Clients
Due to the exclusive relationships we enjoy with our clients, not all wish to have their names made public. We thank those who are happy for us to disclose their identities.
Dragonfly Africa
A South African destination management provider and owner of a world famous hotel.
Dragonfly Africa is one of Southern Africa’s top Destination Management Companies, having operated throughout Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean islands for more than 25 years. Dragonfly Africa has a presence in the USA, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, and has recently opened offices in Russia. It also owns and operates Cybele Forest Lodge and Health Spa, one of Africa’s most famous hotels.
Dragonfly Africa’s principal business comes from international tourism, with the focus on bespoke itineraries tailored to suit exact requirements and tastes. Enjoying a widespread reputation for impeccable client service and prompt attention to clients’ needs, Dragonfly Africa offers an exceptional range of services. It uses only the best support companies, hotels and game lodges, selected for their friendly warm welcome, superior rooms and service.
Cybele Forest Lodge and Health Spa
As you travel into the cool of the forest country, deeper and higher, far into the mountains, you’ll discover Dragonfly Africa’s sister company, Cybele Forest Lodge and Health Spa: three hundred acres of African paradise, living forest, mountains and meadows.
At its heart is the lodge, a charming old farmhouse with a wide veranda where you can sip sundowners whilst looking out over the magnificent gardens. Let the world slip away as you watch the monkeys cavorting in the giant turpentine trees; take in the cool violet of the jacaranda, the shocking pink of the tibouchina and the scarlet umbrella of the African flame tree.
Wander down to the large and secluded heated swimming pool with its luxurious sun beds, where you can relax and listen to the creaking of the bluegum trees in the forest breeze and breathe in the heady aromas of frangipani, gardenia and buddleia. Enter another world.
View case study
www.dragonfly.co.za
The Moorings
A ‘top secret’ deluxe hideaway in the Florida Keys.
Nestling among the groves of an ancient former coconut plantation in the heart of Islamorada, halfway between Miami and Key West, The Moorings is an exclusive 18-acre resort consisting of 18 outstanding houses and cottages.
Just a short walk from each property you’ll discover 1,100 feet of crystalline white sand - one of the largest and most beautiful private beaches in The Florida Keys. Experience the thrill of wind surfing or the serenity of kayaking across the aquamarine waters of the Atlantic. You may even catch a glimpse of the elusive grey ghost, ‘Bonefish’, who, local legend has it, inhabits the flats tempting you to cast a fly his way!
Known as “the sport fishing capital of the world” Islamorada, offers two distinctly different types of fishing: if you’re looking for bonefish or tarpon, the back country, or Gulf, is where you’ll want to be; for sailfish, marlin or perhaps dolphin (Mahi-Mahi), deep-sea fishing might be more your style. And if you prefer to be in the water rather than on top of it, this area has some of the best diving and snorkelling in the Keys, offering everything from shallow or mid-range reefs to steep walls and numerous wrecks.
And when you’re ready for some land-based activities, you’ll find a tennis court and a 25-meter lap pool nestling among vibrant bougainvillea and over 700 coconut palms.
Life at The Moorings is as quiet and simple as you want to make it. You can do a lot, or if you choose, do nothing at all. This unique property delivers an authentic taste of what life is all about in the laid-back American Caribbean islands known as the Florida Keys.
View case study
www.mooringsvillage.com
Select Registry
A portfolio of the most exquisite hotels and inns in North America.
More than 400 of the “finest country inns, B&Bs and unique small hotels”, from California to Nova Scotia - the very best the travel industry has to offer. Select Registry was founded in the late 1960s by Norman Simpson, the “father of country inn travel in America”.
When Norman first compiled his directory of inns, there were just 12 properties, primarily in the New England area. Today, Select Registry represents more than 400 of the “finest country inns, B&Bs, and unique small hotels” across the USA and Canada.
What makes Select Registry different?
Select Registry carries out a rigorous and independent quality assurance inspection for each of its members. It is this process that provides a guarantee to the travelling public that a Select Registry inn is in a class of its own. This is the most important distinction between a Select Registry member inn and any other. Independent inspectors arrive unidentified, spend the night, and evaluate the inn on a detailed point system, which translates into a pass or fail grade for the inn.
