in this issue - Travel Agent Update

IN THIS ISSUE
August/Sept 2010
The Emirates A380
is getting jumbo
loads of praise from
its first, business
AND ECONOMY
passengers.
We reveal one of
the best-kept secrets
of Provence in France
for clients following
the lavender trail
in the tourist mad
months of June/July
– the tiny, peaceful
village of Saignon.
Page 1 : @gent Update
Cruise expert Robyn Sinfield from Excell Travel in Victoria
explains why Australians will love Azamara Club Cruises.
Max Najar wonders if you are one of today’s generation
of travel agents who believe an educational is merely part
of your salary package? He was far from impressed with a
recent group.
PLUS: Hot deals for you and your clients and hotel reviews
you can trust. This issue we look at the Swiss Howard in
London and the highly recommended Al Manzil Hotel in
downtown Dubai. Just perfect for shoppers.
Please note our new e-mail address
– editorial@travelagentupdate.com
or ianmac@travelagentupdate.com
By Max Najar
Educationals are a privilege, not a right
Page 2 : @gent Update
sure you tell your hosts your plans.
I have to say I was rather disappointed with
2. Only accept if you are the best-qualified
a group I travelled with recently – they
person to sell that particular product/
regularly broke too many of the rules I have
service.
always lived by when on an educational.
3. Bring enough business cards and a
A hotel manager in the US backed me up,
highlighter pen or two.
noting a change in attitude from visiting
4. Research the service/product before you
Australian agents.
arrive and start questioning staff.
5. Provide a written report within 10 days of
your return.
6. No loud talk or laughter whilst inspecting.
Be a ghost but ask appropriate questions
where necessary.
7. Never ever tell members of the public that
you are “doing it all free.”
8. Consider zero alcohol drinking.
9. Do not abuse the hospitality and over
indulge.
10. Do not use inspected room toilets or
bathrooms and there is no need to open
cupboards or drawers unless invited to do
so. Work on the assumption that they do
work!
11. Do not carry any drinks or food whilst
Our Code Of Conduct is as follows:
inspecting.
1. Be knowledgeable on the destination/
product and if you need to breakaway from 12. No smoking. No chewing whilst being
talked to. No mobile phones on when
the group at any stage, do it only when
inspecting.
free time becomes available - and make
Are you one of today’s generation of travel
consultants who believe an educational
is nothing much more than part of your
salary package? I hope not because invited
travel, tourism and hospitality staff have
an ethical commitment to uphold as they
not only represent their employer, but also
the supplier that has put the tour together.
You should be a ghost. You should be able
to walk in, inspect and walk out of a room,
cabin, seated area or whatever and NOT
adjust, abuse, dirty, mess, steal, loan or in
any way disrupt what is already there.
13 Do not take any items from the hotel,
airline or cruise trolleys. This includes
serviettes, matches, and foods.
14 Do not leave finger marks on glassware,
windows, bathroom doors and chrome
products.
15 No sitting on beds or couches or jumping
up and down on them or messing the
layout of sheets or covers.
16 No taking photos without the hotel’s OK.
17 No chatting profusely with other agents
while the host is discussing a product/
service.
18 Think about what you are seeing and how
best you can market and deliver what
you have learned to other staff and pax
when you get back. You should consider
educationals as a fabulous benefit of
being employed in the travel and tourism
industry. When you get back, thank your
manager and any supporting staff.
Finally, be honest, constructive and (hopefully)
positive about your experience as it is ONLY with
hands-on attendance and sincerity that our
industry can move forward and improve.
With the best
cabin in the
sky offering
unparalleled
comfort for all,
the A380 has
become a musthave ticket.
Page 3 : @gent Update
The A380 – even economy pax
enjoy a huge wow factor…
While we all keep hearing about the brilliant
first and business class features of the A380 –
I’m sure its great to hop out of bed and have
a shower and shave just before arrival - not
enough praise is heaped on the economy cabin.
Put simply, the A380 is one of the best things
to ever happen to travel. At long last, budget
travellers tired of being packed like sardines
into aircraft designed for profit rather than
comfort have an alternative. Aircraft that were
uncomfortable from day one – well before even
more seats were squeezed in and extras like
footrests removed. I recently flew from Dubai to
London in economy aboard Emirates Big Bird –
and actually enjoyed the experience. OK it’s not
a really long flight - but my notes on economy
flights usually rate how uncomfortable they
were! For a start there is obviously so much
more room than say the 777 – resulting in
wider aisles for the crew, bigger bins, plenty
of natural light – and a more relaxed feel for
passengers. I’m no psychologist – but there is a
“Wow this is going to be a good flight” factor to
this cabin other aircraft just can’t match. The
crew seem to get the vibes as well. In the air the
380 is super quiet and stable. Seats are wider
and more comfortable and Emirates renowned
ICE entertainment system has been refined
even further. Slide bars have been included as
well as the old touch screen system. Airbus has
gone to great lengths to make long-haul flying
aboard the A380 feel more natural. The cabin
air is recycled every three minutes to keep the
atmosphere fresh. Natural light is provided by
220 cabin windows. Four high-level air outlets
instead of the traditional two helps passengers
to feel fresher, both during and after the flight.
