AIDSfree: Bid for a Cyprus sojourn or a box at the Royal Albert Hall in our final appeal auction

You could be staying here: The elegant Aphrodite Hills Resort in Cyprus
Charis Evagorou

Get over the January blues by snapping up one of the magical holidays or unique opportunities on offer in our final charity appeal auction.

Readers have the chance to bid on perfect minibreaks, from the premier suite of a stunning faux-fairytale castle perched in the Swiss mountains above Lucerne, to luxury villas in award-winning resorts on the Mediterranean, and hidden gems in Turkey and Marrakesh.

Those looking to venture closer to home can bid on London lots including stays at top hotels by Kensington Palace and Soho, or join The Independent’s resident travel expert, Simon Calder, on a one-off “British travel masterclass”.

An in-demand pair of tickets to Sir Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, to be used at any of the remaining tour dates worldwide, are up for grabs, as is a box at the Royal Albert Hall for any one of the iconic venue’s shows in the coming year.

West Wing and Parks and Recreation fans can make a dream come true and watch actor Rob Lowe on stage, before meeting him in person during his brief UK tour of his one-man show: “Stories I Only Tell My Friends: LIVE!”

Money raised from public donations through the AIDSfree appeal which working with the Elton John AIDS Foundation aims to get all those with HIV on treatment, and eventually create an Aids-free future.

It will be used to support the Elton John AIDS Foundation projects in six key cities around the world; London, Nairobi, Atlanta, Kiev, Delhi and Maputo.

Through UK Aid Match the UK Government will double public donations up to £2m to be spent across projects in Maputo and Nairobi.

Our auction is powered by award-winning fundraising technology Givergy. Proceeds go to our AIDSfree appeal, This auction closes on January 30 at 10pm. Visit givergy.com/charity/aidsfree

Simon Calder travel masterclass

Simon Calder

The Independent’s award-winning travel correspondent Simon Calder will give a British travel masterclass to a lucky pair. He will guide you through a day in Morecambe on the Lancashire coast, where the Eden Project is planning an expansion, a tour of Lancaster, and a trip to the one point on the West Coast main line which is actually on the West Coast. Date to be arranged mutually. Participants will make their own way to Lancaster or Morecambe.

Sir Elton John package – tickets to Farewell Tour + Limited Edition Print by Romero Britto

This is the perfect package for the Sir Elton John megafan - two tickets to the hitmaker’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, to be redeemed at any one of his upcoming worldwide gigs, sent complete with a signed digital, fine art canvas print of the pop star, dusted with diamonds.‘Music Man’ by Romero Britto, is a Limited Edition 14 of 50, 16”x 20”.

Switzerland stay in premier suite at Chateau Gutsch

This faux-fairytale castle and Belle Epoque landmark overlooks the picturesque town of Lucerne in central Switzerland. The Alexander Suite is the hotel’s premier room, with a four poster bed and separate sitting room. It has a vast wrap-around terrace offering panoramic views of the lake and mountains. An opulent bar and restaurant complement the classic-chic aesthetic. Half-board three-night stay for two people (excluding drinks). Flights not included.

Marrakesh suite

Spend the weekend in the lap of natural luxury in Morocco. Set in 20 acres of palms and flowers, Es Saadi Marrakech Resort looks out onto the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, near the bustling souks and Jemaa El Fnaa square. The resort’s wellness ethos sees a locally sourced, organic menu, and offerings at the Es Saadi Palace Spa, designed around a 100-year-old eucalyptus tree, include a hydrotherapy circuit with counter flow swimming, detox and yoga offerings, and Moroccan Hammam. Two-night stay for two people in a Junior Suite at The Palace, Es Saadi Marrakech Resort. Includes breakfast and transfers from the airport. T&Cs subject to availability

Aphrodite Hills Resort

Bathe like a goddess at your own private villa with a pool at the luxury Aphrodite Hills Resort, Cyprus. The three-bedroom residence, which sleeps up to six people, is situated within this award-winning resort which is nestled among olive and carob trees on a sunny hilltop overlooking the Mediterranean. The resort boasts a PGA National awarded 18-hole golf course, a Tennis and Football Academy, a variety of hiking and cycling routes as well as horse-riding and fitness classes. The four-night self-catering stay excludes half term holidays and July 15 - August 25 2019. Must be redeemed by December 31 2019. T&Cs subject to availability.

