Black Tomato Blog

jordan: a hot spot of biblical proportions

Hey, Katie here,

I've just arrived back in the office after a few (rather amazing) days exploring the fascinating country of wonders; Jordan. With a whole heap of biblical references and mesmerising scenery, it has to be my new favourite ‘hot spot’ to disappear to. So I thought I’d give you a quick run down and fill you in.

Starting in the busting city of Amman, we were whisked off to the fabulous Four Seasons to be wined and dined through the early evening and long into the night; it soon became apparent that the Jordanians really do love their food! Then, after a peaceful sleep in a bed fit for a king (and breakfast in bed) we were ready to hit the road!

As we journeyed through the architectural wonders of an ancient world passing Bedouins and their flocks of sheep and elegant mosques we were blessed by Sammy the ‘superstars’ presence. A guide whose knowledge was flawless and stories truly unbeatable.

The first big stop (and the one I’d really been looking forward to) was the breathtaking Ma’In Hot Springs.  A little drop of heaven with a certain wow factor that lies 264-metres below sea level. In a world of its own it is the place for a touch of R and R, truly scrumptious food and top notch service. The spa is one that has to be seen to be believed; a completely separate building that lies under one of the hot springs. Treatments galore and trained therapists. Amazing.

The next day we rose early and headed for ‘The Lost City’. Rightfully named as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World this should, without a doubt, be in right at the top of your ‘must-do’ list. Once the glittering capital of the Nabataen’s, every tomb and temple was carved with the finest detail - a truly incredible experience

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From one luxury to another, we then drove south to Aqaba, Jordan’s beachside resort for a stay at the Kempinski. An upbeat and contemporary resort that boasts luxurious living; walk in rain showers, glass walls and chocolates waiting on arrival - always a bonus eh?

The final day drew in and what a way to end it. I can now officially say that I have swum in the Red Sea, the Dead Sea and the Hot Springs all in one day. We covered ourselves in mud (supposedly a big treat on the old skin) and took to the water; sure enough you bob up like a cork in a barrel. As the sunset over the backdrop of mountains it was time to leave, but what a way to end an awesome trip. Magic.

If you like the sound of a sun-drenched break in Jordan, take a peek at our make you winter pilgrimage experience.

KH

the wildebeest migration returns to northern tanzania

The Sabora Tented Camp, located in the wilderness plains of Singita Grumeti Reserves in northern Tanzania, is yet again in the midst of an annual migration. Enormous wildebeest herds are returning from the northern Serengeti to join existing populations of zebra, Thompsons gazelles and topi. At this time of the year the herds are typically further north. East Africa has however been experiencing an extended dry spell and last month's early rains in the Grumeti Reserves created a spectacle more reminiscent of the migration seen during the months of June and July. 

For a luxury safari we couldn't recommend Tanzania highly enough and we're rather good at organising them, whether it be a honeymoon safari or that once-in-a-lifetime trip you've been planning for years, we'll ensure you do it in style. So if you want to see this spectacular phenomenon first hand, or to spot the big 5 in all their splendour, get in touch with one of our safari experts and we can start helping you plan your trip.

AM

annapolis: a colonial gem on the chesapeake

Here at the Black Tomato offices, we love talking about new and exciting destinations whether it’s an adventurous safari, luxury weekend away or a trip to a beach paradise. A personal favourite holiday destination of mine is Annapolis, Maryland, which is a few miles from Washington DC and the laid back sailing epicentre of East Coast USA.

In the summers, life revolves around the water there, whether it’s a day out sailing or simply a cocktail by the harbour. If you’re looking for a quaint coastal town, with a buzzing nightlife, and rich history, Annapolis is it.

If you’re in Annapolis, sailing is a must.  Take a cruise on The Woodwind I or II, made famous in the film ‘Wedding Crashers,’ and explore the neighbouring creeks or head to open waters on the Chesapeake Bay. Tie up next to Pusser’s (my favourite bar) and step right from boat to bar for a ‘Painkiller’ – Pusser’s signature cocktail made with British Navy Pusser’s Rum.

