
a cooking school to learn about regional foods
and the opportunity to participate in preparing
and tasting the dishes is just an example of the
tours available.
Entertainment each evening adds to your
enjoyment; elegant lounges and lively bar areas are
readily available, local folk dancers or a classical
quartet. Each night different performers come on
board; a perfect complement to the days discovery.
The choice is yours: A music cruise on the
Danube taking in the sights along your journey
from Budapest to Nuremberg, a Springtime
cruise on the Rhine from Amsterdam to Basle,
cruise through Provence on the Rhone from Lyon
to Arles. Join a cruise on the Elbe from Berlin to
Prague and stay a few extra nights to enjoy the
sights of this beautiful and popular city. A new
addition to many River cruise companies for
2013 is the Douro, known as the River of Gold,
taking you through one of the worlds oldest and
most beautiful destinations, Portugal.
If you feel more adventurous, cruise on the
Russian Waterways from Moscow to St Petersburg
and enjoy a visit to the famous Hermitage or ballet
performance in a historic theatre. Experience an
ox-cart ride and visit the famous Angkor Wat
during a Mekong cruise through Vietnam and
Cambodia, discover China’s Three Gorges region
on a trip along the Yangtze river or maybe an
African itinerary encompassing the Zambezi
Queen with private game drives along the banks
of the Chobe river.
With so much included in the price, return travel
from the UK, all on board meals complimented
by specially selected wine, beer and soft drinks,
a great selection of shore excursions with expert
guides, entertaining lectures, music performances
and activities, a river cruise represents excellent
value for money. Sailing on smaller ships travelling
to places inaccessible to larger vessels with no wave
motion, no sea-sickness, no long days at sea and
definitely no dinner jacket required, river cruising
offers a warm and friendly environment.
River cruising is a hugely growing market,
giving us a spectacular panorama of ever changing
views on the world’s great rivers!
Please kindly note inclusions will vary by operator.
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A S H D OW N
E S C O RT E D T O U R I N G
APT Touring
One of our favourite escorted touring companies
is APT. It celebrates its 85th birthday this year and
is still proud to be family-owned. Not only does it
cover its roots in Australia and New Zealand, but has
tours in Canada, South America, some parts of Asia,
and river cruising in Europe and Russia.
Tours are always fully escorted so someone will be
telling you where to be and at what time, a liberating
experience taking a lot of the stress out of travel!
Tours are from as little as 5 days to more extensive
28 day tours and are predominantly in deluxe hotels
in the best locations.
Their particular selling point is the Freedom of
Choice meals and excursions at certain locations. It
gives exactly that: a choice of where to eat, with
whom you choose and what to see depending on
your interests. It recognises that whilst escorted
touring is a fun way to travel, meeting new friends
along the way, you are still independent minded and
want to make the most of your trip without always
following the crowd.
They have tours to suit both 4* and 5* budgets
and a maximum 48 guests on any trip. There are
many guaranteed departures and a policy where
they try and match up singles to avoid the single
supplements. They also have some small group
departures in some locations for a more personal
experience.Add to that some amazing early booking
offers with savings of £550 per couple if booked by
28 Feb 2013.
A S H D O W N T R AV E L
01883 714312
Travel Indochina
Titan Tours
If you want the convenience of an escorted tour
but prefer the idea of a smaller group, and are
considering Asia as your destination, then we
would recommend Travel Indochina. They are one
of the UK’s leading Asia specialists with a wealth
of product knowledge and a large range of tours
throughout South East Asia including Burma,
which is increasing hugely in popularity.
The tours have a maximum group size of 16.
When there are 7 guests or more on the tours, they
have both a Western Tour Leader as well as a local
English speaking guide.They have lots of guaranteed
departures and of the ones that aren’t guaranteed,
they operate with a minimum of 4 passengers. They
have a choice of Classic tours (3 to 4 star) and Deluxe
(5 star / boutique) accommodation.
Solo travellers aren’t penalised as the company
operate a ‘Willing to Share’ option on Classic
journeys, where you pay the twin share price and
are matched up with same sex passengers. If there
isn’t anyone suitable then you are given the room
without the single supplement!
