Jetsettersblog

Mandarin Oriental Opens Beijing Hotel

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group will manage a luxury hotel in the new headquarters of China Central Television (CCTV), located in the central business district of Beijing. The 241-room Mandarin Oriental, Beijing will be a key component of the CCTV project, and is expected to open in mid-2008, in time for the Beijing Olympic Games.

The hotel will feature six dining and cocktail venues. Both the Chinese and signature restaurant will be located on the top two floors of the hotel and linked by a champagne bar suspended over a staircase. A Mandarin Oriental Cake Shop will also be part of the dining experience.

In addition, the hotel will feature circular ballroom that will be surrounded by a ring of water. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Beijing, with 11 treatment rooms, will feature signature programs that are exclusive to Mandarin Oriental.

A fitness center and beauty salon will also be available. For more information, visit http://www.mandarinoriental.com/

Best Western Extends AAA Partnership

Best Western International was selected as a preferred lodging partner of both the American Automobile Association (AAA) and Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) through 2010, extending the long-term relationship between the travel industry organizations.

As part of the agreement, Best Western and AAA/CAA will leverage the mutual strengths of their brands and through channels such as the associations’ Approved Lodging, Official Appointment, TourBook and Show Your Card & Save (SYC&S) programs.

The partnership also provides Best Western greater access to the more than 50 million AAA/CAA members and their respective clubs through preferential placement in the organizations’ sales materials and through targeted marketing efforts. In addition, Best Western will have more extensive usage rights to the AAA/CAA brand and logo in its related advertising/promotional activities.

Sheraton San Diego CardioReady

Starwood’s Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina property has earned the designation of CardioReady Certified Meeting Space.

To earn the designation, the property completed a 20-step review process assuring that American Heart Association guidelines are followed for protecting guests, attendees and employees from sudden cardiac arrest — a leading cause of death, killing more than 330,000 per year in the United States alone. Requirements for receiving certification include medical supervision, strategic placement of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) throughout the facility, trained staff, documented equipment testing and maintenance programs, coordination with local emergency response entities, and compliance with local, state and federal regulations.

The Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina and other properties that meet the criteria for the CardioReady Network can be found at www.cardioready.com, as well as through the StarCite Online Marketplace, www.mpoint.com StarCite serves thousands of meeting professionals from major corporations and independent planning agencies and enables them to identify and select facilities that have employed best practices for cardiac emergency programs.

For more information about the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, visit www.starwoodhotels.com

Baechtel Creek Inn California Spa Experience

The 43-room Baechtel Creek Inn & Spa in Willits, Calif., has added spa treatments that reflect the Northern California region’s redwoods, coast and vineyards with aromatherapy, herbs and botanicals used in treatments designed to balance mind, body and spirit.

Among the treatments are the Redwood Raindrop Massage, where drops of organic redwood aromatherapy oil are dropped onto the skin and then massaged into spine and body; Feet Treats, which cleanses, exfoliate, and sooth rough feet, legs and knees using lavender wave salt scrub or tingle mint sugar scrub, followed by a reflexology treatment; the Eel River Stone Massage, in which the therapist uses smooth Basalt stones; the Milky Rich Sea Mineral Wrap, an anti-wrinkle treatment that includes a mask of seaweed and milky rich minerals; Love Potion #9, a couples massage using floating rose petals in red-hued damiana-infused oil with herbs and aromatic scents; and the Lemon Grass and Ginger Body Polish, using salt or sugar crystals to exfoliate the body and ginger and lemongrass oils to detoxify the skin.

Call 800-459-9911 or visit www.baechtelcreekinn.com/ridgewoodranch.htm  

Britain’s Travelodges Expand

Travelodge, the U.K. hotel company, announced a new U.K. growth drive, pledging to triple the size of its holdings by the end of 2020.

The budget hotel chain will be stepping up its hotel openings in 2008, adding on average 4,000 rooms (approx 40 hotels) every year up to 70,000 rooms (around 1,000) hotels by the end of the next decade - targeting a 10 percent share of the total UK hotel market.

The program will create an additional 10,000 jobs and mean an investment of £3.5 billion in new hotels. The major area of focus is Greater London which is expected to see a boost of 22,000 rooms alone. In Wales and Scotland, room numbers will increase by approximately 300 percent and 100 percent respectively before 2020.

