Jetsettersblog

Oceania Cruises is pleased to announce the release of the new 2008 European Collection. With three ships positioned in Europe for the season, Oceania Cruises will offer guests an unrivalled array of itineraries that call on Europe’s most enticing ports. Oceania Cruises will offer 54 European voyages in 2008, introduce six new itineraries, and make maiden calls at new and intriguing ports. From the elegant avenues of Saint Tropez, to the majestic beauty of Kotor’s dramatic fjords and the Czarist splendours of St. Petersburg, Oceania Cruises presents the cultural and historical gems of this fabled continent to the most discerning travellers. Sailing to the Western Mediterranean, the Greek Isles and Scandinavia, Regatta, Insignia and Nautica will sail to more than 70 ports throughout Europe.

Oceania Cruises continues to set the benchmark for destination cruising in Europe with more overnight port stays than any other cruise line in its class. This unique and trend-setting approach to cruising provides travellers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich and abundant history, culture and cuisine of Europe’s most alluring cities. With a keen focus on the destination experience, every aspect of the line’s 2008 European Collection has been meticulously planned with the discriminating traveller in mind.

New Ports

“Oceania Cruises has always been known for its destination-intensive itineraries and we are always seeking new and different ports to elevate the experience for our guests,” stated Bob Binder, President of Oceania Cruises. Oceania Cruises has added several new and exciting ports to its already stellar line up of boutique and marquee ports, Haifa, Israel; Pula, Croatia; Alghero, Italy; Tangier, Morocco; and Hamilton, Bermuda. Oceania Cruises’ intimate and mid-sized ships enable guests to experience smaller ports that many larger ships simply cannot access, such as Monte Carlo, Saint Tropez, Sarande, Portofino and Kotor. These are in addition to Oceania Cruises’ perennial favourites like St. Petersburg, Istanbul, Copenhagen, Venice and Rome.

2008 European Collection voyages range from 10 to 16 days in length and feature an abundance of port time and a minimum number of sea days. On average, 10- and 12-day itineraries will feature no more than one sea day and 14-day itineraries will feature no more than two sea days.

Highlights of the 2008 European Collection

• The Mediterranean and Greek Isles offer 42 different opportunities to explore these fabled lands rich in culture, cuisine and history.

• New 14-day Barcelona to Istanbul itinerary that includes both Egypt and Israel.

• Regatta traverses virtually all of Europe with voyages to the Greek Isles, Mediterranean, Western Europe and the glittering, great northern cities of St. Petersburg, Russia; Stockholm, Sweden; Copenhagen, Denmark; Berlin, Germany; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Gdansk, Poland; Tallinn, Estonia; and Bruges, Belgium.

Spotlight on Maiden Ports of Call

• Haifa, Israel – Visit the land of miracles–Galilee, the Jordan River, the Mount of the Beautitudes and Tabgha or venture to Nazareth, home of the young Jesus.

• Pula, Croatia – Rich in Roman political history, visit the majestic Arena which dates back to the 1st century or stroll the quaint, medieval streets of the city’s old quarter.

• Alghero (Sardinia), Italy – Although Italian, many in this quaint, Genoese influenced city speak Catalan. Marvel at the ancient Phoenician buildings or the imposing

• Tangier, Morocco – An ancient Phoenician town, founded by Carthaginian colonists in the early 5th century, Tangier is an eclectic wonderland of cultures, cuisines, histories and cultures.

• Hamilton, Bermuda – This British colony is pretty as a picture. Blessed with a perfect climate, pink sugar-sand beaches and an air of civility that is second to none, Bermuda is synonymous with paradise.

World Fares Start at $2,695 per Guest

With our exclusive World Fares, these extraordinary voyages are the pinnacle of value. Fares start at just $2,695 per guest and guests are urged to make their reservations as early as possible to ensure that they take advantage of the World Fares and receive the accommodations of choice on their preferred voyage.

About Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises is the world’s only upper-premium cruise line. Featuring a fleet of intimate and luxurious mid-sized ships, Regatta, Insignia and Nautica, Oceania Cruises sails to the most alluring ports in Europe, China and the Far East, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Central America and the Caribbean. Combining the finest cuisine at sea, exceptional personalized service, luxurious accommodations and extraordinary value, Oceania Cruises is setting a new, worldwide standard for luxury cruising and will introduce two new Oceania-Class ships in 2010 and 2011. For additional information, to make a reservation, or to order a brochure, please contact Oceania Cruises on 02 9966 1233.

Enjoy stunning, picturesque surroundings whilst unlocking the secrets to gourmet cooking at one of the many charming cooking schools in South East Queensland Country.

At Wild Lime cooking school, learn how to fuse ‘wild’ food with Asian and Mediterranean cuisine in the Gold Coast Hinterland. After the two hour class, enjoy the scenery and feast on your newly-created dishes, complimented by local wines. Classes run each month until June. Wild Lime also offers a cook-and-stay package combining cooking school and one night’s accommodation for two in its B&B. Ph: (07) 5544 8104; http://www.worendo.com/

Learn the secrets to fast and fabulous Thai food at the popular Spirit House cooking school in the Sunshine Coast hinterland town of Yandina. Enjoy a tranquil rainforest setting and exotic gardens as well as hands-on classes that will have you preparing restaurant quality food at home. Ph: (07) 5446 8977; http://www.spirithouse.com.au/

Also on the Sunshine Coast, just 10 minutes from Maroochydore, lies Amytis Gardens Retreat and Spa now offering intimate European cooking classes for a maximum of eight students per session. Discover the secret to making fine European chocolates, learn how to cook authentic Italian dishes complete and roll your own pasta, or create traditional French cuisine. At the end of your chosen class enjoy the fruits of your labours as you sit with a glass of wine and enjoy your meal. Tel: (07) 5450 0115: http://www.amytisgardens.com/

The Kin Kin Manor Restaurant and Cooking School will open in early April. Situated 40 minutes north of Noosa, Kin Kin Manor is a glorious renovated Queenslander offering half-day cooking classes across a range of themes and cuisines. International chefs will host the classes, which will run from 9am to 1pm Monday to Thursdays. Ph: (07) 5485 4055 http://www.kinkinmanor.com.au/

Set amidst the rolling hills and rainforest of nearby Maleny, The Tamarind Cookery Retreat teaches the art of authentic Thai cuisine. Learn the fundamentals of Thai food and ingredients before preparing and enjoying a banquet lunch. Classes run from 11am to 3.30pm and can be purchased separately or as part of a package which includes two nights accommodation in The Tamarind bungalows. Ph: (07) 5429 6922; www.thetamarind.com.au

New England Larder cooking classes are a popular monthly event in the Granite Belt region near Stanthorpe with Chef Geoff Metcalf using a range of regional produce to create gourmet cuisine. They are held the third Saturday of each month at Glen Aplin and each month sees a different cooking style featured – bistro classics in April, easy Asian in May and Italian-inspired in June. Ph: (07) 4683 4183; www.newenglandlarder.com.au

Queensland Restaurant of the Year 2006, Songbirds’ in the Forest, is now offering cooking classes at its secluded rainforest location on Mount Tamborine in the Gold Coast hinterland. Under the guidance of Songbirds’ chefs, learn to prepare and present a sumptuous three-course meal with matching wines, before feasting on the delights you’ve created. A cook and stay package is also available which includes overnight accommodation in a luxury villa, the cooking class, wine information and dinner. Ph: (07) 5545 2563; www.songbirds.com.au

One of Australia’s largest accommodation groups, Golden Chain Motor Inns, is setting a “green” standard for all its properties to achieve.

