Monday, August 26, 2013

NEW SISTERS OF AFRICA SPA LAUNCHED WITH PROPRIETARY HEALING TREATMENTS AND PRODUCTS

LIVINGSTONE, Zambia (08/2013) - A new spa called Sisters of Africa, featuring proprietary spa and beauty treatments and products based on age-old Zambian healing techniques, has been launched at Islands of Siankaba, the “green” luxury lodge set on two islands in the Zambezi River, just 24 miles from famous Victoria Falls. All guests receive a complimentary five-minute foot or neck massage to help them relax and unwind.

Sisters of Africa founder, Bessie Mwale, said the Spa was created to bring “true tranquility to the body, mind and soul.” The treatments are offered in the lodge’s poolside Spa, inside guest rooms or alfresco on the chalet’s “porch”. “What is more relaxing than being in the middle of the glorious Zambezi River surrounded by the natural music of the birds, the water and the light scent of the trees?” says Mwale.

The Signature Treatment is the Sisters of Africa Massage (US$75, sixty minutes), using warm or cold cloths to help stretch and heal aching muscles, a technique traditionally used in Zambian villages with the purpose of removing toxic energy and relaxing the body through a sisterly touch. The Siankaba Aromatherapy Massage (US$75, sixty minutes) uses oils extracted from the
Mongongo (euphorbia) and Baobab trees, oils that help slow aging and improve skin tone. 

Beauty treatments include the Zambian River Island Facial, where skin is cleaned with steamed towels and pure, distilled Zambezi River water, then deeply nourished with Mongongo oil and wild African ginger. A gentle massage to improve blood and nutrient circulation follows. The Arabica Coffee Body Polish contains a thick layer of cocoa butter, pure coconut oil and freshly-grown Zambian Arabica Coffee to help intensely cleanse the skin while removing dead cells to prepare the skin for Africa’s sun-kissed weather. The Back and Neck Massage (US$45, thirty minutes) or the Foot Massage (US$45, thirty minutes) can be combined with other full body massage treatments (US$115, ninety minutes).

Zambia-born Sisters of Africa founder Bessie Mwale worked her way through beauty school in South Africa to achieve a Beautician’s Diploma. Wanting to return to her country of origin after gaining work experience outside of Johannesburg, Mwale seized on the opportunity offered by Islands of Siankaba to become a consultant for their spa treatments and to run her own Spa at 
the lodge.

“I want to inspire other African women to follow their dreams as I have mine,” says Mwale. 

For information or reservations: info@siankaba.net; Visit: www.siankaba.net

Friday, August 16, 2013

SHORT AND SWEET, MEET THE REBRANDED FLEET

SANTIAGO, Chile (08/2013) – Expedition cruise line Australis has rebranded its name and logo in order to have a more consistent brand worldwide. Previously, “Cruceros Australis,” the new shorter title will enhance the company profile and resonate with consumers, as the word “Australis” means “South” – and this cruise line explores the southernmost regions of South America.

From Punta Arenas, Chile to Ushuaia, Argentina (the southernmost city in the world), Australis follows in the path of Charles Darwin, using Zodiac boats for land excursions and a closer look at the pristine geography. Lectures from experts in their field accompany the sightings of the day. In Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, the highlight is a visit to Cape Horn, known as the “End of the Earth,” and the last territory before arriving in Antarctica.

Australis employs two ships – Via Australis and Stella Australis – each season from September through April. The company’s 2013/2014 season will soon be underway, complete with three-, four- and seven-night itineraries. Keep an eye out for itineraries resulting from new partnerships (e.g. National Geographic photographer Tommy Heinrich and explora).

Rates for an Australis cruise start at $1,389 per person, depending on the season and itinerary. This includes airport transfers, sea transportation, shore excursions, onboard entertainment, all meals and an open bar. For more information, visit www.australis.com.