Annapolis was one of the States’ first capitals, and in the ‘downtown’ area, you feel like you’re back in colonial times. The red brick Main Street has some great little art galleries and is perfect for grabbing a cupcake (try the Key Lime cake in Nostalgia, my favourite).

If you head out for dinner then there’s no avoiding Maryland’s favourite dish, crab. One of the most exciting culinary experiences is to hire a boat (with captain) and head to Cantler’s to sit down for a Maryland tradition, as your waitress dumps a dozen Maryland blue crabs onto your table and hands you a mallet and a bib. If that all sounds a bit too messy, go for a soft-shell crab dish. Delicious either way.

For a more elegant evening, head over the bridge to Eastport – an extension of Annapolis, and go to the Chart House. Once a boathouse, the fantastic two-storey windows offer the best views of Annapolis. The cocktail lounge is the trendiest spot for a glass of champagne, and stay for dinner for amazing crab cakes (you can’t escape crab here) and the mouth-watering chocolate lava cake that I rarely have room for.

For sports fans - Annapolis is home to the US Naval Academy whose games are always a great day out. I love going to football games in autumn, the opening ceremony is worth the trip in itself. The entire Academy marches onto the field while fighter jets fly over your heads. Quite the spectacle.

I could go on, but I hope that’s given you an idea of all the reasons I love Annapolis. One of the best spots to visit in the States if you ask me. 

If you want to check out more of our holiday destinations in North America then click here.

ode to shaun

All good things must come to an end at some point. And today is one such time. Shaun, one of our South American experts, is leaving team tomato today and heading out in search of snowy pastures.

We're without a doubt going to miss having him around the office so we thought we'd share this little poem dedicated to the great guy himself.

enchanting sri lanka and maldives

Hi, it's Carolyn here.

I've just gotten back from a totally entrancing visit to Sri Lanka which I wanted to share with you all.

We kicked off our trip with a few days lying on what has to be the world’s most achingly perfect beach at Cocoa Island in the Maldives – perfect shock therapy for our London-frazzled nerves (and a highly recommended way to start).

Sun kissed and de-stressed, we landed in Colombo primed for adventure...  we knew we’d like it but we were totally unprepared to love this tear-drop island so unreservedly.  Beyond its many obvious advantages (piles of UNESCO World Heritage sites, lush and varied scenery, soul-stirring palm-studded beaches), there are two things that make Sri Lanka such an amazing discovery: the first is the people – from the waving schoolchildren to the smiling villagers, this has to be the friendliest country ever. The highlight of was our cultural ambassador (our heaven-sent chauffeur-guide) who spent the drives in between our many destinations regaling us with everything from the latest cricket updates to ecological factoids to ancient local lore... he was indispensable, utterly charming, and made the whole adventure an absolute dream.

The second incredible advantage to Sri Lanka (and a reason to hurry there now rather than later) is that the recent (now resolved) political turmoil has kept away both masses of tourists and the mass-market hoteliers that cater to these unwieldy hoards. Instead, Sri Lanka’s many stylish accommodations are by-and-large operated by artistic, bohemian types building a life and legacy here as a labour of love – each place we stayed was imbued with a totally different and equally enchanting character.

 

Coupled with the lack of high-speed motorways that make travel necessarily leisurely, Sri Lanka is a perfect embodiment of the boutique, slow-travel ethos. From the baby monkeys playing on our balcony on our first morning to elephant families in Minneriya National Park to the rickety colonial-era train we took up to the tea country and the breathtaking views when we got there, we were totally hooked and by day three we were plotting a return with family, friends – anyone we could physically push onto a plane.

Get thee to Colombo – you won’t regret it.

CA

If you like the look of this trip to Sri Lanka check out our Countryside to Coast experience or give us a call on 0207 426 9888 and we can help design your perfect trip.

sunday shining

This office is always full of stories on a Monday morning. People returning from weekends spent discovering new travel experiences abroad. It all makes for a frequently exotic response to the usual ‘what did you get up to this weekend’ question in the office kitchen as we’re preparing pots of caffeine to get us through the day.