The sooner Emirates gets on with plans to
deploy the aircraft on all of its major routes the
better. Hong Kong is the newest destination
for Emirates super-jumbo. Starting on October
1 the flight will operate daily from Dubai
as EK384 via Bangkok with the return flight
operating as EK385. The carrier recently placed
an $11.5bn order for 32 more A380’s, the
biggest single order of the flagship airliner to
date. That’s on top of the 58 already ordered
bringing the total to 90 – making it the largest
single operator of the gigantic aircraft in the
world. Emirates has 10 A380s flying between
its home hub of Dubai to London, Toronto,
Paris, Jeddah, Bangkok, Seoul, Sydney and
Auckland. My advice is get your clients onboard
whenever possible. With the best cabin in the
sky offering unparalleled comfort for all, the
A380 has become a must-have ticket on every
route it flies. More than five million passengers
have already relaxed in the comfort of its
double-deck, wide-bodied cabin, which offers
50 per cent more floor space than any other
high-capacity aircraft. As of May 2010, 17
major international airports are already regular
destinations for this 525-seat aircraft.
Page 4 : @gent Update
A press release from vRoam this week claims
that global roaming is now the third largest
overseas travel cost.
I can believe it.
We were with Telstra until recent times but
then moved to 3 because the kids had phones
and it made economic sense for all of us to join
one network. Well, so it seemed. At the same
time both of us upgraded to an iPhone.
The end result was disastrous.
Not long after both of us had our iPhones we
went on a short trip to Thailand – the Amari
Vogue in Krabi to be exact.
After the third day we received a message
from 3 that our bill was already exceeding
$500 and we were facing the prospect of being
cut off. Remember one full day had been taken
up with air travel – so that is $250 a day!
I contacted the website – even pleaded to
Global Roaming - the new horror of international travel.
my “colleagues” in the 3 press room for an
explanation – but nothing doing.
I should point out that all of our e-mails were
sent and received via our laptop on wireless
internet free to the Vogue guests.
I immediately turned off my phone – and Fiona
used hers for the rest of the trip only when
absolutely necessary.
When we got home I contacted the
Government’s ombudsman and complained
– pointing out that neither of us had
downloaded anything.
My next contact was from 3 wondering if we
could come to a compromise. The problem,
the rep explained, was the fact that we had
allowed our phones to roam – a feature that
could be turned off. I accepted their offer
determined that would be the end of the
problem – and made sure both phones had the
roaming feature switched off.
Our next trip was five weeks in Dubai,
London, Paris and Provence – and this time
we were determined to keep phone costs
to a minimum. My phone was switched off
almost for the entire trip – and all of our email
communication was done via our laptops.
When we got home we were advised that
another $800 bill was waiting to be paid.
We pointed out that roaming had been
switched off and that we had kept calls and
text messages to next to nothing – and were
told – and get this - THAT TURNING ROAMING
OFF DOES NOT MEAN IT WON’T WORK.
Apparently we now have to download an
application into the iPhone to ensure it
overrides the iPhone’s natural inclination to
roam! One can only assume this means that
the only intelligent idea is to buy a card for
your phone wherever you are – that certainly
is our plan in future.
Sure I wish I was back with Telstra – with my
old phone – and I might do just that and hand
the iPhone over to one of the kids. Perhaps
then I can get back to the good old days when I
was in control.
FOR YOU & YOUR CLIENTS
With the launch of the eXpertsplus VISA
card, agents who are members of Lufthansa
and SWISS’s incentive program now have
access to an easy redemption scheme for
points earned. Austrian Airlines is expected
to join eXpertsplus early in 2011.
Apartment lovers can stay for six
nights in London at Calico House along
the cobbled street of Bow Lane or Phoenix
House in Sloane Street, Knightsbridge
and receive the seventh night free in
September 2010. Calico House has studios
starting at130GBP per night. More details,
katherine@thehotelconnection.com.
Book any Malaysia Airlines
international flight from Australia or
domestic flight within Malaysia along with
any Malaysian land component through
Adventure World between now and 30
September and you could win a holiday
for two to KL and Langkawi. More details,
www.adventureworld.com.au/malaysia/.
Page 5 : @gent Update
Complete Cruise Solution has launched
POLAR Online, designed to show you how
to manage your cruise bookings more easily
online - and is offering you the chance to
win one of 14 $100 Westfield gift cards.
More details,
www.completecruisesolution.com.au
Don’t forget the Rock Around the
World incentive, which will see Contiki roll
out the red carpet to treat 20 top agents to
their own personal rock star. More details,
www.contiki.com/agents
Globus has released special offers on
some of its most exotic tours in Asia, Africa
and South America. Conditions apply.
Outdoor Travel in Bright is offering
savings on the last few cabins aboard the
hotel barge Feniks from Paris to Bruges in
October 2010. Highlights of this trip that
will appeal to cyclists include Paris and a
cruise along the River Seine, the Palace of
Versailles, Auvers-sur-l’Oise, burial place
of Van Gogh, the ANZAC battlefields and
memorials of the Somme, the forests of
Ardennes and a magical medieval city of
Bruges.
