Jetsettersblog

Ningbo welcomed its first Sheraton property this month with the opening of the Sheraton Ningbo Hotel. Formerly known as Portman Plaza Ningbo Hotel, the Sheraton Ningbo Hotel is the first upscale international hotel to open in Ningbo.

“We are very excited about the opening of Sheraton Ningbo Hotel and are delighted to have the Sheraton flag grace this stunning property. Sheraton will bring to this rebranded hotel the renowned hospitality that the Sheraton brand is known for. We are eager to extend our warm Sheraton welcome to guests traveling to Ningbo,” commented Mr. Qian Jin, Area Managing Director for Starwood hotels in Greater China.

Ningbo is one of the vital powerhouses of Zhejiang Province and Yangtze River Delta, and is the fourth largest port and one of the most renowned international business hubs of China. Soon to be connected by Hangzhou Bay Bridge with Shanghai, Ningbo is recognized for its great economic potential and booming hospitality segment.

ARCHITECTURE

Sheraton Ningbo Hotel, designed by the world famous John Portman & Associates, is an architectural wonder. Sheer marble pillars with two grand spiral staircases, unique glistening chandeliers and the widest in-room water cascade in China, form the exquisite lobby. The glass pyramid roof, inspired by the Grand Louvre Museum, overlooks a fountain-centered plaza below. The interior design of the hotel was created by Gold-Key award winner Wilson & Associates.

LOCATION

The hotel is ideally situated in buzzing downtown Ningbo. A short walk takes guests to the city’s various trendy boutiques, restaurants, squares, parks and exotic colonial buildings. The city’s busiest and fastest growing CBD area is just around the corner. Whatever guests want, either to marvel at the largest and finest artificial fountain of its kind in Ningbo, or jostle in the crowd of the Old Town God Temple area – is all just a short walk through the park from the Sheraton Ningbo Hotel.

GUESTROOMS

A unique warmth and comfort welcomes the guests to Sheraton Ningbo Hotel. The hotel offers 380 guestrooms and suites, all with sumptuous windows overlooking the exciting city of Ningbo. All guest rooms include individually controlled air conditioning, 32’’ LCD TV with satellite TV programs, international direct dual line telephones, a hair dryer, coffee maker, an in-room safe, broadband internet access, a four-fixture bathroom featuring a separate glass rain shower and a sofa seating area. Suites measure from 600 to 2,750 sq. feet and consist of one bedroom, one or two living rooms, a spacious bathroom and working area. Some suites also feature a separate meeting area and an individual study.

FOOD AND ENTERTAINMENT OUTLETS

Guests are invited to wine and dine at one of the 7 distinctive outlets in Sheraton Ningbo Hotel. The hotel offers five restaurants: Café Soo, Mezzo’s On 2, Tian Heung Garden, Emperor’s Court, Akitaya and two bar/lounges: Grappa’s Bar and Aqua Lounge.

The contemporary Café Soo serves a fusion style buffet as well as an a la carte menu. In addition to the menu, two open show kitchens offer noodles and grill selections prepared in front of guests. Mezzo’s On 2 offers an authentic Italian dining experience, centered around a selection of the fresh ingredients, signature dishes and new offerings, celebrating seasonal changes. Tian Heung Garden is the specialty restaurant of Sheraton Ningbo, serving tasty regional cuisine and favorite local dishes. A traditional elegance prevails in the main dining room, while the 15 private rooms offer an exclusive yet cozy setting. Emperor’s Court serves top Cantonese delicacies like shark’s fin, abalone and bird’s nest. It offers private rooms adjacent to the Aqua Lounge Cascade. A sophisticated decor combines contemporary influences with traditional Japanese design, serving as a backdrop for the talents of Akitaya’s culinary team, representing many years of experience in the preparation of fine Japanese cuisine. The Grappa’s is a hip and intimate bar featuring signature cocktails and an extensive selection of premium and rare whiskeys, cognacs, wines, and ports. Nightly live entertainment sets the mood for people to unwind and relax. Aqua Lounge utilizes a natural theme with soothing daylight, including a glass canopy a water cascade and light refreshments and drinks.

