Kent Farm, Australia

Downunder, there's a freshness about life not often found in other parts of the world.  Life, downunder brings a fresh spirit, a happy soul, and rebounding energy that keeps pulling at the heart strings of love, (take a moment to listen to their prime minister).   So when my client, who became a friend,  started farming in New South Wales and sent these photos I knew I needed to share this serenity and know I have to go back and have a look see for myself.  

Galapagos

For years, visiting the Galapagos Islands has, for so many visitors been synonymous with taking a cruise around the islands  - and not everyone wants  that  -  not everyone loves to sail  - I remember so well the first time I saw my husband on a boat  - he turned green and stayed that way for the next 11 days  -it took years to persuade him to try a modern stabilized cruise line.

But with the soon to open new Small Luxury Hotel  The Pikaia Lodge with only 14 rooms  it's time to let the world know how visiting the Galapagos is changing.
Already there is the Royal Palms Hotel, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World  on Sant Cruz island and now  Pikaia Lodge, also on Santa Cruz island opens 16  December 2013; just in time for the holidays .  It's a carbon-neutral lodge  with infinite pool and spa that offers private yacht excursions to neighbouring islands and has it's own giant tortoise preserve.  The perfect way to see the Galapagos, especially for those that don't like groups or  cruises.
Stays are restricted to Monday arrivals for 5-7 nights or Friday arrivals for 3 nights 

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Yes there are other hotels, with such attractvie names as Iguana Crossing, Finch Bay Eco Hotel, Casa Natural Hotel  so dont give up if you can't get into your first choice. 

March 23 is Earth Day 8.30pm - 9.30pm join the world as all non essential electricity is turned off and live by candle light for an hour.

In anticipation of  this event The Four Seasons hotel in Singapore has created  some eco cocktails to be sipped by candle light as the global community celebrates this event .

 In the Chilli Martini, barflies will appreciate the fresh hint of spice arising from the chilli garnish, while one of the key ingredients in the Strawberry Kiss comes from the banana tree. The Lychee Mojito tastes all the more refreshing due to the freshly picked lime and mint leaves. Other selections include the Banana Daiquiri, Mint Julep, Morning Glory and Banana Belafonte, which is served with a banana rim

Of course if drinking a Singapore Sling in Singapore is still on your bucket list, you'll find this at the same bar.  

Here's more on this SPECIAL OFFER - Take an African Safari that includes The Zambezi Queen river boat on the Chobe river and receive a free European cruise for yourself or you can give it away to family or friends.

 

Book an Africa Safari & Wildlife Cruise & Receive a FREE 7-night European River Cruise in a French Balcony stateroom!* Book a 2013 Spring or Summer Africa Safari & Wildlife Cruise (select departures) and earn a FREE cruise for two in Europe! Choose either an “In Celebration of Wine” cruise or a Holiday cruise departing November or December in 2013 or 2014. Already have plans? Surprise a loved one with the ultimate gift - a luxurious European river cruise (as your free cruise is transferable)! STARS OF AFRICA Enjoy 3 nights in Cape Town, 3 nights in Kruger National Park Area and 1 night in Johannesburg before embarking on your 4-night safari cruise, ending with 2 nights in Victoria Falls Hotel Check-in Dates: March 11, April 15, 29, May 27, June 3, July 8 & 22, 2013 Starting from $8,995* per person   GOLDEN TRAILS OF AFRICA 1 night in Nairobi, 8 nights at game reserves in Amboseli, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and Serengeti, 1 night in Johannesburg, then a 4-night safari cruise & 2 nights in Victoria Falls Hotel Check-in Dates: March 8, May 24, 31, July 5 & 19, 2013 Starting from $11,495* per person   NOW FEATURING SOME OF AFRICA'S MOST PREMIER LODGE AND HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS Africa Wildlife Cruises & Included Features 4 nights in a Balcony stateroom | Full day Chobe National Park game drive Exclusive private picnic in Chobe National Park | Cultural interaction with Kasenu villagers Excursions in a mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe | Traditional African Boma Dinner onshore All meals included with complimentary wine and beer on board | Premier hotel accommodations Exclusive luxury safari lodges | Daily morning/afternoon/evening game drives All meals, drinks and laundry included at lodges Unrushed, unspoiled, up-close...Africa as it was meant to be seen! SPECIAL LIMITED-TIME OFFER!