Wednesday, 2 December 2009

Who cares about the weather - snuggle up in a holiday house with a home cinema this winter!

There is still availability in December and January for lots of One Off Places. Why have the hassle of a run to the sun - just bed down in one of these three houses and drive the cold away with the in-house entertainment!

Christmas availability - over £500 discount in an award winning house on the Devon coast.
Seacombe is an isolated, coastal contemporary house in Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near East Portlemouth, Salcombe. As winter of the Best Home Competition 2008 (Home Building & Renovating Magazine), this three bedroom house is a feast for the eyes. Incredible views, luxury accommodation and a hi-tech cinema. Sleeping up to nine people it has a large garden and a path across fields to the beach – perfect for bracing walks over the festive period. The cinema has a state of the art projector and screen with a blu-ray DVD player. It is a true cinema experience – there’s even a popcorn maker in the kitchen!

Normally £2500, it is available from 22nd – 29th December for £1980. (Also availability in January and February from £750 for one week).

For more information please see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/England/Devon/Seacombe.aspx

£200 discount on a three night January break in the Lake District
Boston House is a majestic seven bedroom seven bathroom country residence in Windermere. The house has a 14 seat cinema in the cellar, which really is one-off! One of unique row of grade II listed large holiday homes located in the heart of Windermere village, yet conveniently secluded from the hustle of the town in private grounds. For the romantics in the party there are 2 four-poster beds and with a recently refitted kitchen complete with 40 bottle wine cooler, this really is a party house! The fourteen seat cinema has fold down cinema seats, hi-def projector, blu-ray DVD player and cinema surround system.

Available for two weekends (Friday – Monday) in January: 15th-18th and 22nd-25th for £1180 (reduced from £1380). Mid week breaks in January (Monday – Friday) available for £650.

For more information please see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/England/Cumbria/Boston-House.aspx

10% discount on all bookings in December and January in Chamonix.
How do you fancy watching the sun go down from the hot tub on your private decking? At Chalet Narnia in Chamonix you can do just that! Located in a pretty and quiet part of Chamonix with views down the valley to Servoz and right to the Mont Blanc range, yet just 10 minutes walk to the town centre, this four bedroom house is perfectly equipped for a group holiday. After an exhausting day on the slopes, what better than to curl up in front of a huge flat screen TV with quadraphonic surround sound system and watch a DVD.

Available immediately until 22nd December, and 17th January – 6th February. Normally £2037 (€2250), it has been reduced to £1833 (€2025).

For more information please see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/France/Rhone-Alps/Narnia.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. Further images available on request. Press trips may be available for selected properties.

Thursday, 19 November 2009

Major discount AND free catering on a week in Northern Thailand with One Off Places

Lanna Hill House is an exclusive luxury rental villa, set in the green mountains a mere 35 minutes drive from Chiang Mai international airport. It was designed by one of Thailand’s top architects and commissioned by an Englishman and his wife, to reflect the best of both local (Lanna) and colonial design. The result is a beautiful house constructed from only the finest materials, including reclaimed teak throughout. Perched on a hill overlooking forested mountains, a reservoir and the Mae On valley, the location is blessed with a pleasant climate and a scattering of small villages untouched by tourism. This part of Thailand is an undiscovered gem, away from the madding crowds and mass tourism.

There are 4 air conditioned double bedrooms, 3 with king size beds and en-suite bathrooms, the other with 2 singles and a cot. The communal areas include living room, play room, great room, library, guest bathroom, kitchen and the 'crow's nest' (perched high in the roof to afford the best views of the lake and mountains). There are teak floors throughout.

Outside there are 9 covered terraces in total, a courtyard, 2 acres of gardens, a traditional sala (ideal for yoga and fitness) and a pool with decked surround. The 10m salt water swimming pool has a children’s pool annexed to it which also doubles as a Jacuzzi.

Normally £2250 for one week at this time of year, the price has been discounted by £550 and is now just £1700 for one week. As an extra incentive (as if you needed one), if you go between now and mid December all your catering (half board) for groups of up to six people will be included free of charge. To a party of six this is worth over £100 per day.

