Click here to take a look - and this is just the kids version!
Happy New Year everyone - hope you have a fantastic 2010 from all the team at Bridge & Wickers
Thursday 31 December 2009
Tuesday 29 December 2009
New Zealand's best boutique lodges
From The Sunday Times
December 13, 2009
Forget backpacking: the country’s wilderness is best enjoyed from a hot tub, with a glass of sauvignon
We arranged for Max Anderson to travel down to New Zealand and this is what he wrote in the Sunday Times:
The New Zealand lodge is almost a travel genre in its own right; and, like the safari lodge,the ranch and the spa resort, it comes with a set of defining experiences. Chief among these is wilderness, something that NZ — populated by just 4m people — has in excess. The North Island is as emerald as Ireland in spring, with a lively topography sculpted by volcanoes; the South Island is dominated by the snow-capped Southern Alps, ranges as commanding as their namesakes.
Traditionally, the lodge was a Highlands transplant where the well-heeled enjoyed the fruits of hunting, a clubby sort of place, hung with antler racks and stuffed fish. Today, the trophies are the lodges themselves, precariously hung on coves, ridge lines and mountains.
Here, then, are six lodges offering something fresh and fine. The experiences are as rich and “gourmet” as the price tags suggest; but while wealthy guests like to lodge-hop (slowly killing themselves with kindness), three nights at a single lodge in the midst of, say, a camper-van holiday would be just as rewarding.
Don’t miss: the kiwi experience. There are 37 kiwis on Cape Kidnappers, all regularly weighed and measured. Radio-tracking, catching and handling the national icon is a thrill as rare as the bird itself.Doubles from £780
You wake at Whare Kea to a Disney tableau of mountains, lake and lawn, populated with bunnies, quails and goldfinches — all of which are sent scurrying in terror by the arrival of a thudding helicopter. It’s arriving to take you on a 20-minute flight over snow-cloaked mountainsto a black speck clinging tothe side of Dragon Fly Peak.
It’s your overnight chalet accommodation and, at 5,700ft, very much a rare-air experience (the only other access is via a two-day hike) — that night, your chef will prepare five-star fare and the night sky will put on a stellar performance. Back at the lakeside Lodge, the mood is casual and contemporary. The 60-acre grounds are filled with native plants and lambs, and the mountain-view spa would be a very good place to die.
Don’t miss: riding around nearby Rippon winery, one of the world’s most beautiful vineyards.
Doubles from £610, chalet stay £2,160, all-inclusive
Architecturally, this is a curate’s egg, nested between ferocious bay and strident mountains, but for all its oddness, Wharekauhau is a beacon of comfort and cheer. Most lodges won’t take under-13s, but this one keeps them — ergo parents — totally happy, with all-action distractions including riding, quad bikes and tours of the sheep station (5,500 wild and woolly acres).
Indoors, it’s the simple things that work best — the big, goofy labrador, the 24-metre heated pool and the movie and popcorn nights in the attic, leaving parents free to enjoy the work of Anthony North, a forager/chef de cuisine who does sensational things with the local bounty.
Don’t miss: Texel lamb. It’s marbled, like the finest steak.
Doubles from £420, children’s doubles from £360
The savage, snowy peaks crowded around this mountain country lodge have appeared in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings films, while the suites have done service to some of Hollywood’s top players. Helicopters take you into remote locations and jet boats fire you up the Dart Valley; but to get properly Lordly over the scenery, try riding horseback into the foothills. The sublime lake-view spa will soothe post-saddle aches. A lodge at the peak of its game, Blanket Bay is rightly celebrated, but it’s also surprisingly relaxed.
Don’t miss: a 4WD trip upthe Rees Valley with Dick Watson, an old bushman and gold-getter. LOTR fans will be thrilled to learn that he was also a Rider of Rohan in The Two Towers.
Doubles from £640
In the Asian-inspired garden, Carla is happy to help you paint, draw or sculpt using volcanic rock 1.3m years old; Willem will lead you across the insanely angled 250-acre farm to collect herbs for dinner. A steep 45-minute walk has you in Homunga Bay: edged by soaring gulleys and ancient pohutukawa trees, with a waterfall spilling onto yellow sand, it should have been photographed to sell products invoking perfection. But it hasn’t.
Don’t miss: a starlit bath in your private, pebble-skinned spa.Doubles from £285
In three short years, this has become a jewel in the crownof luxury lodges, and there’s not a piece of polished steelin sight. Otahuna is an 1895 manorial show stopper, revived by two thirtysomething New Yorkers who spent £4.5m on making “old school” fashionable again.
Whether you’re in one of the seven lavish suites, the elegant dining room or the 30-acre grounds, you’re left feeling distinctly regal. Ironically, period photos show that guests such as the Duke of York, later George VI, never had it this good. Dining is extra-special: the chef, Jimmy McIntyre, invites guests to pick their favourite veggies from the kitchen garden, then devises five-course dinners around the selection.
Don’t miss: the reflection of Otahuna in the lake.Doubles from £660
Max Anderson travelled as a guest of Bridge & Wickers. All prices are for two people sharing, in high season (usually November to March)
December 13, 2009
Forget backpacking: the country’s wilderness is best enjoyed from a hot tub, with a glass of sauvignon
We arranged for Max Anderson to travel down to New Zealand and this is what he wrote in the Sunday Times:
The New Zealand lodge is almost a travel genre in its own right; and, like the safari lodge,the ranch and the spa resort, it comes with a set of defining experiences. Chief among these is wilderness, something that NZ — populated by just 4m people — has in excess. The North Island is as emerald as Ireland in spring, with a lively topography sculpted by volcanoes; the South Island is dominated by the snow-capped Southern Alps, ranges as commanding as their namesakes.
Traditionally, the lodge was a Highlands transplant where the well-heeled enjoyed the fruits of hunting, a clubby sort of place, hung with antler racks and stuffed fish. Today, the trophies are the lodges themselves, precariously hung on coves, ridge lines and mountains.
Here, then, are six lodges offering something fresh and fine. The experiences are as rich and “gourmet” as the price tags suggest; but while wealthy guests like to lodge-hop (slowly killing themselves with kindness), three nights at a single lodge in the midst of, say, a camper-van holiday would be just as rewarding.
