San Agustin Archaeological Park in Colombia reopens to visitors
If you’re planning a visit to Colombia anytime soon, the San Agustin Archaeological Park in the Huila department is now open again to visitors following security improvements.
Egypt: new boat for the Nile
M/S Mayfair navigating the Nile
Take a classic cruise aboard one of the river’s most stylish ships
There is a new ship navigating the Nile this year. The M/S Mayfair is one of the latest cruise ships to take to Egypt’s iconic river. Built in 2012, the Mayfair offers chic accommodation with a boutique feel, plus great service and food.
Fusion Maia wins at “World Luxury Spa Awards”
Fusion Maia has been recognised as the “Best Luxury Boutique Spa” in Asia
Last year I travelled to Vietnam on an Audley trip and stayed at the deluxe Fusion Maia resort. My two nights spent there were unforgettable for several reasons: the location on My Khe Beach, the modern and spacious Pool Villa I had to myself, delicious Vietnamese food, charming staff and perhaps most memorably, my first ever spa treatment.
Fusion Lounge in Hoi An
I’ve just seen that the Fusion has taken the top honours in the “Best Luxury Boutique Spa” continent category at this year’s World Luxury Spa Awards. Now, I’m no expert in spa treatments (the Fusion still being my one and only experience of them), but I will admit to their very soothing qualities. In fact if you stay there relaxation is pretty much guaranteed as you will receive two free treatments each day for the duration of your stay thanks to a team of 60 trained masseurs.
Finally, if lounging around the Fusion all day being pampered gets too much for you then jump on the hotel’s free shuttle bus for the 20 minute trip to the ancient town of Hoi An. As well as strolling around this UNESCO heritage site you can also take advantage of the Fusion Lounge, the sister proper to the Fusion Maia, where in a delightful setting in the middle of town you can enjoy its restaurant and a bar, hire a bicycle, you can even enjoy more award-winning spa treatments!
Our Vietnam specialists can create a tailor-made trip for you to Vietnam, staying at the Fusion Maia and visiting places like Hoi An. Call them now on 01993 838 140 or contact us online. Alternatively, browse our Vietnam itinerary ideas, which also include prices.
Charlie revisits Audley’s first ever destination – Vietnam
Charlie helping out with the cooking
Charlie Read, Audley’s Southeast Asia Regional Sales Manager, has just returned from his ninth visit to Vietnam (we do say our specialists speak from experience!). Here, he recounts his highlights including some of the more unusual activities he got up to, some of which we are now offering to clients who wish to visit this delightful country.
Another month, another Pinterest competition!
May’s Pinterest competition
We really enjoyed running our first ever Pinterest competition last month and are pleased to announce the winner of the April Insight Guide is,Di Coke, who correctly identified our specialist was in Burma! It really is very easy to take part in our ’Where in the World’ competition, so why not head over to our Pinterest page for your chance to win one of these fab travel guides?
Below are all the terms and conditions you will need to take part:
- This prize draw is open to UK residents aged 18 years or over, with the exception of employees of the Promoter.
- The prize is for one Insight Guide to the destination represented in this month’s photo to which the image is pinned.
- The prize has no cash value.
- Entries to the competition must be received by midnight, 31st May 2013. All correct entries will be entered into a prize draw and the winner will be chosen at random on 1st June 2013.
- Only one entry per person is permitted.
- The Judges’ decision is final.
- The winner will be notified by email by the 10th June 2013.
- To enter simply re-pin the photo of this month’s specialist using the hash tag #audleyspecialist. Comment on the original image with your guess as to what country our specialist is in and a link to your board.
- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to receive clues as to our specialist’s whereabouts.
- No purchase necessary to enter the prize draw.
- By entering the prize draw each entrant agrees to be bound by these terms and conditions.
Happy pinning!
UPDATE: 953 miles, 6 days, 2 wheels, 1 saddle
Jon’s cycle ride for Alalay has come to an abrupt halt
During March I blogged about our Latin America Regional Manager Jon, who was going to be embarking on a rather long cycle ride this week to raise money for a foundation that helps street kids in Bolivia.
The cycle ride was from Land’s End to John O’Groats, and would take six days, covering 158.3 miles. Unfortunately Jon had to give up his cycle ride yesterday when he injured his knee to avoid a car. He’s now unfortunately on crutches but plans to complete the last three days later in the year, from Alderley Edge to John O Groats.
If you would like to sponsor him in the meantime you can visit Jon’s Just Giving fundraising page.
The Alalay centre near Santa Cruz, Bolivia supports 130 children. All the children come from broken homes, many of them were at one time sleeping rough in the streets. The centre was set up by the Alalay Foundation run by Claudia Gonzales to support projects for the homeless in La Paz and in Santa Cruz. Friends of Alalay (Santa Cruz) was set up by Annie Syrett when she was still a student at Sheffield University. All funds raised by Friends of Alalay go towards projects at the centre near Santa Cruz.
“Hanoi: Spirit of Place” photographic exhibition
Hanoi photographed by Sir John Ramsden in the 1980s
The photographer behind ”Hanoi – Spirit of a Place” is Sir John Ramsden, and this exhibition is a tribute to the resilience and adaptability of the Vietnamese people and the enduring attraction of the Vietnamese way of life.
Wildlife spotting in Antarctica
Conor in Antarctica
Polar specialist Conor has recently returned from a trip to Antarctica where he was lucky enough to see humpback whales and gentoo penguins. Read all about his incredible experience below…
New BBC Series, ‘Great Bear Stakeout’
Grizzly bear with cubs
Being shown tonight and tomorrow night at 9pm on BBC1 and BBC One HD is a new two-part documentary entitled ‘Great Bear Stakeout‘.
Over the next two nights it will follow the lives of grizzly bears in the Alaskan wilderness as they come out of hibernation and are thrown together in a frenzy of feeding, fighting and mating. It will also focus on a first-time mother and her cub as they fight to survive in this harsh environment.
Discover the classic sights of Jordan
The Monastery, Petra
Nadia and Clair, two of our most knowledgeable and enthusiastic Jordan specialists recently visited Jordan with Audley to rediscover its classic sights. Read about some of their favourite places, which they feel shouldn’t be missed!
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