Princess Cruises has launched its 2011
Alaska program, offering clients the chance
to explore the northern wilderness at
prices up to 20 per cent lower than this
year’s cruises.
Clients can stay in the heart of London
at the 5 star Hampshire Hotel this Summer
for 190GBP per room per nigh including Full
English Breakfast, early check-in, late checkout to 4pm, free wireless and frequent flyer
points. This rate is commissionable.
More details, heathk@radisson.com
Garuda Indonesia has launched a ‘Kid
Fly Free’ offer for under 12 year olds when
traveling with two adults to Jakarta and all
domestic connections within Indonesia.
vRoam now offers global vSIMs for
overseas travellers no matter where in the
world they travel. This is a global service
provider, offering clients with mobile
phone plans outside of Australia. This has no
impact on the Australian mobile number or
relationship with the mobile phone carrier –
everything remains the same. You can see all
the latest itineraries of luxury Indian travel
operator Peirce & Leslie, now represented
here, at www.peirceandleslie.com
the huge deciduous forests, a time to collect
and enjoy wild mushrooms and of warming
soups and stews. There are no single room
supplements for September departures.
More details, http://www.outdoortravel.
com.au
The iconic Mercure Grosvenor Hotel
Adelaide is turning 90 this month and
celebrating with a birthday special. Clients
stay for $90 pp per night in a deluxe room
with sparkling wine, an in-house movie,
breakfast for two in the Federal Restaurant
and parking included. For bookings, www.
mercuregrosvenorhotel.com.au
Page 6 : @gent Update
There are a few rare opportunities to
transit the Panama Canal on two sailing
ships of the Star Clippers fleet this year and
next. Star Flyer will pass through the canal
near the end of a 14-day cruise which leaves
Barbados on October 31 this year. On March
20 next year Star Flyer does the 14-day cruise
in reverse on its way back to Europe. More
details, www.starclippers.com
Insight Vacations say there are still limited
places available on a number of its escorted
tours visiting North America. For instance
the eight-day New England’s Spectacular
Fall Foliage, departing Boston on 20 & 24
September 2010. More examples, www.
insightvacations.com.
Prinsendam returns to South America,
Antarctica and the Amazon in 2012 on a 68day itinerary departing roundtrip from Fort
Lauderdale January 4.
In latter 2011 and early 2012, Holland
America Line will again offer Grand Voyages
that touch all seven continents. Amsterdam
sails a 70-day Grand Asia and Australia
Voyage in September 2011 and then returns
to world cruising in January 2012 with a 112day Grand World Voyage.
Nestled in the small hilltop village of St
Bonnet-le-Froid, Outdoor Travel’s 20-room
family run hotel – a converted 9th century
convent - is maintained for the exclusive use
of guests who want a walking holiday in a
relaxed small village environment. September
is a beautiful time of changing colours in
Got a client heading to Europe in a hurry?
You can now combine Singapore Airlines
travel to Europe with Lufthansa Private Jet
services. Cost of the private jet starts at EUR6,
900 regardless of the number of travellers,
subject to available seating capacity. More
details, sqau_esc@singaporeair.com.sg
A Brisbane hotel is giving female guests
preferential treatment – by offering a
“Ladies Only” floor. The Best Western Portal
Hotel is one of a handful of international
hotels catering for the growing number of
independent female travellers who demand
luxury and security in equal measure.
More details, www.bestwestern.com.au/
portalhotel
AZAMARA QUEST CRUISE REVIEW
Robyn and Murray Sinfield
With nearly 700 days at sea
between them, mostly aboard
luxury ships, Robyn and Murray
Sinfield are leading experts in
the five star cruise market.
THE SHIP: ITINERARY:
DATE: Azamara Quest,
Holy Land Rome-Athens
29 May – 10 June 2010
Page 7 : @gent Update
Australians will love Azamara Club Cruises for
three main reasons – firstly the ship design. It’s
the same as Pacific or Tahitian Princess and now
Royal Princes and the Oceania ships of Insignia,
Regatta or Nautica as well as Minerva.
These ships of around 30,000 tonnes
accommodate around 700 pax when fully
occupied. The second reason is no tipping and
the fact that wine/beer is included with lunch
and dinner. Thirdly, there is no ‘dressing up’,
the “elegant casual policy” makes for a relaxing
cruise experience.
With nearly 700 days at sea in our travel career,
Murray and I now choose a cruise by its itinerary
and timing. I was celebrating one of those special
0 birthdays and wanted to be in Jerusalem on
the June 6. The Azamara Quest itinerary fitted
the bill and I am happy to say we made a great
choice.
You could embark at Civitavecchia before sailing
time and enjoy lunch in the Windows Café – a
nice touch for anyone who had travelled any
distance and was hungry. Azamara joined
Celebrity Cruises in 2007 and we haven’t seen
a lot of marketing for this brand here - but that
will change as the word gets round.