Turkey stay

Step off the beaten track and venture to the small Turkish town of Göcek to experience the elegant D-Resort Göcek; a destination situated in a harbour town steeped in history. A couple can spend three nights at this beautiful boutique hotel which has its very own secluded beach on the Aegean with stunning mountain views. Guests can also dine on fine Izakaya style contemporary Japanese cuisine at the hotel’s restaurant Q Lounge which fuses Peruvian influences and a fresh local touch. Offering an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of paradise, guests can also experience Breeze restaurant which is nestled on a private beach, serving authentic and locally inspired Greek and Turkish cuisine in the evening and a selection of snacks in the day time. Offer valid for two people. Breakfast is included each morning. Bookings between April 15 and May 16 or September 24 and October 31 only. T&Cs subject to availability.

A consultation with top hypnotherapist Malminder Gill

Snap up a sought-after consultation with a reinvention hypnotherapist to the stars. Malminder Gill, whose client list includes royalty, celebrities and CEOs, offers “radical change from within”. The experienced practitioner helps clients with many concerns, from losing weight and managing anxiety, to changing unhelpful thought patterns through an individually tailored combination of hypnotism and holistic therapies.

Stay in the heart of Fitzrovia at London EDITION

Spend a night in the heart of Fitzrovia at London EDITION. The boutique hotel is situated in a landmark building on Berners Street, is child-friendly and boasts a stunning Berners Tavern dining room. All the delights of Soho are just around the corner. The offer is for two people for one night in a Loft Room, breakfast included. Must be redeemed by December 31, dates subject to availability.

Spend a weekend at the Baglioni Hotel, Kensington

Book out a luxurious junior suite on the doorstep of Hyde Park at the Baglioni Hotel, Kensington. The hotel is an ideal choice for a couple looking to experience the best of culture in the capital, offering expansive views of Kensington Gardens and Palace and within walking distance of the Royal Albert Hall and the Natural History Museum. Offer valid for two adults sharing a junior suite, including breakfast. Must be redeemed by May 31 2019, excluding Easter and Bank Holidays. Subject to availability.

Tateossian Enamel Pill Pin, Bracelet and Cufflinks Set

Tateossian

Gift a loved one a unique and eye-catching jewellery set, including a “pill” pin and cufflinks featuring a hidden compartment. When opened, it reveals signatures from its designer, Robert Tateossian, and those of Elton John and David Furnish. The pill shape is symbolic, and celebrates PrEP and its medical advances allowing the spread of HIV to be controlled with just a single pill.

Teens & the Loneliness of AIDS 008 - PRICILLA - By Carol Allen-Storey

Carol Allen-Storey

Acclaimed photojournalist Carol Allen-Storey spent time in Uganda in 2014 capturing intimate portraits of teens born with AIDS, illuminating their challenges of loneliness and poverty. She has donated a Gilcee limited edition print featuring Pricilla, an 18-year old AIDS orphan from the Kilembe Quarters, Uganda, who fears she will be alone forever for fear of passing on the virus.

Royal Albert Hall Box

One of the world’s most iconic venues, the Royal Albert Hall stages performances from stars of all musical genres. One lucky bidder can snap up a Second Tier box, seating four guests, for any concert in 2019, in a special prize gifted by the Chief Executive of the Hall, Mr Craig Hassall, who will give the winning bidder and a guest a guided tour around the Hall during their visit.

Offer must be redeemed by December 31 and excludes only Last Night of The Proms. Hospitality within the box to be paid separately.

Rob Lowe – meet n greet and show in Brighton

He shot to fame as one of the Brat Pack before starring in hit shows including The West Wing and Parks and Recreation, and now Rob Lowe is touring his sell-out one man show, “Stories I Only Tell My Friends: LIVE!” in the UK. One lucky bidder can take this one-off chance to spend time with the star during a meet-and-greet and his appearance at The Brighton Dome on Saturday 16 February. Inspired by the success of the actor’s two NY Times best-selling memoirs, Stories I Only Tell My Friends and Love Life, the show is an honest and comic take on Hollywood, fame and love. All travel and accommodation expenses are at the bidder's expense.

Remember, the auction closes on January 30 at 10pm.

You can bid on these wonderful auction lots at www.givergy.com/charity/aidsfree.

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