Jetsettersblog

MGM Grand Macau officially opened its doors on Dec. 18, 2007.

Owned by MGM Grand Paradise, a 50-50 joint venture between MGM Mirage and Pansy Ho Chiu-king, the 600-room MGM Grand Macau resort casino marks the partnership’s first venture into the rapidly growing Macau gaming market.

Located on the Macau peninsula, MGM Grand Macau features 600 rooms, suites and villas; a grand casino offering approximately 375 table games, 900 slot machines and 16 private gaming salons for preferred customers; and the signature Grande Praca showcasing Portuguese-inspired architecture, landscapes and a glass ceiling rising 82 feet above the floor of the resort. The 35-story resort also includes convertible convention space, spa and swimming pool facilities, and a variety of restaurants.

Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat has added four new tree houses to its luxurious accommodation in the Atherton Tableland.

The beautiful handcrafted pole and timber tree houses are all fully self-contained and offer spectacular rainforest and mountain views. Each tree house is hidden from the next, providing complete privacy within a tropical rainforest canopy.

The studio, one and two-bedroom tree houses feature fully-equipped kitchens, large spa baths and wooden fireplaces. Rose Gums is an 80 minute drive from Cairns and also features an on-site restaurant, Mr Lee’s Kitchen, which offers a traditional Laos banquet every evening. There is also a lot to explore in the surrounding tableland area including extensive walking tracks, volcanic crater lakes, waterfalls, quaint country villages and rich indigenous culture.

Visit http://www.rosegums.com.au/

Now that a television program reported that it appears cell phone usage will probably not bring down airplanes, can we expect to see them…or hear them…soon?

Airlines can’t allow cell phones to be used in flight until the technology has been proven safe. However, according to ABC News consultant John Nance, the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Aviation Administration “have not done their job over about a 25-year period. And the airlines have quite properly said … if you’re not going to tell us, then we’re just going to default to the most conservative position and say we’re not going to use them in the air.”

A report on “20/20″ about travel myths brought up the cell phone issue. Some experts reported there was a possibility cell phones could cause air mishaps.

“The evidence strongly supports that there is a risk,” said Bill Strauss, an electromagnetic interference expert.

But the report also said not a single air crash has been proven to be caused by the use of a cell phone onboard a plane.

Tips’ Page Enlightens Travellers On Airline Food

Cheapflights.co.uk, the UK’s leading flight price comparison site, has produced a tips page for travellers who need to know which airlines cater for their special dietary requirements. The tips page, soon to be joining others on the website at www.cheapflights.co.uk/travel-tips, gives the low down on which airlines provide for everyone from vegans to dieters.

Provided notice is given, in most cases 24 hours, many airlines can cater for passengers’ needs and some for special occasions; Thomsonfly, Emirates and XL will provide champagne for any sky-high celebrations. Vegetarian, vegan meals and meals for diabetics are available on nearly all of the 12 airlines researched.

Singapore Airlines provides the longest, and most admirable list of special meals with an impressive 14 different categories: Kosher, Muslim, Hindu, vegetarian, diabetic, fat-free, gluten-free, low sodium, low calorie, non-carbohydrate, non-lactose, seafood, oriental, and Japanese.

When travelling on a low-cost carrier such as Ryanair or easyJet, don’t forget to pack your own meal to suit your dietary needs as it may be hard to find food to meet your requirements from their set menus.

For information on pricing of standard airline meals, visit www.cheapflights.co.uk/travel-tips/airline-extras.html

Francesca Ecsery, General Manager of Cheapflights.co.uk, comments: “Embarking on a flight, especially those of the long-haul variety, often means dining at 30,000 feet. We hope this information will assist the growing number of travellers who have special dietary needs by highlighting which airlines can cater specifically to their diet”.

Imagine all the legendary silhouette-sleeking power of Pilates – but with the cardiovascular benefits of an aerobics class, or a step workout. And imagine feeling amazing – and seeing results – in just 10 sessions…TenPilates is London’s newest Pilates destination for women and men seeking a slimmer figure, toned muscles and fast results. Whether you’re a Pilates ‘virgin’ (TenPilates offers special beginners’ sessions) or have been following Joseph Pilates’ exercise system for years (and want to experience even greater body-shaping benefits), TenPilates offers a warm welcome, a highly enjoyable experience and one of the most effective and dynamic body-sculpting workouts you can find.