It’s the network’s commitment to environmental care and has been developed for all 320 properties in the network

Under the system, member properties must achieve 10 out of 20 “benchmarks” to show they are committed to environmental protection

Chairman of Golden Chain Motor Inns, Mr. John Sheppard, said every property that achieved the standard would be recognised with the award of a new symbol – a logo of the endangered Green and Golden Bell frog.

“It is an opportunity for all our members to show the community that we care about the environment,” he said.

“Our guests are demanding identification of accommodation properties that are actively pursuing environmental programs.”

Golden Chain properties, which range from bed and breakfast establishments to extensive resorts, have been required to implement at least 10 initiatives from a list of 20, to demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility.

The list ranges from using energy efficient light bulbs and having efficient ventilation to reduce air conditioning use through to recycling, reuse of copy paper and encouraging guests to re-use towels and linen.

“Every major organisation must demonstrate its commitment to environmental responsibility,” Mr Sheppard said.

“It is essential that we also show some leadership to our guests and thereby encourage them to be more environmentally aware and responsible.

“The response from our members has been overwhelming with more than 200 properties responding positively to the initiative with indications that others will sign up in the near future

Golden Chain properties that meet the benchmark will be able to display a logo of the Green and Golden Bell frog to identify their commitment to the program.

The frog was chosen by Golden Chain because it is an endangered species and frogs generally are under threat because development activities are wiping out their habitat.

“So the logo also has as secondary impact or building awareness to the threat to frogs which are an indication of a healthy ecosystem,” Mr. Sheppard said.

“The fewer frogs, the more our eco-system is in crisis.”

The Green and Golden Bell frog is usually found close to water or very wet areas, is olive to emerald green in colour with regular blotches of brown or golden bronze on its body, and has a very distinctive call similar to a motor cycle changing gears, with a slow four-sequence croak.

All properties that qualify will carry the new symbol on their entry in the new Golden Chain directory which is published on 1 April.

Growing demand for premium cruising from Australia has prompted Princess Cruises to announce it will base two of its superliners in Sydney and Melbourne to offer a range of voyages to Tahiti, Asia, New Zealand, the South Pacific and around Australia.

The stylish 77,000-ton Dawn Princess will sail from Melbourne over the 2008-09 summer, becoming the first superliner to be deployed from the Victorian capital for a season, while its twin, Sun Princess, returns for a second season cruising from Sydney.

Dean Brown, Acting Managing Director of Carnival Australia, which represents Princess Cruises in Australia, said both superliners would be tailored for Australians, featuring Australian dollars and Australian entertainment on itineraries designed to appeal to the local market.

“Over the past few years demand for our product has grown significantly. We’ve decided to meet this growth by offering Australians the choice of two superliners next year and creating a new homeport in Victoria, where interest in premium cruising is very strong,” Mr Brown said.

The pair of Princesses will start their summer season with two memorable Discovery Voyages: a new 28-night sojourn to Tahiti, Noumea, Tonga, Fiji, Samoa and American Samoa on Dawn Princess departing Sydney on October 21, 2008, and a 28-night circumnavigation of Australia on Sun Princess, visiting 13 superb ports and departing Sydney on October 26, 2008.

After its Tahitian cruise, Dawn Princess will sail to Melbourne to commence a 28-night circumnavigation of Australia, departing Melbourne on November 20 and visiting 13 ports. Other itineraries from Melbourne include three 13-night cruises around New Zealand’s stunning coastline and three cruises to some of the South Pacific’s most delightful ports: Noumea, Isle of Pines, Ouvea, Lifou and Vila.

Meanwhile Sun Princess’ itineraries include another exciting Discovery Voyage – a new 42-night cruise to China and Japan. Passengers will depart Sydney on March 7, 2009, to travel in style to an array of exotic destinations including Brunei, Hong Kong, China, Guam and Papua New Guinea. The cruise includes visits to three Japanese ports – Nagasaki, Osaka and Yokohama – timed to coincide with the nation’s spectacular cherry blossom festivities.

