Exclusive Escapes congratulates Spoilyourself on their new website and as one of our valued partners we would like to provide Spoilyourself guests with the opportunity to book our exclusive Business Class Service at 50% off!

Exclusive Escapes are delighted to present the first and only full Business Class service to both Dalaman and Cephalonia.

In addition to an upgraded airport and cabin service, the seats are not only wider but also provide a not inconsiderable seat pitch (leg room) of 49-50″ – greater than any scheduled service short-haul Business Class offering!

Turkey
Heathrow       £200 (2009 rate: £400)
Manchester     £200 (2009 rate: £400)

Cephalonia
Heathrow       £125 (2009 rate: £250)

The present Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), which allows most tourists entry to the country for up to 90 days without the need to obtain a visa from the US Embassy, is to be replaced by new Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) arrangements, which start on January 12 and is on a voluntary basis until then.

From that date, instead of completing the green VWP I94 form onboard their flight, qualifying UK citizens will need to apply online and in advance of travelling. The process is a simple one and something agents will want to offer clients as part and parcel of their service when booking a US package. US immigration authorities say the ESTA information required of passengers is no different to that on the current I-94 form and that, in the vast majority of cases, a message indicating authorisation to travel – or not – will be instant.

However, some applicants will receive a ‘Pending’ message, which could delay authorisation by up to 48 hours, making an early application crucial.

Anyone planning to travel to the US should apply for their ESTA authorisation as far in advance as possible, and no later than 72 hours before travelling. There will, though, be accommodations for those flying at the last minute or in emergencies”.

Visit USA’s chief operating officer, Alan Waddell, said: “ESTA is a clear and simple approval-to-travel mechanism that will remove all the uncertainty of travelling to the US… it will be easy for agents to clear up any confusion their US-bound clients might have about the new arrangements by obtaining ESTA approval for them,”

Once approved, an ESTA is valid for multiple entries over two years – or until the holder’s passport expires.

For more information visit https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov

There is also information on the Visit USA website www.visitusa.org.uk
 including a downloadable application form.

On arrival in Ecuador we spent 2 nights in Quito in a beautiful hotel in the old city, just off the main square.  This gave us a chance to recover from the flight  We spent the day looking around the city and the beautiful Spanish colonial architecture. Fausto was a wonderful guide who then took us up into the hills to the monument high above the city where the views of the plateau were spectacular.  We then drove about 15 miles out to the equator where we tried various experiments, including watching the water go down the plughole and balancing a raw eggon its end.  Following a lovely Ecuadorian lunch we returned to Quito and spent the rest of the day exploring.

Next morning we flew out to the Galapagos National Park for our week’s adventure.  The volcanic origin of the islands and the unusual mix of climate and marine currents make this a unique place where it is possible to observe, at very close quarters, wildlife that can be seen nowhere else on the planet.  You feel that for a moment in time these animals and birds allow you the privilege of being part of their world  They totally ignore all human presence, unless someone decides to get too near a male sea lion!