The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, Hawke’s Bay
Cape Kidnappers is what happens when Manhattan money piles into a 6,000-acre sheep farm on cliffs overlooking a premium wine district. The Farm is “agricultural chic”: hyper-designed, and a hit with even the most conservative of its 56 guests. When they installed a golf course on a series of “fingers” poking into blue skies over Hawke’s Bay, Kidnappers rocketed up American golfers’ must-do lists. When Farm guests aren’t receiving extra-fine service, they’re exploring the property. Walks lead to forested gorges, hidden beaches and cliff plateaus that are snowy with squawking colonies of gannets.Don’t miss: the kiwi experience. There are 37 kiwis on Cape Kidnappers, all regularly weighed and measured. Radio-tracking, catching and handling the national icon is a thrill as rare as the bird itself.Doubles from £780
You wake at Whare Kea to a Disney tableau of mountains, lake and lawn, populated with bunnies, quails and goldfinches — all of which are sent scurrying in terror by the arrival of a thudding helicopter. It’s arriving to take you on a 20-minute flight over snow-cloaked mountainsto a black speck clinging tothe side of Dragon Fly Peak.
It’s your overnight chalet accommodation and, at 5,700ft, very much a rare-air experience (the only other access is via a two-day hike) — that night, your chef will prepare five-star fare and the night sky will put on a stellar performance. Back at the lakeside Lodge, the mood is casual and contemporary. The 60-acre grounds are filled with native plants and lambs, and the mountain-view spa would be a very good place to die.
Don’t miss: riding around nearby Rippon winery, one of the world’s most beautiful vineyards.
Doubles from £610, chalet stay £2,160, all-inclusive
Architecturally, this is a curate’s egg, nested between ferocious bay and strident mountains, but for all its oddness, Wharekauhau is a beacon of comfort and cheer. Most lodges won’t take under-13s, but this one keeps them — ergo parents — totally happy, with all-action distractions including riding, quad bikes and tours of the sheep station (5,500 wild and woolly acres).
Indoors, it’s the simple things that work best — the big, goofy labrador, the 24-metre heated pool and the movie and popcorn nights in the attic, leaving parents free to enjoy the work of Anthony North, a forager/chef de cuisine who does sensational things with the local bounty.
Don’t miss: Texel lamb. It’s marbled, like the finest steak.
Doubles from £420, children’s doubles from £360
The savage, snowy peaks crowded around this mountain country lodge have appeared in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings films, while the suites have done service to some of Hollywood’s top players. Helicopters take you into remote locations and jet boats fire you up the Dart Valley; but to get properly Lordly over the scenery, try riding horseback into the foothills. The sublime lake-view spa will soothe post-saddle aches. A lodge at the peak of its game, Blanket Bay is rightly celebrated, but it’s also surprisingly relaxed.
Don’t miss: a 4WD trip upthe Rees Valley with Dick Watson, an old bushman and gold-getter. LOTR fans will be thrilled to learn that he was also a Rider of Rohan in The Two Towers.
Doubles from £640
Manawa Ridge, Coromandel Peninsula
Using love, Zen and exotic timbers, Carla and Willem van de Veen have handcrafted a Gaudi-esque eyrie with 360-degree views over the Kaimai Ranges and Pacific bays. But the soothing artistry of the place soon has you looking inwards: to the music-filled courtyard, the cushion-filled watchtower and three suites with furnishings that are artworks by any other name. (A bathroom basin is fashioned from a giant tree burl.)In the Asian-inspired garden, Carla is happy to help you paint, draw or sculpt using volcanic rock 1.3m years old; Willem will lead you across the insanely angled 250-acre farm to collect herbs for dinner. A steep 45-minute walk has you in Homunga Bay: edged by soaring gulleys and ancient pohutukawa trees, with a waterfall spilling onto yellow sand, it should have been photographed to sell products invoking perfection. But it hasn’t.
Don’t miss: a starlit bath in your private, pebble-skinned spa.Doubles from £285
In three short years, this has become a jewel in the crownof luxury lodges, and there’s not a piece of polished steelin sight. Otahuna is an 1895 manorial show stopper, revived by two thirtysomething New Yorkers who spent £4.5m on making “old school” fashionable again.
Whether you’re in one of the seven lavish suites, the elegant dining room or the 30-acre grounds, you’re left feeling distinctly regal. Ironically, period photos show that guests such as the Duke of York, later George VI, never had it this good. Dining is extra-special: the chef, Jimmy McIntyre, invites guests to pick their favourite veggies from the kitchen garden, then devises five-course dinners around the selection.
Don’t miss: the reflection of Otahuna in the lake.Doubles from £660
Max Anderson travelled as a guest of Bridge & Wickers. All prices are for two people sharing, in high season (usually November to March)
Important information: travel to the USA
Passengers travelling to the United States should expect their airline to carry out additional security checks prior to boarding.
To support this important process and keep delays to a minimum, we would advise passengers to check the relevant airline website or call the airline for specific advice before travelling to the airport, arrive promptly at check-in, and limit the amount of baggage being taken on board the aircraft. If in any doubt, please contact the relevant airline for further information.
From BA's website:
The United States government has revised its security arrangements for all customers travelling into the US.
Only one item of hand luggage is allowed for all passengers travelling to the US from Heathrow, Gatwick or London City. This applies to passengers whose journey originates in London, as well as those who are transferring flights. They are advised to check-in as normal.
Passengers travelling to destinations outside the United States or from the United States are not affected.
Please check ba.com for further updates during the day.
What if I have wrapped presents in my hand luggage?
Passengers travelling to the United States will be required to unwrap any items if they have chosen not to check them in. This is not applicable to passengers travelling from the United States.
I was going to take more than one piece of hand baggage - can I check in the extra bags?
If you are travelling to the United States, yes, at no extra charge. The extra bags you check in must conform to your size and weight limits for hand baggage. For passengers travelling from the United States, standard hand baggage allowances apply.
Customers are advised to check the status of their flight before they leave for the airport.
Thursday 24 December 2009
Jeremy's recent trip to Malaysia & Cambodia
Having previously spent time touring most of Peninsula Malaysia, I had a pretty good idea of what to expect from the East coast which is unspoilt and considered the “real” Malaysia. The influence of the various colonial powers that have passed through the country over the years has not quite made it to the East coast hence you have the feeling of a genuine Malaysian cultural experience.
Although I’d been to these parts before the focus of this trip was the islands off the coast which I had not previously seen and which had a reputation for some of the best diving and snorkelling in the world. Again I was not to be disappointed.
From Kuala Terengganu it was a short coach ride followed by a 1 hour boat ride before we arrived at the island paradise of Redang.
We checked in and immediately headed for the beach with a dip in the sea being a great way to relax after the long flight. Redang is a small island with a handful of resorts and our home for 2 nights was The Sari Pacifica, a new small luxury boutique property. Redang is surrounded by coral with a large array of colourful tropical fish, eels and rays and great access for snorkelers directly from the beach making it a very family friendly destination.