And whilst we love heading off to discover the new, the weird and outright wonderful, I think that sometimes it pays to look a little closer to home. With that in mind I enjoyed a day this weekend, that was, well, hardly exotic but gave me a lovely little slice of London life that for anyone reading this blog outside of the UK, should absolutely make sure they do next time they are in our manor.

No, it’s not edgy and no it’s not pushing boundaries but it is what the English do very well. Relaxing in gorgeous pubs and parks and in this instance without another tourist in sight...

I managed to make the most of the sunny weather this Sunday with a stroll down to my pub of the moment, The Prince Arthur. The pub is one of those places you could spend an entire week in, let alone a Sunday armed with the nation’s finest broad sheets (the News of the World was left on the shelf this weekend). So I made the short walk from Hackney over to London fields with a couple of friends to see what all the fuss is about.

The pub is immaculately turned out, with antique pictures of the surrounding area (Dalston Lane, Mare Street, Hackney Central) along with stuffed animals on the walls, and the staff are very friendly.  The food is exceptional (the monster sized onion rings are perhaps the best I have tasted in London) and the roast dinners are so big they could almost qualify as torture.

After putting ourselves through a pretty strenuous food-based workout, we decided that a stroll through London Fields would be the best form of working off the excess calories. With the leaves still falling from the trees, the park was in full autumnal flow and the brief walk down to Broadway Market encapsulated how diverse and enjoyable this city really is.

A couple of beers with an old school chum in the evening topped off an amazing autumnal day in London.

AM

our favourite mexican: green & red

Don’t know about you, but I’ve noticed that the shops in London have started stocking Xmas decorations already. It’s only the first week of October and I’m already starting to get annoyed. With this in mind, I spent most of Wednesday afternoon working out where I’d rather be right now (the answer is on a beach in Cabo San Lucas). After fielding a call from my little sister (very happy – just got a new job) I suggested we head out to celebrate somewhere a bit Mexican.

Our chosen destination was GREEN & RED, and if you haven’t been, it’s one of those rare finds – a Mexican cantina without a single Burrito or Fajita in sight. The cuisine is 100% authentic, with a mains and tapas-style menu offering a huge assortment of dishes.

Once welcomed in from the rain, we headed straight for the bar which served several different varieties of Margarita as well as a selection of wines and local beers. We tucked into a couple of margarita’s and decided to order some tortillas and guacamole while we waited for a table (no reservation – not very “American Psycho”).

We were sat pretty quickly and I was glad to find that the menu (in Spanish) was accompanied by a glossary (in English) called “WTF am I eating?” which made ordering less hassle than expected. We decided to order a selection of tapas, and given my predilection for passing out after a sniff of Tequila, I swiftly moved on to one of the local beers.

When they arrived the dishes were fantastic: the Picadillo de Jalisco, a spicy Mexican chilli with slices of what looked like chorizo (It’s always hard to tell with chilli) was excellent; the Ceviche de Pulpo, a squid ceviche, was tangy and took some of the bite out of the chilli; and the Sopa de Frijoles Negros (a bean and tortilla soup) was outstanding.

The service was a bit slow at times but primarily because the restaurant was packed on a Wednesday evening. When the bill came it was under £30 a head all in - very reasonable. Definitely going again.

AM

latest TV: skywalker

We at Black Tomato consider ourselves fearless in terms of finding new experiences to make your travel plans a bit more exciting. However, after watching Daredevils on Channel 4 last night we’re all suffering from a bit of vertigo today.

If you didn’t manage to catch the programme, it followed Dean Potter and his attempt to walk across a slack-line, unaided over a 3,000 feet drop in Yosemite National Park (imagine a huge length of rope tied between two rocks and you get the picture). Dean is one of the most famous extreme slack-liners in the world, and the only one to attempt to cross these ropes at such a high altitude without a pole (used for balance) or any kind of safety equipment.

