Bales Worldwide launches private hire collection

Bales Worldwide has launched a new Private Hire Collection, focusing on a selection of exclusive accommodation and travel options around the world which can be taken over for private use of around 20 people or less travelling together.

The collection ranges from a private cruise charter on the Nile – one of Bales’ own six cabin ‘dahabiyya’ boats, to a luxury tented wildlife lodge in the Shamwari Private Game Reserve in South Africa, or the sole use of a Rajasthani palace in India. Whether it’s for a family celebration or a getaway with a group of friends, this carefully selected collection offers exceptional and exclusive options to ensure that a holiday experience is turned into a very special occasion. Go to Balesworldwide.com for more information.

PRIVATE BOAT CHARTERS

Bales Worldwide has expanded its offering for private cruise charters to include unique river and ocean experiences ideal for small groups to really ‘get away from it all’ and take full control of their cruise itinerary. Glide along the backwaters of Kerala in traditional ambiance, but 21st century comfort, on the RV Katherine which has just three en-suite cabins, or spot the exquisite array of wildlife to be seen whilst aboard the newly launched MV Aqua on the mighty Amazon which offers up to twelve suites.

Charter prices start from £1610 for a week for the RV Katherine which sleeps six and £65,000 for a week on the MV Aqua, based on 24 passengers sharing 12 double cabins passengers for seven nights full board (that is £2700 per person).

How about enjoying the Nile at a more sedate and tranquil pace, on a traditional dahabiyya accommodating a maximum of 12 passengers? Revive those elegant days of the late 19th century when aristocrats cruised the Nile on their private wooden crafted river vessels.

Prices to hire the entire boat for one week start from just £7750 (that is £646 per person), which includes sightseeing, an English-speaking guide, meals, drinks and tipping. Flights and pre and post cruise itineraries in Cairo and Luxor can be tailor-made for each group.

Other charter options include the Halong Ginger Cruise, a traditional Junk with 10 cabins which cruises from Halong Bay in Vietnam, the Vat Phou Cruise in Southern Laos offers a 12 berth vessel for a three day cruise along the Mekong, or the 12 berth RV Charaidew or Sukapha which offer week long cruises along the Brahmaputra in North East India across the plains of Assam. There is also a host of small cruise options in the Galapagos including the Parranda Cruise with eight cabins and the smaller Mistral Cruise with six cabins.

LUXURY JUNGLE AND SAFARI OPTIONS

The Private Hire Collection also features a number of luxury lodges, tented suites and safari camps in some of the world’s most beautiful locations. Take over the nine luxurious tents at Bayethe Lodge, situated in the heart of an award winning game reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa – all complete with private plunge pools and viewing decks. Alternatively, opt for 10 romantic tree houses in the middle of a mahogany forest at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, Tanzania. Your group can relax in the swimming pool or forest bama (outdoor eating area) and enjoy the tranquillity of this jungle setting.

Prices start from £34,230 for a week at Bayethe Lodge which can sleep a total of 24 people and includes full board (£1426 per person), or £38,500 for a week in the treehouses at Lake Manyara which can accommodate up to 20 people, again for full board (£1925 per person).

If you’re heading to India then Tiger Corridor in Kanha Tiger Reserve is perfect for a medium sized group. Its eight luxury tents are out of this world with wooden floors, teak furnishings and en suite facilities. Indulge your taste buds at the superb restaurant, enjoy the wildlife talks and keep an eye out for the tigers!

PALACES AND BOUTIQUE HOTELS

For those looking for more conventional elegance the Private Hire Collection also offers a number of beautiful palaces and unique hotels for sole use. Live like a Maharaja at Shapura Bagh in Rajasthan. This exquisite property is midway between Jaipur and Udaipur and used to be the summer residence of the rulers of Shapura. Its nine stunningly decorated rooms and wooded landscape make this an elegant oasis. It offers an exceptional level of service and hospitality and a truly relaxing ambience.

Heading further East, the Shinta Mani in Siem Reap, Cambodia, is an intimate, boutique hotel with 18 rooms. Set in the historic French quarter, the stylish hotel combines the region’s historic, colonial and contemporary heritage and is the perfect base for a group looking to enjoy the sites and sounds of this country. Hire out the Shinta Mani for a night for a total of £1290 including breakfast for all 18 rooms.

CELEBRATION DINING EXPERIENCES

Bales can organise a host of amazing celebration dinning experiences to make the trip truly unforgettable. How about a cocktail party at Little Petra in Jordan guests will be lead through the candle lit ‘siq’ by a piper where they will reach the monument and enjoy cocktails whilst a folklore troupe entertains? Or a celebratory evening at Jaisalmer, in India where guests will trek by camel into the heart of the dunes for a spectacular evening of dinner and dancing. Lastly, guests on the Egyptian dahabiyya will be treated to dinner on their very own private island in Aswan.

For more information about the Private Hire Collection or for reservations visit Balesworldwide.com.