During our time here we had a day trip out to the much smaller Lang Tengah Island which really was like having your own private island paradise with not another boat in sight. I’ve spent time snorkelling at The Great Barrier Reef and in The Pacific and I’d have to say the quality of the coral and the ease of access make Malaysia
We checked in and immediately headed for the beach with a dip in the sea being a great way to relax after the long flight. Redang is a small island with a handful of resorts and our home for 2 nights was The Sari Pacifica, a new small luxury boutique property. Redang is surrounded by coral with a large array of colourful tropical fish, eels and rays and great access for snorkelers directly from the beach making it a very family friendly destination.
Our third Island destination was Sibu Island which is further south and only actually a 2 hour road transfer from Singapore followed by a 45 minute sea transfer. Again we stayed at The Sari Pacifica and spent time relaxing by the pool and swimming in the beautiful warm tropical waters. The highlight of the time on Sibu Island has to be a boat trip out to a floating fishing village situated several miles away from the island.
Following a brief overnight in Kuala Lumpur I said good bye to the group and headed off on the early morning flight to the island of Langkawi. Langkawi is on the much more developed West coast of the peninsula and is a large island with a network of roads and tourist infrastructure in place. This island is all about “flopping and dropping” with a vast selection of resorts on offer. My home for my brief stay was the beautiful Four Seasons Resort Langkawi which is situated on the north shore of the island.
My Upper Melaleuca room afforded astounding views of the ocean and bay opposite. The Four Seasons brand is a byword for quality and service and this particular resort is no exception. The attention to detail, style, general ambience and the quality of the fit and finish of the resort is second to none.
If you are looking for the perfect resort on the perfect island you will not go far wrong with The Four Seasons and Langkawi! It’s also a very family friendly and safe destination with a huge selection of activities available such as sailing, kayaking, snorkelling and trekking.
Next up was another very early morning flight but this time to a new country, Cambodia.
The Kingdom of Cambodia is just a short flight from most of the major hubs in South East Asia making adding a side trip to this region practical and affordable especially considering the range of discounted airfares now available. My destination was Siem Reap, access point for the famous Angkor Wat Temple complex. I’d wanted to visit this region for 10 years but somehow never got round to it so was pretty excited as the flight touched down. I was met upon arrival by our local partners Buffalo Tours who thankfully had an air conditioned car waiting! On the brief journey to the centre of town we discussed our touring arrangements and agreed to head out to the temple area after lunch.
This gave me time to check in and explore my hotel, The Victoria Angkor Resort and Spa. This beautiful 4 star property is built in the French Colonial style with Asian influences making it an unusual boutique choice. I had the Ming Suite with traditional Chinese touches such as antique wooden pillows on the bed and a fresh pot of green tea every time you return to the room. This property was a great base for Siem Reap, being centrally located with an enticing salt water pool perfect for relaxing in after a day of trekking around the temples.
I had 2 days in which to explore this area and using a specialist Tour Operator is really the only way to get the most out of this type of trip. Local guides have the finest local knowledge and know which temple complex will be busy at any given time.
I think a side trip to Cambodia as part of a longer South East Asian trip is a great way to finish a holiday and one I would highly recommend. Feel free to contact me to discuss your own plans if you are considering your own trip to this very special part of the world.
Jeremy Webster
Happy Christmas!
The team at Bridge & Wickers would like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas & prosperous New Year. We look forward to speaking to you you in 2010.
Happy holidays!
Our opening hours are:
Christmas Eve - closing at 3pm
25/26/27/28th December - closed
29th/30th - regular opening hours 9am to 5.30pm
New Year's Eve - closing at 3pm
2nd January - open as normal 10am - 2pm
Happy holidays!
Our opening hours are:
Christmas Eve - closing at 3pm
25/26/27/28th December - closed
29th/30th - regular opening hours 9am to 5.30pm
New Year's Eve - closing at 3pm
2nd January - open as normal 10am - 2pm
Wednesday 23 December 2009
Qantas A380 poised for London-Melbourne services
The A380 will operate one to two flights per week on the route (QF9 on Mondays and Sundays and the return QF10 on Fridays and Saturdays), with regular twice-weekly flights to commence on March 29.
The fifth Qantas A380 is named Lawrence Hargrave, after the inventor of the box kite. The airline’s sixth A380 is named Charles Kingsford-Smith, after Australia’s most famous aviator who made the first trans-Pacific flight from the US to Australia in 1928.
Monday 21 December 2009
Read the latest Bridge & Wickers newsletter
Click here to read our latest newsletter - it's stuffed full of special offers and 'News from the Bridge'.
We'd also like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year - happy travels!
Thursday 17 December 2009
Our new NZ brochure has arrived!
Our latest New Zealand brochure arrived today, packed full of wonderful itineraries that we can tailor-make to suit your plans. Visit our website to order your copy today and be one of the first to receive it!
We're expecting the brand new Australia brochure to arrive by early January, so if you order this at the same time, we'll send you a copy as soon as it arrives.
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Wednesday 16 December 2009
A flying visit to Sydney, Wolgan Valley & Qualia, Hamilton Island
Sales director Annette Morrissey was recently hosted by Emirates on a trip to Australia to experience business class on their latest Airbus A380 and visit their newest luxury property, Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa.
Here's her travel report:
Flying all the way to OZ in one go for a 5 day trip is a big ask for anyone but softening the blow with a guaranteed business class seat...and then topping that by telling me it was an Emirates A380 business class seat...well, I was in!
At Bridge & Wickers, a large number of our clients travel in business and first class, so it was great to finally be able to offer first hand knowledge of the Emirates A380, having flown the Qantas version back in March.
So after a very comfortable flight to Dubai and exclusive access to the First Class Lounge for a few hours (a special treat only because we had two Emirates staff with us - it's actually the same as the business class lounge but with the addition of a Timeless Spa in case you need a pedicure mid-journey!), we boarded our flight to Sydney for the long journey down under.
Arriving in to Sydney, we transferred to the Shangri-La, a fantastic 5 star property with picture postcard views of the harbour and a firm favourite with our clients. I had a Grand Harbour View room with club floor access, and it does exactly what it says on the tin - the grand harbour in all it's glory is right in front of you.
Later that afternoon, we met up with Shawn from Sea Sydney Cruises and boarded his boat for a sunset Harbour cruise - just the thing to blow away the cobwebs after a long flight. Again this is a real B&W favourite product and we get fantastic feedback from our clients - Shawn will give you the low down on local history mixed in with celebrity property sightings as you cruise around the bays...all combined with fabulous Aussie refreshments of course!
