Fans of Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts, who have in the past travelled great distances to delight in the luxury of this world famous hotel group, are sure to welcome the news of the opening of Angsana Balaclava – right on their doorstep.

Angsana Hotels & Resorts, the sister brand of Banyan Tree, has added the distinct flavour of Mauritius to its growing portfolio. Only a four hour flight from Johannesburg, and just 15 minutes away from the capital of Port Louis, Angsana Balaclava is ideally situated along the picturesque Baie aux Tortues or Turtle Bay – famed for its turquoise sea and sandy beaches. Gone are the days where Banyan Tree enthusiasts had to travel to Thailand, China or Mexico to enjoy the signature blend of romance and travel with a green conscience, as fans of the brand will now be able to enjoy absolute luxury in neighboring Mauritius.

The Angsana Balaclava is a charming and intimate 5-star boutique resort – featuring an award-winning spa, 51 suites and a villa with four bedrooms. Emulating a traditional Mauritian village with its thatched roofs and use of bespoke local artistry including wrought iron entrance gates, the expansive reception features an arched roof, natural stone floors, lava stone walls and teak wood furniture, with views of the ocean and mountains beyond.

Guests can choose between Garden Suites (72 sqm), Spa Suites (84 sqm) or exclusive Beach Front Suites (125-180 sqm), most of which feature private plunge pools.

The resort’s main public area features three overlapping swimming pools separated by waterfalls, leading from an expansive seawater pool complete with sand to a lap pool and wading pool below.

As for the Angsana Spa, it offers nine treatment rooms; a yoga pavilion, a restorative vitality pool with several different water jet stations and a hamman. Eight expert spa therapists, trained at the renowned Banyan Tree Spa Academy in Phuket, offer Asian and Ayurvedic spa treatments using local ingredients from botanical coconut, ylang ylang and sugar cane to marine elements such as seaweed and mud.

Those familiar with the Banyan Tree name will take great pleasure in knowing that one of the leading international operators of boutique resorts, residences and spas is now that bit closer. One should however not forget the close proximity of the already renowned Banyan Tree Seychelles also located in the nearby Indian Ocean Islands. Situated on Mahé Island, Banyan Tree Seychelles is already a highly sought after destination among South African travellers looking to experience luxury at its best.
With Angsana and Banyan Tree now offering remarkable properties at these two popular island destinations, it’s that much easier for travellers from South Africa to indulge in the holiday of a lifetime.

Angsana Balaclava is represented in South Africa by Lesley Simpson Communications. For package information however, contact Holiday Tours on +27 11 289 8000 or your nearest ASATA agent.

The Kenya Airways sponsored, Kenya Sevens National team arrived in the country this morning after a successful tour of the International Rugby Board sevens series in New Zealand and USA Sevens. The team won the Bowl title in Wellington and Plate in the Las Vegas tournament.

On hand to receive the team on arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport was Kenya Airways Chief Executive, Dr. Titus Naikuni accompanied by the Commissioner of Sports Gordon Oluoch and the Kenya Rugby Union officials led by its Vice chair Fred Odhiambo.

The team beat Argentina on Sunday night to clinch the Plate title, emerging 12th overall in the table standings after 2 rounds of the IRB 7s series.

Thanking the team for its achievement, Naikuni reiterated the airlines’ commitment to continue supporting the team as part of its engagement with its key markets.

“Rugby is a popular event through which we can market Kenya as a destination for sports tourism,” he added, stressing the need to promote sports as a way of healthy living.

Kenya Airways has been sponsoring the Kenya Sevens team since 2009 and the airline is committed to support the Kenya team achieve even better results in the world stage. The team will now rest for a month before embarking on the next IRB round in Japan and Hong Kong.

Kenya Airways flies to Hong Kong via Bangkok 3 times a week and will be announcing promotional fares for the fans intending to go watch the Kenya team in action.