Our cabin was a club continental suite S1 –
8045 which we chose to purchase for a couple
of reasons – firstly the space and second the
goodies that often only offered by the luxury
cruise lines – butler service, daily news delivery,
full breakfast in suite or lunch or dinner on an
extra large balcony, evening hors d’oeuvres,
afternoon tea, shoe shine, fresh flowers and
fruit daily, robes and slippers, Elemis bathroom
- by Robyn Sinfield
amenities, complimentary
pressing of two garments
per person, Moet & Chandon
champagne welcome bottle
and complimentary dining in
the specialty restaurants.
For all guests onboard there is
also complimentary coffee/tea,
soft drinks and bottled water,
free self service laundries and
in all ports complimentary
shuttle bus services. These
touches are often ‘pay for’
items on other cruise lines.
Dining provided us with
excellent choices, Windows
– the verandah café was well
patronized for breakfast,
lunch and dinner. Discoveries. The main dining
room was open seating and you could dine for
breakfast and for lunch on sea days and from
6pm for dinner each night and there were
plenty of tables for two. As well, there were
two fantastic alternate restaurants, Prime C the
steak and seafood restaurant and Aqualina, for
Mediterranean style cuisine. For a great coffee
often accompanied by live piano music there
is the Mosaic Café - also the place for a variety
of teas, quality French style pastries and if you
wish to pay USD4, specialty liquor coffees. If you
wanted to pay for anything extra the prices were
moderate – eg Bloody Mary USD6.00, a beer
USD2.50. The complimentary wines were ‘new
world’ but good, from Chile, South Africa and
AZAMARA QUEST CRUISE REVIEW
even France. Each day a red or white from the
purchase list is highlighted and offered at a 50%
saving, so between USD12-22 per bottle. Very
reasonable, and good choices.
One of the unusual and delightful features of
ships in this class is a lovely spa area with a
private deck. Extra cost for a cruise is $US90,
or USD19 per time of entry per person – a
private haven and one of the special places
onboard. Internet is wifi across the ship with
very affordable plans and it’s a fast and efficient.
The entertainment choice is good - from quiet
quartets, to comedians but many passengers are
like me and prefer to relax in other ways. I read a
book a day and escape within the confines of my
suite and it’s balcony. The library is adequately
stocked on an honour system.
My favourite spot was my suite – that’s what you
pay for – the privacy and the space.
The sightseeing provided by Azamara was very
well done. We enjoyed the little touches we
have seen on luxury liners – welcome back cold
towels, champagne, smaller coaches per group,
water, toilet paper when needed ashore (and
where we’ve been, that’s everywhere).
Disembarkation was very civilised with ‘bags out’
by 2300hrs or bed time – transit tours offered
for those with airport time to kill – and plenty of
trolleys and porters to help us all get to where
we were going next…
Overall we felt the Azamara experience was
- by Robyn Sinfield
Azamara Journey, R7 = Azamara Quest, R8 =
Minerva & now Royal Princess.
Worth noting: Azamara issued Egypt visa
clearance for all including Australians, and
there were no onboard charges for this or an
admin fee to arrange entry into Israel.
RATING 4.5 stars.
Robyn Sinfield
– Excell Travel & Cruise Brighton Victoria
“My favourite spot was my suite –
that’s what you pay for – the privacy
and the space.”
likened to sailing with family and friends –
the officers and crew from the captain to the
bus boy were friendly and genuinely helpful. I
would recommend this cruise line to singles and
couples. The company’s motto is “You’ll love
where we take you” and I think their itineraries
are different. Fortunately they include the Middle
East and Asia.
As increasing numbers baulk at flying all the
way to Europe, I can see that more and more
Australians will enjoy Azamara as we have!
Ships referred to were Renaissance Cruise
Line builds until Sep 2001 when Renaissance
financially collapsed - R1 = Oceania Insignia,
R2 = Oceania Regatta, R3 = Pacific Princess, R4
= Tahitian Princess, R5 = Oceania Nautica, R6 =
Our accommodation overlooked the tiny village square of Saignon and its famous fountain.
around La Place de la Fontaine. Visitors either
spend an hour or so here as part of a tour
usually having a wine or coffee under the
tree (it is never long enough) or you can stay
at one of two properties facing the square
- L’Auberge du Presbytere, a 16 bedroom
hotel created by the integration of three
village houses with foundations dating back
to the 11th and 12th centuries. Rates June
to September range from 65 to 155 Euros a
night with breakfast an extra 10.50. Email:
reception@auberge-presbytere.com
Or, if you are lucky enough as we were,
you can stay at the delightful bed and
breakfast called La Maison de la Place run by
a charming local couple, Alain and Colette
Blanc. They offer two 25m delightfully
furnished self-contained rooms and an
80m suite with kitchen in an 18th century
house, built on the village square. Email:
lamaisondelaplace@yahoo.fr
Page 10 : @gent Update
On a recent visit to explore the
mountainous Luberon region in
southern France and see the famous
lavender in full bloom we discovered
one of best-kept secrets of Provence –
the tiny village of Saignon.