All inns applying for membership are inspected, as are existing members, on a periodic schedule. Not all inns have what it takes to pass the inspections. A recent Internet directory lists over 20,000 country inns and B&Bs in the United States and Canada. Just 400 of them are good enough to become members of the Select Registry!
Select Registry has established quality as a hallmark of its member properties. In fact no other online directory or organisation of innkeepers has a comparable inspection programme. A recent New York Times article noted that a “proliferation of inns has resulted in an industry rife with misrepresentation, lack of quality control, and widely varying room rates”.
Select Registry doesn’t rank their members with diamonds or stars - although many of their members carry the high ratings you’d expect from various groups that evaluate inns and B&Bs. If you’re a member of Select Registry, you’re the cream of the crop by definition.
View case study
www.selectregistry.com
Luna2
A dazzling appeal to the senses… total privacy and 5-star boutique luxury in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
Occupying a stunning beachfront location, in the heart of the ‘Chelsea of Bali’, this exceptional villa is a masterpiece of modernist design, and is the first property of its kind in Bali to offer the exclusivity of a 5-star boutique hotel, whilst maintaining the peaceful seclusion of a private home…
Inspired by the avant-garde architecture of the late 50s and early 60s, Villa Luna2 is unashamedly modernist. But while it effortlessly reflects the period, this sumptuous villa is in fact entirely 21st century. Inspired by European modern classics, the interiors have been custom-designed throughout with a painstaking eye for detail.
The five festive bedrooms cover the spectrum, from a rose-coloured children’s room, equipped with traditional and high-tech toys, to a shocking violet adult lair; while the en-suite bathrooms are outfitted with the latest Philippe Starck cube loos.
Fine wine and dining are integral to the Luna2 experience. You’ll enjoy the undivided services of three internationally acclaimed chefs, a professional butler, barman, waiters, drivers and a baby-sitter, all of whom are trained to be totally discreet, and yet at all times attentive to your every whim.
With its expansive, well-groomed lawns and terraces and breathtaking views of the ocean, this 5-bedroom luxury villa may be rented in its entirety, or serves equally well as an exceptional venue for personalised events, providing the ultimate in outdoor chill and lounge ‘zones’.
The ground floor’s geometric simplicity and open plan lets the party flow. From the sunken living room, with requisite Noguchi coffee and groovy geometric carpets woven in Vietnam, to the well-stocked mirrored bar, extending outside on cool grey slabs to a fishpond inhabited by psychedelic-hued aquatic life.
Enjoy the company of Marilyn Monroe, as she appears as a Bisazza-tiled mosaic at the bottom of a 20m swimming pool that reaches towards the foaming surf of Seminyak Beach; while a few footprints in the volcanic sand lead to Ku De Ta, the perennially packed lounge where Bali’s most beautiful bodies congregate for sublime sunsets.
Return to the villa and slide onto transparent orange Pedrali chairs in the Pop Art-filled dining room, or organise a seated dinner for 60 on the buzz cut lawn. It’s your call.
Enjoy twice-baked goats cheese souffle with tomato jam, and wagyu tenderloin, porcini mushrooms and foie gras wrapped in pastry, or comfort foods at any hour for vacationers craving scrambled eggs with caviar, and homemade chocolate Èclairs.
Being fully air-conditioned throughout, Luna2’s expansive interior space makes it the perfect alternative to alfresco entertaining - a rarity in Bali. Think nothing of throwing an indoor cocktail party for up to 100 guests!
World-class cuisine from Executive Chef Danny Drinkwater combines with matchless comfort and service to make Luna2 the ultimate experience in exclusive living.
Download fact sheet
www.luna2bali.com
The Arsana Estate
The splendid four-bedroom private hotel known as The Arsana Estate rests in two and a half hectares of blissful seclusion in a valley hideaway in the rural hinterland of southwest Bali.
The Arsana Estate awaits you - your own hidden valley hideaway, the perfect escape from the stressful pace of everyday life. And yet it’s a mere thirty minutes drive from Bali’s stylish and vibrant centre.
Located in Nyambu, one of the prettiest villages in Bali, The Arsana Estate is set amidst the rice fields of the Tabanan Regency. Carved into a hillside of lush terraces and overlooking a raw tropical jungle backdrop, this remarkable property is surrounded by nature and enjoys spectacular views.