After a very brief stay in Sydney, we headed up towards the Blue Mountains, stopping first for breakfast in Bronte at a real locals favourite called Swell.
Continuing the drive, we passed by the famous Three Sisters lookout for the obligatory photo opportunity - and then it was on to Wolgan Valley (approx 3 hours in total from Sydney) - Australia's latest luxury eco lodge and Emirates first in Australasia.
Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa opened in October 2009 and Bridge & Wickers was the first ever tour operator to make a booking at the resort, and I can only repeat what our first clients to stay there said - it is magnificent!
Costing a cool $A125 million, this 4000 acre resort features 40 free-standing suites nestled between two national parks. Suites offer private decks and pools and are very luxurious.
Final stop on this whirlwind trip was Hamilton Island and more specifically their newest luxury resort qualia. (not a typo, they always use a lower case q!)
I love Hamilton Island - it's a destination that offers such a great choice of accommodation from luxury self-catering villas to 5 star hotels and a huge range of activities, it's suitable for families, couples, groups of friends and is a top seller year round for Bridge & Wickers' clients.
Our final night took us to the sparkling new Hamilton Island Yacht Club - a stunning piece of architecture that is definitely worth checking out - you get a great view from the water too when you go over to the golf club.
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Here's her travel report:
Flying all the way to OZ in one go for a 5 day trip is a big ask for anyone but softening the blow with a guaranteed business class seat...and then topping that by telling me it was an Emirates A380 business class seat...well, I was in!
At Bridge & Wickers, a large number of our clients travel in business and first class, so it was great to finally be able to offer first hand knowledge of the Emirates A380, having flown the Qantas version back in March.
So after a very comfortable flight to Dubai and exclusive access to the First Class Lounge for a few hours (a special treat only because we had two Emirates staff with us - it's actually the same as the business class lounge but with the addition of a Timeless Spa in case you need a pedicure mid-journey!), we boarded our flight to Sydney for the long journey down under.
It was a wonderful flight - the flat bed in your own 'pod' means great comfort and privacy, and, when you combine that with some delicious food and excellent wine, you have a winning combination for a long sleep!
Arriving in to Sydney, we transferred to the Shangri-La, a fantastic 5 star property with picture postcard views of the harbour and a firm favourite with our clients. I had a Grand Harbour View room with club floor access, and it does exactly what it says on the tin - the grand harbour in all it's glory is right in front of you. We were whisked off for lunch at the famous Icebergs overlooking Bondi Beach and got in the swing of things over a few glasses of local wine and some freshly caught local fish - delicious!
Later that afternoon, we met up with Shawn from Sea Sydney Cruises and boarded his boat for a sunset Harbour cruise - just the thing to blow away the cobwebs after a long flight. Again this is a real B&W favourite product and we get fantastic feedback from our clients - Shawn will give you the low down on local history mixed in with celebrity property sightings as you cruise around the bays...all combined with fabulous Aussie refreshments of course!
After a very brief stay in Sydney, we headed up towards the Blue Mountains, stopping first for breakfast in Bronte at a real locals favourite called Swell. Gorgeous coffee and fresh smoothies with a view of the beach that would mean I'd never get to work if I was a local!
Our friends at Australian Wild Escapes who operate our small group tours did the transfers and we had a fascinating drive out of the city heading up the mountains - lots of stories of local history and folklore to keep us entertained for the 90 minute drive.
We stopped for lunch at Lilianfels and had a good look round, it's an Orient Express hotel and has just the right balance of genteel history mixed with Australian charm and modern elegance. It was an incredibly sunny day, so we made the most of it by sitting outside and yet again sampling the finest local produce.
Continuing the drive, we passed by the famous Three Sisters lookout for the obligatory photo opportunity - and then it was on to Wolgan Valley (approx 3 hours in total from Sydney) - Australia's latest luxury eco lodge and Emirates first in Australasia. Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa opened in October 2009 and Bridge & Wickers was the first ever tour operator to make a booking at the resort, and I can only repeat what our first clients to stay there said - it is magnificent!
Costing a cool $A125 million, this 4000 acre resort features 40 free-standing suites nestled between two national parks. Suites offer private decks and pools and are very luxurious. Activities in the area include Aboriginal interpretive tours, nature walks, AWD wildlife safaris, mountain biking and horse riding and of course the Timeless Spa, Emirates' signature spa brand.
We did a wildlife spotting drive in their brand new 'safari style' vehicle - kangaroos and wallabies in abundance but we failed to spot any of my favourites..the very cute wombat - obviously they had better things to do than please a bunch of tourists that day! That was rounded off by sundowners on a platform overlooking the valley - it was just magical with the sunlight fading and casting shadows on the escaprment as the colours changed by the minute.
Dinner that night was a 9 course gastronomic extravaganza matched with the finest wines - there's a choice of about 20 regional wines that are included with the full tariff along with all soft drinks and local beers.
Day 2 for some meant walks and horse riding, for me it meant relaxing in my suite, a little dip in my pool and a fabulous facial after lunch - well, I'd had a heavy workload up to this point, so I needed to chill out (well that's what I told Jerry and David anyway!). The spa experience, as you can probably imagine, was out of this world.
I'm already planning my next visit..............
Leaving Wolgan was only tempered by the choice of transportation - we took a very smart helicopter back to Sydney airport, swooping across the Blue Mountains Heritage Area and down to the city where we continued with the most fantastic scenic journey over the harbour bridge, past the Opera House and along the coastline to the heliport - at 45 minutes, it was both a fabulous quick transfer and a stunning sightseeing tour - definitely worth the money and highly recommended to combine with a transfer by car via the Blue Mountains on the way up.
I love Hamilton Island - it's a destination that offers such a great choice of accommodation from luxury self-catering villas to 5 star hotels and a huge range of activities, it's suitable for families, couples, groups of friends and is a top seller year round for Bridge & Wickers' clients.
qualia is away from the main resort and marina and is an exclusive part of the island. It's just a beautiful setting looking out across the Whitsunday Passage and the Coral Sea. The accommodation is to die for - I was lucky enough to have a Windward Pavillion and that means you get your own private plunge pool. You also get your own golf buggy to explore the resort and the rest of the island.
As well as seeing the resort (and the Spa qualia of course!), I'd highly recommend a trip over to Dent Island to the new Hamilton Island Golf Club - even if you don't play, it's a spectacular spot for lunch. But for those of you who do play golf, it's spectacular...and the only championship island golf course in Australia.
A must do activity when you're on Hamilton Island is a trip to Whitehaven Beach - I'd been by boat before but this time was even more special - a seaplane flight with an aerial view of the surrounding Whitsunday Islands and fringing reefs before spending a couple of hours lounging on the best beach in thw world - the white sand really is like talcum powder and the water is just beautiful!
