Travel Agent - April 28, 2008 - (Page 21)

RIGHT: The Platinum Bedroom at the Saxon Hotel BELOW: Bedrooms at the Grace Hotel are warm and inviting AGENTADVICE Julian Harrison, president of Premier Tours (www.premiertours.com) in Phila- delphia, has been selling South Africa for 24 years. He shared a few of his top picks for a trip to South Africa with Travel Agent: “Cape Town is my favorite city because of its diversity in terms of nature (whale watching, shark diving, penguins), access to the wine region, botany, its incredible beauty and its cosmopolitan feel.” Harrison suggests two special outings in Cape Town: kayaking with penguins by Boulders Beach and walking with a troupe of habituated baboons at Cape Point National Park. For dining, Harrison recommends clients try an authentic ethnic restaurant, such as Africa Café in Cape Town or Moyo in Johannesburg, to get a feel for what traditional African cuisine is all about. anticipated and your hosts have impeccable taste. In fact, the Saxon started life as the residence of tycoon Douw Steyn, who’s best known for hosting Nelson Mandela here when he wrote his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom. You can book the room where Mandela stayed—The Nelson Mandela Platinum Suite—which is 3,700 square feet and comprises two bedrooms, an enormous lounge, dining room, butler’s kitchen, an impressive granite four-poster bed and a luxuriously appointed bathroom, complete with Jacuzzi and steam room. All of the 24 contemporary rooms are actually luxurious open-plan suites that open onto the six acres of rolling, manicured gardens or one of the pools and reflecting ponds that surround the hotel. The most popular rooms are the 20 Egoli Suites, which are nearly 1,000 square feet. There are also three grand Presidential Suites that have separate entrance hallways, private balconies, butler kitchens and a separate guest bathroom. Private butlers see to each guest’s every need. The Saxon Spa and Studio combines traditional services with signature treatments such as Sound Therapy, which utilizes gongs, cymbals, singing bowls and bells. Hydro- therapy, a flotation pool, heated jet pool, sauna, cold plunge pools and two outdoor pools add to the sybaritic experience. The Restaurant at the Saxon serves continental food with African flair; the candlelit wine cellar lends itself to a romantic evening. The secluded location and private atmosphere of the Saxon make it a favorite of celebrities. Recent guests include Oprah Winfrey, Hillary and Bill Clinton, Brad Pitt and Prince Edward. For celebrity-worthy VIP services, contact Natasha Cassim, reservations manager (27-011-292-6000, info@saxon.co.za). The Grace In the popular shopping area of Rosebank, The Grace (www.thegrace.co.za) has a warm and inviting home-away-from-home ambiance and a clubby British character, as evident in the comfortable lounge and furnishings. The attentive (though never intrusive) service begins with check-in on a comfy couch with a glass of sherry or tea and extends to the in-room coffee service, complete with small pitchers of cold milk in the minibar and valets who unpack bags and press clothes. Complimentary perks include a neck and shoulder massage, high tea and evening refreshments. The Grace is attached by skywalk to the fashionable Rosebank Mall, which features a number of shops and restaurants—the highlight, however, is the popular outdoor African Market, the perfect spot to acquire curios from all over Africa. The Dining Room restaurant is popular with locals, especially businesspeople, for Chef Raymond Rundle’s braised Springbok shank and local seafood selections. Guests shouldn’t miss the lavish breakfast presentation that runs the length of the room. The fifth-floor Spa offers African-centric treatments, such as an African potato wrap and a technique called “Africology” deep tissue massage in addition to a full menu of treatments using Elemis products. For VIP services, agents can contact General CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 http://www.premiertours.com http://www.thegrace.co.za

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - April 28, 2008

Travel Agent - April 28, 2008 Online Now Contents Contributors From the Editor Africa: Where to Stay in the Gateway to Southern Africa South Pacific/Australia: Luxury Lodges in Queensland and Tasmania Pacific/Asia: Shanghai, China’s Cosmopolitan Powerhouse, Sees New Hotel and Cruise Development Canada: Downtown Calgary is Easy to Get Around and Filled with Historic and Cultural Attractions California: Laguna Beach Blends Culture with Coastal Beauty Florida: Golf, History, Food and Fun Defined Our Stay at the Renaissance Resort in St. Augustine Las Vegas: Vegas Hotels Gamble on the Allure of Men’s Grooming Pacific Northwest: Washington Inns Emphasize Local Charm Mexico: Tulum Comes Into its Own as a Luxury Destination Europe: Cruising the Mosel and Rhine Rivers with Amadeus Waterways Rudi Schreiner, President of Amadeus Waterways, Talks about River Cruises Caribbean: Travel Agent Reports From the Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange The Slot Spot: Gaming at the Casino Dominicus Cruise: Suppliers and Businesses Use Ships as Springboards to Satisfy Enthusiasts’ Hobbies and Passions Key Legal Decisions Will Affect the Future of Alaska’s Cruise Industry Cover Story: Exclusive Beach Destinations Hotels: The Girlfriend Getaway is an Exploding Market Agent Profile: Sabine Harris’ Personal Touch Provides a Memorable Experience Virtual Tourism: New Websites Give a New View of Tourist Destinations Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Anguilla’s Cap Juluca Sold Aloha Airlines is Grounded Exorbitant Hotel Rates Make Alternatives More Appealing Koepf takes Helm at NACTA, Plans to Expand Membership In the Spotlight Classified Marketplace Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch

Travel Agent - April 28, 2008

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