For more information, contact Tracey King at Kenya Airways on Tel: +27 11 881 9783, Fax: +27 11 881 9691, Email: tracey.king@kenya-airways.com or visit www.kenya-airways.com.

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Granny Mouse Country House and Spa, the idyllic Midlands Natal getaway, is pleased to announce that it will be hosting a series of Conscious Living Retreats during 2012.

Hosted by the renowned Business Intuitive, Intuition Coach and Reiki Master Trish Holdengarde, each retreat has been carefully structured to offer a rejuvenating, relaxing and – above all – enriching experience for guests. The two-day getaway includes such fabulous treats as spa massages and outstanding cuisine from Granny Mouse Country House and Spa’s fine dining restaurant, guided meditations, as well as Yoga all against the backdrop of the soothingly beautiful Midlands countryside. However, the true highlight of the weekend is the daily workshop hosted by Trish which, in combination with a one-on-one personal consultation, promise to leave guests more in touch with their innate decision making abilities. Look forward to reducing your stress and learning to manage your personal energy more efficiently and, above all, finding direction in your life, both personal and professional.

Granny Mouse Country House and Spa is the ideal venue for the Conscious Living Retreats. Located in Balgowan, in the heart of the Midlands, this luxurious four-star hotel has long enjoyed a reputation for country charm combined with home-from-home hospitality, making it the first choice amongst guests seeking a haven to unwind. The hotel has a number of world class facilities aimed at helping guests do just this, including two outstanding restaurants, award winning wine cellar, a cigar bar, a world class spa and two swimming pools – not to mention sumptuous accommodation.

The retreats take place on 20-21 April, 7-8 September and 2-3 November, at a cost of R5 060 including shared accommodation, breakfast, lunch and three course dinner, teas and coffees, massage, meditations, group workshop sessions and private consultation.

Unleash the power of living a fully authentic life, harnessing your intuition to help you make more effective decisions and ready to take full advantage of the opportunities coming your way.

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Kenya Airways has painted one of its Boeing 737-700 aircraft in SkyTeam livery to signify its position as Africa’s representative to the global airline alliance.

The aircraft will have SkyTeam branding on its tail and fuselage in addition to the Kenya Airways logo thus symbolizing the mutual benefits of the partnership.

SkyTeam membership allows Kenya Airways passengers access to over 926 destinations in 173 countries and over 490 lounges globally. Through Kenya Airways, SkyTeam partner airline passengers can access the former’s expansive destination network in Africa.

Kenya Airways Chief Executive, Dr Titus Naikuni, noted that “Our partnership with SkyTeam will enable us to consolidate our presence in the African and global markets in line with our 10-year Growth Plan.”

Dr. Naikuni added that Kenya Airways was a key strategic member in SkyTeam by being Africa’s sole representative with access to 45 destinations in Africa and 11 in the rest of the world. “SkyTeam is a compelling proposition that enables partner airlines to offer customers additional connections across the globe,” added Dr Naikuni.

The SkyTeam livery on the Kenya Airways’ aircraft is also a symbol of the airline’s commitment not only to the alliance but also to delivering high quality service to its customers.

The SkyTeam Livery design was inspired by the alliances logo and features a dark blue SkyTeam logo on the tail fin, the blue SkyTeam ribbon wrapped around the back portion of the white fuselage, the SkyTeam name in large, dark blue letters along the front side of the aircraft fuselage Kenya Airways placed below it.

SkyTeam is a global airline alliance providing customers from member airlines access to an extensive global network with more destinations, more frequencies and more connectivity. Passengers can earn and redeem Frequent Flyer Miles throughout the Sky Team network.

Besides Kenya Airways, other SkyTeam partner airlines are Air France, Aeroflot, Alitalia, Air Europa, Aeroméxico, China Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern, Czech Airlines, Delta, KLM, Korean Air, TAROM and Vietnam Airlines.

