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DISCOVER THE JEWELS OF CAMBODIA AT KNAI BANG CHATT AND SIX SENSES KRABEY ISLAND

With Cambodia hailed as one of the hottest travel destinations for 2019, now is the time to plan a trip to this Southeast Asian country rich in culture and heritage. Nestled in the heart of Cambodia’s Southern Coast is a true gem – Knai Bang Chatt, a chic, modernist boutique hotel located in Kep Sur Mer. The property comprises five villas, that have been sensitively converted to offer 18 individually designed rooms and suites, all following the Wabi Sabi Japanese tradition of finding beauty in natural imperfections. Knai Bang Chatt showcases the ‘real’ Cambodia of today revealing a peaceful way of life beyond the temples, with a range of cultural, coastal and rural destination experiences in Kep National Park and the surrounding region. Knai Bang Chatt is also the first hotel in Cambodia to be internationally recognised as sustainable, with a genuine connection to the local community and environment. Just a short hop across the water from Knai Bang Chatt is Six Senses Krabey Island, which will be brand spanking new as its due to open March 2019. Located on the island of Krabey, there will be the 40 private pool villas set around the naturally landscaped 30-acre island each with spectacular sea views and decking ideal for sunbathing and al fresco dining, whilst some will also feature outdoor showers. An all-day restaurant will serve a fresh breakfast buffet, a la carte selections, lunches and seasonally themed dinners. Indochine is the resort’s specialty dining restaurant which will also include a communal dining table in front of the show kitchen as well as locally inspired cooking classes. Six Senses Spa Krabey Island will feature the Six Senses specialty menu as well as several ancient Cambodian healing traditions and multi-day rejuvenation journeys, Six Senses Integrative Wellness, detox, yoga and workshops.

HOW: Scott Dunn offers a 10-night trip to Cambodia from £4,200 per person. This is based on a family of four staying in two Sea-View rooms at Knai Bang Chatt and one Ocean Front two-bedroom Pool Villa at Six Senses Krabey Island on a bed and breakfast basis and includes economy flights from London and all ground transfers. For more information please visit www.scottdunn.com or call 020 8682 5030  www.sixsenses.com www.knaibangchatt.com

A NEW BUSH & BEACH ITINERARY WITH AFRICA SPECIALISTS MAVROS SAFARIS FROM TANZANIA TO MAURITIUS

Combine the hottest properties from the bush to beach in Africa, handpicked by destination specialists – Mavros Safaris. As fifth-generation Zimbabweans, the Mavros family has tapped into their extensive contacts to offer unrivalled access to the continent’s most beautiful private homes and the best safari guides. Highlights of this Easter adventure includes four nights at the new-look Singita Faru Faru Lodge – the design transformation of which was completed in February 2019. Located within Singita Grumeti, a private 350,000 acre concession in Tanzania, Singita Faru Faru Lodge takes inspiration from the surrounding wilderness and combines Scandinavian simplicity with traditional African craft. Apart from the twice-daily game drives, guests can also visit an anti-poaching observation post to learn more from the scouts about the vital conservation efforts that are in place in the reserve to protect the wildlife. From Singita, travellers will then journey onto Mwiba River Lodge in the Southern Serengeti for three nights. Whether travellers want to spend their day observing the leopards of Mwiba, witnessing the incredible phenomenon that is the migration, or laying their eyes on the annual wildebeest calving season from January to March, Mwiba has it all, with wonderful walking safaris with Mwiba scouts exploring the bush. Travellers will then combine this experience with three nights at Gibbs Farm, at the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater. Formerly a 1920s coffee plantation, Gibb’s Farm is a remarkable hideaway between the National Parks and conservation areas, offering an old-colonial farmhouse character with roaring fires and friendly service. From bush, take a flight to the island of Mauritius and experience five nights at the ‘Grande Dame’ of the island, The Royal Palm Hotel. Here, travellers will enjoy a personal touch of booking with Mavros Safaris, with a privately hosted tour of the new Patrick Mavros Atelier in Mauritius by family members Forbes and Kate Mavros.

HOW: Definitive African travel specialists, Mavros Safaris (www.mavrossafaris.com) offers a bespoke 18-day Easter itinerary from ‘Bush to Beach’ from £14,347 per person, based on two sharing. This includes accommodation on a full board basis, including all guiding and activities. This price also includes transfers and flights. For enquiries please call +442038246000 or email [email protected]  www.mavrossafaris.com / @mavrossafaris

ENJOY THE TREASURES OF SOUTH INDIA – FROM CALM BACKWATERS OF KERALA TO THE LAID-BACK BEACHES OF GOA WITH ALL THE FAMILY AT TAJ HOTELS

This Easter, families can embark on an 18-day Indian itinerary sampling pristine beaches in Goa, the tranquil backwaters of Kerala and the buzzy city of Mumbai. Families can fly direct from London straight to Cochin International Airport, which is just an hour drive away from Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin situated on Willingdon Island with stunning views of Cochin harbor. As a nod to Cochin’s history, the hotel has its very own spice garden, and in the afternoons, high chai is served to guests on a complimentary basis, followed by a sunset cruise on the hotel’s private three-bedroom luxury yacht. After a few nights here, the itinerary continues with a scenic drive to one of the most popular five-star resorts in Kerala, Taj Kumarakom Resort & Spa, Kerala. Here, the backwaters beckon – giving Kerala its reputation as ‘The Venice of the East’. Following their stay, families will then move onto the southern coast at Taj Green Cove Resort & Spa Kovalam, Kerala, located high on a hillside above a tranquil lagoon. With its prime location and natural backdrop, the hotel offers guests the beaches, hills and backwaters of Kerala, all in one exclusive setting. From here, families can fly to Goa and head to Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa – located on 56 acres of landscaped lawns and tropical gardens along a 700-metre stretch of Benaulim beach. Spending the holiday in Goa is a chance for the whole family to switch off and embrace the languid and laid-back lifestyle that is so characteristic of this sunny beach state, and this Mediterranean-inspired resort will slow down time to a tranquil tempo.  The final stop on the itinerary is the iconic Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai where families can experience the culture and history of India’s monuments before flying back to London.

HOW: Ampersand Travel offer a 17-night itinerary including stays at Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin, Taj Kumarakom Resort & Spa, Kerala, Taj Green Cove Resort & Spa Kovalam, Kerala, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa and Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai from £10,850 for a family of four on a B&B basis including international and domestic flights, private transfers and sightseeing excursions. www.ampersandtravel.com / 0207 819 9770

For more ideas and information please contact [email protected]