There are echoes of Man on Wire with this breathtaking feat. Dean doesn’t have the Gallic flair of the enigmatic Frenchman, Philippe Petit, who crossed the twin towers of the World Trade Centre on a high wire, but he has an inherent likeability stemming from his quiet and understated nature on camera.

What really sets his crossing apart from the Frenchman's is the mental strength he exhibits in attempting to carry out the walk totally unaided. That, combined with amazing views of the valley floor, over 3,000 feet below him make this an unmissable spectacle (to put this into perspective the drop would fit both of the former World Trade Centre twin towers stacked on top of each other with room to spare).

If you want to follow in Dean’s footsteps we can recommend our Heavenly Landscapes trip to Patagonia, Chile. Dean was himself the first ever climber to free solo climb (without ropes or assistance) two of the most challenging routes in Patagonia, and you can explore the area from the truly unique and wonderful Hotel Remota in Puerto Natales, the geographical and cultural heart of Chilean Patagonia. The Hotel Remota is 93 miles from the Torres del Paine national park and must rank as one of the most striking locations of any hotel in the world.

You can catch a replay of Skywalker in full on 4oD and we wholeheartedly recommend it (but not for the faint hearted though).

AM

how to travel back in time (no flux capacitor required) by black tomato

This New Year’s we’ve come up with an amazing trip-of-a-lifetime that lets you to ring in 2010 not once, but twice.

Fly off on Boxing Day to Auckland and arrive at the luxurious Westin Auckland Lighter Quay. Spend your days chilling in the spa, or if you fancy, head out and explore the city. 

On December 31, don your party hat and take in the fireworks over the Harbour Bridge as you sip on a glass of bubbly to welcome in the New Year.... for the first time.

After the revelry of your city celebrations, it’s time to hop in your Delorian (alright, so it’s an aeroplane). Leave Auckland on January 1, 2010, and by the time you get to the island of Aitutaki (part of the Cook Islands) it’ll be December 31, 2009. Neat huh?

Once you’ve ditched Doc Brown (he’s off to stock up on his plutonium) settle in to your luxurious waterfront bungalow and get ready to enjoy your last meal of 2009 (really this time).  Then it’s time to dust off your party hat and bring in 2010 for the second time; except this time skyscrapers and crowded streets have been replaced by tall palm trees and pure white sand.  Amazing.

Find out more about this amazing new year holiday.

EB

the fantastic four (and not a spandex suit in sight)

Ok, We’re all aware the summer months are drawing in (it’s all people seem to be talking about at the moment) but we’ve been looking to the future and getting rather excited about the possibilities across the globe for that much needed pre-Christmas get away.

But where to? Well, the brilliant thing about this time of year is that there are great opportunities across all four corners of the globe – no limitations now.  So with that in mind we’ve dusted off the compass and picked four of the most exciting, luxurious and up-lifting experiences each in their prime before the madness of Christmas kicks in.  

Four countries, four continents and four completely different mind blowing trips..

Norway – Northern lights

Husky sleds, snowmobiles and of course, the most dazzling, awe-inspiring light show on planet earth. Within the Arctic Circle, Svalbard archipelago is so far North Polar bears outnumber humans. Eek. A once-in-a-lifetime and utterly unique winter break.

Click here for an Arctic adventure

Namibia – Sossusvlei

The absolute ‘must-do before you die’ trip. To experience the baron yet achingly beautiful Skeleton Coast is something of complete wonder and a Black Tomato office favourite. If this doesn’t transport you to a whole different world this winter, nothing will.

Click here to safari into the Namibian wilderness

China – Yunnan

November is the time to visit China. Full stop. Perfect conditions to experience Yunnan province away from the bustling crowds. Trek through sub-tropical forests, tea plantations and stay in ethnic villages for an utterly absorbing pre-festive escape.

