| | | | | 
Spring/Summer 2006 | | |  Ecuador and The Galapagos Islands
Morocco
More Than Kiwi...
 Shop Bangkok!
Right Now We Love: Pezula Resort, Knysna, South Africa  ECUADOR AND THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
We are pleased to announce that we now offer privately guided trips to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands! These destinations join Argentina, Brazil, and Chile in our blossoming South America division. With so much to offer – from ancient Incan ruins at Ingapirca to Quito’s charming Colonial architecture, the lush Amazon Rainforest and, of course, the stunning Galapagos Islands – we predict that Ecuador will soon be among our most popular spots! Visit our website to see some sample itineraries or call us to discuss a private customized trip to any of our South America destinations.  | | |  MOROCCO
Having just returned from Morocco, Absolute Travel staff member Sasha Lehman is in love with the country’s many top-notch luxury properties and gorgeous North African landscape. Sasha recommends stepping off the beaten path (literally) by hiking in the Atlas Mountains. From a base at Kasbah du Toubkal at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, Absolute Travel can arrange everything from a gentle afternoon stroll to an energetic journey of several nights. Trails wind through Berber villages, gardens, and groves of fruit trees – a breathtaking way to see the people and rural landscape of Morocco. And, best of all, Kasbah du Toubkal also has an excellent hammam and spa to help soak away any muscle fatigue upon your return! Hiking in the Atlas Mountains can be part of any Morocco journey, a refreshing break from the busy cities. | | 
|  MORE THAN KIWI...
Satisfy your appetite for New Zealand on our delicious new private tour featuring the food and wine of the North Island! With time in Auckland, Waiheke Island, Napier, Martinborough, and Wellington, privately-guided sightseeing is complemented by gourmet lunches, visits with winemakers, and “walking and tasting” tours. In addition, you will stay at some of New Zealand’s most famous properties, including Greenhill, the Boatshed, and the Bolton Hotel. This trip can be fully customized and departs any day of the year. Prices start at $4,840 per person based on double occupancy, and include all regional transportation, privately guided touring, accommodations, and some gourmet meals. More information? Call or visit our website. |  |  SHOP BANGKOK!
More than a few of our clients have confessed to skipping an afternoon of temple or museum visits to shop at Bangkok’s famous markets. Well, retail enthusiasts will be happy to learn of two new spots to hit: the Suan Lum Night Bazaar and Siam Paragon shopping mall. Unlike Chatuchak market, Suan Lum market operates daily (not just on weekends) and is more centrally located; we recommend visiting for souvenirs and cute Thai keepsakes to give friends and family upon your return. While there, take a spin on the giant ferris wheel, too! Siam Paragon bills itself as the largest shopping mall in Asia and – while that might not be everyone’s idea of a good time – it offers some truly excellent shops and the food court has delicious traditional Thai sweets and snacks. |  |  RIGHT NOW WE LOVE: PEZULA RESORT & SPA
KNYSNA, SOUTH AFRICA
Located on the Garden Route, the new Pezula Resort is notable not only for its very exclusive private suites but for its excellent restaurant, spa, and championship golf course – which offers an unbeatable view of the dramatic coastline. In between meals, rounds of golf, and spa treatments, take advantage of some of the resort’s activities: our favorite is the hiking and canoe trip that concludes with a gourmet picnic on the beach. We recommend finishing a safari with two nights at Pezula (and we’d be happy to arrange some spa treatments). Visit www.absolutetravel.com to see some sample South Africa itineraries and learn more about South Africa’s other luxury properties. | | | | | |
