Huka Lodge and a Visit to the Falls – New Zealand

March 12, 2010February 16, 2010 PerryGolf Staff

New Zealand is a beautiful country with so many unique and breathtaking sights. One of my most memorable experiences there was when I visited Huka Falls in Wairakei Park; the largest falls on the Waikato River (New Zealand’s longest river) near Taupo on New Zealand’s North Island. Huka Falls is only a short 5-minute drive north of Lake Taupo.

The Falls have to be one of the most spectacular sights I have ever seen; there are several viewing platforms and a 30-minute riverside walk that incorporates the many observation points. Located along the banks of the Waikato River (about 300m from Huka Falls ) is the award-winning Huka Lodge – you couldn’t imagine a better place to stay! With just 25 rooms in total, they offer a relaxing, intimate and first class service. Their dining experience is a must thanks to the Michelin star chefs working with local produce to provide an unforgettable culinary event for guests. Located in the grounds is their wine cellar, an underground chamber that can seat up to 10 guests for dinner – but this is just one of the fun and innovative ideas that the Lodge has in place.

In my mind, Huka Lodge is worth the expense, and incorporating a trip to the Falls is an absolute ‘must do’ on any vacation to New Zealand.

By Denise McKee. Denise has been with PerryGolf for over 10 years and is one of our team members responsible for our South Pacific programs.

Killarney Town

March 8, 2010February 16, 2010 PerryGolf Staff

The South West of Ireland has some spectacular golf courses and when scheduling a golf vacation that includes Ballybunion, Tralee and Waterville, the schedule must include a stay in Killarney. It is a great location and a fantastic base to play the well-known courses while the town itself is full of charm, excellent food and traditional Irish pubs.

The accommodation is not a disappointment with the 5 star Killarney Park Hotel and other great hotels…you can’t go wrong. There are over 40 bars in Killarney, which offer live traditional Irish music throughout the season. Killarney is also the starting point of the drive around the Iveragh Peninsula; a dramatically scenic route commonly known as the Ring of Kerry. The complete route is about 100 miles long, definitely an unmissable experience. There are also many excellent restaurants in the area and seafood is a big influence; I recommend Gaby’s Seafood Restaurant in the main street while staying in Killarney…here seafood is served at its best. If steak is your preferred option then Foley’s Seafood & Steak Restaurant is ideal.

Killarney is quaint and colourful with a vibrant town centre – a great place to relax during your golf vacation!

By Denise McKee. Denise has been with PerryGolf for over 10 years and is a member of the admin team.

Albert Roux brings Two New Restaurants to Scotland

March 6, 2010February 16, 2010 PerryGolf Staff

In the next few months, the famous French Chef, Albert Roux, will be opening 2 new restaurants in Scotland. This is in addition to his already successful restaurant at the Rocpool Reserve in Inverness.

The first restaurant is due to open in April and will be set in a remote town in the North West of Scotland, (click here for more details). This isolated location means that many of our clients may not get the opportunity to dine there as the closest area which clients regularly utilize is Dornoch which is 1 hour and 30 minutes away. The second restaurant, which will open at the famous Greywalls Hotel (on the edge of Muirfield Golf Course), is set to open in May. Greywalls is set on the outskirts of Gullane and is in a great location for many championship courses which are within 5 miles of the hotel. Having the latest Albert Roux restaurant in the hotel is sure to make Greywalls an even more appealing place to stay.

The 3 restaurants which Albert Roux will have in Scotland come under the Chez Roux banner which prides itself on fresh Scottish ingredients with a French twist.

Click here for a link with details on both of the new restaurants.

By Gary Sheppard. Gary has been with PerryGolf for over 3 years and is one of our Golf Travel Specialists.

Golf & Cycling in the South of France

March 5, 2010February 16, 2010 PerryGolf Staff

The best way to spend an afternoon and get some exercise…cycling from Gallician to Aigues-Mortes! While onboard Le Phenicien on a trip to the South of France, I discovered that the 18-passenger luxury barge has a selection of bikes on board; whenever the barge is docked, you can take a bike and tour round the various towns and, of course, stop for a rose wine en route! During the trip I was able to cycle ahead of the barge, leaving from Gallician and arriving in front of the Le Phenicien at Aigues-Mortes. The cycle – with a stop for lunch – took me just around 1 hour and 45 minutes; such a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. I travelled along the canal path, which was very easy to follow and the scenery was so picturesque. On arrival at Aigues-Mortes, I could watch the arrival of Le Phenicien as I had left earlier than the barge and arrived in advance of its mooring.

One late afternoon on the trip I also cycled and explored the town of Arles; a fantastic small town with many exciting places to visit and delicious food to sample. Arles has some impressive Roman monuments, of which the earliest – the arena, the Roman theatre and the cryptoporticus (subterranean galleries) – date back to the 1st century B.C. I visited The Thermae of Constantine, the remains are part of a vast group of buildings dating from the 4th century. Simply spectacular to visit and using the bikes onboard is the easiest way to see everything in these small historic towns – and allows you to burn off some of the calories consumed during your trip!

By Denise McKee. Denise has been with PerryGolf for over 10 years and is one of our team members who handles our South Pacific programs.

O’Callaghan Hotels, Dublin

March 3, 2010February 1, 2010 PerryGolf Staff

Dublin City Centre is the perfect place to be based for a few nights as you can play some of the great courses in the surrounding area – Portmarnock, European Club, The Island, K-Club and County Louth to name but a few.

It’s also a city blessed with five star properties; however, as is the case with all major cities, these can prove to be on the expensive side for the average traveller. There are however excellent, yet relatively inexpensive options in the city centre courtesy of the O’Callaghan Group; a privately owned Irish group of hotels. They own four properties, all in ideal locations within the city centre; either overlooking Merrion Square or Stephen’s Green; making them perfect for exploring the city’s fantastic shops, sights, restaurants and bars.

The 4 star properties include the traditional Davenport, the contemporary Alexander, the boutique style Stephen’s Green and the charming Mont Clare.

With something for every type of traveller, and at great prices, one of the hotels is bound to suit.

By Keith Baird. Keith has been with PerryGolf for over 10 years and is one of our Golf Travel Specialists.

Insight, Offers & Inspiration