Other Sun Princess cruises from Sydney include four cruises around New Zealand, two South Pacific explorations, a Tasmania voyage and a new cruise to Queensland.

Mr Brown said the development of the longer Discovery Voyages for Sun Princess and Dawn Princess – including a record three Australian circumnavigations – reflected strong passenger interest in longer cruise experiences with diverse ports of call.

The two ships each carry 1950 passengers and have 975 staterooms – almost half with private balconies – including 38 suites and mini-suites. Their many features include a grand four-storey atrium with a stained-glass dome and glass elevators, eight restaurants and cafes, seven lounges, four pools and five whirlpool spas.

“Both Sun Princess and Dawn Princess offer a superb premium cruise experience, which particularly appeals to couples aged 40 years and over,” Mr Brown said.

Mr Brown said the dual visits of Sun Princess and Dawn Princess represented a six-fold increase in capacity since Princess Cruises launched premium cruising in Australia with the debut of the 680-passenger Pacific Princess in 2002.

The summer 2008-09 program will go on sale on April 10, 2007. For more information and bookings see a licensed travel agent, phone Princess Cruises on 13 24 88 or visit www.princess.com.au

Trendwest South Pacific, one of Australia’s largest holiday ownership businesses, is rebranding its industry-leading timeshare properties to become Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific. The rebranding process will take place throughout the course of 2007.

Barry Robinson has been President and CEO of Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific business unit for the past three years and says the move will enable the business to better leverage the Wyndham name and the success of parent company Wyndham Worldwide, one of the world’s largest hospitality companies.

“Adopting the Wyndham name within our timeshare business in Asia Pacific is a significant leap forward in our global brand strategy and sets the stage for further development of mixed-use hotel and timeshare properties throughout our international system,” he said.

“Associating the Wyndham brand with our world-class vacation ownership properties dramatically broadens the presence of our flagship brand throughout the marketplace, in both Australia and our international locations,” he said.

Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific has approximately 35,000 owners belonging to WorldMark South Pacific Club by Wyndham. Owners can access holidays in 14 Asia Pacific resorts and a number of associate properties throughout the region.

Club members use their credits to book holidays at resorts in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. They can also exchange their credits for holidays in other parts of the world.

“We recognise that not everyone can afford a holiday home and our product enables people to enjoy annual family holidays and visit exotic locations,” Mr. Robinson said.

About Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific

Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific is a subsidiary of Wyndham Vacation Ownership, the world’s largest vacation ownership business as measured by the number of vacation ownership resorts, vacation ownership units and vacation ownership interests.

Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific offers a network of 14 drive-to, exotic and national/international WorldMark South Pacific resorts with a unique, flexible point-based system of ownership. WorldMark South Pacific resort locations include Denarau Island, Fiji; Kirra Beach, Cairns and Caloundra in Queensland; Port Stephens, Coffs Harbour, Hunter Valley, Sydney, Port Macquarie and Port Macquarie’s Flynns Beach in New South Wales; Ballarat and Lakes Entrance in Victoria; Seven Mile Beach in Tasmania and Rotorua in NZ .

Dublin, Ireland – Want to travel and explore without being emblazoned with the scarlet letter of tourists: the fat, clunky guidebook? Hostelworld.com, the leading provider of online reservations to the budget, independent and youth travel market, announces an alternative and fun way to be an informed traveler, offering its users free podcasts to accompany the 25 free downloadable pocket guides to some of the greatest cities in the world.

Rather than lugging around traditional, heavy guidebooks, customers can now get their information on the move with Hostelworld.com. Stuff a guide into your back pocket and set out to discover the hidden gems of London, or download “The Knowledge” onto your iPod and uncover the city with the most characteristic of Londoners, a taxi driver!

Designed to serve customers with detailed guides to a better vacation, the added offerings of the newly updated, pocket guides include information on transportation, locations and the local currency, along with recommendations on the best restaurants, local specialties and the hippest nightclubs and bars.