MEETING FACILITIES

Sheraton Ningbo Hotel has approximately 40,000 sq. feet of conference space in 11 convention halls and meeting rooms. The Grand Ballroom offers high ceilings and a palatial setup for large events. It can be partitioned into two rooms. The round-shaped International Conference Hall and the petit ballroom, Xingyun, hold 350 and 400 people respectively. All meeting space offers WI-FI connection and is equipped with the latest IT/audio-visual facilities to ensure optimal convenience.

ZENSES SPA

With a distinct aquatic theme, the duplex Zenses Spa offers 9 tranquil treatment rooms with a menu of health and beauty treatments from massage and reflexology to detoxifying baths treatments that draw on both Western and Oriental techniques and feature high-quality natural products. A Jacuzzi, sauna and steam facilities, indoor heated pool and rooftop tennis court make Zenses Spa the perfect place for total relaxation.

Queenstown is among the world’s top three ski resorts and is the best in the Southern Hemisphere according to the Australian Luxury Travel Magazine Gold List awards. Voted by readers, the magazine’s awards name Queenstown as the third in the list of ‘best overseas ski resorts’ recognising its position as the leading alpine resort destination in the Southern Hemisphere. Northern Hemisphere resorts Whistler in Canada and Aspen in the United States were voted first and second respectively.

Rendezvous Hotels & Resorts International has been appointed to manage Christchurch’s newest upscale hotel. The development of The Gloucester Street Hotel, to be named Rendezvous Hotel, Christchurch, is another bold and exciting commitment by Rendezvous to the long term growth of New Zealand tourism and the hospitality industry in Christchurch. As the main gateway to the South Island, Christchurch has over two million visitors per annum.

The Rendezvous Hotel, Christchurch is well-located in the Christchurch CBD, moments from the premier restaurant street, New Regent St, and the newly re-developed tourist and entertainment precinct, Cathedral Square. Rendezvous is expected to open the hotel in the second half of 2008.

Rendezvous’ Chief Executive, Mr. Alan Featherby, says, “Rendezvous is excited about this commitment to further extend the Rendezvous group’s presence in New Zealand with such an iconic hotel, and delighted to be working with the developer, Ernest Duval and interests associated with Equity Trust Pacific. At the beginning of what appears to be a major upward movement in market conditions in Christchurch and with no significant increases to hotel supply forecast, we are very confident that under Rendezvous’ guidance the hotel will experience strong growth and profitability into the foreseeable future. This will bring the number of hotels and resorts operated by Rendezvous to 16, with eleven hotels in Australia, two in China, one in Singapore and now two in New Zealand. Rendezvous expects to announce shortly a number of new hotels for the group, which will propel Rendezvous into being a major hotel operator in the Asia Pacific region”.

Formerly retail premises, the 17-storey new development will be a modern hotel building designed to incorporate state of the art environmental efficiencies in power, solar heating and management systems. Rendezvous Hotel, Christchurch will offer 171 stylishly appointed rooms and suites; each ideally equipped for the leisure and corporate traveller. Spa and fitness facilities will be available to guests during their stay and the restaurant will also open its doors to the public. 

Mr. Featherby says, “Rendezvous will continue to expand, further propelling the group into being a major hotel operator in the Asia Pacific region”.
 

