NEWS The latest news from around the counties TOUREASY LAUNCHES FIRST CHRISTMAS TOUR A new sustainable tour operator is offering Christmas trips including a two-day break to Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire with its spectacular light display colouring the palace and gardens. Toureasy is the UK’s first and only carbon-neutral coach tour operator with 15 pick-up points available and prices starting from £70 per person. The getaways are designed so that customers can do their bit for the environment without paying a premium or needing to sign up for longterm commitments. Holidaymakers will receive a certificate after each trip confirming the carbon offset made on their behalf and reinforcing the positive impact they have made in combatting the global climate crisis. The founder of Toureasy, Sean Taggart tells us, “We realised that far too often sustainable travel options are linked to luxury holidays, with a price tag to match. Our ambition is to offer affordable holidays where everyone that travels with us automatically makes a positive contribution to protecting our planet. Our holidays make that possible and we are proud to be operating some of our first tours from the South West.” To book, visit www.toureasy.co.uk EDITOR’S FAVOURITE I love the latest wedding stationery collection from Encore Graphics, especially this Christmas invitation. The talented team design everything from place cards to the order of the day in beautiful bespoke designs. To shop, visit www.encoregraphics.co.uk/wedding-stationery COTSWOLDS HOTEL & SPA OFFERS Luxury hotel, golf course and spa, Cotswolds Hotel & Spa located in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, is offering a Weekday Wellness & Light Lunch package where guests needing some pre-wedding pampering can enjoy a mid-week half-day at the spa. Lunch will be enjoyed in the Terrace Restaurant and one 25-minute treatment can include an Indian head massage, lime and lemongrass or volcanic ash body scrub or an express facial. Guests are invited to use the spa facilities between 9:30 am and 12:30 pm or from 1 pm with facility access until 4 pm. Prices start from £64.50pp. To book, visit www.spabreaks.com MONKEY ISLAND ESTATE ALLOW ISLAND TAKEOVERS YTL Hotels’ Monkey Island Estate in Bray is offering guests the chance to reunite in style this winter with exclusive takeovers of the stunning private island located on the River Thames. The estate offers 41 rooms and suites plus six private residences across seven acres, accessed by footbridge, boat or helicopter. Guests can look forward to a range of exciting activities, including indulgent treatments on the island’s bespoke Floating Spa Barge, exploring the stunning surrounding countryside by foot, bike or boat and enjoying the great outdoors with the estate’s very own Shepherd’s Hideaway experience. Green-fingered visitors can discover the herb garden, contributing to the exceptionally fresh menu at the Monkey Brasserie. With Monkey Island Estate’s friendly and expert team on hand, island takeovers can be tailored to suit any size group. The entire island can be booked for a full weekend or parties can take over a private corner of the grounds and a marquee or tipi can be erected on the hotel’s lawns. For a romantic end to the celebrations, newlyweds can step aboard Monkey Island Estate’s very own chartered vessel, The Dragonfly, for a sunset cruise, complete with champagne and canapés. For further information, call 0207 657 8200 or visit www.monkeyislandestate.co.uk Nearlywed YOUR ESSENTIALS 9
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