For those with endless enthusiasm but limited time, the pocket guides also feature a list of the top “can’t be missed” attractions and the ideal way to spend 24 hours, which doesn’t include sleeping! Other features of the guides include listings of Internet cafés, information on the best shopping, the year’s top events, and insider tips on how to save money or what to do when you don’t have any!

For those with a penchant for the high-tech, other podcasts highlight Naples and New York City. Each podcast is 12-15 minutes long and includes a 1-3 minute sampling of a local resident’s opinion of the best restaurants and pubs in the area. The podcasts also feature important information about tourist destinations, money-saving tips, and must-see landmarks. Users can access the podcasts directly through Hostelworld.com (www.hostelworld.com/podcasts)  or the Hostelworld.com  channel on iTunes.

These convenient guides are created by travel guru and Hostelworld.com editor Colm Hanratty, who is quickly expanding the library of guides as he embarks on an 80 day trip around the world, traversing America, Australia, New Zealand and Asia. You can follow Colm on his travels by logging onto his travel network page on Hostelworld.com (http://www.hostelworld.com/myaccount/index.php?MemberID=47305) where he will be giving regular updates.

Niamh Ni Mhir, Hostelworld.com’s Managing Director, commented, “Technology plays a significant role in travel, and it is important to accommodate customers’ needs. The podcasts and pocket guides make traveling even more convenient, fun and modern. We want our customers to have the best experience during their trips, and these guides are easy ways to help them become immersed into the culture of their chosen destinations.”

About www.Hostelworld.com

Hostelworld.com is a leading provider of online reservations to the budget, independent and youth travel market. It offers confirmed online reservations for over 12,000 hostels and budget hotels in 165 countries worldwide. The site also offers budget travellers free podcasts, customised city guides, a travel social network and more. Hostelworld.com is headquartered in Dublin and is fully owned and operated by Web Reservations International Ltd (WRI).

Plaza Athénée Bangkok, A Royal Méridien Hotel is the preferred choice for meeting planners. The hotel is offering superb Meeting Packages 2007 with impeccable Thai service culture, sumptuous cuisine, chic new high tech IT and convenient location. Every meeting package is tailored to individual requirements. The main meeting room is a spacious 900 square metres, flooded with nature light and there are an additional 14 meeting rooms available, making Plaza Athénée Bangkok, A Royal Meridien Hotel the ideal choice for your next conference, seminar, workshop, product launch or festive event.

Full Day Meeting Package: THB 1,300++ per person/day (Minimum 15 people)

- Complimentary use of one meeting room from 08.00 – 17.00 hrs.

- Morning and afternoon coffee breaks with snacks.

- Business Luncheon with organized menu offering a choice of a Buffet at The Rain Tree Café.

- Complimentary use of standard audio visual, i.e. overhead projector, slide projector with screen.

- Complimentary use of whiteboard and flipchart with markers.

- Drinking water, writing pads, pencils and mints for all participants.

- Backdrop wording

Half Day Meeting Package: THB 1,100++ per person/day (Minimum 15 people)

- Complimentary use of one meeting room from 08.00 – 12.00 hrs. noon or 12.00 noon – 17.00 hrs.

- Morning or afternoon coffee breaks with snacks.

- Rest of inclusions same as for Full Day Meeting Package above

Rates are valid from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2007. For further information, proposals and reservations, please contact our Event Booking Centre on +66 (0) 2650 8800 ext. 6207 or e-mail pawinee.boonkaew@lemeridien.com The hotel’s unparalleled levels of service and chic location ensure that every meeting is a total success.

The Mandarin Barber, located on the 2/F of the hotel, offers traditional shaving and hair services together with a series of restorative treatments for men, in a warm and intimate atmosphere, reminiscent of a private gentleman’s club.