Sunday, August 11, 2013

THE ISLANDS OF SIANKABA: THE ZAMBEZI RIVER'S OASIS IN THE TREES

LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA (08/06)--Located 24 miles upstream from one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the World,’ Victoria Falls, and just 30 miles from the magnificent Chobe National Park, the Islands of Siankaba’s River Lodge offers style and elegance in a distinctively African setting. Overhead walkways in a tree canopy connect seven secluded chalets and the restaurant, which has earned a reputation for ‘haute-cuisine in the bush.’ Each chalet is completely private and offers a unique view of the mighty Zambezi River which flows below the private balconies. The treetop chalets feature views of the calm 
river right from the king-sized beds and lavish bathtubs. The Islands of Siankaba sleeps just 14 guests and makes for a picturesque, romantic getaway or a relaxing reprieve for travelers on safari or on an extreme-sports adventure. 

This carefully crafted river lodge comprises two densely forested islands. The Islands are linked by a suspension bridge. On the larger of the two islands there is a dining room, lounge, bar, and swimming pool; the chalets are nestled on the smaller island to the south. All of the tented chalets are made from teak and custom-made canvas. The Islands are named after the local head man of the Siankaba area which is across the River from the Lodge.

The environmental policy of the lodge is to make a minimum negative impact on the surrounding ecosystem. In this tradition the design and layout of the lodge incorporates its natural surroundings and the structures blend flawlessly with the bush. The overhead walkways enable guests to leave no impact on the flora below.

A trained masseuse on site offers a range of spa treatments in the privacy of the chalet or outside on the verandah with the soothing sound of the river flowing below and the tweets of birds nesting in the trees.

In addition, the Islands of Siankaba offers many activities such as guided bird-watching tours, nature hikes, tours of Victoria Falls either in Zambia or Zimbabwe, sunset cruises, mokoro trips, island nature walks, picnic lunches, village trips including a visit to the nursery school, and mountain 
bike rides through the village. Many other expeditions can be arranged such as trips to Chobe National Park, elephant-back safaris, bunji jumping, white water rafting, micro lighting, helicopter flights, gorge swinging, tiger moth flights, game drives, and jet boating.

Whether looking for a romantic hideaway, a relaxing post-safari retreat, or in search of one of the many adrenalin buzz adventures available in the area, guests will experience uncompromising levels of service and hospitality during their stay at the Islands of Siankaba. 

Rates for the Luxury Chalets range from $445 to $460 per person sharing per night. Rates forthe Honeymoon Suite range from $500 to $515 per person sharing per night. Rates depend upon the season and include accommodation, all meals, return airport transfers, local drinks and house wines, and activities as noted above. 

For more information, visit www.siankaba.net or email info@siankaba.net

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

RE-VAMPED HEALTH CLUB & SPA AT ABERDARE COUNTRY CLUB OFFERS RE-VITALIZING TREATMENTS FROM THREE CONTINENTS

NAIROBI, Kenya (08/2013) Aberdare Country Club (ACC), a luxury lodge and chalets set in a 1300-acre wildlife sanctuary 2 1/2 hours northeast of Nairobi, unveiled a new menu for its Health Club & Spa that includes treatments from three continents – Europe, Asia and Africa – at very affordable prices.

From Europe comes the long-time favorite Swedish Massage ($30, sixty minutes), the basis for all Western forms of massage treatment. The massage alleviates stiffness and fatigue, improves circulation and uses oils that soften the skin.

From Africa comes the Aromatherapy Massage ($35, sixty minutes). Aromatherapy can be traced back to ancient Egypt, when incense and aromatic oils and plants were used to cure a variety of ailments and were enlisted in sacred rituals to evoke separate states of consciousness. For the Aromatherapy Massage essential oils are customized to the individual. Two distinct but overlapping aspects of this treatment are employed to maximize the soothing effects on the body.

From India comes the Indian Head, Back & Shoulder Massage ($25, forty minutes), a treatment that delivers therapeutic benefits while turning the customer’s relaxation dial down to zero.  The Hindi word for head massage is “Champi,” an age-old tradition in Indian households: Mothers would stroke their daughter’s hair to promote its growth and health.  Aspects of this technique have been adapted to help calm the nervous system and relieve joint and muscle stiffness. While the nervous system is soothed, the lymphatic and circulatory systems are stimulated through varying strokes and pressure. Added benefit:  the massage diminishes tension headaches and reduces eye strain. 

