There’s good news for both the devotees and travelers alike looking forward to spend their New Year with a difference. Decacan Odyssey, a luxury train in India will be taking its guest on a whirlwind tour across the four Sikh Takhts in the lap of pageantry, with USP being the New Year at Golden Temple. For the fifth Takht, the sightseers will be carried on a flight from Mumbai to Patna for their visit to Patna Sahib. This spiritual journey will span across 9 days and the train will make its first journey on 29^th of December from Delhi.

The luxury sojourn on board the Deccan Odyssey will cover Kiratpur Sahib, Anandpur Sahib (site of the takht Keshgarh Sahib), Amritsar (Akal Takht Sahib), Bathinda (Damdama Sahib), Jaipur, Agra, Nanded (Hazur Sahib) and Mumbai. The culmination of the journey will be at Patna Sahib in Bihar were the devotees will be flown in through airplane.

The Deccan Odyssey train will be chartered from the government of Maharashtra. This luxury train comprise of 12 guest coaches which includes two presidential suites. The cost of the journey will vary from is $1,250 for single passengers and $1,060 per head when shared by two for the Presidential suites to $750 – $585 for Silver Class accommodation. The aforementioned fare is applicable on per night basis. The train is equipped with world class amenities which include spa cabin, two restaurants, a bar, a luggage car and a business centre. The food and catering will be taken care of by the Taj Group.

Deccan Odyssey

Want to watch Will Young from the comfort of your roll-top bath?  See Scouting for Girls and Escala whilst lounging in the hot tub of one of the UK’s most glamorous spa terraces?

All possibilities care of the Brooklands Hotel Weybridge this July! For 2010, the Mercedes-Benz World Summer Concert Series will include two special outdoor evenings with exclusive live performances featuring rock, pop and classical artists.  The two day Summer Concert Series kicks off on Saturday 3rd July with Will Young, The Saturdays, Scouting for Girls, Alexandra Burke and X-Factor finalist Olly Murs,  Day two sees an eclectic mix of classical music with performances from Russell Watson, recent Popstar to Operastar winner Darius, Myleene Klass, Blake, Escala Faryl Smith and Camilla Kerslake.  Headlining Saturday’s line up is award-winning multi-platinum selling artist Will Young who began his career as winner of the now global phenomenon ‘Pop Idol’.  Russell Watson, who with his unique style has achieved phenomenal status as an award-winning platinum selling artist, will be headlining Sunday’s Classical evening line up.

Hospitality packages will be available in their Panoramic Suites, complete with vast decked Balconies with space for up to 30 friends or colleagues, with full view of the concert in all its Glory!
The Brooklands Hotel is offering also overnight accommodation from £137.50 per person during the Mercedes-Benz World Summer Concert (weekend of Friday 2nd, Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th July 2010).

The Brooklands Hotel is located right next door to Mercedes-Benz World and with an iconic, art deco inspired interior, the world’s most historic motor racing track running through the reception, uber-contemporary conference facilities, top class Italian brasserie, spa facilities and super suites. The newest of the spa hotels in Surrey has to be seen to be believed.

Please contact Reservations on [email protected] or 01932 335 710 for availability and prices or visit http://www.brooklandshotelsurrey.com. Tickets for the concert are priced from £40.00 and are available from Ticketmaster online or by calling 0844 463 1875.

The Lodore Falls Hotel in Borrowdale valley is celebrating its latest achievement – gaining AA four start status.

The AA Inspector awarded the extra star to Stephen Johnson, General Manager at the end of this week’s visit, commenting on the quality of the customer service and use of local produce in the menu as just two of the reasons for their success.

The hotel was bought in 2004 by the Graves family who own the ‘Lake District Hotels’ group. They immediately set about a major £2 million refurbishment programme aiming to re-instate the hotel’s top quality status.  Every bedroom has been refurbished, the entire ground floor has been redeveloped and new facilities have been added – including a Beauty Salon and Café Culture – somewhere to enjoy lighter dining in a relaxed atmosphere.

Attention to detail has continued outdoors, with award winning gardens that include the stunning Lodore Falls and a new outdoor hot tub from which to enjoy the views.

Stephen Johnson said “this is recognition for the Lake District Hotels Ltd commitment to the Lodore Falls Hotel; both in terms of the refurbishment investment and the support we have received to build and maintain a very professional team of hotel staff. We are proud of our customer service achievements and the quality of the dining experience we provide.

Our Head Chef Mike Ward has been here for over 30 years and his culinary skills, focus on local ingredients and dedication to building a first class kitchen team are clear to see. The food he produces and the reputation he has built highlights our ethos and commitment to providing excellent service and I know he has enjoyed seeing all levels of quality improving since the years of corporate ownership.”