Arizona is a land of beauty, history and…weird things? Yes, the Grand Canyon State has all of these things along its roadways, which truly makes the journey just as enjoyable as the destination. Here are a few places to check out:

Scenic Roads—With 23 designated Scenic Roads crisscrossing the state, you’re never far from a relaxing and picturesque drive. In the northern part of the state, favorites include Kayenta-Monument Valley Scenic Road and Red Rock Scenic Road, both of which wind through fascinating rock formations. In the southern half, enjoy the rugged Sonoran Desert scenery along Apache Trail Historic Road and the high desert terrain on Patagonia-Sonoita Scenic Road in Arizona’s wine country. For a full listing of the Scenic Roads in Arizona, go to http://www.arizonascenicroads.com/

Route 66—Cutting across northern Arizona, from the border with California to the border with New Mexico, there is never a dull moment on this famed stretch of road. From the wild burros roaming the streets of Oatman in the west to the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert in the east, there is so much to see and do along the way. Some favorites include: the distinctly Route 66 feel of the Hackberry General Store, the delicious Snow Cap Drive-In in Seligman, unique attraction Meteor Crater and the lovingly refurbished La Posada Hotel in Winslow.

Strange stops—What better to break up a long drive than something funny, interesting and maybe a little weird? Arizona has kitschy collections of fun roadside entertainment in every corner of the state. From “The Thing” just off Interstate 10 southeast of Tucson (sorry, we can’t tell you what “The Thing” is!) to the original London Bridge located in Lake Havasu City, there’s always something to look forward to on the road ahead. Take, for example, the large grove of date trees that rise out of the desert east of Yuma and the unique date shakes drivers can stop to enjoy, or the mysterious rock painted like a frog (since the 1920s) along highway 89 southwest of Prescott. Keep your eyes open or you’ll miss something! Make your journey in Arizona a driving one. The diversity, beauty and excitement will amaze kids of all ages. To plan your Arizona driving tour, go to http://www.arizonaguide.com/

Israel is a remarkable, fascinating and controversial country, and is classified today, as a world-class destination which offers numerous cultural and religious attractions, spas and renowned sea resorts – all within an atmosphere that combines the very ancient with the ultra high-tech.

Whatever you are looking for in a holiday, you can be sure you will find it in Israel. Here’s just a few of the reasons to visit Israel in 2007:

1. Dive into Paradise

The place with year round sunshine and temperatures that rarely drop below 25°C and even the water is perfect. From diving with parrot fish to swimming with dolphins this place has the lot – and if you don’t fancy getting wet you can visit the Coral World Underwater Observatory with the largest collections of pools and aquariums in the Middle East. Eliat is the prefect destination for a fun packed family holiday. Further information can be found at www.coralworld.com/.

2 Ancient yet bursting with life!

The Western Wall is the holiest site in Jerusalem for the Jewish people as it is thought to be the only remnant of the Temple which was destroyed in 586 BCE. Today the site is still important and is frequented daily by people from all walks of life and beliefs. Everyday, messages are scribbled on millions of pieces of paper and placed into tiny crevices in the wall, in the hope that these will be read and wishes will be granted. The wall may be thousands of years old but it’s still very much full of life.

3.When the sun goes down it just gets going!

One of the hottest spots in Europe for clubs, bars and exquisite restaurants, Tel Aviv is fast stating its claim as the party capital of the Middle East. Regular party goers often start their night out at 11pm – which is considered early for some revelers who don’t warm up until 2.am! With a multitude of beachfront bars and clubs there is never a dull moment in the city – the problem is finding the best place to be! Party seeker visitor numbers have increased with international club nights, world-class restaurants and designer spas opening in the Rio of the Med.

4.Explore the desert – where anything is possible!

Negev the desert is truly wonderful and is the perfect place to combine tranquility and a pastoral landscape with action-packed outdoor activities. Those who are fans of desert action will find what they crave at the Negev Desert. With the wild Negev landscape as its backdrop, you can hop on the back of a camel, quad bike or pony to enjoy the sites!

5.Come on England!

The luck of the draw has not gone in England’s favor so far for the Euro 2008 qualifying matches and it will certainly not be a walk in the park against Israel on the 24th March. If England is to qualify for the championship in 2008 they will have to conquer the likes of Yossi Benayoun and prove they still have what it takes. What better place to watch this happen than at the world class 41,500 seater Ramat Gan Stadium.

