What better way to experience a fascinating culinary tour than having the famous ex-chef, Didier Corlou, of the historical Sofitel Metropole hotel take you on a stroll around the vibrant markets to experience the sights, smells and flavours of the incredible local ingredients?

After this fascinating tour, Didier will take you to the open home-style kitchen at his restaurant, La Verticale, where he will guide you through the steps to creating your own culinary creation. A passionate author of five books on Vietnamese cooking, this is the perfect opportunity to chat and understand his passion for his nation's cuisine.

If you would rather leave the cooking to the professionals, the new Club de L'Oriental, located just a short walk from the Opera House and Sofitel Metropole and housed in a three-story building and is a must for any serious foodies. The main area has an open kitchen which allows you the chance to watch the chefs at work and the cellar boasts over 10,000 bottles.

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On the lush island of Grenada, known for its scent of spice and green, vibrant interior, the beach resort of Spice Island has also become a little greener. With its own desalinization plant, energy-efficient products and a strong 'reduce, reuse, renew' mindset, Spice Island has emerged on the green hotel scene as one of the most environmentally conscious properties in the West Indies.

A little goes a long way and using roof top solar heaters for hot water needs, purchase of fresh fruits and vegetable grown locally and organically and the use of push-reel lawnmowers, not only do guests of the hotel benefit but so does the environment.

The hotel maybe green but nothing can detract from the luxury of this wonderful hideaway. Rest assured your every whim will be catered for and you can feel smug in the knowledge that you are not harming the environment, we can even advise you on how to off-set your carbon from the flight.

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In 2004 Marc Fosh opened Fosh Food, a culinary centre to present the best of food and wine. Reads Hotel & Spa, Mallorca in conjunction with Fosh Food offers year round cooking classes. Marc's approach to cooking is modern yet simple with clear, clean tastes. Sauces made with vegetable juices, light emulsified stocks and delicate herb infused broths and essences are used to create healthy dishes that sacrifice nothing in flavour.

His cappuccino of lobster and coconut with caviar has been described by London's Evening Standard as "sex on a plate".

Spring and early summer is the ideal time to visit this little gem and if Fosh Food has anything to do with it, you will return brimming with confidence and inspiration for your home kitchen.

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Oman is fast becoming a hot destination in all senses of the word, but it now has the added advantage of being able to marry luxury chic hotels with desert camping in the Wahiba Sands.

Within a few hours' drive of Muscat's beaches, you can be immersed in the complete silence of the 1000 Nights Camp surrounded by cineraria trees and golden sand dunes. Nothing can be heard in this remote and peaceful location, which provides the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Activities at the camp centre on true desert adventures with camel riding and trekking in the dunes, either under a blanket of stars or while enjoying the bewitching sunrise.

Accommodation is in genuine hand made Bedouin wool tents each furnished in a unique style with Arabic carpets and en-suite bathrooms that are open to the stars.

This really is camping in style but if the urge for spas and pool service beckons, the stylish Chedi Muscat offers pampering and luxury within easy reach of the camp.


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If you are looking for a unique honeymoon with a twist of adventure, the exceptional Explora hotels in Chile have perfected the art of celebrating this important milestone for newly weds.

Not only can we now give honeymooners a fifth night for free but Explora also offer champagne on arrival and complimentary massages. They will also draw a very special bubble bath prepared with various natural essences such as lavender, mocha, citrus and cinnamon to be enjoyed in some of the most awe inspiring locations in the world.

In Patagonia Explora has an annex called Casa de Baños del Ona with an indoor heated pool, sauna and open-air Jacuzzi which is just perfect for romantic evenings after a day exploring the majestic countryside on horseback.

Explora staff and guides are heralded as some of the best in the world and strive to make every holiday a unique and unparalleled experience. It is little wonder that the unanimous conclusion of those who have taken that special holiday here is "this only happens at Explora".


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Uthando is a Cape Town based, non-profit organisation aimed at providing a platform and sustainable infrastructure for the upliftment and support of the country's most destitute and marginalised communities.

Bailey Robinson is delighted to be supporting this incredibly worthwhile charity and will donate £8 per person for every South African holiday booked through us.

To see the benefits first hand, from 1st June, Uthando will be conducing daily excursions to visit the projects in the Cape Town area. If you would like an authentic introduction to the social problems facing millions of South Africans, and the inspirational ways in which they are being handled, please speak to us about reserving a space on one of these very special trips.

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With summer fast approaching, Blue Palace Resort & Spa on the idyllic Greek island of Crete is preparing for another glorious summer.

