15 October 2008 - Sardinian Places - Press Office
Sardinian Places releases its new 2009 brochure this week, the first ‘new season’ collection since the Sardinian specialist re-branded itself from Voyages Ilena (to tie in with Serenity Holidays acquisition of the company in Autumn 2007).
The tour operator’s highlights for 2009 include:
Accommodation choice – North East & North West stronghold
Sardinian Places specialises in the North East and North West of the island, offering both self-catering and hotel options. A smaller selection of properties is offered in Central Sardinia and in the South. There is a range of self-catering options, although the Sardinian Places trademark is the detached countryside villa with extensive secluded grounds and swimming pool, within easy drive of the coast and beaches. There are hotels to suit all tastes from the rustic farm hotel, to the more luxury hotel complete with thalasso and spa facilities.
New Property Additions
In total, 15 new self-catering properties have been added to the Sardinian Places’ portfolio. These include Apartment Storico in Alghero, North West Sardinia.
This is the tour operator’s first property in Alghero old town. Exuding charm and character, the two-bedroom apartment is within easy walking distance from a long white-sand beach.
New to the Premium Collection, Lu Triuzzu is an exceptional villa located in Santa Teresina, Costa Smeralda. The three-bedroom house was built by the owner himself around an existing rock, which now forms the centrepiece to this unique hideaway retreat.
Nine new hotels have also been added, including Mandra Edera in Abbasanta, Central Sardinia. Nestling in 30 hectares of Sardinian countryside, this hotel offers a perfect balance of relaxation (swimming pool, Jacuzzi, solarium) with activity (horse-riding, jeep excursions, trekking). Food lovers will not be disappointed, courtesy of the restaurant’s homegrown organic cuisine, as well as the Chef’s authentic cookery classes.
New Property Categorisations: Premium Collection and Family Collection
Sardinian Places continues to use criteria to categorise the level of comfort across its self-catering properties. However, there is a new pinnacle – The Premium Collection. Four properties within the North East of the island, with their spacious, secluded grounds and superior facilities, have been shortlisted for this accolade.
Sardinian Places has also added a Family Collection categorisation onto its website, whereby selected villas or residences not only have a swimming pool, DVD player and microwave, but also come complete with family-friendly extras, such as buckets and spades, beach umbrellas and picnic cool boxes.
Sardinia Touring Holidays & Corsica Twin-Centre Options
As the second largest island in the Mediterranean, Sardinia provides ample opportunity for exploration. Sardinian Places has marked within its brochure those hotels that are suitable for ‘Touring’ and is happy to discuss tailor made itineraries with its clients.
Corsica and Sardinia are only 11km apart across the Bonifacio Straits, and in collaboration with sister company, Corsican Places, Sardinian Places can book Corsica and Sardinia twin-centre holidays with ease and experience.
Sailing in Sardinia
New for 2009, Sardinian Places will offer sailing holidays around the island on board a Gulet imported from Bodrum. A professional skipper and crew can be on hand and there are options to undertake fishing, snorkeling and diving if desired. The boat can also be chartered by a private group, subject to numbers and experience.
Accommodation-only
Sardinian Places predominantly operates bookings on an ‘accommodation-only’ basis (over 90% of reservations) because of the number of low-cost airlines offering a flight service to the island.
However, charter and scheduled flights, as well as car hire - which is strongly advised - can be quoted by the tour operator.
Sardinian Places product manager, Amandine Blanchard comments:
“We look forward to a strong and successful new season. Sardinia really does have something for everyone and is rich in festivals, adding even more impetus to envelop yourself in the island’s fascinating culture and energy.”
Next season (09), a 7-night holiday with Sardinian Places starts from £269 per person.
This price is based on bed and breakfast accommodation at the character hotel, Agriturismo Tenuta Pilastru (price valid from 02 May – 05 June 09, based on two adults sharing a standard rm).
Sardinian Places is offering a number of Early Booking Offers, valid for 2009 holidays booked by 30 November 2008. These include free car hire upgrades and property discounts of up to £300 per week, valid for selected travel dates in May, June and September 09.
To request a copy of the new brochure, or for more information, please call Sardinian Places Reservations on 0845 330 2056 or visit www.sardinianplaces.co.uk
