Wednesday 28 January 2009

Escape February's winter skies and get up to 50% off a One Off Places property

50% discount in a historic Tuscan Farmhouse (Italy)
Il Mulino is a beautiful and historic Tuscan farmhouse dating from the 17th century, lovingly restored with both tradition and comfort in mind. Set in a wonderful location near the hilltop village of Monterchi it has 3 en-suite bedrooms, a safe garden, orchard, fenced pool, great facilities and is surrounded by unspoilt countryside.
What’s the deal?
Available immediately until 10th April.
The 50% discount means that one week costs £458 for the whole property (reduced from £916).
Based on four people. £150 supplement per extra person.
Getting there:
Nearest airports: Perugia (one hour) / Bologna (1.5 hours) / Florence (1.5 hours).
London to Perugia flight prices from £120 return.*
For more information see: http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Italy/Tuscany/Il-Mulino.aspx

50% discount in Dordogne country chalet (France)
This beautiful wooden chalet (4 bedrooms / sleeps 8) is set on 7 hectares of private land, surrounded by countryside – a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its own private swimming pool in the garden, and just a 5 minute walk from Souillac country club offering further swimming pools, tennis courts, children’s playground, golf, bar and restaurant, it’s a perfect location for all the family.
What’s the deal?
Available immediately until 25th April.
The 50% discount means that one week costs £350 for the whole property (reduced from £700).
NB Electricity not included.
Getting there:
Nearest airports Brive / Bergerac (40 minutes)
London to Bergerac flight prices from £60 return.*
For more information see: http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/France/Aquitaine-Dordogne/Le-Bouyssonnet.aspx

25% discount in restored Andalucian farmhouse (Spain)
This beautifully restored 3 bedroom farmhouse is ideally situated in the country and in a perfect spot for walks and exploration of the surrounding countryside. Enjoy the views of hills and olive groves from the patio as you sip a glass of wine and luxuriate in the near-silence or head into glorious countryside and historic towns for some exploration.
What’s the deal?
Available immediately until the end February 2009
The 25% discount means that one week costs £210 for the whole property (reduced from £280).
Getting there:
Nearest airports: Granada (80 minutes) / Malaga (2.5 hours)
London to Granada flight prices from £110 return.*
For more information see: http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Spain/Andalucia/Casa-El-Reguelo.aspx

Notes for editors:
One Off Places specialises in individual and characterful holiday rentals worldwide and has a wide selection of properties catering for all different tastes, group sizes and location specifications. Its website offers users the chance to enquire about their chosen property directly with the owner. For further information about One Off Places, please visit www.oneoffplaces.co.uk or contact Olly Symonds on Olly@oneoffplaces.co.uk , mobile 07725 199244 or tel: 01494 881196. Images available on request.
*All flight prices are estimates, researched from carriers or sites such as Expedia.com, and should be used for guidance only.

Wednesday 21 January 2009

Dance those winter blues away – it’s street party time with One Off Places



What better way to beat off the February blues than to get your toes tapping? One Off Places is delighted to offer you the chance of two totally different and equally celebratory trips to make this February, so why not leave the gloom and doom behind - and head abroad for a good time?

Party on in Puglia
First up, Italy’s south east may not be the most obvious destination for February, but the Carnevale in Putignano, Puglia is one great reason to go anyway. First recorded in 1394, the Carnival starts the day after Christmas and goes through to Shrove Tuesday. Although Putignano is only a small town, for this it really cuts loose in a blaze of fireworks, fairs and street parades. And most pleasingly of all it originally started as a way of poking fun at local politicians and the law! What began as simple paper-mache masks with clown faces soon evolved into elaborate floats that rival anything you might see at Disney World; it really has to be seen to be believed.

Accommodation is at a premium at this time, but there is still room at the Masseria due Torri. This is a beautifully restored 17c Masseria and fully organic olive farm situated in the hills above Monopoli and the sea. Only 15 mins drive from the carnival, there are beautiful private gardens and terraces plus the nearby working farm. There are three apartments, 2 B&B rooms and a villa, and quite apart from the carnival the area is stunning at this time of year with wild flower walks all over the farm. It could also be the end of the olive harvest – trips can be arranged to see the press in action. Accommodation starts at €540 (£500) per week for the family apartment which sleeps 4, but can be expanded if required. Flights from London Heathrow to the nearby Brindisi airport (60km away) start at only £170 return*...
See: http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Italy/Puglia/Masseria-Due-Torri-Garden-Apartment.aspx

Dress up to get down in the Caribbean
Or if you fancy something more exotic - not to mention a little warmer - then how about the world famous Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago? Feb 23d and 24th is the party weekend of the year – this is when the locals go really wild as thousands of revellers dress up in outrageous costumes to parade the streets while dancing to the pounding soca beat. They say that if the islanders are not celebrating it then they are preparing for it while reminiscing about the past year's festival. It’s a weekend of non-stop colours, sights, sounds and dancing – and about as far away from cold and wet Europe as it is possible to imagine!

