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• VOYAGE IN THE ANTARCTIC FOR THE INTREPID |
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Shackleton's epic Antarctica voyage in 1916 remains one of the most awe-inspiring feats of endurance, difficult to comprehend in our modern, comfortable world.
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So the possibility to partly relive that journey - safely and comfortably, we would add - should be a tempting one for those seeking a more adventurous type of holiday.
Specialist tour operator, Discover the World, now organises a number of expeditionary voyages to Antartica, using small, tough ships, operating out of Ushuaia in Argentina , with Russian crews. The thrill of following in Shackleton's mighty footsteps is combined with the opportunity to see the incredible icy landscapes and wild life of this remote continent.
The 'Explorers' Voyage' takes in Prion Island where Shackleton's 'Endurance' sank, Elephant Island where his crew waited as he and two others rowed across the sea to South Georgia, and where they crossed the mountain range to the whaling station. Shackleton is buried here.The itinerary also suggests a stop at the Falkland Islands and the Shetland Islands and the
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The good ship M/V Orlova, with a crew of 53. Map of the possible route, weather conditions allowing.
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Antarctica Peninsula - but the programme is subject to the same weather conditions and the ice that sank the 'Endurance'. |
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Reassuringly, the M/V ORLOVA ship was designed for the polar seas, an ice-strengthened passenger vessel built in 1976 and refurbished in 2002. It is equipped with all the latest equipment and carries Zodiac crafts for shore excursions.
Passengers may reflect on the hardships endured by Shackleton and his men over a tot or two in the well-stocked bar. The dining room has large viewing windows, there's a lounge, lecture hall, exercise room and library, and medical centre. Spartan this is not. Comfortable cabins and suites, all with private facilities, accommodate up to 110 passengers, and European chefs serve up international cuisine. But it is the views from the ample deck areas that will make this one of the most memorable of holidays.
Voyages take place during the Austral summer, in November and December this year, prices from around £6,400, not including flights. Other trips and ships available. Contact www.discover-the-world.co.uk |
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• DINING WITH THE CHEF IN DUBAI |
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GOING from a silent and remote extreme to a hotspot of activity, Dubai continues to grow at a phenomenal rate. With the Palm and the World and various other projects up and running, we receive news of the latest luxury hotel to open just recently, the Grosvenor House in the West Marina area.
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So what has this one got that all its luxury neighbours have not? Well, for one thing, it has English chef Gary Robinson, lured there from service as the head chef to the Prince of Wales no less. |
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His speciality is the very first 'chef's table' in Dubai. This somewhat curious delight provides an exclusive table for four, which may be reserved by invitation only, and which is situated in the kitchen of the hotel's Mezzanine restaurant.
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This position allows Robinson 'face time with guests', so that he may talk diners through the personalised menu of between four and seven courses. There is no accounting for taste, of course, but many might well think they would prefer to eat in the restaurant and be spared such attention from the cook. |
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Fortunately, for those who indulge in the full seven courses - and if the cook is watching, it would be churlish not to eat it all up - the hotel provides an extensive spa and grooming floor where such excess may be reduced or concealed. |
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:: Springtime in England:: |
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THE beauty of England in Springtime is particularly to be enjoyed by staying in one of the many lovely old houses and castles dotted throughout the countryside. Despite London now enjoying the dubious distinction of being one of the most expensive places on earth, it is still possible to stay in places outside the capital quite reasonably and in delightfully different surroundings, with even the most expensive having special rates and bargains.
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A picture of English heritage, Hartwell House in Buckinghamshire is currently offering a special break until the end of March. This former stately home, in 94 acres of gardens, has plenty of stars and ribbons attached to its name, boasts a spa and a variety of four posters, and is offering a romantic dinner, bed and breakfast any night but Saturday for two for just £300. This includes a half bottle of Ruinart Brut Rose Champagne, a box of homemade chocolates and use of the spa. A Saturday night stay is £340 and stay to enjoy Sunday lunch at the special rate of £31 - and perhaps even stay for tea! See www.hartwell-house.com
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Collection of Cruises
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CRUISING has long since ceased to be the preserve of the elderly and the super rich. There are cruises now to suit all sorts and all budgets, with plenty providing excitement and adventure. |
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A new guide just out brings together a collection of luxury options from top cruise names that illustrates the variety on offer. There is the 'country house' ambience of the excellent Hebridean Cruises, which will take you round the coast and islands of Scotland, or much further afield, including the Artic Circle and the Indian Occean. |
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There's the Crystal option, big luxury liners with extensive educational programmes as well as entertainment, the relaxed charm of river cruises through Europe with Peter Deilmann Cruises, the romantic beauty of the sailing ships run by Windstar in the Caribbean and the Med, all sorts of water sports with the small Sea Dream Yacht Club, and ships and other facilities all combined with luxury accomodation and fine cuisine. |
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