| Body: | Recognising guests’ increased desire to explore the unique flora and fauna that makes a holiday destination so special, Orient-Express Hotels has developed a number of experiences, to bring guests closer to nature, from breakfast with kangaroos in Australia to apothecary spas and an introduction to the world of botanical art.
• Botanical Painting Masterclass
Three Orient-Express Hotels are offering guests an opportunity to explore the worldwide renaissance in botanical art at exclusive painting classes, designed by Dr Shirley Sherwood. The courses have been created for both beginners and accomplished artists, with class sizes restricted to give students the opportunity for one-on-one tutorials. Students will cover many important aspects of botanical painting and by the end of each class, will have completed a number of sketches and colour works. Classes in 2008 will be held at Hotel Cipriani in Venice, inspired by autumn fruits and foliage, Lilianfels Blue Mountains in New South Wales, where guests can examine the exotic plants of Australia or Inn at Perry Cabin in Maryland, to recreate the subtle colours of peonies from the region. Prices start from AU$919 (approx £399*) per person for a three day course. Participants should bring their own painting material such as paints, brushes and paper.
• Bouncing Breakfast
Lilianfels Blue Mountains in New South Wales, Australia, can organise for guests to travel into the nearby Megalong Valley to enjoy a luxurious picnic breakfast with kangaroos. Early morning in the Blue Mountains is the best time to view wild kangaroos up close and in their natural habitat. Guests are transported from the hotel by a Four Wheel Drive vehicle, along with a personal guide who provides information on the local flora and fauna found within this unique eco system. Guests will not be disappointed, as there are plenty of opportunities to spot kangaroos while enjoying a gourmet picnic breakfast of assorted danishes; freshly baked muffins; fruit salad; yoghurt; toasted bagels with smoked salmon and chive; English muffins with bacon, egg and rocket; juices; tea; and coffee. Picnic hampers can also be tailor made to include a bottle of chilled champagne, for those special occasions. The breakfast is presented to in a wicker basket including a picnic blanket, crockery, cutlery and a thermos – enabling guests to dine in the great outdoors in style! Prices start from AU$125.00 (approx £51*) per person, maximum of six people as a group or two couples.
• Herbal Heaven
Hotel Splendido in Portofino offers a two day course discovering the secrets and uses of herbs typically found in the Tiguillio region. Guests will learn to recognise the herbs, how to use them in cooking and discover the properties of them for both health and beauty. The package also includes a half day excursion led by a botanist guide on the beautiful Monte di Portofino. The programme must be booked in advance and is subject to availability. Prices start from €1.215 (approx £825*) per person, for a double room with sea view, including flowers, full American-style breakfast and all the activities in the programme.
• Fishing Frenzies
Eagle Island Camp, a luxury water-based camp in the Central Okavango Delta, has launched new fishing excursions, offering keen fisherman and learners alike an alternative to the traditional safari experience. The fishing excursion takes place along the Bora Channel, one of the main tributaries that feeds the Okavango Delta. The area is home to many fish including fresh water pike, cat fish and Tilapia, which is the main catch of the day and commonly known as ‘bream’. Eagle Island Camp, which practices fishing on a strict ‘catch and release’ basis, can supply basic rods and reels. For the more proficient fisherman, they recommend bringing your own equipment, which should include tackle with mepps spinners (No. 3), small FZ spoons (8grms) and spinning tackle. A 3 hour excursion is US$360, (approx £178*) which is limited to two people, available May to October.
• Botanical Art of Wellness
The Inn at Perry Cabin in St Michaels, Maryland is offering guests a unique botanical experience in the new Linden spa, with treatments that are influenced by the natural surroundings of the hotel and the majestic Chesapeake Bay. The spa is named after the row of Linden trees that line the brick driveway leading to this luxurious romantic getaway, whose bloom is used in a full range of spa services that focus on pampering, rejuvenation and wellness including a number of signature treatments such as: a clay and linden flower massage that moisturizes and balances the skin, and a bio peptide facial that draws on the healing benefits of plants and herbs. One night packages start from US$470 (approx £234*) based on double occupancy.
Ends
*The sterling price guide is based on the exchange rate at the time of going to press, but the final price will depend on the exchange rate at the time of booking.
For high resolution images please visit www.orient-expressimages.com
For further press information please contact:
Vicky Legg
Director of Public Relations
Orient-Express Hotels
Tel: 020 7921 4067
Fax: 020 7921 4193
Email: vicky.legg@orient-express.com
Louise Toye
PR Executive
Orient-Express Hotels
Tel: 020 7921 4069
Fax: 020 7921 4193
Email: louise.toye@orient-express.com
Web: www.orient-express.com
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