As well as our regular presence in the weekend travel sections, we featured Atlantic Canada in the AITO supplement with this weekend's Daily Telegraph.
Click here to read the piece.
Other Bridge & Wickers mentions in the press this weekend were Fiji in the Aberdeen Press & Journal and Tasmania in the Independent.
They all make excellent reading and food for thought for that next trip!
Don't forget to order our latest brochures for more information on all of our destinations - visit us at www.bridgeandwickers.co.uk
Monday, 11 January 2010
Wednesday, 6 January 2010
Airport disruptions across the UK.
Sky News is now reporting all the airport disruptions across the UK.
At 12.04pm it stated that:
- Gatwick airport flights suspended.
- Luton airport reopened.
- Heathrow and Stansted open but warning of disruption.
- Flights at Exeter and Bristol airport currently suspended.
- Southampton airport is open but running with delays.
- Birmingham airport reopened but with delays.
- Blackpool has suspended flights.
- Some cancellations at Manchester and Liverpool but both airports open.
- Robin Hood Airport has reopened.
- Leeds Bradford open but check with airline for delays and cancellations.
- Some Easyjet flights from Newcastle cancelled.
- Glasgow airport is open, but with delays.
- Number of flights in to Aberdeen airport cancelled.
- Cardiff Airport flights suspended until at least 3pm.
For up to date information, visit the airport and airline websites directly.
If you're a Bridge & Wickers client, then call us if you're unsure about your departing flights.
Thursday, 31 December 2009
9pm fireworks in Sydney - the celebrations have commenced!
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
Happy New Year everyone - hope you have a fantastic 2010 from all the team at Bridge & Wickers
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
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