• New Rainforests of the World area from 8th March
o Pair of 6ft dwarf crocs just snapping distance away
o Thundering 2m tropical waterfall and exotic vegetation
o 13 authentically themed displays
o Over 3000 rainforest residents from Poison Arrow Frogs to snap happy Piranha Fish
• Themed crocodile activities including Crocodile Egg Hunt Easter Weekend
• PLUS a whole aquarium to discover including 12 species of shark and world’s biggest collection of Cownose Rays
• Spectacular and nerve testing Shark Walk
• Completely family friendly with interactive features and feeding talks
• Tickets £17.50 for adults, £12.50 for children
• Discounts and Fast Track entry with online booking
• Open 7 days a week from 10am with last entry 5pm on weekdays and 6pm on weekends. Last entry during school holidays is 7pm (see website for full details)
• Nearest tube Westminster/Waterloo
• Visit www.sealife.co.uk/london or call 0871 663 1678 for general enquiries

Take a voyage of discovery deep into the rainforest this spring at the Sea Life London Aquarium’s amazing new Rainforests of the World area. Visitors can step into the steamy jungle and experience the tropical temperatures and humidity, eerie mists and distinctive sounds of the rainforest. The immersive journey takes guests across three continents where they can get up close and personal with some of the rainforests’ most famous and feared residents. Special themed events over Easter Weekend will celebrate the arrival of a pair of 6 ft West African Dwarf crocodiles who will be just snapping distance away from guests, in a specially created wetland habitat mirroring their African home. A family of highly toxic Poison Arrow Frogs, lethal yellow Golden Dart Frogs and a collection of flesh eating piranha fish are also included in the 3000 plus aquatic residents of the new area.

Visitors will journey through an expanse of luscious exotic vegetation and past a thundering two metre high waterfall cascading over the impressive rock formation. Family friendly information panels have been developed in association with Rainforest Concern. They provide fascinating facts about the vulnerable eco-systems of Malaysia, West Africa and South America and the creatures that make their homes there, as well as giving an insight into how humans are damaging the rainforests and threatening their survival.

As well as the exciting new Rainforests of the World, the SEA LIFE London Aquarium is home to thousands of marine creatures from every part of the world including 46 sharks, and boasts some breathtaking features including a stunning tropical glass tunnel walkway and a nerve testing Shark Walk finale, plus an ongoing programme of interactive family friendly activities.

Situated on the banks of the River Thames in County Hall, SEA LIFE London Aquarium tickets are £17.50 for adults, £12.50 for children with family tickets and special behind the scenes packages also available. Check www.sealife.co.uk/london for full details.

Pioneering luxury eco retreat Frégate Island Private in the Seychelles has successfully completed the installation of the first phase of its new rainwater harvesting system, with average daily rainfall yielding around 30,000 litres of collected rainwater – enough to provide up to approximately 60 per cent of the island’s water requirements. Encouraged by the results, Frégate Island Private will now press ahead with phase two, doubling the collection area so that the island need rely on nothing more than the heavens above for its water needs!

Rainwater is currently collected from half of the total roof surface area of the back-of-house buildings via a system of gutters and pipes, with capacity to harvest up to 60,000 litres per day. The rainwater collects in intermediate tanks before being pumped through a filtration system – making it safe to drink – and into the island’s main water system, which can store over 450,000 litres.

The Seychelles’ rainy season, which runs from November to March, is characterised by sharp, heavy showers which quickly clear, to be replaced by sunshine and blue skies. On completion of phase two, average rainfall should allow Frégate to harvest and store approximately 6 million litres of water over the course of an average year – enough to cover the entire island’s needs.

Because of its natural softness, harvested rainwater produces better results from the quality of cooking through to laundry and other machine operation, whilst also being beneficial for the longevity of the piping system. More importantly, it dramatically reduces the need to pump and desalinate water from the island’s underground sources, reducing energy consumption by 400kwh – equivalent to the amount of energy required to keep a 40W light bulb on continually for 14 months!