Ian McIntosh reports:
No one really knows how long children
have delighted in splashing, drinking, even
heaven forbid washing in the ever flowing
fountain of Saignon, a tiny town clinging to
a hilltop in Provence, France. Today, just as in
Roman times, in the postage stamp village
square, babies squeal with laughter as proud
grandparents dip their toes in the crystal
clear icy waters. Older children run round
the structure trying to keep up with the fat
goldfish darting about – perhaps try to catch
or even spear one with a stick. No chance.
Waiters interrupt them now and then as they
arrive to hold up a carafe to catch the water
spilling from one of four spouts. There is a bit
of skill required here – nature’s flow is not
constant so you can get drenched unless you
know what you are doing. I know, I used to
try to fill my water bottle each morning.
The carafes go straight onto the tables, which
are scattered beneath a spreading wild cherry
Waiters simply hold up a carafe to catch water
from the fountain for the restaurant tables.
tree, again just like in days gone by. Pollution
has not caught up with the sparkling waters
of Saignon yet. Nor has digital time. The town
clock booms the hour as it always has until
about 11pm – and then in one concession to
modern day life it goes into sleep mode until
the morning.
Village life in Saignon meets and moves
Cost of the smaller rooms is E55 for two;
four can stay in the suite for E80. You can use
the breakfast room overlooking the square
– or as we did, enjoy a wonderful spread of
local produce outside by the fountain each
morning. By the end of the week we felt like
part of the community as locals passing by
waved hello and wished us “Bonjour”.
As you can imagine with a population of just
1045, Saignon does not offer a wide variety
of restaurants. The L’Auberge du Presbytere
boasts the most sophisticated menus with
prices pp ranging from 20 to 38 euros – but
even its busy little restaurant is closed on
Wednesdays. There are two other family
style restaurants nearby offering menus
based largely on specialist salads that are
much more economical. Maison de Solveig
for instance is right next door – but seems to
only open when the chef feels like it and the
food on offer is a cold range.
Prices at the smaller restaurants such as
Comptoir de Balthazar (all cold dishes) range
from E6 for entrees, 9.50 for a salad and 12
for a meat dish – say steak Tartare.
For everyday needs and to catch the free
wireless internet head for Chez Christine’s
patisserie. Along with freshly baked
croissants, sandwiches, bread crepes and
cakes she also offers simple meals during the
day including breakfast.
Page 11 : @gent Update
If you love walking this is a wonderful part of the world.
There are
several small
family style
restaurants
including
Maison de
Solveig.
Saignon is 4 km from Apt and dominates
the valley, over which it seems to keep
guard. It stands on a rocky spur around three
structures: a castle chapel, which blends in
with the rock and is the identification symbol
of the village, the clock tower and the church.
The Romanesque church of Notre Dame, also
known as Saint Mary of Saignon, lies outside
the walls and is remarkable in terms of its
proportions. As early as the Middle Ages the
church was a destination for pilgrims from
the whole of Provence, but also for those
travelling to Rome along the Domitian Way
and for Italian pilgrims going to Santiago de
Compostela. The church is not permanently
open, but the grill gives a good view of the
interior. The famous fountain has a base
and a bowl surmounted by two allegorical
statues, representing agriculture and
abundance through industry, the work of the
Apt sculptor Joseph Noël Elzéar Sollier around
1820. Some thirty metres further down the
road you can admire the Clock Tower, built in
1584. Cross the recently restored cobbles to
the Old Mill Square (ancient oil mill) and the
remains of the ramparts. If you love walking
this is a wonderful part of the world. We
used to walk either down the hill to see the
lavender fields each evening past a thickly
wooded valley or around the back of the
village and then home via the 11th century
Benedictine Abbey Saint-Eusèbe, located
just outside the town. Pope Urban II passed
through the area in 1096 and devoted the
church. The abbey is now rented to public
events, which explains the piles of heart
shaped confetti we kept discovering on the
roadside. The final part of our walk back to
the square took us through meadows covered
in native flowers, a beautiful plot of lavender
just blooming into full colour, orchards of
bright red cherry trees and for company,
horses from the local riding school.
Sure it was hot at this time of the year
– but who could complain?
Page 12 : @gent Update
Our tour of Provence began at
Avignon. We arrived by train from
Paris and there to greet us was the
local Renault Eurocar representative
who took us to the depot at a nearby
Shell garage. Our car, a spanking new
automatic Renault Clio was waiting
complete with the only member of
the team who was not petrified about
driving in Europe. We soon got to trust
the soothing voice of our Tom Tom GPS
and after a few hassles with volume
headed off a little more confidently each day.
For two people it’s the perfect car – easy to
drive and park – and there is buckets of space
for luggage.
Renault Eurodrive1300551160
www.
renaulteurodrive.com.au
There were only a few musts in our itinerary
- we wanted to see the lavender museum
at Coustellet and the Musée de l’Appel de
la liberté, the “Museum of the Resistance at
Fontaine de Vaucluse.
We also visited Apt, Bonnieux, Gordes,
Lacoste, Sault, and Loumarin.
