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.

Are you looking for a spectacular way to propose this Valentine’s Day? Well the SEA LIFE London Aquarium is offering a watertight solution which will be impossible to say no to – an exclusive underwater proposal service. Those wishing to pop the question to their loved one in a totally unique and utterly surprising way can organise for a diver to emerge amongst the rare Turtles, magical rays and shoals of exotic tropical fish, clutching a personalised “will you marry me?” sign (waterproof of course!) The amazing marine setting provides the perfect romantic backdrop to make a special event completely unforgettable. Water way to get engaged!

The once in a lifetime service costs £60, which includes a glass of champagne and a photo capturing the moment. Numbers are extremely limited and slots will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Those who are sure there really aren’t plenty more fish in the sea and are interested in taking up this unique offer should contact the aquarium to reserve a slot by emailing sllondon@merlinentertainments.biz.

For couples who aren’t quite ready to take the plunge and tie the knot, the SEA LIFE London Aquarium is still the perfect setting for a romantic Valentine’s Day date, with its stunning array of fish, Seahorses and Turtles. The tropical glass tunnel walkway is an ideal tranquil backdrop to whisper sweet nothings, whilst the terrifying Shark Walk finale provides the perfect excuse to hold hands. Check www.sealife.co.uk/london for full details.

Located on Ischia’s northwestern coast and surrounded by fragrant pines, the Mezzatorre Resort & Spa, known for the famous thermal waters of nearby Lacco Ameno, is a picture-perfect paradise for total recreation and recovery

The main body of the hotel is located in an old tower of the sixteenth century, erected for the sighting and protection against the Saracen raids; the annexes in style with the Tower and discreetly camouflaged in green, are distributed in the beautiful park of pines and oaks

Rich in history and charm the Hotel Mezzatorre is the perfect setting for an intimate and exclusive holiday.

Guest rooms and suites have been designed with signature Italian taste and luxury, including terraces that offer glorious views of the sea.

The refined atmosphere is complemented perfectly by a friendly and attentive service.

Guest staying 5 or 7 nights between 22/04-23/05 and 19/09-18/10 will receive complimentary one of the following Spa Programmes

5 nights
Beauty & Relax
5 Thermal water track in indoor pool
1 Face mud mask
1 Thalasso therapy in pool
1 Kneipp therapy session

7 nights

Well-being & Relax

6 Thermal water track in pool
2 Inhalations
2 Aerosols
2 Thalasso therapies
1 Turkish bath with special showers or 1 Sauna
1 Anti-stress massage

or

Beauty & Relax

6 Thermal water track in pool
2 Cryotherapies
1 Springwater face mud mask
1 Face massage
3 Kneipp therapy sessions

You don’t need to travel to far flung parts of the country to take part in the renaissance in traditional crafts, to be featured on BBC TV over the next six weeks. Here in the heart of The National Forest there are plenty of opportunities to learn the techniques, skills and often forgotten histories of woodland crafts.

Mastercrafts, a six week series filmed in Dorset, starts on 12 February on BBC2, and follows three hopefuls in their search for the perfect traditional craft for them.

Here in The National Forest you can train under master woodsman Peter Wood in his woodland workshop Greenwood Days. Under his expert guidance, novices and keen amateurs can learn pole lathe turning, Windsor chair making, how to make your own long bow and learn to fire it, steam and tar a coracle, weave a willow basket or bend a hazel hurdle on courses lasting from one to eight days.

If Ray Mears’ bushcraft survival skills are more to your taste, there are three survival schools based in The National Forest. Forage for wild food, collect rain water from leaves, twist twine out of tree roots or filter water through socks lined with moss and wood ash. Build a snug shelter in the woods and watch the stars come out.

Or you can volunteer with BTCV (British Trust for Conservation Volunteers) and learn dry stone walling, hedgelaying, coppicing and other countryside skills. It’s a great way to meet people, have fun and get fit at the same time.

Following the success of last year’s launch, Keycamp is extending its free swimming lessons for children aged 1 – 5 years. Now available at seven parcs, the lessons, which are run in conjunction with the Swimming Teachers’ Association (STA), are designed to safely introduce little ones to the water and get them to take their first strokes.

The lessons – which follow the STA’s six-step programme – offer a structured and supportive environment and create a fun and positive experience for babies enjoying the pool for the first time. Lessons will be available at seven French parcs: three in Brittany, one in the Dordogne, one in the Loire Valley and two in Languedoc.