The installation of the rainwater harvesting system is just the latest step in Frégate Island Private’s ongoing journey towards increasing sustainability and a harmonious, mutually beneficial co-existence with its natural environment. Last year, Frégate established the Indian Ocean’s largest endemic tree nursery and passed the notable milestone of planting the 100,000th tree since its reforestation programme began in 1998; and in 2008 it introduced the Indian Ocean’s first fully solar-powered fleet of guest buggies. The island is also one of the most important sanctuaries for rare endemic and indigenous animals, setting an inspiring example for others to follow with conservation projects that have seen the Magpie Robin – still the world’s seventh rarest bird – rejuvenated from a global population of just 22 in 1995 to over 180 today; and the critically endangered Seychelles terrapin nurtured back from just eight individuals to over 100 today.

It’s been a roaring good week at Legend Golf & Safari Resort as two new predators were welcomed on to Africa’s most exciting new development.
Not that the two cute balls of white fur look anything like the deadly big cats they will eventually grow into.

These adorable white lion cubs have taken up residence at the resort’s pioneering Legend Wildlife and Cultural Centre. And all eyes – cats and human – are on these rare big cats as they settle into their new home under the watchful eye of project manager Arrie Van Deventer.

The introduction of the 10-week-old male and female cubs takes Van Deventer one step closer to realising his dream of introducing the white lion gene on to the resort at the Big Five Entabeni Safari Conservancy in the Limpopo Province and, ultimately, into the wild.

There are currently five lions at the Predator Centre, including three orphaned white lions.

Van Deventer said: “I’m very excited to have more white lions at the centre and continue my work towards returning these majestic creatures back to the wild so they can roam with the dignity they deserve.

“These first few weeks are particularly important as the cubs get used to their new surroundings. For myself, I want to have a strong relationship with them so I’m spending four to five hours a day with them to allow them to get to know me. Already the male is quite happy to come to me and allow me to stroke him. The female’s still quite skittish, but then she’s had little human contact. But I know though that within a couple of weeks she won’t be recognisable from the spirited young lady she is now and she’ll be much more comfortable.

“I’m secretly hoping that I will be able to take them out for “walks” with me, just like I used to do with the last lion I hand-raised – Mapimpan – before he moved on to the teenage enclosure to be paired with one of our white lionesses in the breeding programme.”

The new additions will stay in the Wildlife and Cultural Centre’s cub enclosure for the next couple of months. They will then move to an innovative “lion island”: a deep, dry moat dug around an expansive piece of land which allows the lions to roam without the threat of territorial retribution or violent male dominance from the Big Five reserve’s current wild pride.

New for 2010 Audley is offering good value family safaris in Zamiba staying at the newly renovated Flatdogs Camp.

Flatdogs used to only offer camping and self catering accommodation but has just been renovated to now offer family chalets during the summer season only (May – October) – the best time for game viewing. These are excellent value and much more low key and family friendly than the more traditional safari camps.

The facilities at the camp are totally geared towards families with a pool, plenty of space for children to play and a children’s menu. There is also a nanny service and of course lots of activities with morning and evening game drives, visits to Kawaza village to see the local school there and play with the children and learn about their way of life and the chance to go on a half day trip to Chipembele Wildlife Education Centre to learn about conservation and see the orphan animals there.

The cost for a week in May half term is from £2,507 per adult and £1,840 per child under 12. This is based on a family of four sharing a two storey family chalet with views of the Luangwa River and includes return flights from London Heathrow to Lusaka with BA, all internal transfers by light aircraft and 4WD, 6 nights at Flatdogs on a full board basis, 1 night b&b in Lusaka and all activities in the South Luangwa.

Celebrating 16 years of solely online travel business, the Indian Ocean rental specialist Elegant Destination’s has increased its robust interactive marketing endeavours with the recent launch of Elegant Destinations Facebook fan page, an Elegant Destinations channel on YouTube, a Twitter feed and client villa reviews on Trip Advisor via Flipkey. All this provides long-time fans, loyal clients and new visitors with up to date information on the ground in Mauritius and Seychelles such as new villas, new openings, new excursions and activities, reviews, limited offers and polls .