And once you have worn yourself out there then retreat behind the walls of Ohana Villa in Bacolet to soothe your aching feet and restore your energy levels. Located on the south east corner of Tobago in Bacolet, Conde Nast recently voted Ohana Villa to be one of the top 20 villas in the Caribbean. The sheer scale of the property provides just the right amount of privacy with luxury, style and barefoot elegance. This, along with the warm and sincere welcome of the staff ensure that as soon as you arrive, you’ll find the stresses of the city slip away as easily as your shoes at the front door. Ohana enjoys 180 degree views of the Atlantic Ocean, and it is orientated with the prevailing trade winds to keep the house cool. Truly it has to be seen to be believed – and best of all it is currently available at a price of only £735 per person per week assuming 8 guests sharing in 4 bedrooms. Factor in flights to the nearby Crown Airport from only £650 per person return* from London Gatwick and you have an unforgettable weeklong Caribbean party at a superb rate.
See: http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/The-Americas/Trinidad-and-Tobago/Tobago/Ohana-Villa.aspx

Or you could just stay home to watch the rain – and wish you were somewhere else...!

Notes for editors:
One Off Places specialises in individual and characterful holiday rentals worldwide and has a wide selection of properties catering for all different tastes, group sizes and location specifications. Its website offers users the chance to enquire about their chosen property directly with the owner. For further information about One Off Places, please visit http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/ or contact Olly Symonds on Olly@oneoffplaces.co.uk or tel: 01494 881196. Images available on request.
*All flight prices are estimates, researched from carriers or sites such as Expedia.com, and should be used for guidance only.

Thursday 8 January 2009

Half Term Deal and Special Offers from One Off Places

10% discount at El Tejar, Andalucia, Spain
El Tejar is the very highest house in the small village of Montecorto, near Ronda. From its lofty perch you have extraordinary panoramic views of the Grazalema mountains. The four bedroom house, which has been featured in several interior design magazines, is decorated in Andalucian / Moroccan style evoking the region's Moorish past. The owner of El Tejar is the author of 'Walking in AndalucĂ­a' and can provide walkers with a full week of walking itineraries in the area.
What’s the deal?
14th - 21st February or 21st – 28th February.
10% discount – i.e. reduced from £1090 to £981 for the whole property for one week. Further discount available if you only wish to use 3 of the 4 bedrooms. Also included is a free bottle of Cava, and a complimentary copy of the author’s book, ‘Walking in Andalucia’.

Getting there:
Jerez, Seville & Malaga all within 90 minutes drive. Flights available from £64 per adult (return).*

For more info: http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Spain/Andalucia/El-Tejar.aspx

£225 discount at Casa Piloto, Galicia, Spain
This grand four bedroom villa has been recently renovated to the highest of contemporary standards whilst maintaining the beautiful traditional stone aesthetics of a traditional Galician home. The interior design combined with the stunning views, the dramatic garden and private swimming pool make it the perfect half term retreat for the family. Perched into the hills of Abaixo de Roo, this villa is ideally situated to access the delights of Galicia.

What’s the deal?
14th - 21st February or 21st – 28th February 2009.
Price for whole property is £993 for one week (reduced from £1220).

Getting there:
The main airport is Santiago de Compostela which is a 40 minute drive away. Flights available from £190 per adult (return).*

For more info: http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Spain/Galicia/Casa-Piloto.aspx

Minimum 10% discount at Vert et Blanc, Rhone Alps, France
This eight bedroom ski chalet is situated on the sunny side of the Chamonix valley. Sleeping 20, it is available for a group booking, or for individual room bookings (family rooms available). The chalet has a large terrace with hot tub from where you can enjoy amazing views of Mont Blanc whilst sipping your favourite tipple. Alternatively you may prefer the sauna to relax those muscles after a day on the slopes or a glass of wine in front of the open fire.

What’s the deal?
Saturday 21st – Saturday 28th February. All meals included.
15% discount if you book the whole chalet (normally £10,400 based on 16 people).
10% discount for individual room bookings (normally £650 per person per week).

Getting there:
The easiest access to Chamonix is via Geneva airport, from where it is approximately a one hour drive. Transfers can be arranged at extra cost. Flights available from £85 per adult (return).*

For more info: http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/France/Rhone-Alps/Vert-et-Blanc.aspx

Notes for editors:
One Off Places specialises in individual and characterful holiday rentals worldwide and has a wide selection of properties catering for all different tastes, group sizes and location specifications. Its website offers users the chance to enquire about their chosen property directly with the owner. For further information about One Off Places, please visit www.oneoffplaces.co.uk or contact Olly Symonds on Olly@oneoffplaces.co.uk or tel: 01494 881196. Images available on request.
*All flight prices are estimates, researched from carriers or sites such as Expedia.com, and should be used for guidance only.