Click here to trek through secret China

Cuba – Havana

You want to leave the dark days and cold weather behind for a week or two right? One answer. Cuba. Experience the infectious soul of Havana before topping up on a much needed dose of vitamin D on its pristine beaches. A tropical paradise out of the cold. 

Click here to escape to the real Cuba

top destinations for autumn from tommy, james (jimbo) & matt

 

Black Tomato’s three founders gathered around the Tomato Bar to discuss, chat and share their top tips on where they think you should be heading this Autumn and hopefully help you with some holiday inspiration.

If you’re with Tommy and fancy a slice of Namibia, have a look at our Skeleton Coast Safari experience. If you’re more into James’ idea take a peak at our bespoke trips to tropical Indonesia or if Matt won you over, check out the seriously stylish Kadju House in Sri Lanka.

how to avoid being eaten on safari

With all our travelling we’d like to think we’re experts on how to avoid sticky situations, be mindful of etiquette abroad and generally make the most of our time off. So whatever your particular pickle, these ‘best case scenario’ videos should lend a helping hand – believe us, we’ve been through it all.

Here’s our best case scenario on how to avoid being eaten on safari.

Now you’re all set; read our run down of some of our favourite luxury safaris, or check out our  big six Uganda safari our Zambia safari or our Kenya safari experiences.

there's nothing like a good travel cliché

Travel is full of clichés and most of us want to spend our lives avoiding them. Tour buses, donkeys and sombreros, ‘authentic’ local experiences that feel just a little contrived? No thanks. However, on the odd occasion a travel cliché demands to be done and to be celebrated because it really does offer you one of the best ways to experience a place.

So in a rare shout out for following a cliché, here's a couple for you to enjoy this autumn that no-one could ever be ashamed of doing.

Dance the tango in Argentina.

I know,  we’ve all seen strictly and heard about the passion of this signature Argentine dance. So it may be a little clichéd, but trust me, there is nothing like this strut for lifting the soul and showing off the true passion of Buenos Aries.

Overnight train journeys in India.

It seems any trip to India requires a train (if recent Indian films are anything to go by) – romantic and atmospheric? Yes. Clichéd? Possibly. But in a good way.  There’s nothing quite like a train journey to get under the skin of India. Take an overnight train from Delhi to Kathgodam. Memories forever.

Come on, celebrate these glorious clichés .

EB

twittermania

We are fond of our humble little blog. While you’re checking out our lovely trips and planning your next adventure, we like that you stop in here to see what we have to say. It’s a great outlet to keep you up to date with what we’re thinking and hopefully provide a little more travel inspiration when you need to escape the grind. Sometimes reflective, sometimes informative, if there’s one thing we like to do, it’s chat.

Which is why we are excited to have officially joined the world of Twitter. For the uninitiated, it’s a social networking site where you can post updates using up to 140 characters, which then goes to everyone in your network. It’s the perfect format to distill our musings and give you up to the minute deals and insider tips. We really like it (some of us are turning into serial tweeters – not mentioning any names Clemmie). More than just an immediate information portal, it feels equal and open, random and useful. Don’t worry, we’ll still be blogging, but if you want to “follow” us (sounds creepy, but that is the official term), then you can find our Twitter link here: 

http://twitter.com/Black_Tomato

holiday porning

Here at Black Tomato HQ we’re not averse to a bit of high fashion and celebrity gossip. So when we opened the new Grazia this morning we were excited to read that there seems to be a bit of mutual appreciation going on. Black Tomato are given a shout in their hotlist barometer, This Week’s Ups & Downs, in which they posed the question:

“Is anyone else addicted to travel site www.blacktomato.co.uk?”

We are feeling disproportionately thrilled by this little question – not least because we are up there next to Christina Hendricks. She’s the foxy female in Mad Men, which is one of our favourite TV dramas (and the second season starts this evening). So we’re pretty chirpy on all fronts.

SSL

hurry... this one's sizzling hot

Two hot little tips for a sizzling hot city:

Firstly, one of the most incredible flight deals we’ve had in a long time. Book your return flight to Buenos Aires before February 9^th 2009 and it’ll cost you just £398 return including all taxes (normally prices are in the region of £800).