Our final night took us to the sparkling new Hamilton Island Yacht Club - a stunning piece of architecture that is definitely worth checking out - you get a great view from the water too when you go over to the golf club.We had dinner at the signature Bommie restaurant, a true example of the finest modern Australian cuisine -
I can highly recommend the steak (possibly my best ever!), and they stock some of the best wines that Australia has to offer.
It was a perfect end to a spectacular trip and I'd like to say a big thank you to Emirates, Tourism Australia, Wolgan Valley and qualia for their impeccable hosting....we must do it again sometime!!
This trip shows how you can easily pack in a range of different experiences in to a relatively short time in Australia (not that I'm suggesting anyone goes for 5 days!!). If you've got 2 weeks and think that OZ is just too far, I'd say think again - a city, outback/wilderness and island/beach combination is definitely realistic in that time frame...just do what I did but stretch it out a bit!
Annette
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Friday 11 December 2009
New Zealand!
It's packed full of suggested self-drive itineraries, beautiful hotel and lodge accommodation throughout the country plus some special itineraries based around leisure pursuits such as trout fishing and golf and lots more besides.
We also have a new addition to our website linked in with our current 'Our New Zealand' campaign fronted by Jerry & David - let us know what you think!
Don't forget to follow us on Twitter for the latest news as well as signing up to our blog news feed.
If you'd like to receive our email newsletter please drop us an email with your contact details.
Thursday 10 December 2009
How to get a flight upgrade?
Friday 20 November 2009
Friday 16 October 2009
Luxury Travel Fair
If you would like to meet one of us in person to talk about any of our destinations we would be delighted to send you a VIP ticket for two for the Conde Nast Luxury Travel Fair, taking place from November 5th to the 8th at the National Hall in London's Olympia.
Bridge & Wickers will be on stand number D64.
Tickets are subject to availability, so let us know asap.
Thursday 17 September 2009
Campervantastic around glorious New Zealand - Daily Mail article by Charlotte Gill
The first rule of campervanning around New Zealand? Wave every time you pass a fellow camper.
The penny only dropped a few days into our road trip around the South Island, but for the rest of our ten-day trip, we went waving mad.
My husband, Will, and I were anxious to do things right. We'd made a good start with our choice of van: the new Kea was posher than most, with a stylish interior, lots of space (we opted for a four-berth, even though there was only two of us) and tinted windows - so your neighbours couldn't see you getting changed in the morning. There was even a TV and DVD player.
We'd set ourselves a jam-packed itinerary. After travelling halfway around the world, we wanted to make the most of our time. Our starting point, Christchurch, one of the island's most historic towns, dating from when it was settled by the British in the 1800s, has a really bohemian feel - a great gallery and arts centre, and stylish cafes galore.
The next day, we picked up our campervan - very easy to drive, with a rear-view camera to avert reversing disasters - and were off to Kaikoura, a town of about 3,000 people two hours' drive north. En route, we called in at one of the legion of respected wineries to pick up a few bottles of top-notch plonk.
In Kaikoura, we met Maurice Manawatu, a Maori from the Ngai Tahu tribe, whose ancestors settled in New Zealand 800 years ago. Maori culture is everywhere in New Zealand, and his fascinating tour taught us about their customs, beliefs, history and their love of music.
The following day started early with a hearty breakfast and then it was on with the wetsuits to brave the chilly ocean. We were about to go swimming with dolphins at Dolphin Encounter, a company which operates open-water day trips.
The dusky dolphins that live off the coast here are completely wild, and there's no guarantee they will want to play with a bunch of clumsy humans. But we were in luck - as we slid off the back of the boat, we were surrounded by 40 playful 'duskies'. They swam round us in circles as we blabbered away - as per instructions - to entertain them.
Later that day, we hopped on quad bikes for a breathtaking whizz around Glenstrae Farm, a coastal sheep farm with stunning sea views.
Before leaving Kaikoura - which is Maori for 'eat crayfish' - we set out to meet its other famous local, the sperm whale, on an early morning boat trip with locally based Whale Watch and got lucky again with sightings of three different whales.
After spending the night in Hokitika (pronounced 'hockey ticker'), a small town on the west coast famous for its jade, we headed south to the town of Franz Josef and mountain country, though sadly we couldn't see them through the clouds.
Our hopes for a heli-hiking trip on the glacier were dashed by the rain. And, boy, did it rain. So we comforted ourselves with a visit to an indoor 'glacier experience' centre called Hukawai - 'frozen water' in Maori - and tried our hand at ice-climbing, which was rather daunting, but fun.
As we drove further south to the pretty town of Wanaka, on the shores of a lake of the same name, we passed waterfall after waterfall crashing down the sides of rocky mountains.
From there, it was on to Queenstown, where we decided against a bungie jump and opted for a jet river boat - scary enough for me.
From the water we had ample opportunity to admire the mountain vistas - the backdrop to the Lord Of The Rings film trilogy, as the locals never tired of telling us.
This is New Zealand's fjordland - there are inlets all down the coast - and from Queenstown we took an excellent guided bus and boat day-tour with Real Journeys to Doubtful Sound. Milford Sound is more famous, but lots of people we consulted prefer Doubtful and we weren't disappointed.
The highlights were spotting bottlenose dolphins leaping in the air and watching a colony of New Zealand fur seals basking on the rocks during an unusually sunny interlude. We also sailed past Secretary Island, one of the few places in New Zealand where all the plants and wildlife are native. When Europeans arrived, they introduced a range of plants and animals, including stoats, rats and rabbits, which have virtually wiped out the indigenous birds, including the famous kiwi.
Then it was back eastwards again via the quaint, former gold-mining town of Arrowtown and through a snow blizzard to Lake Tekapo - famous for its piercing blue waters - and a final stop in pretty Akaroa, a former French settlement on a peninsula 50 miles south of Christchurch. We covered 1,000 miles - and what felt like at least three dazzling countries: one day Scotland, next the Alps, then through a rainforest to emerge in the Lake District.
Travel Facts
Bridge & Wickers (020 7483 6555, www.bridgeandwickers.co.uk) offers ten-day hire of a two-berth vehicle from £460 per person travelling in March
The penny only dropped a few days into our road trip around the South Island, but for the rest of our ten-day trip, we went waving mad.
We'd set ourselves a jam-packed itinerary. After travelling halfway around the world, we wanted to make the most of our time. Our starting point, Christchurch, one of the island's most historic towns, dating from when it was settled by the British in the 1800s, has a really bohemian feel - a great gallery and arts centre, and stylish cafes galore.
