Services Provided: Transfers

Experience the Wonders of Tanzania

Posted on October 26, 2020 by - Cultural, Leisure, Luxury, Wildlife

Luxury Safari Holiday to Tanzania

Tanzania is a country of astounding natural splendour. It is home to some of the largest national parks in Africa, as well as numerous beautiful islands surrounded by coral reef. Blend Group constructed an incredible trip for a group of eight clients who recently visited.

When you think of Tanzania, one of the first spectacles that comes to mind are the expansive plains of the Serengeti National Park. Simply put, the Serengeti is one of the world’s most impressive natural landscapes and one of the most celebrated wildlife reserves on Earth. It is here, in this untamed wilderness, that the Big Five – the rhino, the elephant, the leopard, the lion and the buffalo – roam free.

The group landed at Kilimanjaro International Airport before a chartered flight transferred them directly to the Seronera Airstrip, located within the National Park.  Here they spent three magical nights of ultimate luxury at the Four Seasons Safari Lodge. Their private villa allowed them to discover the Serengeti on a near-exclusive basis, whilst being able to enjoy a 24-hour personal attendant service, personalised in-villa fine dining and of course front-row seats at the greatest natural show on earth.

From this base our clients were able to explore the vastness of the Serengeti over the following days. Unforgettable guided game drives and helicopter rides ensured they got the most out of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. A multitude of safari options are available and however you choose to spend your days in the Serengeti, the hotel’s spa awaits to help you rehydrate, restore and re-energise.

Luxury Safari Holiday to Tanzania

Our clients enjoyed evening meals in the Boma Grill and Kula’s Restaurant. At the Boma Grill guests enjoy an authentic African feast around an open-air firepit, taking in the local flavours and being immersed in an evening of memorable Maasai culture. Kula’s, on the other hand, offers various live cooking stations and hearty dinner dishes paired with wine and exotic delicacies for dessert.

Following their safari adventure was some well-deserved beach time. We organised the group’s travel to the northernmost island of the Zanzibar archipelago, Pemba Island. Pemba is one of the less-visited islands of Zanzibar and therefore presents a truly laid-back atmosphere.

The group stayed at the Aiyana Resort and Spa and in their sea-facing villa they found complete relaxation and restoration. The serene and stunning white-sand beaches, including the hotel’s 500 metres of private pristine beach, and turquoise waters are the picture of paradise. Private islands await and offer the perfect contrast to the hustle of the Serengeti.

The group enjoyed some of the best scuba diving to be found in the Indian Ocean, diving in unparalleled clear and warm waters in this tropical paradise. Divers can expect to find huge green turtles, Napoleon wrasses, eagle rays, tuna and king fish. Reef sharks can also be spotted, although these are a rarer sighting. On the surface of the water, you’re likely to see schools of dolphins and if the season is right you may even see whale sharks and humpbacks.

There was also the opportunity to take to the seas for some deep-sea fishing, in search of Blue Marlin, as well as enjoying a magical sunset cruise. Additionally, the island’s deep valleys have made it popular with mountain bikers and our clients were keen to give this a go, as well as taking on a spot of kitesurfing.

The guests dined on immaculate sea food in the form of red snappers, yellow fin tuna, dorado fillets and local lobster. Guests also have the option of beach dining – the ideal way to enjoy the stunning food and wine.

To create your own Tanzania itinerary, please get in touch.

Experience the Masters Like a True Champion

Posted on October 25, 2020 by - Event, Fine Dining, Luxury, Sport

Tiger Woods - Augusta National

Simply put the Masters is a spectacle that all golf fans should try to experience at least once in their life. Held each year at Augusta National Golf Club, this prestigious event showcases the best players in the world on a sincerely stunning stage.

We have booked an experience for a group of clients who want to be a part of this world-famous tournament in an unrivalled way. The group will be staying at Champions Retreat, the epitome of elite golfing exclusivity.

The 1999 Masters Champions Dinner was the setting for the inception of this iconic hospitality and golf venue. It was here that Gary Player approached Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer with his vision of a 27-hole, private golf and members club located at the home of the Masters – Augusta, Georgia. This distinguished and concealed facility presents a place that like-minded golf fans can make their home during Masters week.

These three legends of the game share 13 Green Jackets between them and their collective passion and knowledge of the greatest golf tournament in the world has been drawn upon to create a truly revitalising, remote, and coveted golfing and hospitality experience.

Champions Retreat promises to deliver the world-famous Southern hospitality experience in a manner where everything is taken care of, down to the very last detail. Built on one of the most beautiful and varied tracts of land in the region, the Retreat will offer our guests complete solitude within tranquil and strikingly spectacular surroundings.

