Tuesday, May 14, 2019

New addition to English Hotel Barge Magna Carta

Magna Carta's New River Table

This beautiful River table is one of the latest additions to the English Hotel Barge Magna Carta for the 2019 season.


Their unique dining table was created exclusively for Magna Carta using solid oak for the table top and legs, and a blue resin to create the river effect.


It was custom made by Sam Meakin (pictured above) of River Designs in Dronfield, Derbyshire. View River Designs' website: http://river-designs.co.uk


 There's already a duck living along the banks of this mighty river!


Special offer

Save 20% on an all-inclusive private charter:
June 23-29, 2019

Save 10% on an all-inclusive private charter:
August 11-17,  2019



About The English Hotel Barge Magna Carta




Magna Carta cruising the Royal River Thames
Moored at Winsor Castle

Magna Carta

The all-inclusive, crewed, luxury, English Hotel Barge Magna Carta accommodates up to 8 guests. She is approximately 120 feet in length and has two decks.

The lower deck boasts four full-width luxurious staterooms each averaging 200 square feet with private ensuite bathrooms. The staterooms may be configured as Kings or Twins according to your preference. Magna Carta has the most sophisticated modern amenities, including air conditioning, WI-FI internet access and underfloor heating in each of the four full width suites. Each suite has exceptionally spacious contemporary en-suite facilities and colour TVs and DVD players.

The upper deck comprises the main salon and dining areas with large picture windows and stylish furnishings. Outside you have the sundeck with comfortable seating and the spa pool/jacuzzi. There are eight bikes on board to take at your pleasure for rides along the tow paths.

The Magna Carta offers 6-night, all-inclusive private charters, as well as cabin cruises. Theme cruises such as golf, tennis, guided walking, family, flower shows, Henley regatta, antiques, etc, are available for private charters.


Current 2019 Availability

  • June 23-29 : 4 cabins open. Available for private charter or as a cabin cruise week
  • July 14-20 : 1 cabin open. Available for a cabin cruise week
  • Aug 11-17 : 4 cabins open. Available for private charter or as a cabin cruise week
  • Aug 25-31 : 2 cabins open. Available for a cabin cruise week
  • Sept 22-28 : 2 cabins open. Available for a cabin cruise week
  • Oct 13-19 : 2 cabins open. Available for a cabin cruise week





Interested ?  Let's reserve your spot !



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book MAGNA CARTA
View Magna Carta's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com
 


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Monday, May 13, 2019

More News From English Hotel Barge Magna Carta

More News from Magna Carta

In the off season, Magna Carta had quite a bit going on... Here's a few examples:


During 2018 we massively increased the number and efficiency of our solar panels....



Then during the winter we fitted this very high output alternator to the main engine.
Together, these upgrades mean we now run a generator for fewer than 10 hours per week..... many hotel barges run a generator 24 hours a day!!
We still have further plans to make Magna Carta even greener.



Building the new dining table.



 The new River table in the dining room



The new River table set up in preparation for a magnificient meal



Magna Carta got a new hot tub and decking this winter


Hot tub delivery


Craning the new hot tub onto Magna Carta.
Well done!



About The English Hotel Barge Magna Carta



Magna Carta cruising the Royal River Thames

Magna Carta

The all-inclusive, crewed, luxury, English Hotel Barge Magna Carta accommodates up to 8 guests. She is approximately 120 feet in length and has two decks.

The lower deck boasts four full-width luxurious staterooms each averaging 200 square feet with private ensuite bathrooms. The staterooms may be configured as Kings or Twins according to your preference. Magna Carta has the most sophisticated modern amenities, including air conditioning, WI-FI internet access and underfloor heating in each of the four full width suites. Each suite has exceptionally spacious contemporary en-suite facilities and colour TVs and DVD players.

The upper deck comprises the main salon and dining areas with large picture windows and stylish furnishings. Outside you have the sundeck with comfortable seating and the spa pool/jacuzzi. There are eight bikes on board to take at your pleasure for rides along the tow paths.

The Magna Carta offers 6-night, all-inclusive private charters, as well as cabin cruises. Theme cruises such as golf, tennis, guided walking, family, flower shows, Henley regatta, antiques, etc, are available for private charters.


Current 2019 Availability

  • June 23-29 : 4 cabins open. Available for private charter or as a cabin cruise week
  • July 14-20 : 1 cabin open. Available for a cabin cruise week
  • Aug 11-17 : 4 cabins open. Available for private charter or as a cabin cruise week
  • Aug 25-31 : 2 cabins open. Available for a cabin cruise week
  • Sept 22-28 : 2 cabins open. Available for a cabin cruise week
  • Oct 13-19 : 2 cabins open. Available for a cabin cruise week





Interested ?  Let's reserve your spot !