TenPilates isn’t mat-work: each client (no more than ten to a class) works out on their own state-of-the-art Reformer bed, following a varied routine led by Pilates and fitness expert David Higgins (who previously set up Beautcamp Pilates). During the 55-minute class, David is able to monitor each client as he moves around the room, adjusting individuals’ posture and positions to optimise their individual workout. And in the studio, with 1500 square feet of studio space (just off Ladbroke Grove), there’s the luxury of space that so many London gyms and workout studios simply don’t offer. Crucially, TenPilates makes exercise on the Reformer far more accessible than in most studios, with an introductory session priced at just £12.50, and regular classes priced from just £15.50 each (depending on the ‘block’ of classes booked). No wonder some TenPilates clients come every single day. (Yes, including Sundays…) And of course, they have the ‘perfect 10’ bodies to show for it.

‘The important thing about this style of Pilates is that it offers a good aerobic workout,’ explains David. ‘Most of us have super-busy lives, so the idea behind this revolutionary system is to combine the body-shaping, core-strengthening power of Pilates with the cardiovascular workout our hearts and lungs need. Unlike aerobics, though, you’re not jumping around and causing pressure on the joints, which can lead to problems later.’ Because of its fitness-boosting potential, TenPilates is becoming very popular with male clients, who are usually far outnumbered in Pilates studios. What’s more, David explains, no two classes are the same, ‘so there’s absolutely no opportunity to get bored.’ And in addition, carefully-chosen fast paced music playing in the background helps ease clients through the class’s different phases: a gentler warm-up, super-dynamic pacy class, and of course the cool-down that bodies need. ‘The class is fun, exciting – and effective,’ says David. ‘And you see results so fast; it’s easy to stay motivated.’

David Higgins – who has a degree in Exercise, Physiology and Sport from Victoria University in Melbourne – trained in Reformer Pilates in Beverly Hills, with L.A.’s Pilates guru, Sebastian LaGree. He moved to London in 2004, initially working as a personal trainer, but rapidly became one of the most sought-after Pilates trainers in town, with a stellar clientele. (No point asking who; he’s far too discreet). TenPilates is the brainchild of David and co-founder Joanne Mathews – a marketing industry dynamo (and former county level swimmer, tennis and squash player) who first encountered David as a client, when he helped rehabilitate her after an injury. Joanne – who is also a qualified NLP practitioner – now runs the business side of TenPilates, with plans to take this revolutionary exercise concept nationwide. TenPilates needs to be experienced for its power to be believed. So Joanne Mathews and David Higgins invite you to try a class for yourself: TenPilates is open from 8:00 a.m. – 9 p.m. on weekdays (7 p.m. on Fridays), 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sundays. And you’ll be on your way to becoming a perfect 10…

Pilates 5 – Powerhouse Designed for those new to Pilates but great for those who are already converts to the technique. Certificate: (EX) Release Date: 27/12/2001 Starring: Lynne Robinson Directors: Special Features:

BlueBay Hotels & Resorts, a new collection of all-inclusive beach resorts with properties in Mexico and the Caribbean launched the new brand with the inauguration of its flagship property, the BlueBay Grand Esmeralda on Mexico’s Mayan Riviera and the BlueBay Villas Doradas in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. BlueBay Hotels & Resorts is a distinct brand and has no association with other Blue Bay branded properties in the Cancun area. BlueBay Hotels & Resorts has growth plans in other beach destinations. In addition to plans for opening new properties, the recently opened BlueBay Grand Esmeralda is undergoing an aggressive expansion slated for completion in January 2008, giving the hotel a total of 984 rooms. In addition, the property inaugurated a spa complete with a hydrotherapy circuit, a modern 6,000 square foot meeting and convention facility with capacity for up to 450 people, and an auditorium with entertainment activities for guests with capacity for up to 600 people.