Kit Graves, Director of Lake District Hotels Ltd said “It has always been part of our plan to have a four star hotel in our portfolio and we are delighted that staff continuity, commitment to training and customer service has been recognized. We can now play host to most Lake District visitors – from those looking for an informal coaching inn to guests seeking a top class hotel with spa facilities.

It is our strong foundations and group revenue that supports the continued development in all our hotels. This success is great news for everyone, both in terms of benchmarking and to demonstrate the benefits and strengths of the group working as a team.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about the Lodore Falls Hotel should contact Stephen Johnson on 017687 77285 or visit http://www.lakedistricthotels.net/lodorefalls

The biggest marina on Windermere is calling for the 10mph speed limit on England’s longest lake to be lifted in the week of its fifth anniversary.

This week, marks five years since a 10mph restriction was brought in – banning water-skiing, jet-skiing and power boating on the 10.5 mile long lake. Windermere was the only lake left in the whole of the Lake District where power-boating and water-skiing could take place.

Jason Dearden, Managing Director, runs Windermere Marina Village on the edge of the lake near Bowness, which is home to over 400 boat owners and draws visitors from the North West, North East and Cumbria, as well as around 11,000 visitors a year staying at its lakeside cottages and apartments. It is the biggest and most sheltered Marina on Windermere, and the largest in the whole of the North.

He believes a relaxation of the 2005 ban or a commitment to rethink it by the Lake District National Park Authority this year, would be a welcome gesture to tourism around the Lake following the floods, as well as assisting in the area’s economic recovery.

He also thinks that representations should be made to review the 10mph byelaw if there’s a change of Government after the general election.

One of the major reasons the ban was brought in was to reduce “conflict” between different types of people using the lake and make the lake more tranquil.

Mr Dearden believes Windermere is large enough to have a scheme which allows room for all types of waterborne activities – sailors, power-boaters, canoers and water-skiers – sharing the water harmoniously.

Mr Dearden said: “We are five years on from the ban and many tourism businesses would like to see a rethink because it unfairly excludes a proportion of visitors from enjoying England’s longest lake. We wouldn’t dream of banning certain visitors from enjoying Scafell Pike, so why have a rule which stops certain visitors wanting to enjoy Windermere.”

“If there is conflict between different types of people using the Lake, all we need to do is start looking at what those conflicts are and finding out how they can be managed – so everyone can enjoy Windermere.”

“We have to get out of the mindset of treating the lake like a village duck-pond and believing this byelaw somehow makes it quiet. It is the bigges and most popular lake in the Lake District and the most developed. There are over 16 lakes and bodies of waters across the Lake District if people are seeking total tranquillity.”

“In the Norfolk Broads, where there are a lot of waterways and a lot of water users, the national park authority there has a system which regulates what every users can do and it works. All we need to do is adopt a similar policy for Lake Windermere and it will really assist tourism. If we are trying to convert a younger audience of visitors to discover the Lakes, we have to offer what they want.”

Water-skiers, power-boaters and jet-skiers were an important visitor to the Marina as they often had a high-disposable income and made repeat visits – staying and spending in the local area as they pursued their hobbies.

Windermere Marina Village, a family-owned tourism business, is close to completing a £3 million upgrade of the Marina and taking bookings again for the new tourism season. Following the floods of last year, the water level of the lake rose 10 feet – swamping the Marina’s 29 ground level Windermere cottages meaning holiday cancellations. The Marina employs around 55 people and its 11,000 annual guests use local restaurants, shops, cafes and visitor attractions, making it a significant contributor to the local economy of Bowness and Windermere.

For more information, please contact Tracii Monet at Windermere Marina Village on 015394 46551 or visit http://www.wmv.co.uk

Goosemire Cottages are excited to announce the launch of one new property and one refurbished property within their portfolio.

Firstly their exciting new property is the Castlerigg Farm Cottage at beautiful Armathwaite in the Eden Valley. Castlerigg Farm Cottage is part of a Georgian farm house on a working farm. On a clear day you can see panoramic views of Blencathera, Carlisle, The Lake District and The Pennines. This takes Goosemire Cottages property portfolio to 46 offering properties that sleep from 2 people right up to 10.

The refurbishment and updating of self catering properties is extremely important both for safety, guest enjoyment and to keep up with the large competition of Lake District self catering cottages. Goosemire understand the importance and have carried out extensive refurbishments on their Helm Cragg property in Grasmere. Helm Cragg has been fully decorated throughout with new furnishings including Italian leather sofas and Laura Ashley soft furnishings, a new bathroom and new bedroom and dining room furniture. The breathtaking views from the living room of the lake and fells are now matched by the quality interior.

