Thursday 30 October 2008

Amazing Christmas Deals on a tiny Caribbean paradise with One Off Places!

The tiny island of Bequia has a unique, magical charm which is hard to find anywhere else in the Caribbean. Measuring just 7 square miles, and with a population of fewer than six thousand, it feels like home from the moment you arrive as friendliness is the watchword, and the pace is relaxed and easy-going. As with many of the Windward Islands, don't be surprised if you are greeted with a warm hello as you walk along the street - a centuries-old dependence on inter-island shipping and trading has meant that Bequians have been eagerly welcoming visitors to their shores for generations. And as the next few months coincide with their dry season this is a great time to visit with good daytime temperatures and a gentle sea breeze ensuring that any visitor is never less than comfortable! As befits its location, Bequia boasts some stunning holiday accommodation and visitors to either of the below properties will immediately feel as though they have found their own Caribbean paradise.

Whispers Villa – US$1000 discount per week until the end of the year

Whispers is a luxury private villa which nestles on the side of hill on Bequia. It has stunning views over the islands of the Grenadines. This romantic spot is extraordinarily peaceful - it takes its name from the whispering of the wind in the trees, and of the waves on the shore below. Whispers is a superb design which features a wonderful blend of traditional Caribbean features, such as the high vaulted ceilings and the wraparound balconies, alongside stylish European colours and furnishings. It has 3 luxury bedrooms (each ensuite), and a view that stretches over the Grenadines in one direction and over to Mustique in the other. Wonderfully secluded and yet only a 10 minute walk from the beach this is the perfect romantic holiday destination. And as the owners are offering a US$1000 discount off any week before 29th December this year, making a week there only US$2000 (around £1200 at today’s rates – i.e. £200 per person per week for 6 people sharing), there really could not be a better time to be taking a One Off Christmas in the sun! See:
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/The-Americas/St-Vincent-and-the-Grenadines/Bequia/Whispers-Villa.aspx

A One Off Trip to Remember at The Old Fort
For larger parties, this former plantation is now available for weekly villa rentals. With 6 unique bedrooms and every amenity you will need, this really is one of the most outstanding rental properties in the Caribbean. It is ideally located, offering breathtaking 180° views of the Grenadine Islands, including Mustique and distant Grenada while being only a 5 - 10 min drive away from the best beaches, restaurants, shops and activities. Harking back to its original purpose as a plantation house, its ancient buildings are set in acres of lush, tropical gardens, whilst six spacious bedrooms are located in various areas of the main mansion, providing truly unique atmosphere and luxury in a stunning natural setting. The estate grounds are extensive with nature walks through meadows to seaside cliffs, and hikes to nearby secluded beaches. A new open air pool with jacuzzi and waterfall is perched over the ocean, allowing for breathtaking panoramas. For dining and evening arrangements, there is a ‘club room’ with fireplace along with patios, a dining area, an extensive wine cellar, office with wireless internet, wonderfully helpful staff including waitress, maids/laundry, gardener, renowned kitchen chef and on-compound manager. There is even a vehicle available for guests own use. At the time of writing there is still availability over the Christmas period, and prices start at US$8500 (around £5475 at today’s rates) in December this year for full occupancy of all 6 rooms – although less are available if required. All in all, this is the perfect destination for a truly One Off trip to remember – whether that be a holiday, a honeymoon or even the ceremony itself! See:
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/The-Americas/St-Vincent-and-the-Grenadines/Bequia/The-Old-Fort.aspx

Getting there and away:
Bequia can be reached via several of the major Caribbean gateways with Barbados being particularly recommended owing to frequency of connecting flights (flights to Barbados start at around £730 return in December). From there it is a 40 minute journey by plane (additional cost of US$150 approx.). Alternatively, visitors could fly to St Vincent (9 miles north of Bequia) and hop on a ferry for an immediate taste of island life! Owners of either property above would be delighted to assist with any travel plans or specific questions that may arise.
Bequia background information provided by the Bequia Tourism Association: http://www.bequiatourism.com/

Wednesday 29 October 2008

Lose those winter blues - visit the sights, smells and souks of Morocco with One Off Places this Winter...

Why not take advantage of the offers below and enjoy a totally different winter holiday experience in Marrakech with One Off Places? Many budget airlines now fly there direct, so a new perspective need not be pricey – what better way to beat the cold weather blues?

In Marrakech, December and January offer days warm enough to sunbathe on the roof terrace, while cooler evenings are perfect for curling up with a book in front of an open fire. Venture into a souk and let the colours and aromas assault your senses. Maybe you just need to relax – so head for one of the traditional hammams and be invigorated with a "gommage" that will leave your skin feeling soft and refreshed. Alternatively, head out for a round on one of several world standard golf courses within driving distance – or take a horseback safari or a cooking course.