Fancy taking the plunge, then why not consider La Pointe St Gilles in Bénodet, a beautiful parc in Southern Brittany? Located on the coast, it is the perfect choice for baby’s first beach holiday, and as well as the free swimming lessons, offers Mini Fun Station and Tumble Tots sessions. One of Keycamp’s Mini World parcs, it is especially toddler-friendly with facilities such as a children’s pool. There’s also much to occupy mum and dad, with sports like archery, badminton, canoeing and cycle hire available.

To help you travel that little bit lighter, parents are able to hire free baby packs which include a travel cot, high chair, baby bath and potty, while all-terrain buggies and toddler trucks can be hired for just £2/€2 per day. A deal with Tiny Tots Away also means that Keycamp customers can enjoy a 10% discount on everyday essentials, such as nappies and preferred baby foods, which can be ordered and delivered direct to your accommodation.

A seven night break starting on 5 June for a family of two adults and up to four children staying in a Villanova mobile home at La Pointe St Gilles will cost £428, accommodation only. Ferry crossings or fly drive packages are available at a supplement.

Research carried out by Haven Holidays earlier this year revealed that ‘value for money’ is top priority when it comes to booking a family holiday.

Despite the recession families are not prepared to forego their annual holiday – but they do expect more fun for their cash.

‘We’ve listened to our customers and have included even more in the price for 2010,’ say Haven.

Next year the popular Coke FC football coaching sessions will be free of charge. Footie mad youngsters can take part in a choice of sessions depending on their age. The coaching takes place at 32 out of Haven’s 35 UK family holiday parks and covers a range of attack and defence skills, dribbling, shooting and top hints and tips for ball control and goal scoring.

Other free activities include mini-tennis sessions for 3-8 year olds, mini archery for 3-5 year olds and Wake and Shake sessions to get you up and moving at the start of the day.

Swimming in Haven’s fabulous indoor and outdoor leisure pools also comes as part of the package –next year the pools are even more exciting with flumes, slides and even brand new Space Bowls at Marton Mere and Combe Haven. Next season Learn2Swim sessions are on offer at no extra cost, providing tuition for all ages from water confidence sessions for babies and toddlers right through to advanced sessions for older children and even adults.

Daytime and evening entertainment is free of charge …including music, dancing, stage-shows and cabaret as well as pantomimes, wrestling and international circus performances. Kids clubs don’t cost anything extra either – you don’t even have to pay for materials!

What’s more Haven are offering excellent value for money deals if you book early for 2010. Take advantage of early booking discounts and avoid any possible increases in VAT by booking before the end of December. Prices start from as little as £109 for a four night Spring break for a family of four – including the half price early booking deal.

Call 0871 230 1900 or click on www.haven.com.

Haven Holidays, the biggest provider of swimming lessons in the private sector, will be splashing out even more next season. Britain’s favourite family holiday company is making all its swimming lessons in the highly-acclaimed Learn2Swim programme compeltely free of charge!

And Haven is introducing free water-confidence sessions for babies for the first time so even the youngest holidaymakers can try a new fun experience with mum or dad!

Every year Haven’s fully qualified lifeguards give more than 40,000 swimming lessons in the heated indoor pools at the company’s 35 holiday parks. The ages of those taking part ranges from tots perhaps having their first session in a pool to mums and dads and grandparents who want to improve their technique.

Haven has more than 400 lifeguards and one in four of them have been trained by the Swimming Teachers’ Association to teach the Learn2Swim programme.

Marcus van der Gaag Haven’s Sports and Leisure Director, said: ‘We are very proud of our association with the STA and are delighted so many children and holidaymakers take part in our Learn2Swim programme.
‘Many of our guests say that being on holiday is an ideal time to have swimming lessons especially if they are on the holiday park for a week or more. Next year our Learn2Swim sessions will take place every day!

‘Our lifeguards are all trained to the highest standard and there are five levels of achievement to aim for with certificates presented at each stage. They range from initial water confidence to swimming 50 metres.’

The Learn2Swim sessions are in addition to the wide range of fun water activities on Haven’s parks such as messing around in mini paddle-boats or surging along underwater with powered submersibles.*

Haven are offering excellent value for money deals if you book early for 2010. Take advantage of early booking discounts and avoid any possible increases in VAT by booking before the end of December. Prices start from as little as £99 for a four night Spring break for a family of four – including the half price early booking deal.

Call 0871 230 1900 or click on www.haven.com.