Saturday, August 23, 2008

Western art - by popular request...


It seems that Ranch Rider's new 7-night "Art by Automobile" self-drive is in demand, so by popular request from some of the tour operator's more arty clientele - here is a brief glimpse of the work to be added to the upcoming "Cowboy Artists of America" gallery. Apologies for keeping everyone waiting 'til then, but we hope that the following image from Martin Grelle entitled, "With Wonder, She Waits," will suffice for now. The full online gallery is due to open on the Ranch Rider Facebook page on 25 August.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Beach, breaks and dive from Dogstar Beach


Remember those riotous clubbing nights on Cold Harbour Lane? That was Brixton, London, but now you can head east and indulge in a similar experience, on a little known island in the Philippines. The very same Dogstar Beach team, that brought you unadulterated pleasure seeking, is now reaching out to a new finned clientele, aka the dolphins of Negros Oriental, who are tuning into the latest techno, trance or ambient sounds, via transponder.

Holidays for those in search of excess, when you're not diving, deep sea fishing or dirt biking into the hinterland, the operator will supply you with a full time party planner, allowing you to soak up the best of the nightlife. Always ahead of its time, Dogstar Beach also offers some more unique ways to remember your stay including access to personal tattooists, so you can leave one of the 7,107 islands with a more permanent reminder of your adventure.

The 'Superbrand' operation can set you up with dive charter and resort hopping or alternatively you can hire out the company's luxury bangka. The latter, ideal for honeymooners or party animals who don't want gate crashers. 

Steering clear of the more usual 14-night stay - Dogstar Beach reckons, "it was safer for us to offer 10-night stays - anything over that might be dangerous to your health." Good to see the new revitalised Dogstar Beach hasn't lost any of its hedonistic flavour! Check out the options at www.dogstarbeach.com

Totally Crazy About Kenya


If you thought Kenya was all about great safaris - think again, as Acacia Adventure Holidays have a new campaign running, proving that there's plenty more to the African wildlife capital than the Big Five! A group of Kenyan artists and hip-hop musicians have gathered together to generate a positive vibe for the destination and you can check it out live and direct from Facebook.  Tune into the latest tracks and view some stunning pieces of Kenyan inspired artwork at: http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Crazy-About-Kenya/25535308960?ref=ts

The grassroots project is a novel way to generate interest in the destination and once you've had your fill of art and hip-hop you can always head to the wildlife capital for a sensational safari. A great time to travel, from July to September game viewers will have the opportunity to catch sight of the annual migration in the Masai Mara.  More wildebeest for your wonga - you can also blag the best late deals, again on Facebook, on the Acacia Adventure Holidays page: http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Acacia-Adventure-Holidays/10768937199?ref=ts

Telephone Acacia Adventure Holidays on 020 7706 4700, email: info@acacia-africa.com or visit www.acacia-africa.com

Brush up on the Wild West in Arizona


If you're looking to combine a little Western culture and art, try Ranch Rider's NEW 7-night self-drive through Arizona - combining several galleries, scenic drives and the thriving art colony of Tubac. If travellers opt for the October 14 departure they can also pack in the Western Artwalk in Scottsdale and the Cowboy Artists of America Annual Sale and Exhibition at the Phoenix Art Museum.  

Want to brush up on your artistic talents? Wanna' be Russell's can add a stay at the Tanque Verde, also in Arizona. Bordered by the Coronado National Forest and the Saguaro National Park, the resort ranch offers spellbinding vistas, and instruction in landscape painting watercolours, charcoal and pencil. (7-night "Art by Automobile" self-drive and 7-nights at the Tanque Verde Resort Ranch with Ranch Rider from £1,657pp, including all accommodation (full-board at the ranch), a weeks car hire, transfers, gratuities, ranch based riding and activities. Year round departures.

Fancy celebrating 'American Artist Appreciation Month?' Armchair travellers can also share a little piece of the West online, as the Cowboy Artists of America will be showcasing selected pieces of their artwork on Ranch Rider's Facebook page - check out the following link if you'd like to find out more: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ranch-Rider/16696634189

Telephone Ranch Rider on 01509 618 811, email: info@ranchrider.com or visit www.ranchrider.com