6. Conquer like the Romans

Conquer a fortress like the Romans when climbing Masada at the Dead Sea. Fortress Masada stands 1,300feet above the Dead and was the site where Jewish soldiers attempted to defeat the Romans in 73CE. The site is saturated in history but is one of the most romantic settings in Israel to watch the sun rise or set, offering spectacular views of the Dead Sea and Judean Desert. If you are feeling energetic you can even climb the famous snake path, rising 350 meters and takes approximately 45 minutes – it wasn’t that easy for the Romans!

7. Fancy a dig in the desert?

Jerusalem may be known to most as the historical centre of Israel, but the Timma Valley in the Aravah Desert is home to a number of 6,000 year old Egyptian copper mines and bizarre rock formations. 25 Kilometers north of Eilat the park extends over 60 square kilometers of valley, surrounded by a belt of cliffs, the highest of which reaches an altitude of 854 meters. Numerous archeological sites till remain untouched making Timma Alley the prefect place to get digging! Further information can be found at www.ardom.co.il/tourism/timna/timna.htm

8.Whether it’s a Merlot or Cabernet-Sauvignon that tickles your tastes buds – Chateau Golan is a must

Galilee is one of the most peaceful places in Israel and thanks to its verdant landscape and the calming influence of the Sea of Galilee it is now home to Israel’s wine region. Sample some of the best wines in Israel where a visit to the Chateau Golan estate leaves you with feeling relaxed, a calm alternative to the bustling urban life. Tours are available of this new and exciting vineyard, further information can be found at www.chateaugolan.com.

9.Spot a Birdie amongst Roman Ruins

One of the few places in the world where you can bask on the beach in the morning and hit a round of golf amongst ancient Roman and Byzantine ruins at the Caesarea Golf Club in the afternoon! Just 50mins from Tel Aviv, the course was designed in 1961 by Fred Smith and is considered Israel’s leading golf club. The weather is golfer friendly all year round and if golf isn’t your thing you can wander through the remains of the port city built on top of the Roman town at the edge of the Mediterranean. Further information can be found at http://www.caesarea.org.il

10. The most famous story of them all

Whatever your view on religion, almost every step that you take through the streets of Jeruslaem tells a story and reminds you that this is a very special place with a lot of history. Walking along the Via Dolorosa at Easter is an extremely holy experience where one can retrace the network of streets through which Jesus dragged his cross before his crucifixion, and follow the Fourteen Stations of the Cross.

With so much to do in a country the size of Wales it not surprising that tourists have been flocking to the region year after year, in order to experience everything that Israel has to offer.

Flight Prices: Start from £270 per person with El Al www.elal.com

Best Culinary Talent from Past 20 Years Returns to Salute Success

Highlands Inn, Park Hyatt Carmel announces that the 21st Annual Masters of Food & Wine, to be held February 22-25, 2007, will be the last one held in Carmel. Having experienced tremendous success over the past two decades, Global Hyatt plans to expand the concept to other culinary capitals worldwide in an effort to create more opportunities for celebrated chefs and winemakers to collaborate and attract food and wine connoisseurs to other notable Hyatt locations.

“We have welcomed the world’s leading chefs and winemakers to Carmel for 20 years, and we’ve invited the best of those participants back to celebrate our fantastic run,” said Robert Weakly, Executive Food & Beverage Director, Highlands Inn, Park Hyatt Carmel. “This year’s Masters in Carmel will certainly be the most memorable to date — an unparalleled gastronomic paradise — and we’re excited about kicking off a global expansion.”

Often referred to as the “Oscars of culinary festivals,” the Masters provides guests with a rare chance to mingle with celebrity chefs and winemakers pouring rare vintages in a very intimate setting. The 21st Annual Masters of Food & Wine chef roster includes celebrated local favorites, such as Gary Danko and Michael Mina from their namesake San Francisco restaurants, Mark Ayers of Pacific’s Edge and Charles Phan of Slanted Door. Noted Chicago-based culinary talents include Rick Tramonto of Tru and Grant Achatz of Alinea. Wylie Dufresne and Alex Stupak of WD 50, Gina DePalma of Babbo, Michael Lomonaco of Porter House New York, and Daniel Humm of Eleven Madison Park will join from New York City.