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book MAGNA CARTA
View Magna Carta's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com
 


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News From English Hotel Barge Magna Carta

Magna Carta Food News

Carl, our chef, is starting as he means to go on....


Carl keeps on producing stunning plates of food.... this was lunch main course last Thursday....


....... and this was dinner main course ..... venison..... beautiful.....


Another amazing desert from Carl.....


Our new River table laid for Captain’s dinner....



About The English Hotel Barge Magna Carta



Magna Carta cruising the Royal River Thames

Magna Carta

The all-inclusive, crewed, luxury, English Hotel Barge Magna Carta accommodates up to 8 guests. She is approximately 120 feet in length and has two decks.

The lower deck boasts four full-width luxurious staterooms each averaging 200 square feet with private ensuite bathrooms. The staterooms may be configured as Kings or Twins according to your preference. Magna Carta has the most sophisticated modern amenities, including air conditioning, WI-FI internet access and underfloor heating in each of the four full width suites. Each suite has exceptionally spacious contemporary en-suite facilities and colour TVs and DVD players.

The upper deck comprises the main salon and dining areas with large picture windows and stylish furnishings. Outside you have the sundeck with comfortable seating and the spa pool/jacuzzi. There are eight bikes on board to take at your pleasure for rides along the tow paths.

The Magna Carta offers 6-night, all-inclusive private charters, as well as cabin cruises. Theme cruises such as golf, tennis, guided walking, family, flower shows, Henley regatta, antiques, etc, are available for private charters.


Current 2019 Availability

  • June 23-29 : 4 cabins open. Available for private charter or as a cabin cruise week
  • July 14-20 : 1 cabin open. Available for a cabin cruise week
  • Aug 11-17 : 4 cabins open. Available for private charter or as a cabin cruise week
  • Aug 25-31 : 2 cabins open. Available for a cabin cruise week
  • Sept 22-28 : 2 cabins open. Available for a cabin cruise week
  • Oct 13-19 : 2 cabins open. Available for a cabin cruise week





Interested ?  Let's reserve your spot !



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book MAGNA CARTA
View Magna Carta's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com
 


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Sunday, May 12, 2019

From Shannon Princess: Irish Bluebells And Their Folklore

From the Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess

It's that time of year when much of our Emerald Isle is in fact blue. There are carpets of bluebells in woodland and forests, also in hedgerows where their presence indicates ancient woodland. They represent constancy and everlasting love... their Latin name is Endymion and Endymion was the lover of the moon Goddess, Selene. He was so beautiful that Selene cast a spell on him, putting him into an eternal sleep so that she alone could enjoy him..


In the old days, potions were made from bluebells and used to treat everything from nightmares to leprosy, spider-bites to tuberculosis. The sticky sap of the bluebell bulb made a good starch and a glue for binding books and sticking feathers on arrows. It's also said that if you put a wreath of bluebells around someone's neck, they'll be compelled to speak only the truth!


If you shake the flower, a bell rings that can only be heard by faeries. Be careful though! Faeries will use the lovely blue flowers to entice you. If you stand inside a clump of them for any more than a moment, a spell will be cast over you and you'll disappear, never to be seen again!

Thanks, Olivia


Shannon Princess only has one week open in 2019:
  • 2 cabins open for June 2-8, 2019
  • $5350/person, double occupancy


Don't feel that you have time to organize a barge trip in 2019? Book early for 2020 and benefit from 2019 rates.

About The Irish Hotel Barge Shannon Princess


Shannon Princess entering a lock


Shannon Princess

The Shannon Princess has been thoughtfully designed throughout. The barge's inviting interior makes a charming floating living space – a perfect "Home away from home" for guests to enjoy. The welcoming atmosphere is enhanced by Ruairi and Olivia’s love of antiquities, crafts, pottery and art with many works by established and local Irish artists.  On board the barge a friendly & relaxed mood has been created by carefully mixing casual informality with quality service.

The Shannon Princess provides accommodation for up to 10 guests in 5 cabins which can be configured as double or twins, each with ensuite facilities. This barge is owner-operated with a total of five professional crew in attendance.You will be charmed with excellent but friendly service, gorgeous food & wines, and share in a slice of local life and knowledge.





Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book SHANNON PRINCESS
View Shannon Princess' online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com
 



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Sunday, May 05, 2019

Chef's Update For 2019 Barging Season on Finesse

A Note From The Chef Of Barge Finesse

Mike Crowson, the chef aboard French Hotel Barge Finesse, is looking forward to getting back into the kitchen and meeting lots of new guests.

Chef Mike says:
Having the winter off for the first time, doing lots of travelling has inspired lots of new dishes including John Dory with coconut and mango sauce, black garlic with strawberry and yoghurt dessert, foie gras trifle as a starter, fermented white asparagus with duck egg yolk and pumpkin seed.

Also working on duck dish with breast, confit, fennel, artichoke, dill and orange.

I have a deep love of making desserts and pastry so as the season progresses I will post about modern dessert making and mixing savoury flavours into desserts.
He has also passed along his Spring 2019 dinner menu which looks very tasty and interesting.


About The French Hotel Barge Finesse

Finesse
 

Current Availability for 2019
  • May 19-25 : 1 cabin open for cabin cruise
  • July 14-20 : 4 cabins open for private charter or cabin cruise
  • Aug 4-10 : 4 cabins open for private charter or cabin cruise
  • Oct 20-26 : 2 cabins open for cabin cruise
  • Oct 27-Nov 2 : 4 cabins open for private charter or cabin cruise





Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book FINESSE
View Finesse's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com
 









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Friday, May 03, 2019

Hotel Barge Rosa - Tastes of Gascony

Tastes of Gascony

What better way to spend a relaxed, romantic holiday than sampling some of the country’s delectable delights aboard a barge cruise? Here are a few of the specialities you should definitely try…

Authentic Armagnac

This alcoholic beverage is a signature speciality of Gascony. While it does share some similarities with its counterpart cognac, Armagnac is different from because of the way it is produced. 95% of the drink is distilled only once, using a specific form of continuous still – the Armagnac alembic. It is then aged in 400-liter oak barrels and stored in cellars. It can even be matured for up to 50 years before being packaged in glass bottles.


Armagnac can be divided into two main categories: vintage and non-vintage. Vintage Armagnacs are distilled from grapes grown in a single year, with the date displayed on the bottle. Non-vintage Armagnacs can either be labelled by age, where the number of years quoted relates to the youngest component of the blend or by category: VS (minimum two years in wood), VSOP (at least four years), XO (more than six years) or Hors d’Age (10 years plus).

Armagnac is the oldest brandy distilled in France. In the past, it was consumed for its therapeutic benefits. A cardinal in the 14th century, Prior Vital Du Four, wrote that it had 40 virtues:
It makes disappear redness and burning of the eyes, and stops them from tearing; it cures hepatitis, sober consumption adhering. It cures gout, cankers, and fistula by ingestion; restores the paralysed member by massage; and heals wounds of the skin by application. It enlivens the spirit, partaken in moderation, recalls the past to memory, renders men joyous, preserves youth and retards senility. And when retained in the mouth, it loosens the tongue and emboldens the wit, if someone timid from time to time himself permits.
 Armagnac is usually produced by smaller family businesses rather than large global conglomerates which makes it a true delicacy that is ideally savoured in its place of origin. Learn more about Armagnac on a barge cruise aboard the French Hotel Barge Rosa.

Wine from Château Bellevue la Forêt

Included in Rosa's standard itinerary is a visit to the famous vineyard Château Bellevue la Forêt. For wine lovers, this gorgeous estate is akin to a sprawling paradise of vine and vino. Spread out over 270 acres, it’s the largest single privately-owned wine estate in the southwest of France and the wines produced here have won several accolades and awards worldwide.


Château Bellevue la Forêt is produced from the following fine varieties :
  • 57 hectares of NEGRETTE (a variety specific to the Fronton Appellation and rarely encountered elsewhere)
  • 6 hectares of CABERNET FRANC
  • 16 hectares of SYRAH
  • 12.5 hectares of CABERNET SAUVIGNON
  • 7 hectares of GAMAY
  • 2.3 hectares of white grapes (Viognier, Roussanne, Petit Manseng).
This wine tasting is a wonderfully informative way to get to know a little bit more about the wine making process in an impossibly romantic surrounding!

Why Visit Gascony By Hotel Barge?