Goosemire Cottages are a small family run agency offering holiday cottage accommodation in the Lake District, UK (with just a few exceptions) an all-inclusive rental price. Their limited overheads mean low prices and they pride themselves on their value for money approach. There are open all year round and offer out of season or last minute breaks. To help you relax, Goosemire Cottages adopts a “nothing is too much trouble” approach, ensuring a welcoming, informed and personal service. On arrival you will find your cottage carefully prepared, to give your holiday a perfect start. In fact from the point of your initial inquiry onwards they guarantee they will give both you and your holiday the warm friendly attention deserved.

Goosemire Cottages have available 46 traditional self-catering holiday homes for discerning visitors. Most are rustic 17th or 18th Century Lake District cottages or lovely barn conversions.

For further information on the areas, availability and prices of all 46 cottages visit http://www.goosemirecottages.co.uk or telephone 01539 731 801.

The launch of the new dining room at the Borrowdale Hotel was a truly sparkling affair as guests were treated to a Champagne Celebration dinner which included a different champagne with every course.

The new look dining room now appears larger, warmer and more inviting with rich gold’s and burgundy bringing the hotel up to date yet still keeping its charm. It was the perfect setting for Champagne coming to Cumbria.

Stephen Wilcock, General Manager of the hotel took advantage of his Master Sommelier skills to work with Jean Pierre Marniquet – the hotel’s specialist grower and wine maker from the Champagne region. Working with Head Chef they created a delicious menu that married the flavors and textures of the food with the different champagnes produced by Jean Pierre.

Guests heard Stephen explain the history of Champagne and also how this particular Champagne is nurtured through production in Jean Pierre Marniquet’s small, privately owned vineyard. “His seven hectare vineyard is very close to some of the most famous champagne names, but as a small grower producer, Jean Pierre can stay very close to the production process to ensure the best from his grapes.”

Jean Pier and his daughter Cyrille travelled from France especially for the evening. They were invited to explain the complexities and subtleties of each champagne as it was served with each course.

Coffee was served with an old Fin de Champagne which was provided by Pascal Delorme from Grapevine Wine Merchant who also supply the hotel with most of their wine.

Diners described the evening as “truly incredible – a wonderful way to reopen the restaurant and a fantastic introduction to a great range of champagne.”

The redevelopment of the restaurant is something that Stephen Wilcock is very proud of. As a Master Sommelier he is now eagerly waiting for the completion of a Wine Cellar and wine tasting bar in the dining room.  “Guests really enjoyed learning about the Champagnes we served and want to learn more about our wines.” He said “the Wine Cellar is almost complete and we are looking forward to many Wine tasting events in the future. The Borrowdale hotel has come a long way in the last two years – introducing the wine cellar is something new for Lake District Hotels and it will make us unique in the area.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about the Borrowdale Hotels new wine tasting cellar should contact Stephen Wilcock at the Borrowdale Hotel on 017687 77224 or visit http://www.lakedistricthotels.net/borrowdalehotel/index.htm.

Lake District Hotels are pleased to announce a capacity of almost double previously offered for brides to be.

Brides-to-be now have the option of choosing a marquee on the lawn to host their wedding breakfast for up to 200 guests

The Lake District has long been a favourite location for weddings playing host to some of the most picturesque settings you could wish for.  With winter weddings becoming ever more popular – the location can still be picture perfect with spectacular snow capped mountains and frosty lakes.

The Inn on the Lake has lawns that sweep down to their own private jetty on the edge of Lake Ullswater – it is one of the most photographed jetties in the country and is a favourite with brides all year round.

Voted the most romantic location in which to marry, ‘Lake District’ hotels are constantly upgrading what they can offer brides. At the recent Inn on the Lake wedding fair delayed by the November floods, over 150 brides witnessed the launch of two new wedding venues in the hotel gardens.

Almost doubling their capacity, the Lake District Hotels Ltd marquee on the lawn to host their wedding breakfast for up to 200 guests; the views across the gardens, lake and mountains provide a very romantic backdrop and allows the Ullswater area to attract larger bridal parties.

Beverley Kelso, Wedding Co-ordinator at Lake District Hotels Ltd Inn on the Lake says “No matter how large or how small the wedding party, we want brides to fall in love with their venue. As well as offering marquee for large weddings, we have also introduced a very special intimate place to take wedding vows – a Victorian style gazebo close to the water’s edge. There is no other place like it in the whole of the Lakes and it is attracting brides from as far away as London and Dubai.”