From a golfing perspective, Champions Retreat is completely unique. It is the only course in the world that these three icons of the game have collaborated on together. Constructed amongst the Southern pines, hugging the dramatic Savannah River and spanning almost 1,200 acres of sumptuous Georgia landscape, each of the legends designed a course of their own. The result of this collective vision is magical. The three courses are built around dominant natural landmark – a bluff, a creek and an island – and all present a unique and encouraging challenge, allowing golfers of all abilities to thrive.

Tiger Woods - Augusta National

Comfortable and charming cottages will provide homely accommodation for the group during their stay. Blended in among the pines and complete with fireplaces, fire pits and porches the cottages ensure that guests enjoy a rustic and genuine experience and the opportunity to completely unwind and recharge.

Additionally, the Retreat’s onsite cuisine options are truly authentic and provide exquisite culinary experiences dedicated to satisfying every palate in the truly accommodating Southern style. Spa facilities and a fitness centre add to the impressive on-site amenities.

Of course, the pinnacle of the experience will be attending the Masters tournament itself. On Days 2 and 3 of the event our clients will have access to a VIP hospitality venue which sits a mere 200 yards from the South Gate Entrance of the Augusta National. Badge access will ensure they can get up close to the action and follow whichever golfers they wish. The hospitality facility will remain open to them throughout the duration of the day providing unlimited food and a premium open bar. Additionally, multiple television screens within the facility and on-demand shuttles to-and-from the course will ensure the group won’t miss a thing.

The final day of the action will be taken in at Champion Retreat’s very own venue, The Barn. A celebratory atmosphere is guaranteed, and the relaxed setting is the ideal way for the group to conclude this bespoke experience.

If you would like to enquire about a Masters experience that is tailored to suit your specific needs, please get in touch.

Tropical Paradise and Culture in the Birthplace of Freddie Mercury

Posted on October 25, 2020 by - Cultural, Leisure, Luxury

Bespoke Luxury Zanzibar Holidays & Experiences

Located just over 20 miles from mainland Tanzania, the semi-autonomous group of islands, known collectively as Zanzibar, is the home of idyllic white-sand beaches, world-class scuba diving and a sumptuous fusion of cuisine. In Zanzibar life moves at a glacial pace, or pole pole, to use the Swahili. Things happen in their own time, but what is on offer is without question worth the wait. We devised a relaxation week for a group of four clients, consisting of two couples.

There is a plethora of luxury accommodation available on the island of Zanzibar and our guests first stay was at the majestic Palms Zanzibar Hotel, a truly exclusive and intimate resort located on the East Coast of the island. The hotel sits on the beachfront and boasts luxury facilities, including a large swimming pool, relaxation spa, on-site restaurant and bar as well as the opportunity to dine privately on the beach. Due to the resort’s remoteness the guests were often found wondering whether they had the whole island to themselves!

Upon arrival it was all about relaxation and the first afternoon and following day were spent making the most of the resort’s opulent facilities and the pristine local beaches. The group also enjoyed a low-tide guided coral reef safari – a fascinating voyage of discovery through the rock-pools of the reef.

The hotel’s culinary team prides itself on showcasing the best of the island’s locally grown produce in a menu that changes on a daily basis. Due to the country’s various ruling powers over the centuries, cuisine on the so-called Spice Island incorporates a myriad of cooking styles, including Indian, Arabic, Chinese, Portuguese and African. Sea food is of course high on the agenda, however, the hotel ensures it also offers a selection of continental dishes and will accommodate any dietary requirements.

Luxury Zanzibar Hotels

Whilst on this tropical paradise the group embarked on a peaceful Swahili dhow sailing tour of the mangroves as well as a Scuba-Diving Excursion, which enabled them to explore 65,000 metres of reef and 400 different species of fish. The group also visited Mnemba Island, a private getaway off the North-East coast of Zanzibar. Here they ambled along kilometres of seemingly untouched white-sand and spent hours in the crystal-clear waters.

The second leg of the trip was spent in the UNESCO cultural heritage site and ancient city of Stone Town, on the West Coast of the island. This charming and maze-like town is full of boutique cafes, restaurants and street markets.

Amongst the cultural sites that the couples visited was the iconic House of Wonders, which houses the National Museum of History and Culture.  The group also explored a spice farm, learning all about the production and history of spices on the island and taking home some authentic souvenirs.