The next day, we picked up our campervan - very easy to drive, with a rear-view camera to avert reversing disasters - and were off to Kaikoura, a town of about 3,000 people two hours' drive north. En route, we called in at one of the legion of respected wineries to pick up a few bottles of top-notch plonk.
In Kaikoura, we met Maurice Manawatu, a Maori from the Ngai Tahu tribe, whose ancestors settled in New Zealand 800 years ago. Maori culture is everywhere in New Zealand, and his fascinating tour taught us about their customs, beliefs, history and their love of music.
The dusky dolphins that live off the coast here are completely wild, and there's no guarantee they will want to play with a bunch of clumsy humans. But we were in luck - as we slid off the back of the boat, we were surrounded by 40 playful 'duskies'. They swam round us in circles as we blabbered away - as per instructions - to entertain them.
Later that day, we hopped on quad bikes for a breathtaking whizz around Glenstrae Farm, a coastal sheep farm with stunning sea views.
Before leaving Kaikoura - which is Maori for 'eat crayfish' - we set out to meet its other famous local, the sperm whale, on an early morning boat trip with locally based Whale Watch and got lucky again with sightings of three different whales.
After spending the night in Hokitika (pronounced 'hockey ticker'), a small town on the west coast famous for its jade, we headed south to the town of Franz Josef and mountain country, though sadly we couldn't see them through the clouds.
Our hopes for a heli-hiking trip on the glacier were dashed by the rain. And, boy, did it rain. So we comforted ourselves with a visit to an indoor 'glacier experience' centre called Hukawai - 'frozen water' in Maori - and tried our hand at ice-climbing, which was rather daunting, but fun.
From there, it was on to Queenstown, where we decided against a bungie jump and opted for a jet river boat - scary enough for me.
From the water we had ample opportunity to admire the mountain vistas - the backdrop to the Lord Of The Rings film trilogy, as the locals never tired of telling us.
This is New Zealand's fjordland - there are inlets all down the coast - and from Queenstown we took an excellent guided bus and boat day-tour with Real Journeys to Doubtful Sound. Milford Sound is more famous, but lots of people we consulted prefer Doubtful and we weren't disappointed.
The highlights were spotting bottlenose dolphins leaping in the air and watching a colony of New Zealand fur seals basking on the rocks during an unusually sunny interlude. We also sailed past Secretary Island, one of the few places in New Zealand where all the plants and wildlife are native. When Europeans arrived, they introduced a range of plants and animals, including stoats, rats and rabbits, which have virtually wiped out the indigenous birds, including the famous kiwi.
Then it was back eastwards again via the quaint, former gold-mining town of Arrowtown and through a snow blizzard to Lake Tekapo - famous for its piercing blue waters - and a final stop in pretty Akaroa, a former French settlement on a peninsula 50 miles south of Christchurch. We covered 1,000 miles - and what felt like at least three dazzling countries: one day Scotland, next the Alps, then through a rainforest to emerge in the Lake District.
Travel Facts
Bridge & Wickers (020 7483 6555, www.bridgeandwickers.co.uk) offers ten-day hire of a two-berth vehicle from £460 per person travelling in March
Thursday 10 September 2009
Annette's trip to Singapore and Thailand - part two
Flying in to Chiang Mai on a Friday night, I was full of anticipation for the second part of our Thailand experience - completely different to the beaches of Phuket and Krabi, this was culture and temple central!
First stop was the Chedi - it looks weird from the outside but inside is fabulous. Here a club floor room is an excellent choice. You are ushered in to the lounge to complete your registration over your favourite cocktail and then shown to your super-swish room. We didn't hang around long before heading out to the night markets, just across the road and down a bit - forget shopping, we were there to eat! One whole fish, some seafood and a few beers were no problem for the language barrier, we just pointed at pictures, picked out the prettiest sea bass on the slab and had a fabulous supper.
Next stop was the sublime Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi - this was the highlight of the whole trip as far as I'm concerned. If you've ever stayed at a Mandarin Oriental property before, you'll know what I mean when I say that the service is beyond fantastic. If you haven't experienced it, then go, go, go! The resort is stunning and a recreation of many temples from around Thailand, faithfully recreated in the most wonderful setting. Loads to do here - a wonderful spa, go back to town visit the temples and get to grips with the history of the walled city, visit the Walking Market on a sunday night for the bargains...or just stay at the resort and soak up the atmosphere of calm and serenity. The resort was pretty quiet when we were there so it almost felt like we had the pool to ourselves - floating in the pool, you can listen to the soothing music they pipe through the water....no, really it's true! The food is fantastic, the staff can't do enough for you, and it's going to a nightmare not to compare every hotel I stay in forever more to the benchmark set by this place. Talk about ending on a high!
I flew down to Bangkok and bade farewell to the Mother - she was off back to Auckland via Singapore while I had a final night at the Sukhothai - yet another stunning executive room with a view. A bit of sunshine and a final pad thai lunch signalled the end of my holiday and I headed back home - the final bit of pleasure was the Qantas business class seat, albeit a 747 and not as snazzy as my A380 flat bed on the way out, but who's complaining?
Thailand was a revelation, and I'd go back and do the whole thing again tomorrow.....sorry Australia, I never thought I'd say this, but I've got a new favourite country!!
I flew down to Bangkok and bade farewell to the Mother - she was off back to Auckland via Singapore while I had a final night at the Sukhothai - yet another stunning executive room with a view. A bit of sunshine and a final pad thai lunch signalled the end of my holiday and I headed back home - the final bit of pleasure was the Qantas business class seat, albeit a 747 and not as snazzy as my A380 flat bed on the way out, but who's complaining?Thailand was a revelation, and I'd go back and do the whole thing again tomorrow.....sorry Australia, I never thought I'd say this, but I've got a new favourite country!!
Latest Bridge & Wickers newsletter
We've just sent the latest 'Views from the Bridge' email newsletter and it's full of special offers to Thailand.If you haven't seen a copy, please click here
To make sure you don't miss future mailings, please visit our website to sign up, you can also order copies of our latest brochures online too.
Thursday 3 September 2009
We're winners!
Last night Bridge & Wickers was voted 7th best tour operator in the annual, highly prestigious, Conde Nast Traveller Readers' awards - that's one step higher than last year and puts us way ahead of most of our rivals....we're delighted and would like to thank everyone who voted for us.
Tuesday 11 August 2009
New look website!
Today we've launched our new look website - take a look and let us know what you think.
Also out today is our latest email newsletter, click here to read it if you haven't already received your copy.