The hotel staff challenged themselves to create the ultimate outdoor venue for wedding vows, somewhere unique and very romantic. It was last summer when they began designing the ornate Victorian style Gazebo which was created in the garden during the winter. Spring brides will be the first to christen the gazebo which is set to rival the jetty as a premier location for wedding pictures.

For more information visit http://www.lakedistricthotels.net/weddings/

Goosemire Cottages, the family owned and run Lake District self catering business, are pleased to launch their January sale.

Everyone is looking for a bargain at this time of year so why should the sales be confined to the high street? Goosemire Cottages are offering discounts on full weeks booked in each of their 46 self catering properties. The discounts range from £30 – £50 depending on the property size.

The number of self catering holidays in the UK has risen quite dramatically in the last 2 years. Various factors have contributed to this for example the poor Euro exchange rate resulting in tourists staying in the UK and the cost savings of self catering compared with a hotel stay. A self catering holiday allows freedom, the ability to cook within the property so saving on restaurant bills and is an excellent type of holiday for families and pet owners.

Goosemire Cottages have available 46 traditional Lake District cottages for discerning visitors (Ranging from 1 to 7 bedrooms, sleeping up to 10). Most are rustic 17th or 18th Century Lakeland cottages or lovely barn conversions, where antiquity and modern comforts have been beautifully combined. The atmosphere and idiosyncrasies of each property are reflected on their website which offers full online booking facilities and information and images on each of their properties.

For more information on the Goosemire Lake District cottages January sale or their last minute booking discounts, visit http://www.goosemirecottages.co.uk/special-offers

As previously reported, the auction for Children in Need on the Wake up to Wogan show on BBC Radio 2 had a a Wainwright walking package as one of the lots staring Julia Bradbury and The Skiddaw Hotel in Keswick

The Wainwright walks have been popularised by Julia Bradbury who often stays at the Skiddaw Hotel when filming in the Lake District. The BBC said “this unique package appeals to walking fans who enjoy bracing walks, fresh air, beautiful surroundings and a touch of glamour too!”

Julia Bradbury was live on air first thing on Monday with Terry and was thrilled to be part of the show saying and highlighted the Bradder’s brunch served at the hotel. The highest bid was £10,000 from an Anonymous caller from Liverpool who will join Julia Bradbury with a friend for this exclusive treat.

The package gives the lucky Liverpool bidder and a friend the chance to join presenter Julia Bradbury and the production team from Skyworks TV for a day’s walking in the Lake District some time next year.

The guests will spend the first night as special guests at the Skiddaw Hotel in Keswick, before walking in the footsteps of the famous walker Alfred Wainwright. The walk may be filmed for TV broadcast, but at the very least, the winning pair will have their own private film of their walk – as well as signed DVD’s photo’s and memorabilia from the series.

Kevin Curran, General Manager of the Skiddaw Hotel in Keswick part of the Lake District Hotels Ltd group said “The hotel is very popular for walking holidays and we already have a walking break named after Julia Bradbury and Wainwright  – it includes a copy of Wainwright’s Northern Fells book and a bathroom experience pack for relaxing after a days walking on the fells!

Julia likes to stay with us when she is filming in the Lake District, so we were delighted when she mentioned the opportunity to link in with Terry Wogan’s “Want Money can’t buy” auction. We were thrilled to hear the package raised so much money.”

For more information visit http://www.lakedistricthotels.net/skiddawhotel/

The weather has been very cruel to the United Kingdom this Winter but why let that stop you enjoying Christmas festivities.

For the last two weeks, Cumbria – the Lake District has been the main focus on all the news networks. This beautiful location may have been battered and bruised by the weather but it is still one of the most beautiful areas of the United Kingdom and fully open for business.

And Christmas is an ideal time to visit the Lake District with its warm hospitality, endless real fires and top quality local produce.

The Castle Inn Hotel and Spa near Bassenthwaite, Keswick have a small number of places available for their luxury Christmas break. This special Christmas break commences on Thursday the 24th of December right through to Sunday 27th December. The mix of organised events and time alone to explore the area or visit the health spa has been perfectly combined.

Set overlooking some of England’s highest fells and Bassenthwaite Lake, the Castle Inn Lake District Hotel is in a beautiful location, just 8 miles from Keswick.  They are ideally situated for those wishing to explore Bassenthwaite, Keswick and the Lake District. The Castle Inn Hotel is one of the finest Keswick hotels offering a warm welcome and the ideal location for relaxing after a busy day discovering the beauties of the Lake District.

Those requiring further information on the festive Christmas break at the Castle Inn Hotel & Spa should visit http://www.castleinncumbria.co.uk or telephone 017687 76401.