Each island has its own unique wildlife, largely dependent on the age of the island, and each day we visited two sites for our hike.  Sometimes these were on the same island, but occasioally we travelled to another island for our afternoon visit during lunch. Our first day we visited Genovesa, where we saw marine iguana and many birds at close quaters  After a lazy hour in a Kayak, and a superb lunch on board, we saw great colonies of Blue Footed Booby and Frigate birds.  Unfortunately our search for the Short Eared Owl was unsuccessful. After a long overnight motor, we visited Fernandina and Isabela the next day. Again we were surrounded by hundreds of Marine Iguanas (you don’t need to use zoom on the camera!)  Red Sally Lightfoot crabs were everywhere and we were even lucky enough to sees a Galapagos Hawk who perched on the tree beside us. We stood and watched the sea lions playing in the water beneath us. Snorkelling followed and then our afternoon visit took us up to a salt water lagoon, trying not to tread on the lava lozards on the way. We then took a ride along  the coast in our panga (rubber dinghy) to see the penguins.  Yes, even on the Equator there are penguins.  Wednesday took us to Santiago with its dramatic lava landscape. The iguana were now bigger and more colourful  and we enjoyed exploring the rock pools and watching the blow holes. Snorkelling with penguins and sharks was an amazing experience and when you felt it couldn’t get better the sea lions jump in to play!  An early morning call the next day saw us hiking up to the top of Bartolome for a spectacular view. and in the afternoon we walked through the thick mud of North Seymour island in torrential rain.  This did not put off the Frigate Birds, who displayed there magnificent red breasts for us. Our visit to Santa Cruz was intersting, not least because it was our first sign of cilization on the islands. We explored tha town, did some people watching and visited the Darwin Research Centre.  Among the Giant Tortoises was Lonesome George and he certainly didn’t look too happy’  A visit to Espanola on our last day was truly amazing. On landing it was difficult to avoid the sea lions littering the beach and the iguana were so colourful, so plentiful and so big!  By the side of our trail a Blue Footed Booby raised himself from his nest (yes HE does the work!) to show off his 2 day old chick and another egg.  What a finale!

Our return to Ecuador was not a disappointment, quite the contrary. Our journey out to the Indian villages was fascinating, exciting and humbling.  Fausto took us to see so many of the local people at work and we even visited some houses to understand their way of life.  A final night in a beautiful hacienda with superb food and a blaxing log fire could only be surpassed by the horse riding in the morning, gazing at the hugely impressive Andes, as we followed the trail along the plateau

Words cannot describe our South American experience, but I hope this gives you some idea of an amazing twelve days.

Rosemary & Paul Murrells

(Rosemary & Paul travelled with South American Experience)

Be first in the queue for the new luxury tent suites at Kasbah Tamadot, Morocco, Richard Branson’s hideaway in the Atlas Mountains, which has king-sized beds and outside plunge pools. Call me a sissy, but fabulous as it sounds, I know from experience that in winter it can get close to freezing at night, so maybe not in January for me.

If you dont fancy the idea of a luxury tent, why not try one of the 18 luxury rooms or suites, the Kasbah Tamadot is truely breathtaking.

Having visited Oman four years ago and been hooked by the country and its people, I was keen to get back and hoped that my second visit would not be disappointing. But I am pleased to say that, despite a growth of tourism to Oman, the country has not turned into a Middle Eastern Las Vegas (yet!) and the locals are still extremely welcoming and friendly.   

My stay at The Chedi Muscat was as comfortable and relaxing as it was four years ago. It is still the most chic resort in the area and, being such a small property the standard of service is first class and the staff cannot do enough for you. The rooms are stylish and uncluttered, and provide you with all the modern conveniences needed. Beware – the food is extremely moreish! There is an amazing choice at breakfast and the calamari & sashimi are worth making room for whilst you relax by the pool during the afternoon. A “must” is a romantic candlelit dinner in the new Beach restaurant located right next to the sea.

I was also lucky enough to experience the new Six Senses Hideaway at Zighy Bay.  In an absolutely stunning location on a secluded bay with a mountain backdrop, this new property is more “rustic” luxury than chic & modern. The 2 hour drive from Dubai is well worth it. If you’re feeling a little more daring then you can paraglide in from the top of the mountain at the end of the drive!! Designed in the style of an Omani village all the villas have their own private pool and personal butler service, and are extremely spacious. A huge choice of in villa dining is also offered so you actually don’t need to move from your villa. If you do decide to venture out of your villa then each person is provided with a bicycle to get around the resort (not that easy in the sand!). Even though you are quite isolated, the restaurants provide a wide range of gorgeous food and there are various excursions & sports you can participate in. Or you can just enjoy one of the treatments in the tranquil Six Senses Spa.  It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy being away from the hustle & bustle of everyday life!

Gemma Kidby – Western Oriental