Please sign up so you don't miss out on the latest news and offers - delivered straight to your inbox.
We can also send you a wide range of our brochures, dependng on where you are travelling - luxury holidays to Asia, touring holidays to New Zealand, honeymoons to the South Pacific, family holidays to Australia - the range is endless as we tailor-make a trip just for you.
Click here to request your free brochures or just mail us for a quotation - we look forward to hearing from you!
Monday 20 July 2009
Air New Zealand Premium Economy News
Premium Economy is now even more premium......
Air New Zealand have increased the baggage allowance in Premium Economy so now it's the same as Business Premier .
If you haven't flown in Premium Economy with Air New Zealand before, here are a few things you're missing out on: 50% more seat recline than Economy, exclusive check-in and the same stunning Kiwi style food and wines you get in Business Premier.
Discover more here including flying style tips from Gok Wan!
Wednesday 15 July 2009
Read our latest newsletter
Share your top recommendations and win some NZ wine!
We would really like to hear what you thought was New Zealand’s best kept secret?
This could be anything from your favourite accommodation, restaurant or tour to the most wonderful sights and amazing experiences - we have our own favourites but it will be great to hear yours too.
We'll publish the best replies on our website and, if yours is a winner, we’ll send you a couple of bottles of fine New Zealand wine as a thank you!
Please leave a comment below or send us an email
We look forward to hearing from you!
Tuesday 14 July 2009
Financial And Holiday Protection
Bridge & Wickers are proud to be member of AiTO as well as ABTA (W7956) and we offer ATOL protection through the CAA scheme (W6611).
Here is an article that explains the very confusing issues surrounding bonding and protection of your holiday, feel free to contact us if you have any queries.
Financial And Holiday Protection
Author: Kieron Sellens
For peace of mind and financial protection on your holidays, many people look to bigger brand names, mistakenly thinking them to be better because of their brand alone. We examine travel protection from the main brands in greater depth.
Financial and Holiday Protection
"ATOL protected". You hear it at the end of radio ads; you see it in the copy on flyers and in newspapers. It's a brand name, and it could be argued that it is the best around because it has such successful and almost infectious marketing. However, there are other companies providing travel protection. We take a look at the various travel protection brands and to see which is the best for you...
What does ATOL and ABTA protected mean?
ATOL and ABTA (Air Travel Organisers' Licensing and the Association of British Travel Agents) are possibly the most well known names in financial travel protection. But what exactly does each offer?
ATOL is based upon a license granted by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), an organisation founded by the government to regulate airlines and tour operators who sell package holidays which include a flight. You are NOT covered by ATOL if your airline fails and you had booked directly with the airline. Protection IS offered if you booked your flight through an agent or tour operator, but you are advised to confirm this at the time of booking. Furthermore if you booked a holiday through a tour operator that does not involve flights (e.g. you chose to travel by ferry, rail or coach etc...) this will NOT be protected by ATOL.
ABTA tour operators provide financial protection for the majority of situations. However they do not have to provide protection when only a single element is booked, e.g. 'accommodation only'. In this case it is left at the individual operator's discretion. Because of this, ABTA affiliation does not mean 'complete protection'. ABTA travel agents offer financial protection against their own failure but do not guarantee protection against all the land arrangements that they sell.
What is AiTO travel protection?
The Association of Independent Tour Operators, or AiTO, is an organisation of specialist independent operators which also offer holiday protection. AiTO has its own financial protection scheme for travel customers, and ensures that any holiday booked through an AiTO tour operator is 100% protected.
AiTO travel protection ensures that should one of its tour operators go out of business for any reason at all, its customers are covered. One of two things will happen; depending on the dates involved, customers will either get a full refund, or they will still be able to go on their holiday.
Some holidays that are ABTA or ATOL protected can be on cheap flights and last minute deals. Is AiTO the same?
Many holidays booked online with no-frills airlines may not be ATOL or ABTA protected. As AiTO is made up of bonded tour operators, customers are covered as soon as they book with AiTO members. Many AiTO members can book no frills carriers meaning the flight is covered as well. In this situation customers won't be stranded either at home or abroad if the airline goes under; as long as they have booked their holiday through an AiTO operator, they will be covered.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/financial-and-holiday-protection-828213.html
About the Author:
Kieron Sellens is the marketing manager of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AiTO). AiTO financial protection offers secure and lasting cover and comes out on top when compared to its counterparts that are ABTA or ATOL protected as you can see on their website.
Here is an article that explains the very confusing issues surrounding bonding and protection of your holiday, feel free to contact us if you have any queries.
Financial And Holiday Protection
Author: Kieron Sellens
For peace of mind and financial protection on your holidays, many people look to bigger brand names, mistakenly thinking them to be better because of their brand alone. We examine travel protection from the main brands in greater depth.
Financial and Holiday Protection
"ATOL protected". You hear it at the end of radio ads; you see it in the copy on flyers and in newspapers. It's a brand name, and it could be argued that it is the best around because it has such successful and almost infectious marketing. However, there are other companies providing travel protection. We take a look at the various travel protection brands and to see which is the best for you...
What does ATOL and ABTA protected mean?
ATOL and ABTA (Air Travel Organisers' Licensing and the Association of British Travel Agents) are possibly the most well known names in financial travel protection. But what exactly does each offer?
ATOL is based upon a license granted by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), an organisation founded by the government to regulate airlines and tour operators who sell package holidays which include a flight. You are NOT covered by ATOL if your airline fails and you had booked directly with the airline. Protection IS offered if you booked your flight through an agent or tour operator, but you are advised to confirm this at the time of booking. Furthermore if you booked a holiday through a tour operator that does not involve flights (e.g. you chose to travel by ferry, rail or coach etc...) this will NOT be protected by ATOL.
ABTA tour operators provide financial protection for the majority of situations. However they do not have to provide protection when only a single element is booked, e.g. 'accommodation only'. In this case it is left at the individual operator's discretion. Because of this, ABTA affiliation does not mean 'complete protection'. ABTA travel agents offer financial protection against their own failure but do not guarantee protection against all the land arrangements that they sell.
What is AiTO travel protection?
The Association of Independent Tour Operators, or AiTO, is an organisation of specialist independent operators which also offer holiday protection. AiTO has its own financial protection scheme for travel customers, and ensures that any holiday booked through an AiTO tour operator is 100% protected.
AiTO travel protection ensures that should one of its tour operators go out of business for any reason at all, its customers are covered. One of two things will happen; depending on the dates involved, customers will either get a full refund, or they will still be able to go on their holiday.
Some holidays that are ABTA or ATOL protected can be on cheap flights and last minute deals. Is AiTO the same?