Here the guests stayed at the Park Hyatt Zanzibar, located on the beachfront in the heart of Stone Town. The hotel boasts world class facilities, as well as a selection of elegant restaurants showcasing authentic cuisine. All bar and dining areas have their own oceanfront terrace so the guests were delighted to take their evening meals at the hotel before exploring the city at night.

If you would like to find out about how we can create the ultimate relaxation trip to Zanzibar for you, please get in touch.

Revel in Opulence as the Lions Hunt for Revenge

Posted on October 23, 2020 by - Cultural, Event, Luxury, Wine

British and Irish Lion Tour 2021 Experience

In the summer of 2021, the British and Irish Lions are touring South Africa for the first time since 2009. South Africa were victorious last time round so the Lions will be desperate for revenge. Few sporting occasions are as fiercely competitive as a Lions test match and being there live is said to be one of the greatest sporting experiences in the world.

We have put together a four-night trip for one of our regular clients whose group want to experience the magic of a Lions tour. The group will fly from London to Cape Town and upon arrival will check-in at the 15 On Orange Hotel, Autograph Collection where they will stay for the duration of their trip.

Allowing convenient access to all of Cape Town’s world-famous landmarks, this glamorous hotel is located a short distance from the city centre in the affluent suburb of Gardens. Surrounded by chic restaurants and bars, boutique shops and loft apartments, the group are based in the ideal location for a city break.

Amongst the hotel’s world class facilities are a 24-hour fitness centre, an outdoor swimming pool and deck and a premium pool bar which serves elegant cocktails and boasts awe-inspiring views of Table Mountain. Additionally, the hotel’s Savour restaurant promises a fresh take on the concept of Bistronomy. Using only the highest quality, fresh ingredients it serves simple yet flavoursome and authentic cuisine.

British and Irish Lion Tour 2021 Experience

 

During their time in Cape Town the group will enjoy a full-day experience at the Delaire Graff Estate, widely regarded as one of the best vineyards in the world. The excursion includes a sumptuous lunch and wine tasting at one the winery’s on-site restaurants, a truly mouth-watering prospect. To read more about this incredible vineyard, please see our Delaire Graff Insight.

The group will also partake in a round of golf at Jack Nicklaus’s Pearl Valley Golf Course, surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. Luscious fairways and beautiful water features are the trademarks of this course and our group is certain to relish their round at what was ranked South Africa’s 5th best course in 2018/2019 by Golf Digest. The course has played host to the South African Open on three occasions since its opening in 2003 which emphasises its esteemed quality.

The highlight of the trip, however, is certain to be the Lions test match that the group will watch at the Cape Town Stadium. The second test of the tour is often absolutely pivotal in the outcome of the series and the atmosphere is guaranteed to be electric.

Please note that all transfers are included in the package on a VIP basis.

If you would like to enquire into how we can put together a bespoke Lions package for you, please get in touch.

Fine dining and fast cars in the Emirates

Posted on September 24, 2020 by - Active, Automotive, Event, Sport

Luxury Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Experience

Engines roaring, wheels spinning clouds of dust, a crowd waiting in the glow of the Middle Eastern evening sun, a collective roar ready to be released as the black and white chequers fall…

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is one of the highlights of the Formula 1 calendar. It is an experience that encompasses both sport and culture, the international racetrack sitting just 30 minutes from the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

Blend Group was approached to create an itinerary that made the most of the event and the location, with fine dining, desert experiences and, of course, VIP Paddock Club access for one of the most exciting dates on the motor sports calendar.

With petrol on the mind, our guests were in the mood for some adrenalin pumping fun on arrival, leading to Blend Group organising a private dune buggy tour of the desert outside Abu Dhabi. Adventurous members of the group were able to experience the magnitude of the wide desert skies by continuing their tour through the sunset and into the night.

Luxury Abu Dhabi Holiday

The next day it was time to head to the track. The VIP Paddock Club is situated above the team garages of the Yas Marina Circuit, affording guests a prime view of the action on the track. The Club offers a Champagne bar and gourmet food selection, as well as pit lane walks, meet and greets with the teams, live entertainment and guest speakers. Our group of motorsports aficionados were able to truly immerse themselves in the atmosphere and events of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

A key element of the trip was the fine dining offered by the Emirati capital. Despite the tight turnaround, Blend Group organised experiences at some of Abu Dhabi’s finest local and international restaurants, a reflection of the international collaboration that goes into the Grand Prix. Guests dined at Li Beirut – a Lebanese restaurant, Nusr-Et – a waterside steakhouse and Sayad – a traditional fine-dining restaurant specializing in seafood.