Taking its name from the flow of the meandering Sungi River which borders its expansive terraced gardens, this unique villa comprises a generously proportioned U-shaped building surrounded by four separate pavilions housing four luxurious bedroom-suites. The Arsana’s sleek structure is inspired by contemporary Balinese architecture, utilising indigenous stones, native wood finishes and refined craft-made fabrics, delivering the ultimate marriage of 21st century luxury and traditional Asian style.
The estate is tiered on three levels: the villas, with a stunning view of the entire valley and the mountains in the distance; the living areas, set amongst the tree tops; and the pool and pool house, overlooking the Sungi River.
The ultimate in ‘destination villas’, The Arsana Estate combines a stunning location with world-class facilities, including a 20 x 8 meter swimming pool, exceptional international cuisine and total privacy.
Enjoy the highest quality of personal service tailored to your every whim; unwind next to the river amid bamboo-shaded rocks; climb “sunset hill”, as the day leaks away and your personal butler organises your evening cocktails; enjoy the attentions of your own personal yoga teacher…
Whether you’re on the holiday of a lifetime, or simply a well deserved break, your stay at The Arsana Estate will be etched into your memory long after it’s over.
The Arsana Estate is just fifteen minutes’ drive from Nirwana Golf course and Tanah Lot, Bali’s most dramatic and venerated sea temple.
Download fact sheet
www.thearsanaestate.com
Fair’s Fare
The agent of choice for the smart traveller.
Fair’s Fare is the UK’s leading firm of airfare analysts, offering an exclusive concierge travel service to both private and corporate clients.
Established in 1995, Fair’s Fare has developed into one of the top 50 Travel Management Companies in the UK. With a client list dominated by senior corporate managers and high net-worth individuals, the business has grown primarily through word-of-mouth recommendations from existing satisfied customers.
By negotiating special rates and privileges with its many suppliers, Fair’s Fare delivers consistent and significant fare savings on long-haul, Premium Cabin itineraries, using only the world’s most reputable airlines. The company has a reputation for exceptional service, and every client is provided with their own personal consultant.
The comprehensive Fair’s Fare 24-hour service includes air reservations, hotel bookings, rail ticketing, VIP airport meet and greet, car rental, limousine transfers and theatre bookings.
Fair’s Fare has requested that initial enquiries from interested parties should be directed to Tony Godley at Godley Read Consultancy, who will make the necessary introductions.
Captivating Cuba
Tailor-made Cuban holidays from Captivating Cuba
Experience the absolute best of the Caribbean’s most beautiful island.
Whether you’re riding on horseback through the lush Vinales Valley, scuba diving in the warm, exotic waters of Maria La Gorda, or simply relaxing on the glorious golden sands of Varadero, Captivating Cuba will help you plan your perfect dream holiday.
Our London and Havana-based specialists have extensive experience of the island and can offer in-depth advice on the very best hotels, areas of special interest and activities best suited to your tastes and desires. We’ll help you design your itinerary down to the finest detail. And because we deal exclusively in tailor-made Cuban holidays for the discerning traveller, you can be confident you’ll receive a level of service and attention simply unmatched elsewhere.
Best of Morocco
Tailor-Made Holidays and Short Breaks to Morocco
Discover the magical grandeur of Morocco.
Experience the bustle and romance of the ancient souks, redolent of the scent of spices and burning charcoal. Become enchanted by the hypnotic lilt of the snake-charmer’s flute, the exotic rhythms of the belly dancers. Or simply while away your time on sun-drenched beaches of endless golden sand, or star-gazing in the crystal stillness of the desert night.
At Best of Morocco we’ve been designing bespoke holidays for the discerning Moroccan traveller for over 25 years. Our specialist itineraries take in spellbinding safaris, city escapes, beach sojourns and a wealth of alternative possibilities, from cooking holidays to camel treks.
Whether you’re planning a short break in Marrakech or a multi-centre holiday taking in the varied landscape and cities of this extraordinary country, we’ll design an itinerary customised to your exact tastes and desires. Select your own transport and accommodation, from trains through to private jets, exceptional hotels and the tranquil allure of the authentic Moroccan riad.
Call us today on 08450 264 588 to discuss your plans for the holiday of a lifetime.
Vacations Group
Explore America in a way you’ll never forget
The Vacations Group arranges tailor made USA holidays featuring an extraordinary choice of country Inns, luxury hotels, exclusive resorts and private villas.