Travelodge said it believes that around two thirds of its new hotels will be via organic growth but the remaining will come from regenerating existing hotels in targeted locations. The budget chain’s development team has been working on adapting its hotel format so that office buildings, factories and mills as well as existing hotels can be converted to a Travelodge hotel in minimal time. Travelodge currently operates 314 hotels (20,000 rooms) — nine in Ireland, three in Spain and rest in the UK.

It aims to be the biggest budget operator in London by the 2012 Olympics with over 7,000 rooms in the capital. For more information, visit www.travellodge.co.uk

Norfolk Air Bounty’Business Class

The colourful Mutiny on the Bounty story is behind the name of a full Business Class product to debut on flights to Australia’s closest international destination, Norfolk Island, from September 1 this year.

Norfolkair’s plush new ‘Bounty Class’ will feature eight 48-inch pitch (122cm) soft leather Business Class seats with passengers enjoying latest release movies on individual DVD players, three choices of main meal including Norfolk Island produce and a selection of premium New Zealand and Australian wines.

Bounty Class passengers on Norfolkair’s 737-200 jet will also be pampered with personal service, priority check-in, access to business class lounges and an increased baggage allowance.

The new Bounty Class seats are on sale now for a one-way cost of $883.24 per person from Sydney, $868.16 from Brisbane and $861 from Newcastle, including flight taxes.

But to celebrate the new service, Norfolk Air is offering a hot two-for-one Business Class special for passengers who purchase a luxury Bounty Class holiday package. The Travel Centre on Norfolk has a range of deals available from $1831 per person from Brisbane, $1824 pp from Newcastle and $1846 pp from Sydney, including the two-for-one airfare discount on return Bounty Class fares, seven nights twin share accommodation in a luxury cottage, seven days car hire and a deluxe massage for two. The two-for-one packages are on sale until June 30 for travel from September 1 to January 31, 2008. Contact the Travel Centre toll-free on 1800 140 066 or visit www.travelcentre.nf

Norfolkair will also launch its own frequent flyer program, ‘Bounty Club’, initially to be available to business class passengers only. Bounty Club members who buy eight each-way Business Class sectors (equivalent of four return trips), will get the ninth sector free of charge, excluding tax. The offer will be free of time limits.

Norfolkair Chief Executive Officer Ewan Wilson said the airline’s new Business Class product was named Bounty Class to reflect Norfolk’s rich history and range of inclusions.

“We really wanted to introduce an innovative, fresh, world-class product with premium cuisine and in-flight entertainment,” Mr Wilson said. “We could not think of a more appropriate name than ‘Bounty’ as it reflects Norfolk’s history and also embraces the bountiful inclusions of our Business Class product.”

“Our research shows there will be a demand for this premium product and we are hoping that this will lead to more high-yielding tourists visiting the island. Overall, traffic to Norfolk is up one third this financial year following the increase of flights to the island.”

A partnership arrangement set up by the Norfolk Island Government last year with aircraft operator Ozjet, using Norfolk Island cabin crew, Norfolkair flies eight times a week from Sydney, Brisbane or Newcastle to Norfolk island, 1500km north-east of Sydney. Flight times are between 2-2.5 hours.

Once an infamous convict colony and measuring just 8km by 5km, Norfolk Island is home to the descendants of the Bounty mutineers. Islanders speak their own language – one of the world’s rarest - but use Australian dollars. Passports are required for travel to Norfolk island.

For more information, see a travel agent or visit www.norfolkair.com  or www.norfolkisland.nf

LeSpa at Sofitel for Queenstown luxury

Queenstown will welcome the launch of its first international standard five-star hotel spa with the opening of LeSpa at Sofitel on July 9.

The eagerly-awaited luxury spa is a new spa concept created specifically for Sofitel Hotels & Resorts, drawing upon expertise which has been 25 years in the making by the Accor Group.

Housed in the multi-award-winning Sofitel Queenstown building in the heart of the popular tourist resort, the million-dollar spa features a full range of signature treatments from a highly trained LeSpa team.

Drawing on French and local product suppliers, it will offer a world of lavishness for the face and body where radiance is synonymous with balance and well-being, all aimed at rejuvenating, regenerating and illuminating from within.

Renowned French products Carita and Decléor will combine with design elements of Central Otago’s greenery, mountains, glaciers, riverbeds and the richness of natural stones in the welcoming spaces and treatment rooms, to deliver a uniquely New Zealand sensory experience.