So, our logic is when you’ve bagged a great deal on your flight, why not treat yourself? Which brings us on to our second piece of news: the official opening of Francis Ford Copolla’s achingly hip property in Palermo Soho, one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. We can hire the residence out for you partially or exclusively and, trust us, this is the perfect urban hideaway for a dose of A-list privacy and service.

Boasting three levels of gardens, a solar-heated pool, an outdoor kitchen and parilla, and a beautiful terrace surrounded by plants of all kinds, it is the perfect hidden paradise to get a fresh perspective. In fact, Francis Ford Coppola stays here while he writes as he finds it an inspiring atmosphere in which to live and work (not to mention the fantastic library of wines which adds to the enchantment). And it is walking distance to this city's hip fashion and design boutiques, craft fairs and abundant street culture.

Add in the smattering of haute cuisine and phenomenal nightlife and you’ve got yourself one hell of a holiday. Traditional barbeque restaurants serve tender, succulent beef from cattle ranged on the vast grassy pampas; but you are just as likely to want to pick up the ubiquitous street snack, empanadas (sort of like a mini calzone stuffed with all sorts of delicious fillings). At night this area comes to life with countless bars and restaurants hidden down its quiet residential streets.

Errr….So what are you waiting for?

SSL

kasbah in the sky

So, we’re bespoke. That means that whatever you’re looking for, we pride ourselves on finding you the perfect solution. It also means that even if you don’t find a particular trip on our website, we’ll still find it for you. Case in point – Bab Ourika. For those of you who didn’t see the Sunday Times travel section at the weekend, Susan d’Arcy wrote a winning review of our newest find – a glorious new Kasbah retreat called Bab Ourika located at the gateways to the Atlas Mountains. And it seems to have struck a cord as we have already had a several requests. Here are a few photos to whet your appetite; just drop us a line if you’d like to find out more.

SSL

heads up for valentine

For a Valentines weekend with a twist, consider Estonia. A drop dead gorgeous new property has just opened called Pädaste Manor, marooned on the unspoilt island of Muhu. We think it makes for a refreshing alternative to the Eiffel Tower.

A two-hour drive from Tallinn, this rustic manor is set in a remote spot overlooking a pristine Baltic beach. It is far-flung, but it certainly doesn’t compromise on chic design. In fact we are all out bowled over by this place: warm wooden floors, roaring fires, understated indigenous touches; all framed by magnificent views.

Take an island tour around dolomite caves or navigate the coastline by canoe. Back on dry land there are 12^th-century fortresses to explore, Juniper forests to horse ride through, and frosted landscapes to snow-shoe across. Black Tomato can also hook you up with a local lady called Leida who will teach you the old-fashioned way of baking dark Muhu bread in a woodfired oven. Afterwards kick back with some warm bread and a shot of vodka, share a Muhu bath, or watch a film in the manor’s private cinema.

Beats a box of chocolates.

SSL

motorcycle diaries: peru

 
Hi, I’m Shaun and I am one of Black Tomato’s resident South America experts.

I think that Peru is one of the best places in the world for travelling by motorbike. I also think that it’s only once you get away from the tourist hubs like Cuzco that you get to experience the real Peru. There are lots of dogs trying to bite your heels as you ride past… lots of curious Llamas and Alpacas that pop up to have a look. It’s also magnificently quiet once you get away from the towns.

This photo brings back great memories. I decided to rent a bike and get away for a day to ride this road that I'd heard about that looks out over Mount Veronica (on the side of the Sacred Valley). Up this windy road you get to the “Abra Malaga” (Malaga Pass) where the views are amazing. Behind you are the Andean Mountains with its snow covered peaks, beneath you is the Sacred Valley which leads to Machu Picchu, and in front of you the views stretch over the foothills of Andes to the Amazon Jungle. The affect of the altitude, the silence and the huge condors flying overhead all combine to make you feel tiny…

Locals still live in small stone shelters and huts and wear handmade traditional clothing and, best of all, they love to stop and chat. I remember sitting there for quite some time talking to a local “Campesino” about what life is like for him, his family and his animals. Love that country….