The Vacations Group have launched four brand new brochures to four key regions of the USA: New England, Carolina & The South, California and Florida.
All four brochures feature vastly expanded programs offering the best tailor made fly-drive holidays to these key regions.
Each brochure offers by far the widest choice of country inns, deluxe resorts and private villas. Over 600 properties are featured in the four brochures. Most of these are not offered by other UK operators.
News from the South
Blue Ridge Parkway Celebrates 75 Years
The Blue Ridge Parkway runs 469 miles through western North Carolina and Virginia along the spectacular Blue Ridge Mountains. The fantastic views and spectacular scenery make the Parkway a perfect road trip holiday, especially in the spring and summer.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway so there has never been a better time to visit and take a leisurely drive through the highest peaks on the east coast. From hiking up Grandfather Mountain with some breathtaking views to enjoying a traditional barbeque in the art deco town of Asheville, there’s something to suit everyone on the Parkway.
NASCAR Hall of Fame
2010 also sees the opening of the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, the birth place of America’s favourite motorsport. Set to open on 11 May, 2010, the 150,000-square-foot NASCAR Hall of Fame is an interactive, entertainment attraction honoring the history and heritage of NASCAR.
The high-tech, four-level venue, designed to educate and entertain race fans and non-fans alike, includes exhibits, interactive displays, a state-of-the-art theater and a Hall of Honor to commemorate inductees, restaurant, retail outlet, and television and radio studio.
Charleston has been voted the second most popular destination in Conde Nast Traveller’s 2009 Readers’ Choice Award for the United States. With a unique and storied history, Charleston is the best preserved city in the United States and is a perfect destination for people from all walks of life.
Get your Bourbon fix in the Bourbon Capital of the World!
Follow in the footsteps of bourbon lovers Al Capone and F Scott Fitzgerald, and discover America’s only native spirit on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Pick from eight distilleries along a scenic drive through the rolling Bluegrass hills including the well known Heaven Hill, Buffalo Trace and Jim Beam, the world’s largest bourbon distiller.
Visit the Muhammad Ali Centre in Louisville, drive your own houseboat around the lakes, sample down-home country cooking at Bourbon Cooking Schools or take a tour of the National Corvette Museum, the largest and most comprehensive non-profit museum ever dedicated to America’s premier sports car.
The Horse Capital of the World
With Lexington being the ‘Horse Capital of the World’ and offering 450 Thoroughbred working horse farms in the area, horse lovers can easily find a destination full of things to do.
Horseback riding trails are also available including woodland trails with accommodation nearby, guided trails on horseback or wagon and riding lessons on bluegrass farmland.
DID YOU KNOW?
- Did you know that more than 95% of the worlds bourbon is exclusively distilled
and aged in Kentucky and has been for 200 years? - Did you know that Muhammad Ali was born and raised in Louisville?
- Did you know that Kentucky has 52 state parks?
- Did you know that Kentucky is home to the longest, underground
caving system in the world - Mammoth Cave?
DON’T MISS
The World Equestrian Games in September 2010 (WEG): In September 2010 Kentucky will host the largest ever sporting event held in the US, the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010, taking place at the Kentucky Horse Park.
The Games are held every four years and are comprised of world championships in eight equestrian sports including Dressage, Driving, Endurance, Eventing, Jumping, Para Dressage, Reining and Vaulting.
The Eden Collection
The Eden Collection has been developed by a team of travel experts who have come together to create the first true 5 star luxury travel company.
It is fundamentally about truth in travel, it’s about knowing your client, understanding their desires and working with them and our chosen partners to truly deliver the 5 star experience.
At The Eden Collection the management team from MD to FD are directly responsible for the service we provide our clients, it is something we fundamentally believe keeps our finger on the pulse of the business and maintains our customer service at the highest level.
To this end, we’ve personally experienced all the resorts we offer. And as our clients are treated like close friends, if we think somewhere isn’t right for you we’ll tell you. We’re totally candid in other ways, too - namely, you’ll never pay more with Eden than you would if you booked your trip yourself. And that’s a promise.
![[Logos] - Arsana Estate, Dragonfly Africa, Luna 2, Select Registry, The Moorings Village](http://www.grchotelmarketing.com/wp-content/themes/grc/images/assets/footer_client_logos.gif)