TRAVEL NOTES
CHALETS OPEN IN MALAWI
Malawi, one of Africa’s poorest countries, is muscling in on the top tourist dollar and with spectacular, untouched beauty it has lots to offer. Next month is the opening of Mkulumadzi Lodge, eight luxurious chalets set on the banks of the Shire River, each with vegetated roofs home to aloes and grasses. The rare black rino and the first lions to be let loose in the Majete roam nearby, along with elephants and the other usual suspects. Bailey Robinson offers a combined Zambia and Malawi package staying 4 nights at Nkwali Camp in the South Luangwa followed by 3 nights at Mkulumadzi from £3,080 per person based on two sharing on a full board basis. Rate also includes all flights, transfers and safari activities. mkulumadzi.com/en.
PHEW: A PACKING APP
Does packing cause you stress? Grace Hotels thinks it can help with an app called “Saving Grace” (pictured). It sports pre-set lists for different trip types – winter, summer, activity holiday, short break and so on. Users can personalise lists by deleting pre-set items or adding your own items. Once a packing list has been built and saved it can be renamed and used again. The app also features a readymade list of important things to do before you travel – from travel insurance to changing currency to packing the iPad and cancelling the papers. Brilliant, no? itunes.apple.com/gb/app/saving-grace-travel-packing.
GET IN THE GOLFING SPIRIT
Following the success of Rory McIlroy’s win at the US Golf Open, golf fans in the mood for a treat should head to the Hastings Hotels in McIlroy’s hometown in Northern Ireland for a celebratory package of golf, champagne, spa and delicious food. Rory Glory Package from £186 per person per night. Available until 31 August 2011.