ACC’s Health Club & Spa boasts a fully-equipped gym with the latest cardiovascular machines, free weights and a matted section for Pilates and/or aerobics. The facility includes rooms for massage, body therapy treatments and beauty care. Hours are 7:00 am to 8:00 pm, weekdays, week-ends and public holidays.

Monday, August 5, 2013

CRUISE THE NILE IN STYLE; ZING THROUGH THE KAZINGA MARASA LAUNCHES NEW LUXURY BOATS

KAMPALA, Uganda (08/2013) Sure the Nile River looks pretty great from land, but why not cruise it in style with a 2- hour water safari on a luxurious boat from Mweya Safari Lodge through Uganda’s Kazinga Channel. The 22-mile channel links saltwater Lake Edward to fresh water Lake George – two rift valley lakes with royal lineage; they were named after Queen Victoria’s son Edward VII and her grandson George V.  

Mweya offers a couple of ways to experience the channel, with seasoned guides and a full crew. The Sunbird comfortably seats ten people, but for those seeking a truly special experience, the Kingfisher is perfect for a dozen people to ride in style and enjoy drinks and canapés while soaking in the beautiful surroundings and rich wildlife.

Nestled on a peninsula deep in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and surrounded by the fabled Rwenzori Mountains, (the ‘Mountains of the Moon’), Mweya is off the proverbial ‘beaten path.’ The Kazinga Channel serves as the border between the range and the Great Rift Valley Hills, and is a wildlife haven; hordes of hippos flock to the channel, and share this aquatic paradise with Nile crocodiles, while buffaloes and elephants drink at its edge. Additionally, the birding along Kazinga is truly unparalleled; there are over a hundred species of water birds, from the African Fish Eagle to the threatened, otherworldly Shoebill to the Lesser and Greater Flamingo. Mweya also boasts luxurious accommodations, a health club, and a host of activities.

A new luxury excursion boat, The Paraa Voyager, has also been launched at Paraa Safari Lodge to take guests and non-guests on a 2-1/2 hour Nile River cruise to Murchison Falls. Located in Murchison Falls National Park, Paraa overlooks the Nile as it flows from Lake Victoria to Lake Albert, where the Earth’s longest river squeezes through its narrowest point and cascades into a frothing pool below.  
Each excursion costs $36 per person and includes canapés and one soft drink/hard drink/beer/small bottle of red or white wine.

Both Paraa and Mweya are owned by Marasa Africa, which generously supported World Lion Day this year and continues to support lion conservation. Marasa has also donated two full board nights at Paraa to the Hope North event, benefiting Ugandan orphans, to be held in New York City September 18th.

For more information or reservations, contact Corne Schalkwyk: corne@marasa.net or visit Mweya Safari Lodge or Paraa Safari Lodge

Friday, August 2, 2013

CALLING ALL ECLIPSE CHASERS: TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE SAFARI OFFERED IN UGANDA

KAMPALA, Uganda (08/2013) Premier Safaris , a specialist in adventure/luxury safaris in East Africa, announces a four-day Solar Eclipse Safari to experience a rare total eclipse of the sun in Pakwach, Northern Uganda, on November 3, 2013. The town is the country’s railhead on the White Nile, not far north of the outlet from Lake Albert. The eclipse will pass over Gabon in Western Africa, and be visible in Equatorial Uganda, Kenya and finally Ethiopia.  Rates for the package start at $2,000 per person sharing, but drop to $1861 per person for those joining the group departure from Kampala on November 1, 2013.  Mountain gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is an optional add-on.

