To Escape To’s hot choices for 2007

Bridge House is a new, luxurious and very contemporary lodge with panoramic views over the city, the Cape Town Waterfront and Signal Hill. The lodge is situated in the prestigious neighbourhood of Higgovale, a luscious green belt bordering Table Mountain National Nature Reserve.

The lodge looks like it has been carefully dropped by helicopter into an indigenous, undisturbed piece of nature. Standing in the midst of the exquisite garden with rim flow pool and a small stream that runs into a koi pond at the base of the property, it is almost impossible to believe you are only five minutes from the city. A truly exceptional retreat!
to escape to (toescapeto.com) offers 7 nights at Bridge House on a B & B basis from £940 per person including international flights, transfers and car hire.

Hot new boutique hotel – Bay Lodge, Plettenburg Bay
Just two minutes walk from the sweeping Central Beach in Plettenberg Bay, this brand new six suite designer boutique beach lodge opened on 15th November 2006. Offering an unbeatable location, magnificent views, tranquil contemporary beach décor and a roof terrace with jacuzzi the Bay Lodge provides a perfect base from which to explore the stunning area. Enjoy the full cooked breakfast in bed, on your terrace or overlooking the beaches.
to escape to (toescapeto.com) offers 7 nights at The Bay Lodge on a B & B basis from £945 per person including international flights, transfers and car hire.

Hot destination - Malawi

Madonna has catapulted Malawi into the media spotlight through her adoption of ‘baby David’ but To Escape To think it should be in the spotlight for different reasons. The team has voted this beautiful, little-known country as their ‘hot destination’ for 2007.

Malawi is known as the ‘friendly heart of Africa’ and for good reason. There is no country in all of Africa that has its geography so sculptured and determined by Africa's Great Rift Valley, the largest single geographical feature on Earth. Towering mountains, lush, fertile valley floors and enormous crystal-clear lakes are hallmarks of much of the Rift Valley - and Malawi displays them all. Lake Malawi, nearly 600km long and up to 80km wide, dominates the countryside.

To Escape To have worked hard to create a portfolio of unique hideaways appealing to all tastes and budgets. Here is just one example of the kind of gems they feature that Mrs Richie would feel quite at home in!

Mumbo Island is an exclusive camp situated on a pristine and otherwise-deserted tropical island floating on the clear waters of Lake Malawi. The Island lies within an exclusive concession area, in the Lake Malawi National Park, the first freshwater marine reserve in the world. With waters that are so crystal clear, the diving and snorkelling are among the best in Lake Malawi. The camp comprises five large safari tents, each fully furnished with its own shaded view-deck and hammock, and blending seamlessly into the lush foliage. There is a dining area, bar and water sport gazebo, all of timber, thatch and canvas, and adhering to the principles of eco-architecture.

A 7 day holiday to Mumbo Island (in a Superior Tent on a full board basis including boat transfers, kayaks, snorkel gear and park fees), Malawi costs from £1440 including international flights and transfers to escape to (toescapeto.com)

Hot beach retreat - Fundu Lagoon, Zanzibar

Fundu Lagoon is one of To Escape To’s favourites. It is already Zanzibar’s hippest hotel and soon to be made even more cutting edge with a new swimming pool added for 2007 and new honeymoon suites with their own private plunge pool.

Fundu Lagoon is located on Pemba, a remote and relatively unknown island north of Zanzibar. The tiny traditional villages of Pemba have had little impact on the coast and the coral reefs around Pemba are largely in pristine condition. Pemba is surrounded by dramatic and exciting coral reefs stretching as far as the eye can see. The colourful Indian Ocean marine life can therefore breed and interact along the plunging coral walls that so well symbolise Pemba Island.

Listed as one of the top diving locations in the world, you can explore the exciting and rich waters of the Indian Ocean from above and below the sea. Fundu’s fully-equipped PADI Resort Diving and watersports centre offers range of activities including diving, snorkelling, kayaking and deep sea fishing.

To Escape To offers 7 nights at Fundu Lagoon on a all inclusive basis from £1699 per person. Prices include return flights from Zanzibar to Pemba and airport transfers but not international flights.

Hot Villa -Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Tamarin Bay, Mauritius

Taj Exotica is the new kid on the block in terms of hotel villa accommodation and has really set the standards for private luxury.

An exclusive haven of solitude and luxury, this unforgettable resort overlooks the serene, blue waters of Tamarin Bay. No detail has been overlooked at this beautiful beach-side getaway with interiors inspired by Indian, African, and Arabic design. Guests can choose from a wide range of activities from relaxing in the contemporary Indian Spa to water-skiing in the lagoon. The luxury private villas are 163 square metres in size and have their own private pool. All villas have 24-hours butler service, the exhilarating experience of an open-air garden shower, flat-screen plasma television with surround-sound DVD/CD system.
A seven night bed & breakfast stay at Taj Exotica costs from £1,799 per person with To Escape To. Prices are based on two sharing including return flights with Air Mauritius from Heathrow and transfers.

Hot ‘n spicy excursion - Asali Luxury Beach Hut, Zanzibar

Experience this new excursion from the Asali Luxury Beach hut and you will literally end up hot and spicy.

The Asali luxury Beach Hut takes the personal chef concept to a whole new level. Winnie the chef is happy for you to take a ‘hands on’ approach to creating your meal. The experience starts with negotiating a price for the local catch from the fisherman’s dhows at the end of the beach.

Next stop is Stone Town and a private spice tour around the local market by Winnie. Back in the luxury of your own private beach hut you can help create the culinary masterpiece learning the Zanzibar tricks of the trade. The afternoon’s hard work can then be enjoyed over a romantic candle lit dinner on the beach.
To Escape To offers 7 nights at the Asali Luxury Beach Hut on a half board basis from £1699 per person. Prices include international flights and transfers. Day with chef and tuition from £35 per person.

Ultimate luxury - North Island, Seychelles

North Island offers your own ‘Robinson Crusoe’ paradise together with the ultimate in luxury and service. There is nothing on the island bar the 11 luxury, two-bedroom bungalows. They have been hand crafted between coconut palms and boulders, powder white beaches, nature trails through the indigenous forest and a spectacular pool set amongst the rocks. Each unique beach villa is designed to ensure the highest levels of comfort and while every one fronts on to the white sand and turquoise sea, they are all completely private. A stay on North Island will never be forgotten.

to escape to (toescapeto.com) offers 5 nights at North Island on a full board basis from £2599 per person including international flights, transfers and domestic flights.