The 300 metre-long beachfront is now lined with sprawling wooden decks and expansive grass areas leading to individual decks all the way to the cobalt sea. A new, larger and air-conditioned cabin in the panoramic lift will whisk you up and down from the beach in style and comfort.

The addition of a new Italian restaurant, Isola, which surrounds the pool and has far reaching views of the sea is the shinning star in culinary delights at the hotel. The original restaurants of L'Orangerie with gourmet cuisine and Olea which is renowned for its international cuisine are still winning rave reviews.

Winner of Greece's Leading Spa Resort in 2007 and on the coveted Condé Nast Traveller's Gold List this year, Blue Palace Resort & Spa is set to be the hot destination of 2008.

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Anyone who has ever visited the west coast of Canada will have sampled the famed Dungeness crab. From May to September this year, the boutique hotel on Salt Spring Island, Hastings House, has a special package whereby not only are you taught to cook this local delicacy but also how to pull a crab trap.

Island crab fisherman, Gary Le Marchant will take you out on the 24" Welbury Bay crabbing boat for an adventure on the water. From the boat Gary will give an on-board workshop on crab lore - how to tell male from female, which ones to cook and how to pick them safely. The following day, Chef Marcel Kauer will give a cooking demonstration before he creates a culinary masterpiece of crab-themed dinner to celebrate the catch.

Combining the charm of a Canadian county inn with stunning gardens and award winning cuisine, all an hour away from the city of Victoria it is little wonder Hastings House has appeared in the "1000 Places to see before you die" publications and is the perfect end to a fascinating journey through western Canada.

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From May to September 2008 the coaches of the Chelsea Football Club side will be taking up residence at Forte Village Resort. Boys and girls between 4 and 13 will be able to experience some of the best coaches in the world whilst parents enjoy one of Europe's foremost family resorts.

Chelsea Football Club coaches have worked with Forte Village staff over the winter to develop a programme that will improve the participant's tactics, teach them new skills and motivate them to be better team players. The week's soccer activities will end in a mini tournament where everyone will have the chance to show off their new abilities and parents are welcome to cheer along!

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The cosmopolitan city of Montreal is host to the 30th anniversary of the Canadian Grand Prix at the legendary circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. Considered to be one of the most demanding tracks on the Formula One calendar, the race takes place this year on 6th to 8th June.

June is the perfect time to visit this historic city and enjoy some peace and downtime before or after the trills of the race. Le Saint-Sulpice hotel in the heart of the city offers an oasis of luxury and respite from the everyday. Every amenity imaginable is available from fine dining to the luxurious Essence Health Centre and within mere steps of the hotel you will find galleries, restaurants and unique boutiques.

We are able to offer you the complete service, including tickets for all the action, transfers to and from the race track and advice on the city's finest restaurants.

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The renowned Tatler Travel Guide, issued annually with the January edition of the UK Tatler magazine, has named Bushmans Kloof among the best wilderness reserves in the world. The guide celebrates hotels that are individuals and the ones that go beyond the call of duty, are true to their roots and are passionate about the countries where they are located.

Tatler cites this magical reserve as 'a green oasis at the foot of the Cederberg mountains, dramatically beautiful, blending into the landscape with thatched cottages and traditional farm buildings housing stylish lounges and dining areas and three infinity pools.' Koro Lodge, the old farmhouse that has been transformed into a gorgeous villa on the reserve, is credited with 'adding a fresh new kick to Bushmans Kloof ', that is 'terrific for families and comes with its own guide, chef and hostess'.

We have long been fans of this fantastic little resort and this award is truly deserved.

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Silversea, a byword for luxurious and intimate cruises, has announced that their newest all-suite ship will be named Silver Spirit. The 540 guest ship's design has been overseen by renowned Italian architect, Giacomo Mortola and is due to set sail in 2009.

A total of 270 all ocean-view suites Silver Spirit will maintain the line's reputation for intimate yet spacious ships. Guests will continue to enjoy the easy-going, warm hospitality, highly personalised service and all-inclusive amenities currently enjoyed on the line's other ships.

If cruising was not relaxing enough, the new Spa at Silversea is an aesthetically pleasing sanctuary where you can relax, detox and de-stress.

With some of the finest a la carte dining on the seas, complimentary champagne, genuinely interest guest speakers and views of the world's most desirable ports of call from you very own teak veranda, it is little wonder that Silversea has won numerous awards and accolades from around the world.