With approximately 14,500 daily flights, the SkyTeam network offers more destinations and more connections from the best hubs in the world. Sky Team member airlines offer customers over 490 lounges worldwide.

For more information, contact Tracey King at Kenya Airways on Tel: +27 11 881 9783, Fax: +27 11 881 9691, Email: tracey.king@kenya-airways.com or visit www.kenya-airways.com.

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Kenya Airways’ safety improvement initiatives received a major endorsement from the global aviation association.

The International Air Travel Association (IATA) presented Kenya Airways with two certifications following a rigorous safety audit of the airline’s operations. These are the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) and the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) certificates.

IOSA is an internationally accepted evaluation system designed to assess the operational management and control systems of an airline. ISAGO aims to improve safety and cut airline costs by drastically reducing ground accidents and injuries.

Speaking at the certificate presentation ceremony, Kenya Airways CEO Dr Titus Naikuni said the airline continuously enhances its safety operational systems in order to ensure safety and quality of service to its customers.

“As an airline that is seeking to strengthen its global presence, we have to ensure we adhere to the highest safety standards. This will also help strengthen and sustain the confidence of our passengers as we seek to grow and open new markets,” said Dr Naikuni.

Mr. Gaoussou Konate, the IATA Regional Director Africa, commended the airline for its commitment to achieving the highest aviation safety standards. “We note that the airline has strived to enhance its safety performance. These certificates are issued after a rigorous audit under IATA standards,” he said.

The IATA safety audit comes with some benefits including reduced costs. Since it is internationally recognized, KQ will not have to undergo multiple safety audits in different jurisdictions. By ensuring that its ground operations adhere to high safety standards, Kenya Airways will ensure its operational costs are low by minimizing damage.

“Safe ground operations mean less accidents, less damage and therefore fewer audits,” explained Dr Naikuni. The ground safety audits covered the period June-July 2011.

Kenya Airways plans to expand its fleet from the current 34 aircraft to 107 in ten years. To finance the acquisition of the aircraft, the airline is seeking to raise additional capital through a Rights Issue later this year to fund the acquisition of the new aircraft.

For more information, contact Tracey King at Kenya Airways on Tel: +27 11 881 9783, Fax: +27 11 881 9691, Email: tracey.king@kenya-airways.com or visit www.kenya-airways.com.

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Looking for somewhere different to spoil a loved-one this Valentine’s Day? The Polana Serena Hotel, beautifully located in one of the most sought-after avenues in the heart of Maputo, should be on the list. Boasting a reputation of being a cool and gracious haven that recalls the elegance and splendour of colonial times, The Polana epitomises a bygone era of old world elegance and modern world luxuries.

Why not consider a memorable 3-night ‘Weekend Valentines Package’ at this Grande Dame, valid Friday to Sunday nights, inclusive of a bottle of sparkling wine, delicious petit fours upon arrival and a relaxing foot massage during your stay. In addition a Saturday night seafood buffet for two along with an in-room dining breakfast on Sunday morning is also included for only R6 665 per person sharing inclusive of return flights ex Johannesburg on Mozambique Airlines. Prices are subject to airfare increases, exchange rate fluctuations and availability. This package is valid from 01 – 29 February 2012.

For more information contact Serena Hotels, Tel +27 011 021-2607, e-mail: reservations@serenahotels.co.za or visit www.serenahotels.com

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The month of love has arrived and the gesture of romancing someone special this Valenitine’s Day is easier than ever before. Granny Mouse Country House & Spa, the undisputed gem of the KwaZulu Natal Midlands, has introduced love at Granny Mouse with a ‘Valentines Rosé Dinner for Two’ on 14 February 2012.

