October 2016
Happy Halloween! This month's newsletter takes us to Latin America, a destination previously associated with intrepid back-packing but which is becoming increasingly accessible to families looking for an alluring mix of culture, wildlife, adventure and stunning scenery. With a host of new direct BA flights to key destinations and a wide choice of accommodation, from jungle lodges and glamping to boutique city hotels, its attractions have never been so appealing. See our 'Spotlight On' for a tantalising introduction to The Galapagos and read about The Gleesons family holiday to Costa Rica this summer if you like your wildlife served with a side of adventure. If you're still debating where to go in 2017, take a peek at our special offers, updated weekly on our website. For more inspiration follow us on twitter, facebook, pinterest and Instagram.
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Where we've been and seen
With their eldest about to fly the nest and a well-honed penchant for family adventure the lovely Gleeson family spent their summer holiday in Costa Rica. With wildlife high on their agenda, they stayed at El Remanso on the unspoilt Osa Peninsula. Surrounded by rain-forest and beach, and with stunning views, days were spent spotting monkeys, birds, butterflies, sloths and even whales whilst surfing, hiking and waterfall-rappelling. See what Ben, 15, had to say about it all in our latest blog, hot off the press.
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There are certain destinations that have an almost mythical status and the Galapagos is one such place. Located 600 miles off Ecuador’s Pacific coast, the archipelago is a double World Heritage site and served as the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution. A year-round destination, the islands are unique in every sense; with no natural predators you can get up close to the friendly wildlife, including playful sea lions and gigantic sea tortoises.The landscape is almost as startling as the wildlife, with everything from black, volcanic rocks, to bright red and green foliage, white powder beaches and azure blue waters.
Combine with a jungle stay in the Ecuadorian Amazon or perhaps with a week in the Sacred Valley in Peru.
Top tip: opt for a smaller expedition yacht; with just 16-20 people it is a much more personal experience, the crew can time landings to avoid the larger boats, anchor closer to shore and generally be much more flexible with the itinerary. Flying home from Guayaquil keeps your flying hours down.
Go to: Post Office Bay and search through the postcards in the post box to find any that you can hand-deliver. Drop off a few postcards of your own to be delivered, adding to the chain of mail being sent around the world.
Stay: lauded as the most luxurious expedition yacht in the Galapagos, MV Origin combines style AND substance with inclusive kayaking and snorkelling, hand-picked naturalist guides, an on-deck Jacuzzi and gourmet meals to go with your deluxe stateroom.
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We've been busy adding some fantastic lodges to our portfolio this month; sleek, modern Mashpi Lodge in Ecuador, endorsed by the National Georgraphic, has some seriously impressive eco-credentials. Sani Lodge, an altogether more simple affair, nevertheless gives guests a genuine insight into life in an Amazonian community. Meanwhile, if you like turtles as much as we do, take a peek at Evergreen Lodge in Costa Rica.
For safari enthusiasts, looking for an authentic wildlife experience off the beaten track, we love our new Botswana camp - Delta Camp. More on this in next month's newsletter when we'll be reporting on Abi's recent visit.
For more info. and other news, take a peek at our news page on bushbaby.travel.
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For winter sun, accessible but away from the Dubai bling we love Six Senses Zighy Bay. Enjoy the rugged beauty of Oman from your luxurious Pool Villa. A week costs from £1380 per adult sharing including breakfast, 2 free nights and a 10% discount. Valid for stays 16 May – 31 Aug 17, excluding travel.
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Book by 31 Jan to enjoy 20% off and free half -board! A week at the wonderful Porto Elounda Golf Resort and Spa starts from £550 per adult , sharing a Porto Sea View Room. The Arsenal Soccer School is sure to be a hit with younger visitors! Valid for stays 29 Apr – 9 Jun & 1-30 Oct 17, excluding travel.
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Fabulous LUX* Resorts are offering unbeatable savings for longer stays - save 25% when you stay 7 to 10 nights. A week at LUX* Grand Gaube, Mauritius in a Superior Room incl breakfast costs from £370 per adult sharing. Valid for stays 3 Jun – 8 Jul & 19 Aug – 8 Sep 17, excluding travel.
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