If you cannot wait to until next year to experience the legendary Silversea service, Silver Shadow and Silver Cloud are visiting the best ports worldwide which complement many of our tailor made journeys, cruise in style this year with the combined luxury of Bailey Robinson and Silversea.

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Tanjong Jara, located on the unspoilt Malaysian east coast is no stranger to awards; last year's winner of UK Tatler's Most Innovative Spa and Best Overseas Hotel Spa in Condé Nast Readers' Awards in 2006 to name a few. Even Pak Yahya, the spa's resident therapist, has won Best Spa Therapist Award in Asia's Spa and Wellness awards in 2006.

The hotel again has again proved itself by being voted second in The World's Top in Condé Nast Readers' Spa Awards at this year's ceremony held at London's Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park hotel. In the Asia and Indian Subcontinent category, Adrian Chung from the resort also stepped up to collect the coveted number one spot.

With a warm season which stretches from March to November, refurbished rooms and accolades galore, there is no better time to book your little piece of Malaysian paradise.

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The Cape Grace has long been a favourite of Bailey Robinson and our clients and now this great hotel is a true award winner. In the January issue of US Travel + Leisure magazine, in a line up of the world's 500 top hotels, the readers scored the Cape Grace 91.52% which placed them as 20th best hotel in the world, 5th best hotel in Africa and the Middle East and 2nd best city hotel in Africa.
Here in the UK the hotel won Best Independent Hotel award in the January UK Luxury Travel magazine's Readers Awards.

Online voters also had their say awarding the hotel in the top 10 hotels of the world in the world's largest travel community, TripAdvisor's Travellers Choice awards.

What better accolades can one hotel receive and what better time is there to visit this classic Cape Town hotel?

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The award winning Bushmans Kloof has recently transformed a farmhouse on the reserve into a magical and luxurious secluded villa called Koro Lodge where children are welcome all year round.

Koro Lodge is approximately 4 kms from the main lodge and offers flexible accommodation for up to 8 people. As well as having the wilderness on your doorstop, the lodge offers a special games and entertainment room with a flat screen TV and DVD player, toys and games. A loft area is filled with toys, story and colouring books for the younger visitors and there is a host of outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy including fishing, canoeing, archery and swimming in the nearby rock pools.

The young adventures of your family can enjoy treasure hunts, animal tracking and behaviour talks all accompanied by experienced guides.

Combining adventure and nature backed up by a dedicated chef and hostess, this is the perfect nature playground where families can explore the African wilderness in the privacy of their own home.

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Following the huge success of the Baby Go Lightly Crèche at sister hotel, Almyra, Anassa is set to follow suit this year creating a unique luxury holiday experience on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus.

The Baby Go Lightly Crèche is available for all children aged six months to four years and offers fun and supervised play and stimulating activities in a caring and welcoming atmosphere under the professional supervision of a UK company.

Mirroring the "family friendly" experience at Almyra, the new crèche at Anassa will provide each child with a personalised experience and with a crèche manager to discuss the child's needs, whilst you can head for the Thalassa Spa for some indulgent pampering, safe in the knowledge that child is happy and in safe hands.

A unique Baby Go Lightly Online Concierge service is also being introduced offering you the chance to order everything your child needs online before your arrival so you have plenty of room in your suitcase.

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Multi award winner, Ananda in the Himalayas is now just a little bit easier to travel to. As of 30th March the airstrip at the nearby Dehra Dun will re-open to accept flights from Delhi.

This is wonderful news for those seeking sanctuary in this world class destination spa. Swirled in the sacred mists of time, nestled in the Himalayas the once home of Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal is dedicated to those seeking innovative ways to restore and rejuvenate energies in this unique top of the world location.

There are also fantastic opportunities for trekking and white water rafting for those who hanker after a little mountain action.

The advent of these new daily flights is perfect timing as Ananda is at its best in April and is the perfect Indian destination for spring.

Why not add a few days at relaxing at Ananda as part of your bespoke luxury journey around Northern India?

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For the ultimate luxury in service and privacy, your own private home from home is hard to beat. Whether you are travelling as a group of friends or family, the choice is huge and varied.

The editor of Condé Nast Traveller Magazine cited Alfajiri Villa as "one of the most luxurious villas in the world". Just steps from Kenya's Diani Beach, fantastic snorkelling, tennis and squash as well as an 18-hole championship golf course are all nearby for those who are able to tear themselves away from this wonderful villa.