For those of you who travel with your families,
they offer tours specifically for the younger traveller
where the minimum age is 5, and the itinerary is
specifically geared towards our younger guests like
elephant mahout for a day or learning Kung Fu from
the experts in China.
One of the most popular tour operators for
escorted touring continues to be Titan. They
offer such a huge variety of itineraries to more
than 50 countries covering every continent!
They have been in operation for over 35 years
and take pride in their customer satisfaction and
value for money.
Their particular selling points start from the
moment you leave home including: their VIP
Home Departure Service offering a door to door
service from your house to the airport; free airport
parking for those who choose to make their own
way to Heathrow or Gatwick; and uniformed
Titan representatives at both those airports to
assist with baggage and check-in.
The itineraries themselves, over 300 of them,
have been designed from their team’s personal
experience and years of client feedback. They
try to include as many excursions and entrance
fees as possible. They use scheduled airlines and
quality hotels to make the tour as comfortable as
possible. One of their biggest selling points is the
tour managers who are on hand 24 hours a day
if needed, providing professional, knowledgeable
assistance from their years of on-the-road
experience. Titan also provide the best available
coaches with air-conditioning, w/c and daily
seat rotation.
A S H D OW N
T EA M T R I P S
Dubai by Sue
Following our flight with Virgin Atlantic overnight from London
Heathrow, I was most surprised to discover that Dubai is no longer
a huge building site and the cranes have gone!
A 45 minute drive took us to Al Maha desert resort, a
luxurious Boutique Hotel in a conservation area with Bedouin
tent style suites all with individual swimming pools. I was a little
sceptical of the sunset camel trek, never having ridden a camel
before, however after a very amusing 25 minutes we did enjoy a
beautiful sunset.Alternative activities include a desert safari, nature
walks, archery, falconry and horse riding.
I loved the desert experience and seeing the Oryx and the
Gazelles really close up.
We headed into Dubai the next morning and visited a varied
selection of hotels, starting with the popular Jumeirah Beach
Hotel, situated next to the Wild Wadi Waterpark.
The only 7 star hotel in the world the Burj Al Arab, an iconic
sail-like structure which has become the symbol of Dubai. Six
dining experiences, together with the famous Skyview bar, the
Burj Al Arab will ensure your experience is unique!
Mina A’Salem and Al Qasr, plus the courtyard summer houses
of Dar Al Masyaf make up the Madinat Jumeirah where you will
find the Souk Madinat and a touch of “old Arabia”.
The Park Hyatt: great for a short stay or stopover just 10
minutes from the airport and 15 minutes from The Dubai Mall
on the beautiful Dubai Creek.
The Palace at One and Only Royal
Mirage: a beautiful resort with three
distinct accommodations, The Palace,
The Arabian Court and Residence and
Spa, with a selection of dining options in
beautiful surroundings. A visit to the One
and Only Spa is a must!
The Atlantis the Palm, sitting on
over one kilometre of beautiful white
sand beach this resort certainly offers an
exciting family experience, including a
dolphinarium, an amazing Aquaventure
waterpark and The Lost Chambers.
In complete contrast the One and
Only The Palm, an intimate, luxurious
boutique resort with an exclusive marina
and private harbour, situated on its own
private sandy beach. This is the place to
relax and pamper yourself.
The Ritz Carlton on Jumeirah Beach,
an excellent choice close to the shops, cafes
and restaurants of the Walk, perfect for an
evening stroll.The Ritz Kids club and the
flowing design of the pools and gardens
make this a perfect family option.
Back in the desert for our last night at
the Banyan Tree Al Wadi desert resort, an
all pool villa concept with views of the
desert oasis. With its own activity centre
and kids club, this resort is a great choice
for a family. Just 20 minutes from the
resort takes you to the private beach to
enjoy a selection of watersports.
After a final dinner and a dip in the
inviting pool we retired for the night A
very enjoyable trip and I can see why
Dubai is so popular!
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