Elegant Destinations had so many details to communicate to its loyal database and feedback from clients showed that they wanted to know more information than the seasonal newsletters. As the Mauritius and Seychelles develop there is more choice and the new channels allow Elegant Destination to update immediately as well as display their videos and photos of villas, weddings, excursions and locations. These images say more than words and transport visitors to these exotic beach locations in Mauritius and Seychelles where they can enjoy a “virtual” holiday.

“The introduction of social media channels really meets our guests’ needs and allows our local offices to portray their islands, build relationships with clients and communicate their news.” says Hans Gauthier CEO of Elegant Destinations Ltd

Elegant Destinations
Elegant Destinations has been an online villa specialist to Mauritius and Seychelles since 1994 and has established a reputation as one of the Indian Ocean internet pioneers. A privately-owned travel business, the inspiration of Hans and Julie Gauthier who both share a passion for the Indian Ocean where they lived for many years. The company was originally formed to market the best private villas in the Indian Ocean and has today expanded to offer over 100 hand picked hotels and over 200 private villas. European management office is in the UK and with its own local office in Mauritius Elegant Destinations ensures up to date first hand knowledge and provides an informative and professional service.

Escape to warmer climes, superb beaches and the opportunity to get up close and personal with wildlife (without suffering from jetlag – only one hour time difference with the UK*) on a family break in Cape Town staying in your own villa.

Situated in the exclusive Newlands Village, with jaw dropping views of Table Mountain from the second floor balcony, Beaumont Villa have put together a great ‘Family Escape’ to Cape Town for the months of March to May. Based on 7 nights for the price of 5, the package includes a few special treats such as gourmet family picnic and dinner for two at one of Cape Town’s best restaurants so Mum and Dad can capture a little romance after a busy day out wildlife spotting.

A spacious three-storey property, decorated and furnished in an elegant contemporary style, Beaumont Villa has two bedrooms on separate floors, each with their own balcony, making it a perfect retreat for families with older children who like to have their own space.

Conveniently located to explore the Cape Town area with its numerous attractions and pristine beaches, families can go wild at Africa’s largest bird sanctuary, get up close and personal with a cheetah, monkey around with a few primates, watch whales and hang out with some of Cape Town’s most amusing birds at the local African penguin colony, all within an hours drive from the villa.

Within easy walking distance to an excellent selection of neighbourhood restaurants (including a great family-friendly Italian) and local shops for picking up supplies, the villa has a fully equipped kitchen and dining area for home entertainment as well as a private plunge pool to relax in after a busy day sightseeing.

With the convenience of having a freshly prepared breakfast hamper delivered each morning from the sister property Beaumont House, a daily maid service and personal concierge service, Beaumont Villa is a relaxing haven for families who like complete independence and privacy with the added comfort of knowing that there is always someone on hand.

Family Package
7 night ‘Beaumont Villa Family Package’ starts from R8950/person (approx £730/person) based on 4 people staying includes 7 nights accommodation for the price of 5 with a daily gourmet breakfast hamper, complimentary house wines and spirits, gourmet picnic with entrance to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, romantic dinner for two at Myoga – one of Cape Town’s best restaurants – with babysitting services for the children if required, airport and restaurant transfers and services of the concierge. Valid for March – May 2010. Extra nights from £530/night (R6500/night) for the villa.

Launching a new South African Horse Safari for 2010 (6 weeks from £2,170 and 10 weeks from £3,370) and offering a huge variety of placements throughout the year, The Leap (www.theleap.co.uk ) cater to all ages and requirements and are committed to providing life changing projects that equally benefit participants, local communities, wildlife and environment – whether you’re planning a gap year or looking for a holiday with a difference.

If you’ve always dreamt of galloping through the African bush and experiencing life at one of South Africa’s most renowned safari lodges, the new horse safari leap is guaranteed to delight. Based at Kwa Madwala, a private 4000 hectare game reserve situated between Swaziland and Mozambique just South of the Kruger National Park, the Manyatta safari lodge is beautifully built with elegant African touches and commanding views from a stunning hilltop location.