Redefining "intelligent luxury," Soneva Resorts in the Maldives has created the ultimate Private Reserve. The over-water Private Reserve at Soneva Gili comprises two complete residences with its own spa facilities and gym as well as live-in Mr & Mrs Friday. Located 300 metres for any other villas and only accessible by boat, this is the most perfect hideaway.

Fans of bold architecture will delight in the amazing Altamer villas on the Caribbean island of Anguilla. Furnished with museum quality artefacts from around the world, some of the finest wines and service in the Caribbean, these villas have been attracting connoisseurs from around the world. On an island boasting over 100 gourmet restaurants, your own chef maybe surplus to requirements but nothing can beat barbecued, freshly caught lobster by the pool.

For those seeking sanctuary and seclusion, Cavalli Island Retreat & Spa in New Zealand offers a private island experience in a natural wildlife haven. Not only do you have an island and spa to yourself, but also your own luxury 72 foot yacht. Accommodating only six guests, peace and relaxation are guaranteed.

A little closer to home, in the heart of the Chianti region is the 16th century Villa Mangiacane. Although ran also as a hotel, the Villa is perfect for a small group to take on an exclusive basis. The estate has its own vineyard and the attentive, welcoming service immediately makes you feel that own your own little piece of Italy.

This is just a taster to whet your appetite of what we can offer for those seeking the supreme home from home experience. Whatever your taste or ideals we are confident that we can arrange the ultimate private home for your party.

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Planning the most important holiday of your life is not easy but we are here to guide you through the plethora of choices. Whether you want the perfect beach on an idyllic island, an Arabian adventure, the ultimate African safari or maybe a trek in the Himalayas, we have years of experience in advising the best destination to suit your needs.

Why not consider adding your honeymoon to your wedding list? We have a service where your friends and family can contribute to the cost of your honeymoon.

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Not only are we able to offer some of the most exclusive destinations around the world but we are now delighted to be able to give you access to some of the premier, worldwide sporting events.

One of the most glamorous events in the racing calendar is The Melbourne Cup in November. We can arrange special lunches and access to the fashion shows as well as the very best tickets.

For the fastest action on earth, take time out from the beach to join the glitz of Grand Prix in Brazil, Bahrain or Australia and let us arrange everything from helicopter transfers to pit lane tours.

The Caribbean has long been a Mecca for sailing enthusiasts the annual highlight is the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta held every April. Guests at legendary hotel, Curtain Bluff, are invited to the owner's house for a grandstand view or to sail on the hotel's own yacht, Sentio.

We have access to many other famous and not so famous sporting events around the world from elephant polo to goat and crab racing, all perfect highlights to any tailor made journey.

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Your time away is precious as is your privacy so why not allow us to book the ultimate way to travel to any destination, via a private plane.With no rigid check in times and every comfort on board, start and end your holiday as pleasurably as possible.

We can arrange anything from international charters to private helicopters or even seaplanes - leave all the arrangements to us, so that all you need to do is turn up.

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Bailey Robinson is delighted to be working with The Travel Operators for Tigers campaign (TOFT), a travel industry initiative in cooperation with Global Tiger Patrol.

It aims to support a more responsible and sustainable approach to tourism in India's wildlife reserves. For all Indian holidays booked, Bailey Robinson will donate £15 to the fund.

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Soneva kiri is now open for bookings. The 38 pool villas, two retreats and one-of-a-kind eco suite will offer new levels of barefoot luxury. Facilities include huge villas, unique dining options such as suspended tree pods, a kids club, watersports and diving, all located on a stunning stretch of beach on a private island.

As the first of the Soneva properties to be built outside the Indian Ocean, the hotel is causing ripples of excitement, why not contact us now to be one of the first to experience it? The property still has some availability over Christmas and New Year.

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If you thought a beach holiday to Thailand was all about lazing around in the shade of a palm tree, one resort that effortlessly combines adventure and serious relaxation is The Sarojin in Khao Lak on the West Coast.

A near perfect beach, swimming pool, spa and gourmet food is what makes The Sarojin the proud winner of Asia's Leading Boutique Hotel for the last two years. What may surprise you is the huge array of adventurous activities on offer, all carried out in exemplary Sarojin stylechampagne and lobster lunches with white linen tablecloths after snorkelling at the world renowned Similan Islands, elephant and jungle safaris on traditional pleat boats with a gourmet safari style lunch, or a cooking class with the hotel's chef on the banks of the Takuapa River are just some of the imaginative and unique experience waiting to be experienced.

If you want to combine relaxing in style, activities and adventure with the best of Asian service, The Sarojin has to be at the top of your wish list.

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