Featuring a traditional Hammam (steam and exfoliation room), use of which is offered free of charge with many treatments, LeSpa has three personal spa suites and two luxury spa suites for two, each with its own steam shower or spa bath. There is also a hand and foot luxury spa, a dedicated manicure and pedicure room, and a relaxation lounge.

Upon arrival at the spa, each client will be offered tea in the relaxation room while a trained therapist asks questions about their background, before recommending a treatment or treatments perfectly tailoured to their needs.

Unique treatments include the Traditional Maori Ritual, combining ‘Ataahua’, a traditional exfoliation, full body massage and body wrapping with manuka honey and Rotorua volcanic mud, with the sensuality of a relaxing massage using warm and cool greenstones. 

For winter snow sports lovers there is Queenstown’s own SoSki Sports Massage with Beeswax after a hard day on the slopes.

The LeSpa focus is very much on each individual, catering to his or her every requirement in terms of privacy, intimacy, relaxation and regeneration. Treatments and rituals are all about producing the ‘end result’ that each client needs.

“Queenstown is a place where visitors come to unwind, relax and rejuvenate, and we know they will welcome the unique rituals and true luxury hotel spa experiences on offer at LeSpa at Sofitel,” said Sofitel Queenstown General Manager Mark Wilkinson. 

“In LeSpa at Sofitel the client is always the centre of attention in this delightful, intimate area. LeSpa is all about delighting, soothing and invigorating the senses, the ultimate in warmth and comfort.”

LeSpa at Sofitel will be open 10am to 10pm daily, seven days a week. Locals or visitors keen for friends or family to enjoy the experience can purchase gift vouchers for any treatments.
 

Seoul’s Incheon Airport Transit tours

Passengers passing through Seoul’s Incheon International Airport can now enjoy transit tours while they are awaiting flight connections for as little as US$5. Five special priced tours are being offered to transit passengers to give them a taste of Korea.

International travelers recently voted Incheon International Airport the world’s best airport for customer service and the introduction of these new transit tours are an added bonus for passengers.

Transit passengers can make the most of their time in transit by visiting the capital Seoul and discovering the charms of old palaces and museums, experiencing Korean history and culture and enjoying the delights of shopping and Korean cuisine.

Tours start from US$5 for a one hour temple tour nearby the airport for those passengers with short transit time. Otherwise tours are available to nearby Incheon City (4hrs) with lunch included for US$40 or a Seoul City Highlights Tour (5hrs) including lunch for US$49. There is also a tour to the Demilitarized Zone (5hrs) on the border between South and North Korea including lunch for US$60.

For those who may like to try their luck at the nearby Golden Gate Casino there is a one hour tour which will take you there free. Also, for those who desire to play golf during tranist there is the Sky Golf Experience. This golf course is just five minutes from Incheon International Airport and is the largest golf course in Northeast Asia.

Interested passengers can simply go to the Incheon International Airport transit tour desk at the tr ansit entrance on the second floor.

Ph: 82-32-741-3139

Further information on the Incheon International Airport Transit tours can be obtained by contacting Korea Tourism Organization Ph: 1800 211 717 or email: visitkorea@knto.org.au  Information also available at www.tour2korea.com

Luxury New Zealand Adventures

In New Zealand, you’ll experience true luxury, discovery, adventure, and mystery. It’s there to be found. In the land, in the people, in the spirit.

Navigate Oceania, a collection of 23 inspired destinations and unique experiences will be unveiled at the award winning Treetops Lodge and Wilderness Estate at the ultimate showcase of New Zealand’s luxury tourism product – Pure Luxury 2007 and TRENZ 2007 19-24 May. Navigate Oceania launches a collection of luxury accommodations and experiences from New Zealand’s best boutique hotels and luxury lodges, an exclusive private island, villas, spa destinations and inspired experiences.

“Attended by 43 of the world’s most prestigious luxury travel industry buyers, Pure Luxury 2007 and 323 TRENZ buyers provide the ultimate launch for this new luxury brand of the very best of boutique accommodations and experiences in New Zealand”, said director of Navigate, Karine Thomas.