Ask Paradise Connections to arrange your luxury hotel barge cruise and the food, wine and excursions are taken care of. Just sit back on deck and relax with a drink in hand while Barge Rosa transports you to wonderful places of interest, such as the delightful 14th century Chateau de Duras, located in the heart of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region of South West France or the historical Château de Goudourville which has been transformed from an old medieval fortress into a welcoming château. Each evening is a three or four course culinary journey that showcases the best of the regional specialities. After your meal you are more than welcome to a digestif and a dip in the hot tub beneath the stars…


About The French Hotel Barge Rosa


Rosa's charming accommodation for eight guests features two double and two twin-bedded staterooms, all with private ensuite bathrooms, and a saloon that gives direct access onto the spacious sundeck. A cruise on Hotel Barge Rosa is the ideal way to explore this beautiful, pastoral region of Southwest France.

Rosa's Gascony route from Agen to Montauban on the Canal des Deux Mers, a delightful waterway that links the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, features the best that the region has to offer: Armagnac, foie gras, and wine tastings, delightful French countryside, and fascinating excursions. 
Gascony Route Between Agen and Montauban:
 Bordeaux-Gascony Route Between Castets-en-Dorthe and Boé: 
Click to view Rosa's online brochure

Current Availability

Rosa still has good availability for cabin cruises on both routes BUT there are only two weeks left for private charters:
  • October 13-19, 2019
  • October 20-26, 2019




Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book ROSA
View Rosa's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com
 



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Wednesday, May 01, 2019

Celebrate Flower Power aboard Dutch Hotel Barge Panache


Celebrate Flower Power in Holland with Panache

Keukenhof Gardens turns 70 this year. An important anniversary for one of Europe’s most revered and celebrated of gardens. Come aboard the Hotel Barge Panache this May to stroll among the tulips of this Dutch gem!

Flower Power at Keukenhof

Each year, Keukenhof Gardens chooses a theme on which to base their displays and events. For 2019, it’s Flower Power.


Keukenhof Gardens connects people from all across the globe who come to indulge in and be inspired by the natural beauty of Holland, which is famous for its bulb fields and wide variety of flowers. Flower Power has that late 60’s, early 70’s vibe of bright colors, hippie fashion, peace & music; expect to see outdoor concerts, new art & sculptures and even whisper boats (electronic vessels that traverse the waterways of Keukenhof).

Your Day at Keukenhof

Aboard a Hotel Barge Cruise through Holland, in the morning guests enjoy a spectacular breakfast before cruising to the historic city of Haarlem; once a major trading port, Haarlem is an exciting maze of cobbled streets and gabled houses at the center of a major bulb growing district.

After lunch on board the barge, its off to Keukenhof (The Garden of Europe) to stroll through its 100 acres in the midst of some 7 million bulbs! Once you’ve had your fair share of the colors, scents, & sculptures on offer at the gardens it’s back to the Hotel Barge Panache for a cocktail, canapé and wardrobe change…



The day’s itinerary will conclude with a gourmet affair at a Dutch restaurant in historic Haarlem, where you can bask in the beauty of the charming town and discuss the wonders of Keukenhof Gardens well into the night.


The Holland season has finished for this year, but book Panache early for 2020 and benefit from 2019 rates. Their 2020 season is already booking up.



For 2019, Panache has one week open for a private charter in Alsace-Lorraine. There are currently 2 cabin cruise weeks open for the Champagne route and 5 cabin cruise weeks available for the Alsace-Lorraine route.


About The Hotel Barge Panache



The Hotel Barge Panache is a 12-passenger barge offering 6-night cruises in Holland in the springtime.





Hotel Barge Panache

The 128-foot Panache is a 12-passenger luxury hotel barge of classic Dutch design, fully air conditioned with spacious public areas and six en-suite cabins, with your choice of twin or double bed configuration. En-suite bathrooms have twin sinks and oversize showers with massage jets. Panache is traditionally furnished in an old ship style with brass and mahogany, creating a comfortable and charming ambience. The salon and dining room have large panoramic windows for viewing the passing countryside, as well as comfortable sofas, books and music, and an always open inclusive bar. The sun deck is spacious and has a heated spa pool; a perfect place to watch the sun set after dinner.

Panache has a highly professional crew of six, comprised of Master Chef, Deck Hand, Tour guide, two Housekeepers, and led by a knowledgeable and experienced Captain, who will ensure your cruise is memorable and more. Their knowledge of the region, combined with fascinating chauffeur-driven private excursions and the 12 bikes provided, will allow you to explore the areas you cruise through in as much detail as you desire.



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book PANACHE
View Panache's online brochure
Visit our website for more info on our barges and barging: www.BargeCharters.com
 

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