The evening starts with an Amuse Bouche and Domaine de Dieux, accompanied by a glass of The Rose of Sharon, followed by a starter of Salmon Trout on vanilla & citrus risotto, served with a pickled fennel salad and a glass of Grangehurst Cape Rose. The highlight of the evening has to be a confit of pork belly, spinach and sweet chilli cheesecake, served with wilted bok choi perfectly paired with the renowned Graham Beck Brut Rose. Last and by no means least, a decadent dessert of honey grilled stone fruit, plated with elegant lady fingers, a Rose Sabayon and glass of Theuiniskraal Rose.

This lovingly selected 4-course menu is only R350 per person and to complete your evening, Granny Mouse Country House & Spa invites you to stay the night for a special rate of only R500 per person sharing. This offer is valid for 14 February 2012 only.

Bookings are essential, please call +27 33 234 4071 or email reservations@grannymouse.co.za. Please advise in advance of any dietary requirements.

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Wilderness is both thrilled and humbled to be nominated as a finalist in the World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Tourism for Tomorrow Awards 2012.

Wilderness has been nominated in the category Global Tourism Business for an unprecedented third time, following recognition in the 2007 and 2010 Awards. This category recognises best practice in sustainable tourism in businesses in any tourism sector that operate in multiple destinations.

According to Andy Payne, Wilderness Group CEO, “We are really excited to be recognised in these prestigious awards and hope that our 4Cs sustainability platform and the strides we have made in sustainability reporting over the last two years will prove to be a genuinely positive contribution to sustainable tourism globally.”

Through the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, the WTTC recognises innovative leaders in sustainable tourism; they are considered one of the highest accolades in the global Travel and Tourism industry, where those companies, organisations and destinations that are setting the standard for sustainable tourism best practice are honoured.

All three finalists in this category will shortly undergo a rigorous on-site assessment by an esteemed sustainability expert and then be evaluated again by the winner selection committee chaired by Costas Christ and comprised of leading individuals from a wide array of government, NGO, media and academic institutions.

The winners will be announced on 17 April 2012 at the WTTC Global Summit in Tokyo.

The Sustainability Report of the Wilderness Group can be downloaded here: http://www.wilderness-group.com/system/assets/97/original/Wilderness_Sustainability_report.pdf?1311953373

Serena Mountain Village is excited to announce the introduction of a brand new coffee menu. The newly designed menu was inspired by the various coffee estates surrounding the Mountain Village and includes 3 new flavours to choose from: Hazelnut, Vanilla and Coconut.

Musumbi Coffee produces the best coffee in Arusha and is the main supplier of coffee at Serena Mountain Village. Masumbi Coffee owns their own coffee farm, roasts their own beans and produces both dark roast and light roast.

For more information contact Serena Hotels, Tel +27 011 021-2607, e-mail: reservations@serenahotels.co.za or visit www.serenahotels.com

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TripAdvisor, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRIP), the world’s largest travel website, recently revealed Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge as the chosen overall winner of the ‘Top 25 Bargain Hotels in Africa by TripAdvisor’ in its 2012 Travellers’ Choice® awards.

Now in its tenth year, the annual TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards honour the world’s best hotels, earning their distinction from those who know them best – real travellers. Unlike any other hotel honours, TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice winners are based on millions of valuable reviews and opinions from travellers around the world.

“With the help of millions of travellers around the globe, TripAdvisor is thrilled to recognise the world’s most outstanding hotels for the tenth year of the Travellers’ Choice Awards,” said Christine Petersen, president, TripAdvisor for Business. “From the best bargain hotels to best luxury hotels, remarkable service, value and quality are the hallmarks of our Travellers’ Choice winners.”

As TripAdvisor has continued its growth globally, featuring sites in 30 countries and in 21 languages, the Travellers’ Choice Hotels awards now highlight a broader range of spectacular properties across the globe.

For reviews on the Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, go to http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g303978-d304441-Reviews-Kilaguni_Serena_Safari_Lodge-Tsavo_National_Park_West.html

For more information contact Serena Hotels, Tel +27 011 021-2607, e-mail: reservations@serenahotels.co.za or visit www.serenahotels.com

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