For the experienced eclipse chaser, such a narrow and abrupt eclipse will come with a prominent presentation of the colorful innermost atmospheric layer of the Sun – the chromosphere – and a spectacular view along the axis of the Moon’s shadow.  Premier’s director Corne Schalkwyk says, “Though the total phase of a solar eclipse is very brief, it is considered to be one of the most awe-inspiring spectacles in all of nature. The sky takes on an eerie twilight as the Sun’s bright face is replaced by the black disk of the Moon. Surrounding the Moon is a beautiful gossamer halo. This is the Sun’s spectacular solar corona, a super-heated plasma two million degrees in temperature.”

The Solar Eclipse Safari encompasses three nights at Paraa Safari Lodge, meals, game drives, a water Safari on the River Nile to see the thrilling Murchison Falls, and transport to Owiny Primary School in Pakwach, the ideal spot to await the moon’s occult of the sun.  

For detailed itinerary or bookings contact operations@premiersafaris.com

A GLASS OF CHAMPAGNE WITH EVERY COURSE: An Epicurean Adventure with Ruinart at the Saxon Hotel’s five hundred

JOHANNESBURG (08/13) – David Higgs, celebrated executive chef at the Saxon Hotel in Johannesburg, brings a new twist to his six-course tasting menu at the hotel’s chic five hundred restaurant.  Intensifying the taste buds of almost any palate, a glass of Ruinart Champagne comes with each course, a panoply of the wholesome goodness from the chef’s organic gardens and earthy flavors of South Africa.   Each heady course presents the perfect time to raise a toast.  Now, how much fun is that!

This is the first time in Africa that a restaurant has joined with a champagne house to create an innovative menu.  While chefs seldom pair an entire meal with champagne, Niel Hendriksz, the Moet Hennessy Portfolio* Ambassador for Africa, says:  “Champagne as a food-pairing wine is always refreshing; it cleanses the palate and never overshadows the taste of the food. Bringing together the bold flavors of David Higgs with the freshness and elegance of Ruinart Champagne will leave you with a sense of veneration for what is presented before you.”

Each dinner is reserved 72 hours in advance and the chef tailor-makes each menu with what’s available that day to ensure the finest, freshest ingredients as well as accommodate specific needs and dietary requirements.  The best beluga caviar, foie gras and crayfish is sourced internationally while David’s organic garden supplies seasonal produce for most of the year.   The champagne served ranges from light and delicate to bold and robust.  They include R de Ruinart; Ruinart Blanc du Blanc; Ruinart Rosè; and the company’s creme de la crème, Dom Ruinart 1998.

David says “I believe in constantly experimenting with new cooking techniques and bold flavors, bringing in a few unexpected twists and turns as an element of surprise.  I draw my inspiration from contemporary world cuisine and classical combinations as well as modern African influences, at all times using only the freshest, handpicked seasonal ingredients and carefully selected artisanal produce.”  Full of ideas, David is at the top of noted South African chefs.

The intimate atmosphere of the Chef’s Table in the heart of five hundred offers the Ruinart Experience at Saxon five hundred the ultimate private dining experience for up to eight guests.  To enter the Experience, guests are escorted down a sleek black hallway lined with fine crystal stemware, past the open kitchen through a discreet door into the restaurant’s Chef’s Table.  The roomy space with its stunning contemporary art and elegant Ruinart accessories, offers a unique blend of privacy and glamour.  The central focal point is the open plan Chef’s kitchen and the impressive glass wine cellar.  Guests watch the chefs at work as they present the impressive six course menu – sort of like of food and champagne with a taste for luxury and quality of life,” adds David.

Managing Director George Cohen said: “We have created this experience in celebration of the close collaboration between the highly regarded House of Ruinart, the world’s oldest, most prestigious champagne, and the Saxon, voted the World’s Leading Boutique Hotel since 2001.”

The restaurant is open Tuesday to Saturday, evenings only from 6 pm.  The exclusive six-course Ruinart Experience menu is $500 (R4900) per person for a minimum of four people and a maximum of eight people. Guests from within the hotel and outside of the hotel are welcome.

For further information or reservations contact The Saxon Boutique Hotel at +27 11 292 6000 or visit: www.saxon.co.za