BlueBay Hotels & Resort’s current properties include: the flagship BlueBay Grand Esmeralda located on 180-acres of beachfront overlooking the waters of Mexico’s Mayan Riviera. Formerly operating under the name Grand Gala Esmeralda Resort, the property was purchased by BlueBay Hotels & Resorts and underwent extensive upgrades and renovations to reflect the BlueBay brand and standards.

The resort currently offers 291 rooms and suites, including a presidential suite, a spa, as well as a state of the art 6,000 square foot meeting and convention facility. Once expansion plans are completed in January 2008, the property will offer a total of 984 rooms. BlueBay Villas Doradas is also an all-inclusive property reserved for guests 18 years of age and older. The property is located in the Dominican Republic’s Puerto Plata’s Playa Dorada Complex, overlooking the Caribbean Sea and next to the 18-hole Robert Trent Jones designed Playa Dorada Golf Course.

The resort offers 245 guest rooms, three swimming pools, three tennis courts, a gym and spa.

For more information, call 888-342-9555 or visit http://www.bluebayresorts.com/  

Carnival Cruise Lines will operate an unprecedented number of voyages in Europe in 2009. The line’s 2009 European season will feature two of its newest 110,000-ton ships — Carnival Liberty, which will operate 12-day Northern European and Mediterranean cruises, and Carnival Freedom, sailing 12-day departures to the Mediterranean.

In response to outstanding advance bookings for its first-ever Northern Europe program next year aboard the Carnival Splendor, the Carnival Liberty will operate the program again in 2009 with twice the number of voyages.

Carnival Liberty’s Northern Europe cruises will operate round-trip from London (Dover) from May 9 to Aug. 25, 2009. Featured ports include Copenhagen, Denmark; Warnemunde (Berlin), Germany; Helsinki, Finland; St. Petersburg, Russia (two-day call); Tallin, Estonia; and Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

The ship will then operate a one-time 12-day Western Mediterranean voyage from Dover to Rome (Civitavecchia) Sept. 6, 2009, after which it will operate two 12-day Grand Mediterranean voyages departing Sept. 19 and Oct. 25, 2009, and three 12-day Mediterranean & Greece cruises Oct. 1, Oct. 13 and Nov. 6, 2009.

Carnival Freedom will offer 12-day “Grand Mediterranean” and “Mediterranean & Greece” cruises from Rome (Civitavecchia) beginning in May 2009. Carnival Freedom’s 12-day “Mediterranean & Greece” cruises include eight ports: Naples, Italy; Rhodes, Greece; Izmir (Ephesus) and Istanbul, Turkey featuring scenic cruising of the Dardanelles; Athens (Piraeus) and Katakolon, Greece; and Livorno, Italy, as well as an overnight call in Rome. Voyages depart May 9, Aug. 13, and Sept. 18, 2009. The 12-day “Grand Mediterranean” cruises visit seven ports: Naples; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Venice, Italy (two-day call); Messina, Sicily; Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; and Livorno, Italy.

Departure dates include May 21, June 2, June 14, June 26, July 8, July 20, Aug. 1, Aug. 25, Sept. 6, Sept. 30, Oct. 12 and Oct. 24, 2009. Carnival will begin accepting reservations for the Carnival Freedom and Carnival Liberty’s 2009 European cruises on Dec. 17, 2007.

Costa is to more than double capacity in Asia by basing a larger second ship in the region from 2009.

The 1,680-passenger Costa Classica is to join Costa Allegra for a combined total of 60 cruises and 85,000 berths from March 2009.

Costa Classica will be deployed from March 27 through to November 7, 2009 on 33 cruises lasting between four and 14 days, with departures out of Singapore, Shanghai, Tianjin and Hong Kong.

The 1,000-passenger Costa Allegra will offer 30 cruises from November 2008 through November 2009, some of which will be 14-day cruises, with departures from Hong Kong and Singapore.

Since the Italian line began operations in the Far East in summer 2006, more than 50,000 passengers have sailed on the Costa Allegra on a total of approximately 100 cruises.