For more information and pictures, please see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Asia/Thailand/Northern-Thailand/Lanna-Hill-House.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. Further images available on request. Press trips may be available for selected properties.

Wednesday, 18 November 2009

Affordable luxury with One Off Places: hot tubs and spa treatments that don't cost the earth...

Spa treatments, private hot tubs and massages – something most of us can only dream of. Or not? You can easily pay upwards of £100 per person per day for some pampering and luxury in a UK spa. So why not spend less cash, and get private facilities? If you rent a property with friends or family, with a hot tub and / or spa facilities on site, then you’re unlikely to be spending that amount of money, and that can even include flights.....

UK – Kaber Chapel – from £160 per person per week (based on 10 sharing)
Built in 1892 this former Methodist Chapel in Cumbria has been converted into a luxurious self-catering 'spa' retreat with sauna, indoor hot tub & indoor BBQ. Every luxury and modern convenience has been considered whilst still retaining many features of the chapel including the antique organ. Luxuriously furnished and equipped with 5 bedrooms (3 kings and 2 twins)all with 19' flat screen TVs; 5 wet room shower rooms (3 en-suites); spa bath; wooden barrel indoor hot tub; infra-red sauna; and Scandinavian indoor BBQ with seating for 12 covered with reindeer skins.

From £1600 per week (for the whole property); short breaks are available from £960 (for four nights midweek). For more information and pictures, see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/England/Cumbria/Kaber-Chapel.aspx

France – La Source - £195 per person per week (based on 18 sharing)
La Source is an architect designed eco-conversion of an 19th Century Alpine farmhouse on the edge of the historic conservation ski village Samoens, recommended by the Sunday Times in 2009 as the` top eco lodge in the Alps`. In a secluded rural hamlet, yet just one hour from Geneva airport, La Source is a retreat in ski paradise. The 60m2 wood deck of the Barn has an authentic wood fired hot tub. La Source regularly plays host to yoga courses. Sleeps up to 18 people in two separate buildings.

£3519 during peak ski holiday weeks (for the whole property). Partial rental of the property at discounted rates available out of season. For more information and pictures, see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/France/Rhone-Alps/La-Source.aspx

Thailand - Lanna Hill House - £219 per person per week (based on 8 sharing)
Lanna Hill House, a classic lanna inspired Chiang Mai house in the North of Thailand, is an exclusive luxury rental villa set in green mountains. Fully staffed, it was designed by one of Thailand’s top architects and is exquisite both inside and out, boasting nine covered terraces, two acres of gardens, a traditional sala (ideal for yoga), private pool and Jacuzzi. In house massage and spa treatments offered as a matter of course. In a relatively undiscovered part of Thailand, far from the madding crowds, this is tranquillity personified.....

From £1750 per week (for the whole property). For more information and pictures, see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Asia/Thailand/Northern-Thailand/Lanna-Hill-House.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. Further images available on request. Press trips may be available for selected properties.

Thursday, 12 November 2009

Buy one luxury safari - and get another one for free with One Off Places

December is a fabulous time of year to head to warmer climes – and what better place to go than Campi ya Kanzi, a luxury tented safari camp in Southern Kenya. Here you can indulge yourself in some unadulterated luxury, while learning about Kenya’s wildlife and people, and supporting the local communities. Between now and Christmas the camp is offering an exceptional deal whereby your companion goes free when you book a one week stay.

This luxury tented safari camp lies within a 400-square-mile Maasai private land in Southern Kenya, dominated by Mt. Kilimanjaro, just 35 miles away. The safaris are tailor-made to your desires and needs. Since there's no mass tourism and the ranch's environment is still pristine, the wildlife is unspoiled by human contact. Connecting three national parks (Chyulu, Tsavo and Amboseli), the property is home to a vast wildlife and birdlife population.

With only eight tented cottages, there is ample distance from one to the other to guarantee every guest's privacy. Each tented cottage has a dedicated Maasai attendant assigned to it and a wide veranda to provide superb views of either Mt. Kilimanjaro, the Tsavo Hills, and the Chyulu Hills. This is a special retreat far removed from the hectic pace of the modern world. Tembo House, at the heart of the camp, is open to the outdoors, and from its terrace you'll have a spectacular view of Mt. Kilimanjaro where you can while away the hours with a good book, a cold drink, and some lazy daydreaming.....