SB

chico, chico, venga, venga!

Hi, I’m Charlotte. I’m the newest Black Tomato intern and I’ve been set a pretty fun task: brainstorming ways to keep you happy. Good huh? 2009 is all about giving our clients a lovely personal service, with lots of cutting-edge travel inspiration and money-can’t-buy perks. I’ve been thinking up creative ways to get this message across so hopefully we’ll inspire you to keep popping in for more chats when you fancy a break. It got me thinking of my recent time in Bolivia and how the locals would keep their clientele happy. Basically, it was all down to the fresh fruit salads. I just kept going back for more…

There was a fascinating mix of busy streets, sprawling with huge quantities of fresh bread rolls, herbal remedies, coca leaves in small mounds on the pavement; contrasting with the fresh tastes of a bowl of the most delicious strawberries, mangos, pineapples, papayas, bananas and grapes I’ve ever tasted. (Not forgetting the optional yoghurt, chocolate and quinoa sprinkles).

A moment of bliss on the chaotic streets of La Paz market.

It was simple as a tourist. A few words was all it took: “ensalada de fruta, por favour,” and the lady, towering high above from behind her stall, would silently chop up all the fruits packed tightly around her. The only time she would break her silence was to call out to eager looking passers-by – she was one of six fruit stalls you see, all set in a row. This was a cue for all the ladies to pipe up, shouting, “Chico, chico, venga, venga!” She’d continue peeling, cutting and beckoning out to people; sometimes winning over customers, sometimes losing to her rivals.

Besides their fantastic fruit salads, these women whipped up a mean smoothie – a myriad of delicious cocktails, sometimes mixed with milk, yoghurt or water. I’d sit on a bench placed outside the stall, looking out into the chaos. Women carrying large colourful bundles on their backs with children dragging behind; men blending into the background. That’s La Paz.

On my return home I reluctantly accepted that there’d be no more outdoor fruit salad stalls with unwashed, deliciously ripe fruit; instead I’d have to settle for the clinical and carefully wrapped fruit salads from the ever-multiplying chains. That is certainly why travelling makes a nice change. And for me, the kaleidoscope of tastes and smells I remember from that perfect La Paz fruit salad is a great metaphor for what Black Tomato aim to deliver to clients, and what we hope will keep you coming back!

CW

the black tomato 2009 travel forecast (happy new year!)

 
So it’s a brand new year, and here at Black Tomato we’re going against the grain of economic gloom and doom and are willing to wager it’s going to be a fantastically exciting 2009. Despite the credit crunch, the signs are surprisingly healthy for high-end travel compared with other industries. It appears that travel is one of the last pleasures we are willing to forego and thank goodness for that because nothing beats a bit of travel therapy to cheer us up. And more good news is that we are finally seeing higher-end, boutique hotels open up in off-the-beaten-track places, so we can combine true adventure trips with an enticing dose of luxury.

Up our sleeves this year Black Tomato have some creative adventures with an ‘educational’ twist, and we’ll be incorporating even more unique and inspirational extras with all of our trips. As always, we’ll be focusing on delivering a personalised ‘concierge’ style of service to make your trips extra special, helping you to weed out the tourist traps and get straight to the heart of the local culture.

Our new year’s mantra is: learn new things about yourself and the world around you, rediscover your joie de vivre and follow your instincts… after all, impulsive actions are often the most enriching. We recommend injecting some light into this time of doom and gloom: jump on a train or plane, head off in a new direction and discover something new. Invigorate yourself with a totally random experience, you’ll come back with a great story and a refreshed outlook on life.

Here’s a bit of inspiration for 2009 – have a good one!

