A four-night cruise onboard The Strand Cruise by the legendary Myanmar Strand Hotel
Operating a schedule of three and four-night itineraries between the ancient cities of Bagan and Mandalay, the Strand Cruise is a reinvention of the legendary style of its sister property, The Strand Hotel Yangon. The new 27-cabin ship is enhanced with latest technology such as individually controlled air conditioning and WI-FI from satellite communication.
The Strand Cruise is a genuine luxury cruise experience with access to many private moorings close to landmarks along the river. A highlight of the itinerary is an exclusive mooring overnight at Ava on the journey from Bagan to Mandalay, allowing passengers access the beautiful temple of Maha Aungmye Bonzan after the crowds have departed in the evening until the following morning, when monks join passengers for a very special farewell. The Strand Cruise is also the only operator on the river to offer visits to the iconic U-Bein bridge on both north- and south-bound itineraries.
Opening Season offer: The Strand Cruise has a special launch offer available for sailings from January to March 2016 of 20% off the published high season rate. During this time, the three-night journey between Mandalay and Bagan will be from US$2,592 (usually from US$3,240) per person based on double occupancy, and the four-night journey between Bagan and Mandalay will be from US$2,874 (usually from US$3,592) per person based on double occupancy. There is also a special 2 for 1 offer on the first two cruises (Christmas and New Year). Mr. O and I will be sailing on the Christmas cruise and very much looking forward to sharing this unique experience live. Follow The Strand Cruise on Twitter and Facebook.
The Strand Cruise is offering passage for two people sharing a cabin on a four night journey between Bagan and Mandalay. The prize is valid until 1 November 2016 and is subject to availability. Prize includes all excursions and activities as described in the set itinerary, three meals during full sailing days, breakfast on day of disembarkation, soft drinks & local beer, house wine during meals, port charges, English speaking guides (alternative language guides can be provided on request subject to availability), satellite WI-FI in all cabins and public areas and complimentary international daily newspapers available on guest’s digital tablets. It excludes domestic and international flights, visa costs and transfers.
A weekend at Ashford Castle in Ireland
Ashford Castle is magnificent five star hotel set on 350 acres in County Mayo, on the shores of Lough Corrib and the River Cong, with a spectacular backdrop of woodlands, lake, river, and mountains. With 85 guest rooms, a wealth of activities and thoughtful touches throughout, guests will enjoy acclaimed Irish hospitality on a grand scale at Ashford Castle. The striking interiors are in keeping with the castle’s history and grandeur – it’s a treasure trove of art and antiques with more than 800 paintings and around 130 chandeliers.
Following a two-year restoration of the 800-year-old building, the hotel reopened to guests in April 2015. The expansive 350-acre estate lends itself perfectly to a range of outdoor activities; from country classic pastimes such as horse riding, fishing, and falconry, to more modern activities such as golf, cycling and kayaking. So whether you are the active type or prefer to relax and soak up the scenery, you are spoilt for choice at Ashford Castle. After a busy day of outdoor activities, guests can indulge in exceptionally gourmet cuisine offered in the castle’s four main dining rooms – fine dining in the grandeur of the George V Dining Room, casual dining in the comfortable setting of Cullen’s at the Cottage or Cullen’s at the Dungeon, or a delightful Afternoon Tea in the elegant Connaught Room.
Mr. O and I visited recently and I have to say, it was all we expected and more.
Ashford Castle is offering one lucky winner a two night getaway for two people, including breakfast. Prize must be claimed before the end of April 2016, is subject to availability and certain blackout dates will apply (including; Christmas, New Years, the St Patrick’s Day weekend and the Easter weekend). Flights and transfers not included. Non transferrable.
3 nights at Ikos Olivia in Halkidiki, Greece
Ancient olive trees and fragrant firs provide both shade and privacy throughout the spacious grounds, the manicured lawns eventually meeting the white sands and refreshing waters of the Aegean. At Ikos Olivia chic design goes hand in hand with subtle elegance to offer a warm welcome to the most discerning traveller.
Relishing its exclusive location on the Gulf of Toroneos, this contemporary Greek masterpiece extends across a perfectly landscaped 22 acres framed by an exclusive white sandy beach. I visited Ikos Olivia earlier this year with my sister and was really impressed.
