Unusual Destinations Blog

Dear travel friends

Enjoy the many specials currently on offer (updated 25 Mar 2009):

• Mozambique [PDF: 909kb]
• Reunion [PDF: 1.2mb]
• Seychelles [PDF: 1.2mb]
• Zanzibar [PDF: 1.3mb]
• Other specials (opens new web page)

We have a new quoting system for travel agents, give us your feedback on the layout.

We have also joined the popular and rapidly growing social networking tool, Twitter.

Looking forward to seeing you at Indaba!
The Unusual Destinations team

Terminal name change at O.R. Tambo International Airport

O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg has made the decision to make Terminal A and Terminal B multi-use so that they can be used to process international and domestic flights interchangeably.

Signage will no longer refer to the terminals as either domestic or international. Signs will refer only to Terminal A (previously the international terminal) or Terminal B (previously the domestic terminal).

At the beginning of April 2009 when the new multi-use departures hall in Terminal B opens, some airlines will process both international and domestic passengers from the new facility. They include:

• SAA, Express and Airlink
• Air Madagascar
• Rwandair Express
• Air Tanzania; and
• Air Mauritius

For the foreseeable future the check-in counters in Terminal A will continue to be used for international flights only.

Visitors will now need to know which terminal their airline of choice is operating from. Passengers should obtain this information at the time of booking their tickets.

Madagascar

Visa news: From Monday 20 April 2009 the entry visa for Madagascar for stays of 1 month and less will be free until 31 December 2009.

Anjajavy Resort – Relais & Chateaux Hotel **** (read more)

7 nights. First & last night in Tana at the Pavillon de l’Emyrne (B&B) and 5 nights at Anjajavy (full board).

• 20-30 Apr: R29 465
• 1 May – 25 Jun: R25 283
• 16 Jul – 31 Oct: R33 520

Chanty Beach Guesthouse (Nosy Be) ** (read more)

7 nights. First night in Tana at the Pavillon de L’Emyrne (B&B) and 6 nights at Chanty Beach Guesthouse in a standard room (dinner, bed and breakfast).

• 20 Apr – 25 Jun: R10 784
• 26 Jun – 31 Jul: R11 297
• 1 Aug – 31 Oct: R11 769

Nosy Sakatia (off Nosy Be): Sakatia Lodge *** (read more)

7 nights. First night in Tana at the Pavillon de L’Emyrne (B&B) and 6 nights at Sakatia Lodge in a Ocean Bungalow (dinner, bed and breakfast). Free night special: Pay for 5 nights & stay for 6. Valid 20 Apr – 31 Jul 2009.Other specials: pay for 10 nights and stay for 14.

• 20 Apr – 25 Jun: R11 995
• 26 Jun – 31 Jul: R12 505
• 1 Aug – 31 Oct: R13 503

Pavillon de L’Emyrne ** (read more)

We are receiving fantastic reductions for Pavillon de L’Emyrne in Antananarivo.

Princesse Bora ***+ (Sainte Marie): New Jungle Spa (read more)

• Promotion from 4 April – 30 June 2009: One free treatment per person, per day (massages, peels, baths, manicures, pedicures).
• Spa hours: 10:00 to 20:00.

Tsara Komba Lodge (Nosy Be) *** (read more)

• Any double room booked for a minimum of 5 nights from 1 April – 30 June 2009: Receive an extra 2 nights free.
• Any double room booked for a minimum stay of 5 nights between 1 July and 31 December 2009: Receive 1 free night. This special applies to bookings confirmed between 15 March and 31 May 2009.
• Offers are subject to availability.

Vanila Hotel (Nosy Be) ***+ (read more)

On 1 August 2009 the following will be available:

• An additional 16 ocean rooms, increasing the total number to 57.
• 200m spa offering clients a taste of Asian, Moroccan and Malagasy treatments.
• Four outside Jacuzzis opening onto a garden, a hammam, four massage rooms and a pressure water shower managed by professionals.
• A third beach restaurant and lounge bar (which will replace the Grill Del Sol restaurant) serving Malagasy cuisine and specialising in fresh sea food.
• And for the benefit of English guests, there is a bilingual food and beverage manager.

In the evening enjoy local bands, crafts and exhibitions. Also opening is a mini club with a private garden, educational games, table tennis, etc. Other facilities: Pool table, internet access, library, videos, and baby sitting on request.

Vanila Hotel honeymoon special

• For stays of more than 3 nights honeymooners will be upgraded to a Honeymoon or Prestige suites (subject to availability), and
• Receive a welcome gift or flowers
• One romantic dinner near the pool, and
• A cocktail will be offered for a romantic moment.
• For stays more than 5 nights, a special couple package will be offered in our new spa (jacuzzi, hammam, and traditional essential oil massage).

Vanila Hotel: Groups and Incentives

• Stay for a minimum of three nights and one person out of every 15 stays free;
• On request, private restaurant for special parties, welcome open bar, conference area access.