Leapers will help the park rangers, reserve grooms and will also volunteer in the local Swazi community. Mornings will be spent escorting lodge guests out on horse safaris, learning the art of following game and helping with the horses and stable management. Afternoon activities include reserve management, construction of viewing decks, assistance with the elephant back safari programme including riding the elephants and looking after their diet, enclosures and general welfare, participating in a course covering the basic skills of 4 x 4 driving and even microlighting over the reserve. At the nearby children’s orphanage at Thembalethu School, a centre for victims of AIDS, leapers will teach and play with the children, painting murals, assisting with seedling projects and generating micro enterprises including making gifts from local materials.

If you have a little time on your hands, the horse safari leap at Kwa Madwala will allow you to experience life on a big five game reserve and to contribute to the ongoing sustainability of conserving this patch of African wilderness. This truly is a safari experience with a difference.

Vintage Travel – specialising, exclusively, in hand-picked houses with private pools – is highlighting an early booking offer of 10% off all bookings made before 31 January at Pruneta di Sopra – a beautiful four bedroom, three bathroom Tuscan retreat sleeping up to nine.

With this superb deal a party of eight or nine can enjoy savings of up to £260 on, for example, the week’s rental commencing 21 August – which means the revised price is now £2335. Or, for the same week, a party of up to seven pay £2155 (saving £240).

A group of friends or a large family – of eight or nine – looking for a spring getaway can save £140 for the weeks commencing 8 and 15 May with the rental now reduced to £1255. Or, for a smaller party of up to seven, the revised cost is £1075 (saving £120).

Prices do not include return UK flights and car hire, but these can be arranged independently or by the company on request.

In addition to its own private pool – with infinity edge – the house has children’s swings, table tennis, table football, pizza oven and barbecue and is set in 25 acres of extensive meadows, fields and woodland just outside the village of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana.

It is also close to the Alpi Apuane Natural Park – ideal for walking – and within easy reach of the walled town of Lucca as well as the cities of Florence and Pisa.

Leading online travel agent On the Beach saw a significant rise in bookings for summer 2010 during the Christmas period, with the Spanish Canary Islands proving the most popular destinations amongst sun starved Britons.

December 28 was by far the busiest day for bookings during the Christmas period as dreams of sand, sea and sunshine saw bookings rise more than 35% compared to the same day in 2008.

Along with the Canary Islands of Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Tenerife, Egypt and Turkey (the latter being the most popular destination for summer 2009), are both proving popular for 2010, mirroring the trend for last season.

Early indications also suggest that compared to 2009, the North African destinations of Tunisia and Morocco will welcome more British holidaymakers in 2010.

Furthermore, of all bookings made during December, 42% were for travel during summer 2010, which is further proof that holidaymakers are determined on taking a summer holiday next year.

However, research by On the Beach also suggests that whilst holidaymakers will be travelling during next year’s Fifa World Cup, British holidaymakers are being careful not to travel on the dates England are playing their important group matches. England play their matches on July 12, 18 and 23 and early flight bookings for travel on these dates are down by an average of 40%.

Alistair Daly, Marketing Director at On the Beach says, “The festive season has been very busy at On the Beach as money conscious holidaymakers have been eager to snap up the best end of year deals on offer. Our bookings suggest that 2010 will be a better year for Spanish destinations and whilst most of us will not be travelling to South Africa to follow England during the World Cup, it’s clear that many Brits will be cheering on the Three Lions from the comfort of a beach bar in the sun.”

A three night gourmet break at the four star Beachcomber Apartments at Watergate Bay, including one 6-course gourmet dinner at the Jamie Oliver inspired restaurant, Fifteen Cornwall costs from just £99 per person from 01 January to 09 February 2010.

The luxury Beachcombers Apartments <http://www.watergatebay.com/beachcombers.php> (above) are just 200 yards from the beach and restaurant and have been built and furnished to a high standard, offering one or two bedroom accommodation with en suite shower rooms, flat screen TVs and a storage area for surfboards and wetsuits.

PRICE – From just £99 per person based on 4 adults sharing a 2 bedroom apartment and for just £10 per person extra, guests can extend their stay to a full week.