What the deal - pay for one, get one free!
Normally £330 per person per day, it is now £330 per day for two. Offer applies from now until 22nd December for bookings of seven nights. Conservation fees will apply for both individuals.

Getting there:
Camp staff will meet you at the International Airport in Nairobi and help you with your transfer to our camp which is one hour by private charter plane or a six hour drive. Flights currently available from London to Nairobi for £391 return.

For more information and pictures see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Africa/Kenya/Inland/Campi-ya-Kanzi.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. Further images available on request. Press trips may be available for selected properties.
*All flight prices are estimates, researched from carriers or sites such as Expedia.com, and should be used for guidance only.

Wednesday, 4 November 2009

Seek out the sun this winter - great discounts from One Off Places

33% discount at a private villa in Bali –just £80 per person for one week (based on 5 sharing)

This unique Balinese home has a private swimming pool and is surrounded by tropical gardens. The three bedrooms have spectacular Balinese marble bathrooms. The villa is fully but discreetly staffed (staff of five and personal cook all included in the price). The garden has a river running through it and several thatched gazebos. The villa is close to local beaches at Canggu, and a 20-30 min drive from the smart bars, restaurants and shops of Seminyak. Bicycles are provided for exploring the lanes, rice terraces, villages, forests and coastline. Bali's international airport (Denpansar) is only 15km away, and transfers from the airport to the villa are included in the price

The villa is available for the last week of November and the first two weeks of December for £395 per week for the whole property – reduced from £595. Flights currently available on Expedia from £505 per person (return).

For more information and pictures, see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Asia/Bali/Bali/Villa-Tukad.aspx

Save £130 – now just £604 for a week in a secluded Barbados villa

This romantic three bedroom villa is a Danish artist designed & built solid coral stone castle-like property situated on the edge of a 100 foot cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea providing the ultimate privacy for sun worshippers, families and those that seek serenity and tranquillity. With spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea from the private pool deck, you don’t get much better than this!

The villa is available from 22nd November – 4th December for £604 per week for the whole property (for two people) – reduced from £732. Flights currently available on Expedia from £570 per person (return).

For more information and pictures, see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/The%20Americas/Barbados/St-Philip/Teach-n-Song.aspx

20% discount at a luxurious eco-resort in Tobago

Castara Retreats is a new eco-resort set into the hillside overlooking the fishing village of Castara on the Caribbean coast of Tobago. The accommodation includes a stunning penthouse apartment, (sleeping 4) two one bedroom apartments (each sleeping 2) in the main house plus two new luxurious cedar lodges (sleeping 2-4) and a characterful renovated fisherman's shack (sleeping 2). Castara Retreats is five minutes walk from the sandy beaches and the village with its little shops and cafes. Backed by the oldest protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere and surrounded by lush tropical gardens, Castara Retreats has an abundance of colourful wildlife from Mot Mots to Hummingbirds, Agoutis and Iguanas.

20% discount on any new bookings for available periods in November and December (excluding Christmas). From £532 per property per week – reduced from £665. Flights currently available on Expedia from £650 per person (return).

For more information and pictures, see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/The%20Americas/Trinidad-and-Tobago/Tobago/Castara-Retreats.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. Further images available on request. Press trips may be available for selected properties.
*All flight prices are estimates, researched from carriers or sites such as Expedia.com, and should be used for guidance only.

Wednesday, 21 October 2009

Banish the winter blues with a holiday hot tub

If a winter escape is what you’re after but you can’t afford to pay for long haul flights in search of the sun, why not settle for a cosy winter retreat closer to home, where you can still enjoy being outdoors, but from the warmth of a hot tub!

One Off Places has a selection of properties with their own hot tubs in the garden including an ecocabin and a croft in Scotland, a group of cottages in southern Portugal and an ancient farmhouse in Spain. Many of these properties offer substantial discounts and reductions if you book to stay during the winter months.