And, internationally acclaimed Michel Richard from Citronelle in Washington, D.C. and New Orleans star, Susan Spicer of Herbsaint/Bayona will also be in attendance.

21st Annual Masters of Food & Wine events include:

• Opening Night Reception – one of the most popular events of the festival, featuring 14 world-renowned chefs preparing signature dishes, and wines from more than 60 leading wineries

• Two Five-Course Lunches and Two Six-Course Dinners – featuring sumptuous dishes, each prepared by a different celebrity chef and paired with the finest wines from around the world

• Six Featured Vertical Wine Tastings – top winemakers and master sommeliers provide tastings from the most prominent wineries

• Six Cooking Demonstrations – award-winning and internationally acclaimed chefs share their skills in a comfortable, interactive setting

• Closing Reception – a sensational bounty prepared by 10 talented chefs and paired with 20 of the wine estates featured throughout the weekend

A highlight of Park Hyatt Carmel’s festival is the exclusive 10th Anniversary Rarities Dinner, an over-the-top, nine-course meal prepared by three of the top Masters chefs. Three wines are paired with each course, selected from 27 of the most extraordinary bottles. The black-tie dinner takes place at Villa de Cova, a private home perched atop rocky cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, just outside Carmel. The breathtaking setting, combined with the evening’s culinary masters and wine rarities, is limited to 24 guests with individual tickets priced at $5,000.

The first international Masters is taking place February 15-18, 2007 at Park Hyatt Mendoza in Argentina, recognized as one of the world’s eight great wine capitals. Several events will take place in the city’s internationally acclaimed restaurants and wineries, as well as at wine lodges located in the vineyards and foothills of the Andes Mountains.

Park Hyatt Mendoza has confirmed distinguished chefs from Park Hyatt’s own kitchens and celebrated chefs from the Americas and Europe.

For reservations, rates, and further information for Park Hyatt Carmel please visit www.mfandw.com or  call (800) 401-1009 and for Park Hyatt Mendoza, please visit www.mfandw.com.ar  For more information about Park Hyatt hotels please visit www.parkhyatt.com or call (800) 233-1234.

Turkey is benefiting from its planned initiatives pertaining to hunting tourism.

Taking a cue from nations like Romania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary, Turkey has nearly eliminated the threat of poaching by promoting hunting tourism.

According to Zaman Online, with heavy fines imposed on poachers, the state has also launched a number of initiatives to increase hunting awareness. The report added that by permitting the hunting of wild animals about to complete their biological life, the administration has ensured the steady flow of a number tourists into the country. Hunters, ready to spend large sums for 5-10 days ventures, generally leave after spending $10-12,000 per head. It is estimated that because of recent steps, Turkey’s revenue from hunting tourism has reached $10 million dollars.

According to Republic of Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the geographic structure of Turkey, is appropriate for development of hunt tourism in connection with its plant cover and wild life.

Foreign tourist hunters, can hunt with Hunting Tousim Permission Certificate, issued to A Class Tourism Agencies by Ministry of Forest. Also, foreign tourist hunters can only hunt species, breed and set free here within private hunting grounds approved by Ministry of Forest, National Parks and Hunt – wild Life General Directorate. 

Wild animals allowed for hunting are determined each year as per their species and hunting periods. These changes are determined by the decesions of the Central Hunting Commision, which is organized each year.

Bear, hook horned mountain goat (amua), wild goat (Bezoar), wild boar, lynx, wolf, jackal, fox, from big hunting animals, are served against its value to usage of national and foreign hunters under hunting tourism title. Hunting of hunting animals except these can only be possible within special hunting grounds. Foreign hunters can not hunt hunting animals except above mentioned hunting animals outside special hunting grounds.