As first time visitors to the region, our guests were keen to make the most of their time and took the opportunity to visit neighbouring Dubai. This is a city of many facets, and we ensured that the group felt that they had experienced the best that Dubai had to offer, from a private yacht cruise taking in the iconic Burj Al Arab, the bustling Dubai Marina and the incredible architectural feat of the Palm Jumeirah; to a spectacular sunset, seen from almost 900 metres above the city, atop the Burj Khalifa, before dinner at a spectacular Thai restaurant, overlooking the majestic Dubai Fountain. 

If you would like to create your Abu Dhabi Grand Prix experience, get in touch with our team.

Sport, culture and quick thinking at the Japan Rugby Championship

Posted on September 24, 2020 by - Cultural, Event, Leisure, Sport

Luxury Japan travel trip

A combination of beautiful culture, perfect planning and welcoming people made Japan a world-class contender to host the Rugby World Championship in 2019. Brand new, purpose-built stadiums were built across the country, and the schedule seemed almost deliberately planned to allow time to take in some of the island’s most incredible sights.

Our client was keen to see England prove themselves on the pitch against Argentina and France. The matches were seven days apart, leaving plenty of time to see what else Japan had to offer. Trys in Tokyo were accompanied by alpine ascents, fine food and awe-inspiring modern digital art.

The guests arrived in Tokyo via a smooth Business Class flight from London. Rooms were organised at the five-star InterContinental, overlooking the beautiful Tokyo Bay, and just a 25-minute private transfer from the new rugby arena. An evening arrival was perfect to allow a little down time before the big game, and as morning rose, the guests were eager to head off to join the other rugby enthusiasts in the state-of-the-art 50,000 seater stadium. England swept to a relatively comfortable victory, giving our guests a chance to celebrate in the city along with fellow fans.

Japan Rugby Championship Experience

The next seven days were a contrasting escape into Japanese culture. A private day tour to Mount Fuji was organised. The mountain dominates the alpine skyline 99 kilometres from the capital, and guests were treated to magnificent views over the Southern Alps and Fuji five lakes, local Japanese Houtou Noodle cuisine, a gondola ride overlooking Lake Kawaguchi, and visit to a local farming village, offering a rarely seen insight into another side of Japanese life.

Returning to the modern city slick that Tokyo is renowned for, the group immersed themselves in the 21st century with a trip to the Digital Art Museum of Japan. The unique space offers a different take on modern masterpieces, giving a very contemporary Japanese twist to some stunning work.

Japan Rugby Championship Experience

Of course, no trip to Tokyo is complete without indulging in the epicurean delights the city is famous for, from fine dining at Michelin-starred Ishikawa, to incredible sushi at Musashi, on the top floor of the 634-metre tall Tokyo Skytree. To get a sense of the preparation behind the dishes, Blend Group also organised an excursion to the world-famous Tsukiji Fish Market, where guests strolled amid the crowds admiring the day’s finest catch.

However, the Championship was scheduled towards the end of Japan’s typhoon season, and as the weather took a turn for the worse, it was decided to cancel the match between England and France. Blend Group immediately got to work, altering the itinerary to meet the client’s wishes and facilitate a speedy return to London.

If you would like to enquire about organising a bespoke itinerary of your own, please get in touch.

 

A trans-Russian train journey surrounding World Football’s biggest prize

Posted on September 24, 2020 by - Cultural, Event, Sport, Travel

Moscow World Football Championships Trip

A busy schedule shouldn’t be a barrier to exceptional experiences. During the 2018 World Football Championships in Russia, Nizhny was host to a number of group games which led to Blend Group working very closely with a group of busy business executives from Croatia, looking to support their National football team at an event that occurs only every four years.

Despite the quick turnaround, the group still wanted to experience the trip with the attention to detail and service that Blend Group is known for. The journey began in Zagreb, Croatia, where guests took a four-hour flight to Moscow, before embarking on a four-hour, first-class train trip through Western Russia, to Nizhny, a quaint city on the Volga River. The overnight train arrived in the early hours of the morning, where our guests were met by a private chauffeur, who took them straight to the five-star Sheraton Hotel.

World Football Championships

Once they were rested and refreshed, the group had time to explore the charming riverside city, before an executive transfer took them to the Stadium. Here, a private box was waiting, offering a five-hour hospitality experience, including a private waiter and exclusive access to a premium bar and food before the event. Once the game was over, the group were chauffeured back to their hotel, where they could continue the celebrations into the evening.

The next morning saw the end of the whistle-stop tour, as the group were transferred to Nizhny Airport for their return trip to Zagreb, via Moscow.