Before being positioned in Asia, Costa Classica will complete its Mediterranean season on November 30, 2008, setting sail from Savona, Italy, for the United Arab Emirates, where the ship will operate 11 seven-day cruises from Dubai. It will then depart for Singapore on a 19-day positioning cruise.

Like its namesake, the 18th century lothario, the “reborn” Casanova exudes charisma, style and an undeniable sex appeal. Barcelona, Spain’s most design-conscious city with its playful Gaudi architecture and buzzing contemporary arts scene, is the ideal locale for such a hip yet elegant hotel. The 124-room Casanova, within walking distance of Las Ramblas and top cultural attractions, blends modern design with theatrical flair, mirroring the city itself. The existing Casanova hotel was re-imagined by Samir Saab, the concept designer of such fashionable resorts as Ikal del Mar and Esencia on Mexico’s Riviera Maya and La Pleta in the Spanish Pyrenees (a favorite of King Juan Carlos and Victoria Beckham).

Casanova is Saab’s first urban hotel. Sculptural chairs by Ron Arad and whimsical lighting fixtures accentuate the angular, sun-lit lobby while guestrooms, some with balconies, feature retro-inspired furnishings in a neutral palate, oak floors, organza-like curtains and silk bedspreads in shades of olive green and gold as well as plasma televisions and WiFi. Bathrooms have square-shaped porcelain sinks, rain or vichy showers and plush terry robes.

Executive chef Jaume Brichs, who boasts a Michelin pedigree, serves up “Mexiterranean” cuisine fusing Mexican, Catalan and Mediterranean ingredients. Some of his signature dishes include steamed lamb with chiles, garlic and cactus flowers and olive oil-poached cod in a habanero sauce. And in what is surely a first, the restaurant has an onsite choreographer changing the decor monthly — via lighting, fragrances and music — adding a theatrical flourish to this singular dining experience. Guests can also enjoy lighter fare at the pistachio-hued glass bar where ceviche and cocktails like the Casanova, a festive blend of strawberries, lime juice, Cinzano and Lillet are served.

Casanova, with its indoor/outdoor Stone Spa, serves as an urban retreat. The garden courtyard features a couples’ cabana surrounded by sand and fragrant flowers. Some of the indoor treatment rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, and luxurious treatments include the Herbal Milk Bath and the Stone Marvels massage. Soon to be added is a rooftop pool and lounge, where guests can sunbathe, meet for drinks or take an afternoon siesta on plush daybeds or hammocks. And keeping in step with the ecologically minded times, Casanova is Barcelona’s first hotel to incorporate solar panels and its bath facilities will use water-saving technologies.

The introductory rate starts at 160 euros ($234.56) per night from now through March 31, 2008. Starting April 1, rates start at 295 euros ($432.46) per night.

For more information and reservations, call Small Luxury Hotels of the World at 800-525-4800 in the U.S. and Canada or visit www.slh.com/casanova

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. said it plans to debut the W Hotel in Amman, Jordan, scheduled to open in 2011. Starwood entered into an agreement with Saraya, a real estate development and asset management company investing worldwide in the travel and tourism industry, to develop the first W hotel in Amman as part of Saraya’s new headquarters.

When it opens, the 280-room W Amman also plans to service additional luxury residences in the modern New Abdali Downtown. W Amman marks the brand’s fourth hotel in the Middle East following the announcements of W Doha, W Dubai-Festival City, and W Dubai-The Palm.

Located in the Abdali New Downtown, W Amman will feature all of the W brand’s signature comforts, including its Living Room experience, destination bar, indoor and outdoor pools (WET) as well as a poolside bar.

Visitors to W Amman will have access to more than 4,000 square feet of meeting space and an exclusive spa and Sweat fitness center. The Abdali Urban Regeneration project is the largest mixed-use development undertaken in the center of Amman, consisting of residential apartments, office space, commercial and retail outlets as well as entertainment. Developed on almost five million square feet of land, the entire Abdali project totals more than 18 million square feet.

For more information, visit http://www.whotels.com/