PORTUGAL
£160 per person per week including accommodation and car hire:
Quintassential is a group of four self catering cottages on an acre of hilltop, set in breathtaking Algarvian countryside and with a large swimming pool (heated in winter), hot tub and children’s play area. They are offering 7 nights accommodation for two, welcome hamper, heating, one basket of logs for the wood burning stove, pool heating and a group B hire car from £320.00 per week. Valid from 1st November 2009 until 31st March 2010.
For more information see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Portugal/Algarve/Casa-do-Forno---Quintassential.aspx & http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Portugal/Algarve/Lemon-and-Carob-Cottages---Quintassential.aspx

SCOTLAND
From £125 per person for 7 nights or from £80 per person for 3 nights:
The Waterhouse is a newly built eco, oak framed timber pole holiday house in Scotland, with a stream running under the deck. Your immediate surrounds are private and peaceful and further afield you are surrounded by undulating countryside, woodland and coastal walks. The deck has tables, chairs and hammock and leads onto a communal, pond side sundeck with a heated outside jacuzzi. With five honeymoon bookings under their belts already this year, the hot tub at on a cloudless night under Europe's skies simply oozes romantic appeal.
For more information see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Scotland/South---Borders/The-Waterhouse.aspx

From £156 per person for 7 nights (based on 8 people):
A beautifully constructed cottage in the Highlands with what must be one of the best sited hot tubs in Europe, with far reaching views across the Scottish Highlands. With luxurious interiors, the beach just half a mile away, and access to home produced food from a former ‘Rural Chef of the Year’, this is a place to indulge in some winter decadence!
For more information see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Scotland/Highlands/Bluebell-Croft---Honeysuckle-House.aspx.

SPAIN
€8000 for the property per week – less than half the summer price! (sleeps 24):
Almiral de la Font is a luxuriously restored manor house just south of Barcelona. This beautiful ‘masia’ offers high-tech modern comforts whilst retaining the historic charm and character of the original building. The beaches of Sitges are just 10 minutes drive. Over 300 acres of private grounds with 14 kilometres of tracks. There is an 18.6 x 6m solar heated swimming pool offering views over hills to the sea, with the hot tub located nearby.
For more information see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Spain/Catalonia/Almiral-de-la-Font.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. Further images available on request. Press trips may be available for selected properties.

Feel like you didn’t get a summer? Head to a designer glasshouse for a New Zealand summer instead.

One Off Places has launched its first properties in New Zealand just in time for those planning a holiday down under this winter.

Te Whare Hoiho is a spectacular designer glass home positioned to optimise the stunning ocean views of Roberton Island and the many islands scattered in the Bay of Islands. The house is positioned in a rural setting of 4 hectares and is beautifully secluded.

All the rooms have floor to ceiling glass windows looking out onto unforgettable views of the ocean and surrounding countryside. Wherever you are - soaking in the bath, mixing your evening drinks in the kitchen or lying in bed, the views are there too!

The nearest town is Russell is a romantic and historic place hidden in a beautiful harbour within the Bay of Islands - one of New Zealand’s most picturesque destinations. The Bay of Islands boasts 144 Islands and many secluded bays and is one of the finest maritime parks in New Zealand. There is an abundance of marine life, including whales, penguins, dolphins, gannets the famous blue and black marlin.

Te Whare Hoiho has a minimum stay of 3 nights (7 nights if staying over Christmas and New Year) and costs from £124 per night (low season) to £178 per night (high season). The nearest international airport is Auckland, 250km away. For more information about Te Whare Hoiho, see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Oceania/New-Zealand/North-Island/Te-Whare-Hoiho.aspx

Other One Off Places in New Zealand include a cabana style beachfront villa in Whangaparaoa, a waterfront studio in Matauwhi Bay and a hillside house in a native bush garden near Christchurch.

One Off Places has a portfolio of holiday rental properties which covers five continents and thirty nine countries. Ranging from castles to yurts, and riads to watermills, if you’re looking for something a bit different, look no further!

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. Further images available on request. Press trips may be available for selected properties.