Firstly Apt was our nearest main town – just
4kms away and we used to go there regularly
for supplies at the supermarket and goodies
Our car ,a spanking new automatic Renault Clio
with GPS, was a perfect size for two people.
like a roast chicken and potatoes from the
butcher along with some of his delicious
salads. You can exist for only so long on a
diet of baguettes. The old part of the town
is charming with a long mall stacked with
interesting shops. They talk about Apt being
a market town – and they are not kidding. On
Saturday traffic speed drops to a crawl as the
squares are filled and kilometers of streets
are packed with stalls and lined with shops
and cars are banned. The old town is centered
around the 11th-century Cathedral, on what
was once an island between two branches of
the river. We really enjoyed our visits.
AVIGNON:
Every tour book I read said not to go to
Avignon in July during the festival season –
and for once they were right. It was not
just packed – you could hardly move. If
your dream is to explore the lovely little
towns clinging to hilltops Provence is
famed for you can quite happily give
this city a miss in summer. We did reach
the imposing Palace of the Popes but
one look at the crowds ahead of us and
we decided to head for home.
THE LAVENDER MUSEUM
This impressive attraction at Coustellet
was created by the Lincelé family,
cultivators and distillers of fine lavender
for over five generations.
The lavender starts to flower in midJune – there is a fine patch growing next
to the museum and if you like you can join
the thousands of busy bees and wander along
the purple rows. Visitors can see a movie
covering all aspects of production of lavender
oil before heading to the main display area.
There are explanations in English – or you can
use a headphone. As well as equipment used
in the old days there are great pictures of the
days when wild lavender was harvested by
hand. Exhibits include the clothing workers
used in those days plus the world’s largest
collection of copper stills from the 16th
century to today. The museum inherited
the collection from the founder’s personal
collection – gathered by Georges Lincele
over 30 years as he travelled the length and
breadth of the region.
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L’ISLE SUR LA SORGUE
The travel books suggest this town
caters too much to tourists and can
be overcrowded in summer but
we really enjoyed strolling around
its streets and parks and it wasn’t
crowded despite being early July.
The big attraction – apart from this
pretty town being a joy for antiquehunters, with many shops devoted
to browsers - is the wide stream that
gushes through its centre, even in
summer. The mighty Sorgue comes
from an immense underground
network of waters that start at a
catchment area for rainwater and
snow melt near Mont Ventoux,
the Monts de Vaucluse and Lure
Mountain. At nearby Fontaine de Vaucluse
walking to the source of the Sorgue below a
high cliff in the town is a popular pastime –
particularly on a hot day because the freezing
water sends the air temperature plunging. It’s
also very beautiful and worth the visit. The
outstanding and comprehensive Museum
of the Resistance opens your eyes to not
only the horror of the Nazi era – but also
the extent of French collaboration. There is
also a museum of the History of Justice and
Punishment. On a more happy note L’Isle
sur la Sorgue is famed for its ice cream shop
offering the biggest and most flamboyant
creations that have ever been offered in the
where you can immerse yourself in the
gentle Provençe ambience - and local
‘rose’.
Severine Henin and Fiona McIntosh enjoying two of the
smaller offerings from Isabella’s famous ice cream shop.
name of desert. Consuming these mountains
of joy at Isabella’s is the least of your worries.
Getting a seat is the hard part. And be sure
not to go on a Monday when it’s closed or
risk disappointment as we did on our first
attempt.
LOURMARIN
Nestled in the middle of vineyards, olive
groves and almond trees this is a cute little
town packed with character and cafes.
Unfortunately there are also boutiques
– which proved rather expensive. The
architecture is typical Mediterranean with
winding narrow streets, lovely old restored
houses, and well shaded public squares
SAULT
The drive to Sault on is on mountain roads
– but the town and views of lavender
fields make it all worthwhile. The village
is perched along the top of a high ridge
overlooking a wide valley, with large
lavender fields spread out below to the
south and west. Head to the local tourist
office for some magnificent prints and
paintings. And don’t miss out on the
region’s famous nougat or meringues.
The exquisite photography of Nicolas
Ughetto – flora and fauna of the region
- in his charming stone double storey
studio is definitely worth a visit.
GORDES
Gordes, spilling down a hillside, is the
spectacular village usually used in publicity
shots for Provence. This is the adopted
home of the beautiful people – the summer
residence of countless artists and movie
stars. We met one of the local painters, Radu
Focsa, and brought back a few prints for local
SA artist Murray Edwards who paints in a
similar style. Be warned Gordes is one of the
main attractions and people arrive by the
busload so choose your times – either early
morning or later in the afternoon. Lovely
Page 14 : @gent Update
shops, boutiques and galleries keeps the mob
amused, as well as touring the castle built in
the 10th century.
Visitors are treated to the traditional
Provencal ‘village on a rock’ with narrow
cobbled streets that wind ever higher
through the tall, ancient houses to the church
and castle at the top, with wonderful views
across the Luberon mountains and region. An
important part of the attraction of Gordes is
the view of the village when it is seen from
across the valley. This (on a sunny day) is one
of the great views of France. Market day is
Tuesday and cars will be diverted.