The experienced Barber team, many of whom have been delighting their loyal clientele for over twenty years, preside over the six traditional barber chairs. For those preferring a solitary shave and trim, a personal cutting room has been incorporated into the space. Lifestyle massages and facials are performed in the private treatment room and the hotel’s legendary Shanghainese pedicures can be enjoyed from the comfort of the dedicated Pedicure room.

The Mandarin Barber’s interiors were inspired by Art Deco chic from 1930’s Shanghai; with dark wood veneers, earth colours, geometric engraved glass panelling, decorative ironwork and Chinese screen-printed glass. The result is a comfortable masculine urban retreat.

State-of-the-art technology has been subtly incorporated to ensure guests can keep track of their favourite sports or follow the markets via individual entertainment centres whilst seated at one of the chairs.

The Mandarin Barber offers a range of treatments, from a moustache trim to two hour grooming packages. Highlights include:

Traditional Wet Shave – The traditional blade experience complete with lather and hot towels – HKD 240 (30 minutes).

Deep Tissue Massage – A massage of specific pressure points to ease aching muscles, remove toxins and balance the system – HKD 700 (50 minutes).

Shanghainese Pedicure – The hotel’s legendary Chinese medical procedure where skin is “shaved” away, leaving the feet soft and supple – HKD 660 (55 minutes).

Ultimate Grooming – Top to toe pampering comprising a Hair Cut, Facial, Wet Shave plus Shape and Buff of the Feet – HKD 1,300 (Two hours).

Post treatment, guests can relax and enjoy refreshments at the bar or in the lounge, while perusing the library of books and interesting gift items from the boutique. Products available include badger hair brushes, Hommage and The Art of Shaving products that soothe shaving irritations, deep cleanse the pores and encourage healthy, rejuvenated skin

The Mandarin Barber offers treatments between 8am and 7pm. Further information is available by logging on to www.mandarinoriental.com/hongkong  and reservations can be made by dialing +852 2825 4088.

About Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

Since its debut in 1963, the hotel has consistently set standards for service in Asia and Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong is set to continue its position as one of the world’s most legendary hotels. Rates range from HKD 3,400 to HKD 45,000 and reservations for rooms and suites can be made by calling +852 2522 0111 or by visiting the website at www.mandarinoriental.com/hongkong

Anthony Qin, Pastry Chef of St. Regis Hotel, Shanghai recently won a national selection of “World Chocolate Masters 2007”. He is the first Chinese Chocolate Master to be elected in China which will make a big impact on the Chinese gastronomic chocolate society. He will be representing China to participate in “World Chocolate Masters 2007” which will take place in October 2007 at the “Salon du Chocolat” in Paris.

Anthony Qin proved to be the best of 8 highly skilled and talented contestants from China, Hong Kong and Macau. His unimaginable creativities and exceptional pastry skills impressed the entire jury team. In the competition, the contestants were required to make a showpiece, praline, chocolate cake and dessert. The evaluation is based on the aspect, taste and technical implications. His stunning chocolate masterpiece is a thousand-hand Buddha.

X bar, an indoor/outdoor California lounge featuring creative cocktails, eclectic small plates, fire pits and an outside screening wall, is scheduled to open in Century City’s Hyatt Regency Century Plaza on March 22, 2007.

Designed by the renowned Gensler architect firm, X bar will embrace California eclecticism—the meeting of casual and refined. X bar will incorporate the key elements of water, fire, earth and California’s exotic plant life in an indoor/outdoor space outfitted with private places for romance and communal areas ideal for as socializing and networking. Design highlights such as outdoor circular fire pits surrounded by cushioned banquettes will provide a serene spot for conversation, while the open air screening wall will show a variety of classic films.

Indoors, a plasma television may broadcast major sporting events, industry awards or other news and programming of note. X bar’s menu will offer internationallyinspired small plates ideal for sharing and interacting with friends. X bar and the screening wall can be reserved for private groups.

Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, (310)228-1234, www.centuryplazahyatt.com