The trip might have been short, but our itinerary was able to ensure first-class service throughout, and an experience that made the game even more unforgettable.

Whether it’s an overnight stay to see a favourite sporting team, or a longer trip to take in the sights, get in touch to discuss your bespoke itinerary ideas.

Scottish fine dining and football

Posted on September 17, 2020 by - Cultural, Event, Fine Dining, Sport

European Football Championship & Culture Trip

Scotland’s second city is a cultural icon, a collection of striking Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture acting as a legacy of its time as a prosperous trading port. Although the ships have left, their international flair lives on, and Glasgow is a cultural hotspot, home to official institutions such as the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet and National Theatre of Scotland, as well as a host of fringe theatre and contemporary artists.

Our guests were keen to experience Scotland’s largest city while visiting for the Euro 2020 qualifying match between Scotland and Belgium. We created a cultural itinerary that took in everything from formal exhibitions at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which showcases art from the Renaissance era and artifacts from Ancient Egypt, to soaking up the local scene on Ashton Lane, known for its numerous lively bars and traditional pubs. Glasgow also boasts an exciting contemporary restaurant scene, and the group indulged in Scottish fine dining at Two Fat Ladies at the Buttery, and French / Scottish fusion at Cail Bruich.

European Football Championship & Culture Trip

The Buttery is one of Glasgow’s best-loved and most enduring restaurants, and has gone from strength to strength since becoming part of the Two Fat Ladies group. The interior celebrates formal Scottish luxury, with oak and mahogany, stained glass and tartan carpet bringing a unique intimate feel to the bar and the dining room, whilst still keeping a relaxed atmosphere

Of course, the main event was the match. Guests were staying at the five-star The Kimpton Blythswood, and Blend Group organised private transfers to facilitate a seamless arrival at their halfway line box at Hampden Park, the home of Scottish football. The VIP hospitality package included pre-game drinks at the bar and fine dining before kick-off, as well as a selection of foods and champagne at half time.

No trip to Scotland would be complete without a whiskey tasting. To top off this traditional visit, as a last, post-game experience, our guests set off to visit one of Glasgow’s preferred pub’s, The Pot Still, a local distillery with over 700 blends to choose from. A mixture of local recommendation and blind faith, our group thoroughly enjoyed the final activity of the weekend. Slàinte!

Get in touch with Blend Group to plan your next event experience and take full advantage of the local knowledge we utilise when you visit a new city.

The Royal Mansour Marrakech

Posted on March 11, 2020 by - Cultural, Fine Dining, Lifestyle, Luxury

Luxury Holidays to Marrakech

Framed by the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas mountain range, Marrakech is a truly captivating city. Visitors are enchanted by its Moorish architecture, thousand-year-old history, beautiful beaches and favourable climate. The city’s colours, fragrances, palaces and markets make it a unique spectacle with plenty to offer.

The Royal Mansour is a luxuriously palatial hotel with a quintessential Moroccan essence. Your Superior Riad spans three floors and exudes elegance, privacy and intimacy. The suite’s stunning interior emits a regal feel with its splendid marble decor, delicate silks and intricate pieces of art.

One of the Riad’s most coveted features is its traditional Moroccan courtyard, which is flooded by natural light in the day and can be warmed by a crackling fire at night. A cosy lounge and minibar complete the ground floor’s furnishings whilst the roof terrace comprises a plunge pool, solarium, outdoor shower and secondary minibar.

Luxury Holidays to Marrakech

The rooftop is designed to allow unspoiled vistas of the surrounding panorama and is most spectacular on a clear night which allows you to take in the views of the beautiful skies over the medina and the Atlas mountain peaks.

The Master bedroom in each suite is equipped with either a King-size bed or two twins and has an en-suite bathroom, with bath and shower facilities. This is Moroccan hospitality in its purest form, providing a vibrant and elegant taste of high-class Moroccan life.

The hotel’s spa is accessed via the citrus garden and is again divided over three floors, offering a multitude of treatments. It promises to take wellbeing to the next level and includes a Hammam which allows you to immerse yourself fully into the traditional Moroccan relaxation experience. State of the art sporting facilities, including a heated swimming pool and gym, can also be found in the spa’s fitness centre.

The Royal Mansour’s gourmet restaurants are headed up by two chefs, both of whom possess three Michelin stars. You’re assured unique taste experiences, inventive dishes and irresistible flavours. Additionally, the Jardin du Royal Mansour provides a stunning setting to relax around the pool in, whilst surrounded by a hectare and a half of beautiful gardens.