Vanila Hotel: Family Stays

• Children under 12 receive a 50% discount.
• Children under 3 stay for free (in an extra bed, sharing a room with their parents).
• For stays longer than 5 nights: An excursion on the island of Sakatia will be offered to families (minimum 3 family members – parents with one child or 1 parent with 2 children. Enjoy the lemurs, private beach, sea-food lunch, beach games, snorkeling, etc.

Mozambique

New LAM flight schedule to Pemba (from 29 March 2009)

Tuesday and Saturday: Pemba/Nairobi/PembaWednesday and Sunday: Pemba/Dar-es-Salaam/PembaTuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: Johannesburg/PembaMonday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday: Pemba/Johannesburg

Londo Lodge **** (read more)

Free unlimited home reef diving when you book a minimum 4 night stay. Offer is valid this whole summer and in combination with the pay for 5 nights and stay for 7. Free night special until 30 Jun 2009: Pay for 5 nights and stay for 7.

Quilalea **** (Quirimbas Archipelago, Northern Mozambique) (read more)

Quilálea was sold by the Hewlett’s in September 2008 to new owner, Mr Tokyo Sexwale, a prominent South African businessman. Due to financial regulations the official transfer only took place last week and Mr Sexwale has been unable to make any upgrades or changes during the past few months.

From 1 May 2009, the island will be closed for an extensive refurbishment. Once it reopens (possibly August) it will be sold on an exclusive-use basis only. Contact Caroline at Classic Retreats (caroline@classicretreats.com) for further information.

Indigo Bay Island Resort & Spa (Bazaruto Island) ***** (read more)

Luxury for less offers (applicable to Beach Chalets only)

• Children’s special from 17 Mar – 31 Dec 2009. A maximum of one child under 12 stays for free when sharing with 2 full paying adults.
• Reduced single and double room rates from 14 Apr – 8 Aug and 24 Aug – 22 Dec 2009.
• Free night offers from 14 Apr – 8 Aug and 24 Aug -22 Dec 2009. Pay for 4 nights and stay for 5 or pay for 8 nights and stay for 10.

Family offer from 1 Feb – 10 May 2009

• Complimentary upgrade to a luxury Bay View Villa for families of 2 adults and 1 or 2 children (under 18 years). The villas consist of two rooms with an en-suite bathroom and a private plunge pool.

Matemo (Quirimbas) ***** (read more)

Luxury for less offers

• Children’s special from 17 Mar – 31 Dec 2009. A maximum of one child under 12 stays for free when sharing with 2 full paying adults.
• Reduced single and double room rates from 15 Mar – 9 Apr and 14Apr – 8 Aug and 24 Aug – 22 Dec 2009.
• Free night offers from 14 Apr – 8 Aug and 24 Aug – 22 Dec 2009. Pay for 4 nights and stay for 5 or pay for 8 nights and stay for 10.

Family offer: valid 1 Feb – 10 May 2009

• One child under 12 stays for free when sharing with 2 full paying adults.

Medjumbe (Quirimbas) ***** (read more)

Luxury for less offers

• Reduced single and double room rates from 15Mar – 9Apr and 14Apr – 8 Aug and 24 Aug – 22 Dec 2009.
• Free night offers from 14 Apr – 8 Aug and 24 Aug – 22 Dec 2009. Pay for 4 nights and stay for 5 or pay for 8  nights and stay for 10.

Seychelles

Denis Island **** introduces ‘Belle Etoile’ villas (read more)

The villa Belle Etoile will replace the current beachfront cottage category by the end of September 2009. One Villa is currently available which will be followed by 12 more.

The 150m² villas will be furnished with colourful contemporary décor, and will have private beachfront access, sun lounges, an extended sea-facing private deck and sala. A range of conveniences will include an Ipod docking station. Bathrooms will open onto a private courtyard with alfresco shower and private massage and wellness zone.

Desroches Island ***** (read more)

All inclusive package from 31Oct 2009: 3 meals a day, tea and coffee, water and soft drinks, local beers, choice of 3 white and 3 red house wines and non premium brand spirits.

Labriz Silhouette Seychelles (private island) ***** (read more)

Labriz has launched a “free partner” offer for all stays between 1 April and 31 July 2009. This offer applies to the villa rate, half board meal supplement and boat transfers.

La Reserve (Praslin) **** (read more)

Special discounted rates apply from 14 Apr – 20 Dec 2009. Long stay offers (can be combined with the honeymoon and seniors specials, but not with the wedding incentives package):

• Pay for 5 nights and stay for 6.
  Valid 1 Nov – 20 Dec 2009; 4 Jan – 30 Jul & 28 Aug – 31 Oct 2010.
• Pay for 10 nights and stay for 12. Valid 1 Nov – 31 Oct 2010.

La Reserve Honeymoon specials (can be combined with the long stay and senior’s specials):

• 30% discount off the bride’s accommodation. Valid 1 Nov – 20 Dec 2009 & 4 Jan – 31 Oct 2010.
• From 1 Nov 2009 – 31 Oct 2010: Receive a free upgrade depending on availability at the time of arrival. A special seafood dinner with a carafe of wine on a Thursday; a t-shirt and pareo.

