Lesley Carter of Ovations Travel and Amanda Klimak of Largay Travel spotting the 'Big 5'

Ulusaba Virtuoso Fam Trip


ULUSABA Virtuoso Familiarisation Trip MARCH, 2009

Katrina Gomez, Virgin Limited Edition’s USA Sales Manager hosted an action-packed fam trip at Ulusaba Private Game Reserve. Katrina gives us the lowdown on the group’s South African adventure…

“I was excited to host our first Virtuoso familiarisation trip to Ulusaba. A great group of partners signed on and the journey and magic began onboard Virgin Atlantic (upper class I might add!). We arrived safely at Ulusaba’s private airstrip, greeted by our handsome GM and ranger. Our first morning game drive was immediately magical. We spotted rhinos which were a foot away from our jeep and were surrounded by 17 elephants… it was awe-inspiring! The highlight was the sighting of the wild dogs which have been missing in action from the Sabi Sand for eight years. We also visited Dumphries, a village that Pride ´n Purpose support to improve the lives of those in the community. The smile and time with the kids was inspiring and will forever linger in our hearts. A truly magical trip all will treasure forever!”

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Welcome to Ulusaba!

Ulusaba Leisure Sales Fam Trip


ULUSABA Leisure Sales Familiarisation Trip JUNE, 2009

Natalie Odenbreit, Virgin Limited Edition’s International Sales Manager hosted a travel trade familiarisation 'trip of a lifetime' to Ulusaba Private Game Reserve. Natalie gives us the lowdown on the group’s action-packed South African adventure...
“A great group of UK tour operators joined us on the incredible journey which started at Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic (upper class!). After a short and smooth internal flight, we arrived at Ulusaba’s airstrip, greeted by Trevor and Steve our knowledgeable rangers. Our first game drive was outstanding! We caught a glimpse of lions chasing an impala. With our eyes glued, we watched the cloud of dust settle then saw five females feasting... within minutes the impala was no more. Our evenings were hosted in different locations every night where we tried South African wines and feasted on typical African dishes. But a real highlight which touched everybody’s hearts was the morning spent with Pride ‘n Purpose at Dumphries crèche where we had a 'bubble blowing party'. Ulusaba is truly is a special place and I am incredibly proud to be part of it. Our catchphrase for the trip was “it just doesn’t get better than this!”

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Morning mountain bike ride: Liz Drake, Chris Hanley, Caroline Georges and Paul Allen

The Lodge
C&I Fam Trip


THE LODGE C&I Familiarisation Trip 17TH - 19TH AUGUST, 2008

Our Corporate Sales Manager, Sarah Capogreco, and a hand picked group of C&I agents set out to experience the Swiss Alps during Summer proving The Lodge in Verbier a perfect choice for year round incentive and group programmes.

With temperatures soaring into the high 20's, the group was spoilt for choice with a list of activities as long as their arm!

Starting the day with an energising yoga session this was followed by a mountain bike ride before heading for a tour of the local winery where they nosed around a few local red's and whites. The 'behind the scenes' tour of how the wines are produced gave sufficient Dutch courage to then try tandem paragliding. Then after relaxing with a hot stone treatment and Crystal Mud Cocoon wrap the group ventured out again for a leisurely stroll and introduction to a few cute puppies at the famous St Bernard Monastery.

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Paragliding: Michelle Wainwright, Kristy Richardson, Sue Saunders, Caroline Egerton.

The LodgeLeisure Sales Fam Trip


THE LODGE Leisure Sales Familiarisation Trip 1st - 3rd September, 2008

When you think of Verbier you firstly think of snow and skiing but the summer is equally appealing and with that in mind our International Sales Manager Natalie Odenbreit invited a few tour operators to experience this first hand, staying at The Lodge.

If they thought they were going to have a restful time, they were soon proved wrong. Verbier in summer is amazing with a plethora of activities to enjoy, and the group certainly experienced their fair share of them.

This included horse riding or mountain biking in the mountains, a cookery demonstration by The Lodge Head Chef Gerwin who taught everyone to make a perfect chocolate fondant. This was followed by a deep tissue massage and Hydralesence Visage facial, tandem paragliding then a leisurely walk through Verbier under the watchful eye of Bam Bam, the chalet's dog. Following a dip in the indoor pool and Jacuzzi they even had time to practise for the 'X factor'!

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Necker's Head Chef serves lunch on the pool

Necker Island
Virtuoso Fam Trip


Virtuoso Familiarisation Trip - Necker Island April 2008

Dates when Necker Island is free are extremely rare so we were delighted to host a group of VIP Virtuoso Agents together with Matthew Upchurch and Albert Herrera from Virtuoso itself to stay on Necker Island in April 2008.

Necker proved itself the perfect party island as the group were entertained by a Fire dancer, our Executive Chef Craig, and a 1980's disco DJ, our General Manager Gordo Overing!

Participants:

Matthew and Jessica Upchurch - Virtuoso, Joshua and Jennifer Bush - Park Avenue Travel, Daniel Schwartz Dynamica/Ovations Travel, Janet and Michael Goodall Betty Maclean Travel, Debbie and Nicole Carstensen - Sue Brown Travel, Valerie Ann Wilson - Valerie Wilson Travel, Albert Herrera - Virtuoso

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Talk about hard work!

Kasbah Tamadot
'Wake Up' Fam Trip


A Different Kind of Trip - Kasbah Tamadot August 2007

Whilst traditional familiarisation trips provide a fantastic opportunity to experience our properties first hand we decided to add a twist to a Kasbah Tamadot 'Wake-Up Trip' itinerary.

When we say 'wake up' we don't mean we asked everyone to set their alarms for an early call...the purpose of the 3 day visit was to enjoy the beautiful setting and service Kasbah Tamadot has to offer whilst learning about the local community from which most of our staff are employed and helping us 'give something back'

Five very enthusiastic participants; Julie Barker from Carrier, Charlene Brown from Cadogan Holidays, Claire Carnell from Simpson's Travel were accompanied by Natalie Odenbreit and Robert Speirs from Virgin Limited Edition and spent two awesome days playing 'bob the builder' at the local school. They sanded down and painted desks, doors and window frames assisted by local tradesmen appointed by Kasbah Tamadot to upgrade the lighting, repair the windows and replaster the walls.

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