Many holidays booked online with no-frills airlines may not be ATOL or ABTA protected. As AiTO is made up of bonded tour operators, customers are covered as soon as they book with AiTO members. Many AiTO members can book no frills carriers meaning the flight is covered as well. In this situation customers won't be stranded either at home or abroad if the airline goes under; as long as they have booked their holiday through an AiTO operator, they will be covered.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/financial-and-holiday-protection-828213.html
About the Author:
Kieron Sellens is the marketing manager of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AiTO). AiTO financial protection offers secure and lasting cover and comes out on top when compared to its counterparts that are ABTA or ATOL protected as you can see on their website.
World’s longest golf course tees off in October
The world’s longest golf course has been officially launched between Western Australia and South Australia.
The 18-hole, par 72 course Nullarbor Links Golf Course stretches 1,365 kms from Kalgoorlie in Western Australia to Ceduna in South Australia with one hole in each participating town or roadhouse along the way.
The Nullarbor Links Golf Course allows golfers to tee off in either location and follow the course along the Eyre Highway, playing a hole in each location, some as far as 100 kms apart.
En route, golfers visit towns and places of interest like Ceduna, renowned for producing 12 million oysters annually; Cocklebiddy with its vast underwater caves and Kalgoorlie, the gold capital of Australia.
The official course opening will be marked by a four-day event starting in Ceduna on October 22, and finishing in Kalgoorlie five days later.
Bridge & Wickers can tailor-make you a tour of Western & South Australia to take part in this most unusual round of golf, please contact us for further details.
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Ashes Madness!!
According to Travelmole yesterday, the cost of flights to Australia are to be based on innings scores during the second England verses Australia Ashes test.
For the second Test at Lord's on July 16-20, the price of British Airways and Qantas economy flights will be determined by Australia's first innings, with availability of seats determined by England's reply.
For example, if Australia are bowled out for 230 and England make 395, there will be 395 seats available from each airline at £230 - a reduction on a typical fare of £730.
Each airline’s website will display qualifying travel periods from July 21.
In the previous Ashes in 2005, BA offered 367 seats at £373 when Australia scored 367 runs for 373 against England in the final test. Flights were sold out within 30 minutes.
Stephen Thompson, executive manager international sales at Qantas, said: “There's always a traditional friendly rivalry between the Brits and Aussies during the Ashes, and this promotion will ensure the second npower test is even more of an exciting showdown.”
So you'll have to be quick to bag a bargain...and be sure to contact us when you're booked and we can help you sort out the rest of your holiday Down Under!
The Best Job in the World!
If anyone missed the documentary, you can try and catch it again on the BBC iplayer (www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer).
And if it's whet your appetite to go and see this fabulous part of the world, take a look here at the various island resorts you can choose from.
If you'd like us to put together a suggested itinerary for you, please email us with your details or call us on 020 7483 6555
Now's the time to go to Australia...!
Interesting quote from Sir Richard Branson in a recent Telegraph travel section who reckoned that “British travellers are currently paying the same as they were when we launched the airline 25 years ago, If you have been wanting to take that trip to Australia, now is the time to so it. There are some unbelievable bargains out there.”
We couldn't agree more...but what he didn’t say was that the bargains are partly down to the fact that there are now around 250 direct flights a week from the UK to Australia, only a handful of which are Virgin.
Monday 15 June 2009
TEN THINGS TO DO IN VANCOUVER
Vancouver, along with the Rocky Mountains’ resort of Whistler, is the official host for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Rated as one of the best places in the world to live, it also offers visitors a broad spectrum of attractions.
After a recent visit, Director David Wickers gives his top ten recommendations:
1. Eat seafood, including local specialities wild Sockeye salmon and Arctic char. I’d recommend top chef Frank Pabst's Blue Water Café and Raw Bar on Hamilton in Yaletown, the city’s warehouse district. It’s one of several old buildings transformed into a ‘bricks and beams’ bars and restaurants. Be sure to book: 604 688 8078
2. Rent a bike and explore Stanley Park, Vancouver's giant green heart. The 1000 acre wilderness features giant Douglas firs, cedars, hemlock, spruce and other confers. Follow the 6.5 mile sea wall trail that encircles the park, passing beneath the soaring Lion’s Gate suspension bridge across the Burrard Inlet and the park’s famous collection of totem poles.
3. Become a ‘Grouse Grinder,’ someone who climbs to the 1250m summit of Grouse Mountain. If you don’t fancy the steep 1.8 mile trek, you can go up the easy way, by gondola.
4. Buy crafts, including First Nations’ works, on Granville Island. The bonsai 37 acre neighbourhood is reached by bath-tub size ferries that shuttle back and forth across False Creek from the end of Hornby Street on the 'mainland.' Granville is a mix of terrific food market, cafes, galleries, restaurants, a kids’ market, theatres, bike and kayak rentals, a children's market and chandleries.
5. Go to Gastown. According to local lore, the cobbled streets are “for the good, the bad and the ugly” but with its Victorian houses now being bought by the city’s high flyers, it's getting gooder by the week. There’s a particular buzz in Salt, found on the still shabby Blood Alley (which got its name from the butchers who used to trade there). The menu couldn’t be simpler – wine, cheese and cold cuts – but you do need to book (604 633 1912).
6. Escape for the weekend to the Sunshine Coast, just a 20 minute hop by floatplane. For a taste of Canada at its natural best, get the pilot to drop you off at the jetty belonging to the West Coast Wilderness Lodge where you can hike, fish, ride the rapids, seakayak, heli-hike, mountain bike or just soak up the magnificent panorama of mountains and water from the resort’s hot tub.
7. Hit the beach at Kitsilano, or ‘Kits’ for those in the know, the old hippy now trendy neighbourhood. The water’s safe for swimming although there’s also a heated saltwater Lido pool.
8. Visit the Capilano Hatchery where you can watch salmon climb ‘ladders’ as they make their way upstream to spawn (best seen late summer). Some three million fish a year are nurtured here before being released into the river as ‘fingerlings.’
9. Browse the stalls in Chinatown’s Night Market on summer weekend evenings, with sights and smells more Canton than Canada. Vancouver has the third biggest Chinatown in the west (after New York and San Francisco).
10. Stay at the Shangri-la, the newest hotel in town and one of the first ventures beyond Asia for the Chinese owned chain of luxury hotels. It has just over 100 rooms, an outstanding Michelin chef Jean Georges Vongerichten restaurant and a Chi spa. Three nights with Bridge & Wickers (020 7483 6555) starts at £342pp, excluding flights. British Airways which operates two flights a day to Vancouver.
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