Top 5 “must-see” 2009 destinations
1)     Mongolia
2)     Uruguay
3)     Socotra, Yemen
4)     Galapagos
5)     Bhutan

Top 5 “must-do” 2009 experiences
1)     Skydiving over Everest
2)     Gorilla and game safari in Uganda
3)     Hiking the Black Cat trail in Papua New Guinea
4)     Enfield motor biking through Ladakh, northern India
5)     The Lake of Stars music festival in Malawi

SSL

the world’s first refrigerated beach

 
Is this the world’s coolest beach? Competition to please the international elite is really hotting up… or in this case, cooling down.

Already home to the world’s first seven-star hotel and with the worlds highest building in construction, you would think Dubai has had its fair share of world firsts. Evidently not. Versace is set to create the world’s first refrigerated beach. With summer temperatures reaching a skin blistering 50 degrees, the beach will be designed and controlled with underground pipes, so that top paying guests will be able to walk across the sand without scorching their feet. The swimming pool will be refrigerated and there's even proposals for giant fans, creating a refreshing light breeze while soaking up some Middle Eastern rays. Needless to say, the idea has not gone down well with environmentalists. 

A true desire of the rich, or just a creative way of spending a lot of money? This seems like another marmite moment from the intriguing bubble world of Dubai - love it or hate it, it’s hard to knock their willingness to try to please at any cost. 

JG

santa's shoreditch grotto

 I had my suspicions that something was afoot. Firstly, Claire was sneaking around the office yesterday taking surreptitious photos of us all, and there was also a fair bit of whispering, huddling in corners, and mysterious packages exchanging hands. Having said that, none of us were quite prepared for what greeted us this morning: the office was lit up in fairy lights, a big Christmas tree had been tinselled, and a layer of ‘snow’ had been sprinkled liberally over every surface – including the sofas. As you can see, we also have a Black Tomato nativity scene (Claire and Hollie’s handiwork) in which Ken the postman is tucked up in his manger, flanked by snowmen, chicks and Santas. Totally bizarre… we love it.

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extreme dream

Some people’s idea of the perfect holiday involves having a beer in one hand, soft sand between the toes, close proximity to a clear blue pool of water – preferably all mixed in with a good dose of five-star pampering.

Dean Karnazes however needs only his running shoes, backpack, and the amazing landscapes he runs through. Think of a hybrid of Bear Grylls and Haile Gebrselassie – and you have something like Dean Karnazes. He has run marathons in the searing heat of the Gobi, Atacama and Sahara Deserts and also braved the -129 degree Fahrenheit temperatures of Antarctica’s ice deserts. So what’s next? 50 marathons in 50 American States in 50 days. We think this is an amazing way to see the world.

So if, like me, you are now feeling extremely lazy, and are inspired to follow in Dean’s footsteps on your next trip, we can tailor make an extreme adventure with an action packed itinerary. But if that sounds like too much hard work, you could always see the Atacama Desert in Chile from the comfort of The Explora Hotel de Larache. We like to cover every eventuality here at Black Tomato.

HP

beijing winter garden lounge nights

For an intriguing peek into Chinese art, cinema and Beijing’s beautiful Botanic Gardens, we recommend a trip to west London. The Louise Blouin Institute is featuring a solo exhibition of the renowned contemporary Chinese artist Wang Guangyi from 17 October to 1 March 2009. Part of the gallery’s ‘Culture Beyond Borders’ series, the exhibition will include an installation of life-size sculptures that depict Cold War preparedness, a large-scale twelve-panel mural and a series of watercolours. The gallery is also staging various lectures, workshops and music recitals. We are particularly keen to pop along to their dreamy ‘Beijing Winter Garden Lounge Nights’, taking place from 6-9pm on Thursday 4, 11 & 18 December. Tickets cost £5 and there will be screenings of Chinese film masterpieces, electronica music, live Guqin performances, and 1930s Chinese film and garden photography.

Inspired? We thought so. See the real thing with a trip to Beijing’s Forbidden City and Botanic Gardens, followed by a retreat to the beautiful mountainous landscapes that have inspired artists for millennia. 

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