From Gordes head down into the valley to
visit the famous Romanesque Senanque
Abbey still in operation for Cistercian Monks
so ssshhhh!
Bonnieux is yet another beautiful,
peaceful hilltop village of the north side
of the Luberon. We enjoyed lunch here,
the beautiful views and the boulangerie
museum where you will see a collection of
bread and learn plenty about its history and
manufacture.
We also enjoyed visiting local art galleries
– keep an eye out for Najjar’s gallery and
particularly the studio of Anne-Marie Ruggeri.
Fiona also found a boutique that inspired and
offering fashionable gear at great prices. Be
warned, this is a hilltop town requiring a fair
bit of climbing even if you’re just popping out
to grab a baguette and some cheese!
That’s a sampling of the villages and towns
we visited but there are so many more just
a short drive away from Avignon that if your
client has a car and a sat nav, they should
just head where the wind blows them –
around every corner is a new delicious site or
charming village worth a drop in.
HOTEL REPORT BY Ian McIntosh
The Al Manzil Hotel
Emaar Boulevard, The Old Town
Downtown Dubai
Almanzilhotel.com
Room 518. July 13, 2010.
Page 15 : @gent Update
The letter at reception from operations director
John de Canha said it all.
“Ahlan Wa Sahlan and welcome back to the Al
Manzil Hotel.”
“We are delighted that you have chosen to
stay with us and trust that the warmth of our
hospitality will exceed your expectations.”
We had booked a special deal at this Dubai
property off the Net and then our itinerary
changed and I could not cancel. Rather than lose
everything, I decided to change the bookings to
the day before we arrived from Australia – and
from Paris on the way home – because of the
very early arrival. It gave us somewhere to relax,
have a shower and get a few hours sleep before
the shopping began. That’s what we like to do in
Dubai - break the journey to Europe and snap up a
few bargains.
So we arrived bleary eyed at the Al Manzil which is
on Emaar Boulevard in The Old Town, Downtown
Dubai, and from the moment the cab arrived I
knew we had discovered a very special property,
and not just because it is new. The frontline staff
really are as good as it gets – never mind the early
hour, everyone was smiling.
In no time at all the bags were out of the cab,
we were checked in – and relaxing in a tastefully
decorated room with separate bath and shower
– a giant TV, free internet – tea, and biscuits –
we really could not believe our luck. We were so
comfortable we debated whether it was worth
moving again – the Dubai Mall was only a short
walk away, and I was itching to try the restaurant.
I should point out that this hotel is located in the
smartest part of Dubai – it is called “old” but that
refers to the theme the buildings have followed.
Everything here is first class – from the pavements
and gardens to the sights – the world’s tallest
building is all but next door.
We did move however - and that was a big
mistake. The Rose Hotel Apartments might be
close to the Mall of the Emirates – but that is the
only plus. You have to walk through a poorly lit
sandy car park to get there, no one wants to take
you home (cab journey too short) the room had no
view and reeked of cigarette smoke.
That was s back in June.
When we arrived back in Dubai in July there was
a welcome letter waiting for us and the same
enthusiastic team out front. This time we were
booked into The Palace, The Old Town, for our last
night, which was a short walk away. So did we
have to walk our bags over in the heat?
Absolutely not. Thomas and Oscar insisted on
taking us in the hotel car.
I don’t know who is in charge of hiring and
training at this property – but if I owned a hotel
I would hire them tomorrow. It goes without
saying that we will stay there on our next visit –
and recommend the same for our friends and to
agents. There are lots of properties in this world
that describe themselves a five star in the full
knowledge they are four tops.
The Al Manila is the exception. Described as four
star it really deserves a high five.
HOTEL REPORT BY Ian McIntosh
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Swissotel The Howard, London
Temple Place
London WC2R 2PR
Room 611 June 14-18 breakfast included in rate.
This is one of my favourite London hotels. Firstly
I like the quiet location on the embankment
offering guests in riverside rooms sweeping
views that take in everything from cruise boats
to the London Eye, Big Ben and the Houses of
Parliament. There is something rather special
about relaxing in a comfy armchair, beer or coffee
in hand after a long day sightseeing (each room
boasts a Lavazza Espresso Coffee Machine) and
enjoying the ever-changing panorama outside.
At night it’s even more spectacular. Across the
road is the Embankment tube station and Covent
Garden is a short walk with its incredible number
of restaurants and pubs. For a superb English
breakfast the Embankment Café is also close
by at 25 Victoria Embankment 0207 930 1471.
In summer you can sit outside and admire the
beautiful gardens. Breakfast is served all day with
early birds charged £5.30 before 11am. Despite
its central location this is, as I said, a very peaceful
area, fact businessmen take full advantage of. On
my last visit SA premier Mike Rann was holding
a meeting in the lobby lounge bar – I think with
officials from nearby Australia House.
As well as location, this property appeals to me
because despite its five star tag it has none of the
stiffness of some of its competitors. There are no
pretensions here.