La Reserve Wedding incentives (cannot be combined with other promotions). Valid from 1 Nov – 20 Dec 2009; 4 Jan – 26 Mar 2010; 10 Apr – 30 Jul 2010; and 28 Aug – 31 Oct 2010. Applies to couples getting married at the Hotel (minimum stay is 6 nights):

• Free accommodation for the bride on the meal plan booked.
• No charge for wedding services; and free dressed location.

La Reserve Seniors package:

• All clients over 60 receive a bottle of sparkling wine and flowers in the room.
• This special can be combined with all other specials.

Le Domaine de l’Orangeraie (La Digue Island) *** (read more)

Since the beginning of 2009 Le Domaine has reopened its existing villas which have been upgraded: Terraces have been replaced with new timber; interiors and exteriors have been repainted; all villas have thatched roofs; bathrooms have been renovated and have new shower areas.

In addition to the 10 existing Garden villas, Le Domaine is expecting to have 39 new Chalet villas including Elegance Chalet villas and 1 Presidential villa. Villa 101 remains closed until further notice.

The entry access has been completely renovated and work was scheduled for March 2009 to extend the interior access road up to the first 16 villas. Major renovations around the existing hotel are complete and Le Domaine is not expecting anymore disturbances.

Le Meridien Fisherman’s Cove specials (Mahe) ***** (read more)

• Free night from 1 Aug – 31 Oct 2009. Pay for 4 nights and stay for 5 or pay for 5 nights and stay for 7.
• Free night from 3 Mar – 31 Oct 2009. Pay for 4 nights and stay for 6.
• Honeymoon special from 1 May – 31 Jul and 1 Sep – 31 Oct 2009. Minimum stay is 4 nights. 10% discount per couple on the accommodation. Complimentary bottle of rum and 20% discount on a massage.
• Special long stay offer from 1 May – 31 Jul 2009. Pay for 5 nights and stay for 6 or pay for 12 nights and stay for 14.
• Specials cannot be combined.

Zanzibar

Mapenzi Beach Club **** (read more)

Mapenzi will close for seasonal maintenance work from 26 April – 7 July 2009. All confirmed reservations will be upgraded free of charge at Neptune Pwani in the Sea-view room category. For the closure period Mapenzi Beach can continue to be sold at confirmed contract rates, with a guaranteed free upgrade at Neptune Pwani the Sea-view room category.

Planhotel Neptune Pwani Beach Resort & Spa **** (read more)

Stay for 7 nights and pay for 6 or stay for 10 nights and pay for 8, with a free upgrade to a sea-side deluxe room. Package includes:

• Accommodation.
• All-inclusive meal plan (breakfast, lunch, dinner, alcoholic and non/alcoholic drinks).
• Morning and afternoon snacks and tea.
• Daily recreation and evening entertainment.
• Beach Volley.
• Morning and afternoon water gym.
• All taxes including government Service Tax.

Offer is valid from 1 June – 31 October 2009, and is valid for new bookings only. Rooms are on request, subject to availabilty and pre-booking.

ZanAir – Great News!

From 1 July 2009 ZanAir will introduce a daily late night connecting flight from Dar-es-Salaam to Zanzibar for passengers arriving on SAA.

Another additional flight is from Dar-es-Salaam to Mafia return, which will make it easier to sell Mafia Island with Kinasi and Chole Mijini.

From 15 June 2009 there will be 2 new flights: Dar-es-Salaam/Mafia return (connections to/from Zanzibar and Pemba are available). There will also be a new flight Zanzibar/Mombasa return (connections to Dar-es-Salaam, Arusha and Pemba are available). Promotional fares to be announced by the end of April 2009.

Also from 15 June 2009: B4 111 will be rescheduled from 12:15 to 14:45 (Dar-es-Salaam/Zanzibar). All passengers booked on B4 111 which currently operates at 12:15 will be transferred to B4 302 at no extra cost.

ZanAir will also be adding one more flight (B4 302) Dar-es-Salaam – Zanzibar at 11:15.

Airlink Moves Check-in Counters at O.R. Tambo International Airport

From 1 April 2009 all passengers travelling on Airlink’s regional and domestic flights will check-in at the same terminal – Terminal B (counters B89 – B101) at O.R. Tambo International Airport.

This means that Airlink will no longer operate its check-in desks for regional flights in Terminal A (previously known as the international terminal).

Passengers arriving on an Airlink regional flight will clear customs and immigration at Terminal A, and domestic passengers will arrive at Terminal B. Passengers connecting to international flights should proceed to Terminal A.

Airlink domestic flights

Check-in is 1½ hours before flight departure. Flight closes 30 minutes prior to departure. Boarding commences 30 minutes prior to departure and closes 15 minutes before departure.

Airlink regional flights

Check-in is 2 hours before flight departure. Flight closes 50 minutes prior to departure. Boarding commences 40 minutes prior to departure and closes 20 minutes before departure.

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Tags: Anjajavy Resort, Chanty Beach Guesthouse, Quilalea, Tsara Komba Lodge, Vanila Hotel honeymoon special

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 29th, 2009 at 9:36 am and is filed under Newsletter. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.