Ikos Resorts bring a new era of hospitality to the Mediterranean. Luxury resorts in stunning natural locations, where elegance is omnipresent, yet understated. Ikos have redefined the all inclusive holiday by offering an exceptional food and beverage experience and exemplary service. Each Ikos property is located on a golden sandy beach and features 5 restaurants, 4 of which are a la carte and overseen by Michelin starred chefs. 24 hour room service, a dine out experience in selected local restaurants together with an extensive wine list, branded spirits in all bars and in your hotel mini bar and waiter service by the pool and on the beach are just some of the extra touches you will experience as part of the Ikos Resorts Infinite Lifestyle experience.
Ikos Olivia is offering a very lucky reader a 3-night stay in a sea view double room and a chance to experience its Infinite Lifestyle concept. Offer is valid until October 2016, excluding dates from 15th June – 15th September.
AirPortr luggage concierge for as many bags as you can carry (except you won’t have to carry them!)
Molton Brown Tobacco Absolute Set
With over 25 years of experience, Molton Brown has naturally built up a renowned reputation as body and bath connoisseurs. Their team travels around the world looking for the rarest and finest ingredients before returning to their beloved home in London to blend them to the highest standards. Think luxurious shower gels, lavish body lotions, indulgent hand care and fine eau de toilettes… Molton Brown is inspired by London, a city that never sits still; this is what makes their colours brighter and their scents bolder.
Explore Molton Brown’s full collection to discover your favourite blends this Black Friday weekend with up to 25% off your order*. Its Christmas gift range holds glorious treats for you and your loved ones; from a wide selection of stocking fillers to luxury gift sets, show your friends and family what they really mean to you.
To start the festive celebrations, Molton Brown is giving away the latest addition to their men’s collection, Tobacco Absolute. A reassuring collection of a bath and shower gel, a sensual eau de toilette and a refreshing deodorant spray containing masculine woody notes and a light hint of citrus. This will make a sophisticated Christmas gift for the modern gentleman in your life. *t&cs apply. Offer is valid 26 – 30 Nov 2015
The World Grand Tour Box from LUXE City Guides
Super-svelte and full of sass, LUXE avoids all the fluff and filler of other travel guides and gets straight to the meat of a destination. The result? Ultra-smart printed city guides and digital apps stacked with sharp and snappy city insights.
Right in time for gifting season, LUXE has also put together a shortlist of pressie ideas sure to please any global gadabout. And, as a special Christmas treat, they’re offering free shipping on all orders of USD$50 or more.
Want to get your manicured mitts on some? Enter to win the LUXE World Grand Tour Box, a smart selection of 12 LUXE city guides – Bangkok, Dubai, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Rome, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo. Phew!
The ultimate Tinggly experience (and you can choose your own)
What do you buy a person that has it all? A whole world of choice is available when you think about a Tinggly gift box. Unique gift experiences which can be the ideal gift for loved ones whether it’s for a birthday, a wedding or just because. The Tinggly choice voucher lets the recipient choose from hundreds of fab experiences across the globe (in more than 80 countries), and is valid for up to two years, so there’s no need to make a decision straightaway!
There are three different value collections: Essential, Premium and Ultimate. Each experience in these collections is quite unique and will appeal to different moods, locations and, of course, who will use it. Experiences range from a high speed luxury yacht in the UK, to a yoga camp in India. One of my favourite ones is being able to create my own perfume in France and there are also lots of cooking classes around the world.
Tinggly is offering my readers one Ultimate Experience gift box which will be valid for 2 years.
To enter this competition, simply do the following:
a) subscribe to the blog by signing up on the right hand side of this page. You will receive an email confirmation and you are free to unsubscribe at any time as soon as this competition ends.
b) share this blog post via Twitter, Facebook or Google Plus. Make sure it has the hashtag #MrsO4 so I can see it!
c) let me know which prize you would prefer (if you could choose!), and answer the following question: ‘Where would you spend your perfect New Years and with whom?’
This competition is now closed. Winners will be selected by each prize sponsor, based on the answers and will be contacted by email.