According to Zaman Online, poaching has been under state control, reigned in by the introduction of heavy fines. Contributions are also being made by rural administrations to enlarge the number of permitted hunting areas. Nearly 30 wilderness areas were opened in the last three years to hunters, and the private tourism sector was encouraged to carry out the hunting of wild animals in those areas. “Because of this, hunting quotas are often met even before the official opening of the hunting season while heavy fines prevented poaching and contributed to the development of conscientious hunting. In addition, many tracks of wilderness were successfully put under state protection, resulting in a win-win situation for Turkey,” added the report.

Massachusetts and Connecticut bicyclists, runners, walkers and more will have greater access to enhanced rail-trails, thanks to a grant from Coca-Cola North America and Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. The $85,000 donation will support the future connection of the Farmington Valley Greenway, the northern-most portion of the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail in Connecticut and the southern-most portion of the Hampshire and Hampden Canal Trail in Southwick, Mass., and is part of a larger $500,000 grant made by Coca-Cola North America to Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.

Says Keith Laughlin, president of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, “The long-term benefits of this partnership, linking the two states through world-class trails, will be innumerable and span generations.” The gift to these communities will lead to the creation of a gateway presence at the Massachusetts–Connecticut border, an information kiosk in Southwick, Mass., and a separate gateway presence with new parking access in Suffield, Conn.

The northern portion of the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail will soon be a continuous 22-mile linear park with the completion of four gaps totaling more than seven miles.

The trail will stretch from central Connecticut to Massachusetts, with the goal of eventually connecting New Haven, Conn., with Northampton, Mass. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization with more than 100,000 members and supporters, is the nation’s largest trails organization dedicated to connecting people and communities by creating a nationwide network of public trails, many from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Founded in 1986, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is located in Washington, D.C.

For more information, visit www.railstotrails.org

There are other luxury hotels, but nothing that quite compares to a Sofitel.

The differences are sometimes subtle, sometimes bold, but by the end of your stay, you know the experience was extraordinary. And you know you’ll be back.

Every Sofitel is carefully designed to reflect the character of its city or its neighborhood, so each is distinctively different. Yet all share a feeling of elegance and relaxation. Our French heritage defines it as “Art de Vivre à la Française” (French art of living). And, after all, the French do recognize that life is to be enjoyed.

Sofitel hotels in North America are ideally located in business and leisure destinations that are internationally synonymous with the best in hospitality – Chicago Downtown, Chicago O’Hare Airport, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, Montréal, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

Sofitel Chicago Water Tower
From $319 for a Deluxe Room*

Spectacular building designed by French architect Jean Paul Viguier with commanding views of Chicago and adjacent to the famous Magnificent Mile, Michigan Avenue. 415 rooms including 33 luxurious suites. Non- smoking floors. Restaurant, bar and 24-hour room service. Spacious ballroom and 9 meeting rooms for up to 260 people. Business centre. Fitness centre.

*Subject to availability and excluding taxes.

Sofitel Lafayette Square Washington D.C.
From $190 for a Deluxe room* 

The hotel is in a historic building from 1880, located at the corner of Lafayette Square which borders the White House. This exclusive location is close to the famous museums, national monuments, principal government agencies, Embassy Row and the Convention Centre.

220 rooms and 17 suites. Refined French cuisine in contemporary surroundings at “Café 15″, lobby lounge, Bar. 6 meeting rooms for up to 160 people. Fitness centre.

*Subject to availability and excluding taxes.

Sofitel New York
rom $319 for a Deluxe room*

The hotel is located in Manhattan, between Fifth and Sixth Avenue, close to the Broadway theatre district, major corporate headquarters and upscale shopping.

346 rooms and 52 suites, non-smoking floors, TV pay per view. “Gaby” French-style restaurant and bar.

7 meeting rooms accommodating up to 150 people. Fitness Centre.

*Subject to availability and excluding taxes.