Dar Azure – sleeps 7 from only £125 per person for a 4 night stay, plus special package
One of Marrakech’s best kept secrets is the charming Dar Azure, a British owned 3 bedroom traditional house, tucked away in a quiet street behind the old city walls. The house, which sleeps up to 7 guests, combines chic Moroccan design with all European comforts and is let as a whole, including breakfast and maid service, so guests have ample space to enjoy all for themselves. From mid-November to mid-February, Dar Azure is offering a special package for guests staying for 4 nights or more, which includes one free night, one dinner, a traditional ‘hammam and gommage’ at a nearby Spa and a copy of Dar Azure’s own unique guide to the best bargains in the souks and shops, favourite restaurants and recommended local excursions. This is a great opportunity to escape the winter gloom by soaking up some Moroccan sunshine and take advantage of the cheaper air fares on offer by the low-cost airlines.
The special package price starts from £125 per person for a 4 night stay, based on a minimum of 4 persons sharing the house (NB not 24 Dec 08 - 11 Jan 09).
See http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Africa/Morocco/Marrakech-Essaouira/Dar-Azure.aspx

Riad Fawakay – sleeps 6 from £180 per night plus personal shopping offer
Riad Fawakay (meaning "house of fruit" in Moroccan Arabic), is an elegant, traditional Moroccan haven, within the ancient walled city of Marrakech and is ideal for families. Decorated with traditional materials and modern flair, a plain wooden door welcomes you into a tranquil and cool oasis of calm, far removed from the frantic activity of the souks. A fantastic fusion of Moroccan and funky, the owners are delighted to offer a free three hour personal shopping session in the souk with every stay of over 3 days. There is also a special credit crunch beating deal of 10% off the basic nightly rate making it £180 per night, or £1260 per week for up to 6 guests from the 6th of January 2009 until the 28th of February 2009.
See http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Africa/Morocco/Marrakech-Essaouira/Riad-Fawakay.aspx

Dar Soulahfa – immediate availability at £850 per week for 4 guests in real Moroccan decadence
Dar Soulahfa has the most decadent of salons with rich colours and lamps that provide a warm and comfortable room in which to lounge away the cooler evenings. The large roof terrace offers a dining table that catches the morning sun and sun beds for those that want make the most of the Moroccan sun. Located in the very best part of the ancient Medina the bustle of the souks and the enthralling main square, Djemaa el- fna, are just a moments walk away while the Riad is positioned in a quiet pedestrian street. Renting at £850 per week for 4 guests, you could be there almost immediately, as they currently have availability in late November and December, as well as early next year!
See http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Africa/Morocco/Marrakech-Essaouira/Dar-Soulahfa.aspx

Wednesday 1 October 2008

Go native in Crete, or get medieval in Tuscany with One Off Places this Autumn

Take advantage of these great last minute discounted offers from One Off Places, and really immerse yourself this Autumn...

The Cretan village of Anatoli dates back to Venetian times and is set at 600m altitude surrounded by wild countryside, gigantic rock formations and natural spring waters. Each of these beautifully converted properties is in the village itself, and offers spectacular views over the bay with a chance really dive into daily Cretan life...

Smaragda House sleeps up to 4 guests, and is offered at a 25% discount for only £420 per week between 19th October and 3rd November (saving £130).
See http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Greece/Crete/Smaragda-House.aspx

Kallirhoe House also sleeps up to 4 guests, and again with a 25% discount its price is £480 per week between 19th October and 3rd November (saving £160). See http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Greece/Crete/Kallirhoe-House.aspx

Pasiphae House is slightly larger and sleeps up to 8 guests. Its discounted price between 27th October and 3rd November is down to only £750 per week (saving £250). See http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Greece/Crete/Pasiphae-House.aspx

Or if classical Greece does not appeal, why not get a little more modern – and move into the middle ages in Italy? Built in the 1400’s, Lance Manor is a small medieval castle less than 1km from the village of Lanciole in beautiful Tuscany. The castle itself has been separated into two independent wings, both of which have magnificent views over the surrounding countryside, and a separate ‘Knights Quarter’. Wonderfully located for exploring rustic Italy while satisfying those Maid Marion fantasies!

The Elf Apartment sleeps up to 5, and the owners are offering 15% off any booking between 2nd November and 21st December. It is now £400 per week – a saving of £70.
See http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Italy/Tuscany/Lance-Manor-Castle-The-Elf.aspx

The Fairy Apartment sleeps up to 4 guests and a 15% discount between 2nd November and 21st December makes the price now £360 per week, down from £420 – a saving of £60. See http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Italy/Tuscany/Lance-Manor-Castle-The-Fairy.aspx

Finally, The Tale Apartment sleeps 2 guests, and 15% off between 2nd November and 21st December makes the price now around £240 per week, down from £280 – a saving of £40.
See http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Italy/Tuscany/Lance-Manor-Castle-The-Tale.aspx