The Howard offers 189 bedrooms including
of soft refurbishing and the
works will continue until
September 12, 2010. The
bath shower combination
is obviously not ideal and
the bathroom is small. The
shower was great – plenty
of hot water but you had to
be careful not to make the
room too wet. Lighting was
excellent with a dimmer
outside which I like because
I use the loo several times
a night and it saves having
The spectacular view of London from our bedroom at the Howard.
to fiddle around to find
switches. Getting to your room is super fast thanks
12 suites overlooking the River Thames or a
to three lifts. Fiona really appreciated the iron
courtyard. This is not the hotel for clients who
and ironing board, full-length mirror and the hair
love Rolls Royce transfers, huge chandelier lit
dryer that actually worked. The zircon was quiet
foyers, doormen in top hats and rooms dripping
on low fan and worked well, the desk had an
with antiques. It is quite plain really – the rooms
adjustable office style chair, internet was available
comfortable but basic. The 84 Premier Riverview
at a price (free for Club Swiss Gold members) the
Rooms (recommended) offer prime views of the
king size bed was very comfortable and tuck down
River Thames and celebrated London sites. Each
room is 27 square metres with a choice of a king or was available. Breakfast each morning was self
twin beds. Amenities include: useful working desk; serve – or you could order say poached eggs like
Fiona. For businessmen looking for a quiet, more
three direct dial phones with voicemail; minbar;
intimate location for a conference The Howard can
satellite TV; electronic safe; self controlled air
conditioning; bath and shower; Swiss spa tradition cater groups of 5 to 150. The elegant Festalan and
Arundel Suites can be divided into two separate
products; bathrobes; iron & ironing board;
rooms each. The suites are equipped with stateLamaze coffee machine; WI-FI high-speed internet
of-the-art audio-visual equipment and lighting
connection and complimentary newspaper.
technology. More details, conference.london@
My main criticism of these rooms is that they
swissotel.com www.swissotel.com/london
appear a little tired but I notice this is being
addressed. The Howard is currently in the process
By Thomas E. King
Rajang River Roadtest
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From its source in the highlands of central
Borneo, the Rajang River flows through the
East Malaysian state of Sarawak for some 563
km before emptying into the South China Sea.
Along the way it passes Sibu, an important
commercial centre and the departure point for
the brass and teak trimmed MV Orient Pandaw.
After flying to Sibu’s small airport my wife
and I were met by Pandaw staff and whisked
to the docked vessel. The following nine
days with 53 like-minded travellers (12 from
Australia) onboard a contemporary cruiser
built to replicate a 19th century colonial
steamer proved to be culturally stimulating
and totally relaxing. Fitted out with all
modern conveniences including a theatre and
a spa/fitness centre, the 30 stateroom MV
Orient Pandaw provides maximum comfort
in a remote corner of the world. During the
250 km upstream journey (touring is by day
with rest on the docked Pandaw by night)
we passed several small communities and
many longhouses. Rumah Bundong located
just 7 km beyond 13,000-strong Kapit was
the last major administrative post on the
Rajang River. Built around 1880, the wooden
longhouse truly looked its age. While the
greeting was warm and the ambiance
amiable, it might not have been the same
less than a century ago. The Iban community
headman could well have been a head
hunter! Though the days of head hunting
have long ended there are still reminders
hanging around … quite literally. I walked
down the longhouse’s extended corridor and
looked to the dusty rafters where a collection
of skulls could just be seen in the dim light.
Days on the Pandaw are organised but not
regimented. There were common elements
to each day, however, with 6 AM coffee for
early risers, buffet breakfasts and lunches,
shore excursions, lectures, cocktail hours with
briefings and sumptuous dinners.
I recently had the opportunity to discuss new
tourism trends with ASEAN leaders.
BRUNEI Tourism is working with Sabah
and Sarawak and Labuan to develop joint
packages.
CAMBODIA: New infrastructure includes the
Sihanoukville International Airport, an 18
hole golf course on Diamond Island and the
Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra.
MALAYSIA: Highlights include a “Fabulous
Food Festival” from October to December
and the development of railway tourism as
a niche product with a regular train service
operating from Singapore and along the east
coast of Malaysia.
THAILAND: New is the 26 billion Baht (A$875
million) 28 km airport/city link SkyTrain.
INDONESIA: Among the “thrust” areas being
promoted this year are Bunaken Island, North
Sulawesi, Wakatobi, Komodo and Lombok.
PHILIPPINES: Figures from Australia are
expected to increase in 2010 with the
reintroduction of PAL flights from Brisbane.
SINGAPORE: The new International Cruise
Terminal being readied for opening in 2011
at Marina South will double Singapore’s
capacity to accommodate liners.
MYANMAR: The Marketing Committee
plans to stage the country’s first ever mega
familiarisation tour in 2011.
LAO: Visas are now issued for a one month
stay and can be extended for another month.
A new train service operates twice a day from
Nong Khai in northern Thailand to the Laotian
capital of Vientiane. This year is the 450th
anniversary of Vientiane with celebrations
planned for November.
VIETNAM: The largest travel trade event in
Vietnam, the 6th International Travel Expo
International Tourism Exchange, will be held
the Saigon Exhibition & Convention Centre
from September 30 – Oct. 2, 2010.