Demand to provide a consumer brand, Navigate Oceania, an extension of the successful marketing and public relations company Navigate South founded by Karine Thomas in 2003, will provide an umbrella brand to promote further this New Zealand collection to the world. In line with South’s company philosophy, no reservations will be taken directly by Navigate but will instead be driven through the new Navigate Oceania website to ‘Travel Partners’; those international and New Zealand based specialists that are already so supportive to the Navigate brand. Karine Thomas comments, “Navigate Oceania’s concept of driving business back to those who are our ultimate supporters is a first in the world, no other collection of hotels or tourism activities does this. It has always been Navigate’s business philosophy not to cut out the New Zealand specialist wholesaler or travel agent, but to provide support to our largest producing business partners”.

There will be no change to the services provided by Navigate South; Navigate Oceania has been launched only as a tool for consumers. The Navigate Oceania Guide to New Zealand will soon be launched and again in Navigate’s entrepreneurial spirit, this will encapsulate a world first based on experiential themed experiences, not the traditional focus on accommodation.

Whether a beachside retreat, a lodge in a beautiful bush setting, a luxury Bed & Breakfast or your very own private island, Navigate Oceania considers only the very best.

For any media enquiries, please contact Ana Hensley, Marketing Communications Manager or Karine Thomas, Director at Navigate Oceania on ++64 9 307 3633 or email: ana@navigateoceania.com or karine@navigateoceania.com

Navigate South was launched in 2003 by Karine Thomas, a luxury tourism industry veteran of over 20 years. Her vision saw a need to provide professional marketing and public relations advice for the small luxury sector of the travel industry. See www.navigateoceania.com/company.php  for full bio.

Pure Luxury is a showcase focusing on the very best luxury products and experiences New Zealand has to offer. International agents and destination specialists with a focus on the luxury sector and New Zealand have arrived from all over the world to take part in the show which is hosted award winning Treetops Lodge & Estate in Rotorua, (www.treetops.co.nz), on 19 & 20 May 2007.

Tourism Rendezvous New Zealand (TRENZ) is New Zealand’s annual international tourism tradeshow. This event delivers unique business opportunities for an extensive range of New Zealand tourism operators and international tourism buyers from around the globe and is hosted at Energy Events Centre, Rotorua 21-24 May 2007.

New clients launch for Pure Luxury 2007 & TRENZ 2007:

• Cavalli Island Retreat & Spa, Northland Cavalli Island Spa Retreat offers exclusive reign over a private island escape together with a 72 ft luxury motor yacht. Experience the opulence of a luxury spa. Explore the natural beauty of the island’s untouched beaches and native fauna. Sample the best in indigenous fare and seafood harvested directly from its shores. Recreational activities and equipment include jet skis, kayaks, amphibious boat, motorised dinghy, fishing, snorkelling & diving equipment and an 8 wheel Argo. Up to 20 staff are on hand 24/7. Rate from US$15,000 per day.

• Bolton Hotel, Wellington Situated in the heart of the capital city’s CBD and political centre, this luxuriously appointed boutique hotel offers 142 rooms including 94 one and two bedroom self contained suites. Conference facilities are available together with a business centre, restaurant and café. The Hotel has a five star Qualmark rating.

• Doubtless Bay Villas, Northland Doubtless Bay Villas offers chic and luxurious accommodation, uninterrupted, panoramic ocean views and direct beach access on a private and peaceful slice of far Northland coastline. The 50, almost identical condominiums, all with spectacular views over the ocean, offer one bedroom suites and two and three bedroom apartments. Guest facilities include fresh water infinity pool, spa, and all weather tennis court.

Miami’s Fairmont Turnberry New Restaurant

The Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club introduced its newest restaurant, The Cascata Grille. At the Cascata Grille, guests can enjoy a variety of savory menu items in the open airy setting of an outdoor café. Cuisine at the Cascata Grille will be in the hands of the resort’s Executive Chef, Hubert Des Marais, and will showcase a blend of Mediterranean flavors and fresh Florida selections all organically grown from local farmers.

Chef Des Marais has created a menu featuring dishes such as Moroccan Chicken Tangine, Pistachio Encrusted Indian River Soft Shell Crabs and Fairchild Mango Crisp. Before dinner guests can wind down with a cocktail at the bar, located in an alcove off to the side of the dinning room, featuring flat screen TV’s and an assortment of spirits. Outdoor seating offer views of a waterfall and the resort’s new North golf course.

The Cascata Grille will open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is one of the several transformations the Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club has undergone after the $100 million renovation and its grand re-opening this past December.