Jetsettersblog

YOU’VE NEVER BEEN SO CLOSE !

A European advertising campaign to promote Paris Ile-de-France as a very easily accessible destination that is brimming with energy and cultural riches.

“The new Paris Ile-de-France” advertising campaign has just been unveiled in London as well as in 12 other European cities. Its goal is to spark the immediate desire to come –or come back- to Paris Ile-de-France to make the most of the region’s events and cultural offering. The campaign places particular emphasis on the destination’s ease of access via high-speed train.

The creative concept for “The new Paris Ile-de-France” campaign shows the region as an avant-garde territory full of surprises, just a few hours from London.

“You’ve never been so close” to discovering exceptional architecture, unique exhibitions, ground-breaking artists…
Visitors are the focus of the message and in the foreground of visuals. The idea is to emphasise the emotions elicited by a visit to Paris Ile-de-France. Humour and complicity will drive the message home.

The campaign’s creation is led by the agency Hakuhodo and is signed by several artists:
- Jeff Koons , the art of extravagance.
His piece “Hanging Heart” (red/gold) will be the focus of the campaign message for the destination and this out-of-the-ordinary creation perfectly captures the soul of “The new Paris Ile de France”

- Patrick Blanc , nature from another angle.
Patrick Blanc is the creator of the plant wall at the Quai Branly museum and this original and spectacular creation has naturally found its place in the communication campaign
- David Stewart , the sublimation of reality.
Photographer to the advertising world, his photographs stand apart due to his unique ability to transfigure situations or people which at first appear ordinary

The region’s new website, www.new-paris-idf.com includes the campaign visuals and the “good deals” offered by the partners including transport and accommodation from www.lastminute.com and free admission to the Quai Branly museum. Competitions will give website visitors the chance to win exceptional prizes such as a night for two at the Hotel Everland or a Paris museum pass.

Paris’ recently opened Mama Shelter offers a new concept in the hotel industry. It was developed by the Trigano family who founded Club Med. Mama Shelter is a hybrid between a boutique hotel and a youth hostel, with a price point of 79 euros ($99).

The hotel targets an edgier audience, and is purposely situated in an upcoming Parisian neighborhood (20th District).

The design includes a lobby and walls made from chalkboard so guests can scribble at will, mimicking the graffiti that covered the parking garage the hotel was converted from.

Located in the Saint Blaise quartier, the hotel features 172 rooms equipped with Apple iMacs, TV, Internet, CD/DVD players, Skype, iChat and free wireless Internet access;

communal dining with authentic French food served all day (160-seat restaurant with a 30-seat terrace);

the 40-seat Island Bar from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.; eat-in and take-out bakery with a 30-seat long table; live concerts, after-hour parties, cabaret shows and proximity to the Fleche d’Or club; forums and lectures with scholars, politicians and poets; concierge and guest relations team;

kiosk with express check-in /check-out;

work desks in every room; business center; yoga classes; multilingual staff; Smart car, scooter and bicycle rental;

and more.

For more information, call 011 33 1 43 48 48 48,

email paris@mamashelter.com

or visit www.mamashelter.com

Abu Dhabi, UAE,: Operators of larger bodied, longer range jets in the Middle Eastern private aviation charter market will be better able to ride out the worldwide economic downturn, says Shane O’Hare, President and CEO of Royal Jet – the Abu Dhabi-headquartered international luxury executive flight services company, chaired by H.E. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan.

Talking to delegates at the Middle East Business Aviation event at Dubai Airport (November 16-18), O’Hare said that whilst airlines around the world were looking to cut back during this period of economic uncertainty, Royal Jet was about to embark on a period of significant growth.

“The very fact that the amount of exhibitors at MEBA has grown this year by 175 per cent to 244 from 30 countries, whilst 2,700 visitors have pre-registered to attend the show, demonstrates that there is still strong interest overall in the Middle Eastern market. We intend to take advantage of our proven track record by forging ahead with our plans to open more bases in the Middle East, and at the same time increase our portfolio of managed aircraft” he said.

“This will be done through a mix of our own investment and strategic partnerships and I would certainly not rule out markets further afield figuring in these plans.

I will be announcing details in the weeks ahead and am certain that these developments will further enhance Royal Jet’s position as the leading private jet operator in the Middle East.

“At Royal Jet we have in the main been unaffected by the current conditions, as our strategy has been one of diversification into a number of different service offerings which has protected us from the worst of the economic turbulence” he told them. “Royal Jet is still on target to meet all its business milestones.

 “We have always concentrated on higher net worth individuals who in the main require VIP and super mid-sized aircraft such as Boeing Business Jets and the higher end Gulfstreams, for which we continue to see constant demand.

“Indeed, brokers are telling us that there remains a shortage of aircraft available for charter that are capable of flying more than 20 people, and that we – with our fleet of five Boeing Business Jets, which is the largest such fleet in the world – are ideally suited to picking up much more business,” he added.

“At the same time, it is clear that the largest demand from the Middle East for VIP charters is from the GCC and at Royal Jet we are therefore ideally placed to service this growing market. We are growing our operations in these markets with a bigger local presence to ensure we are regarded as a highly localised operator.

“The market for smaller jets is still substantial.” O’Hare told his audience. “However the economic downturn across the globe that we have recently been witnessing means that many corporates are rethinking their expenditure in a number of different areas. This is part and parcel of any cyclical market where overheating is then followed by a period of correction. The market for private aviation services is no different and so this could affect the amount of corporate charter jet business available in the future.

The delegates were told that Royal Jet’s acquisition strategy was on target to operate around 20 aircraft by 2012 and 50 aircraft by the year 2020, with a preponderance of VIP and super-midsize aircraft in its fleet.

“We have one of the healthiest balance sheets in the industry and we have strong liquidity as a company; and our global experience in this industry is now second to none. We have shown steady profits ever since our second year of operations. Our strength as a business is due to the decision we made a long time ago to diversify our service offerings, and this strategy is paying dividends now, during these difficult economic times,” O’Hare continued.

“For instance, we have one of the most efficient and successful medical evacuation services in the Middle East which makes an important contribution to our bottom line. We also run a highly successful Aircraft Management and Acquisition Consultancy, and I have been greatly encouraged even over the last few weeks by the number of fresh enquiries we have had from owners wishing to partner with us in the management of their aircraft. We also have a maintenance and repair (MRO) facility and one of the world’s top Fixed Base Operations (FBO) facilities, located at Abu Dhabi International Airport and which was recently voted Best in the Middle East.

“We will soon be enhancing our capabilities in Abu Dhabi and greatly welcome the new private aviation facility to be opened at Al Bateen – the new City Airport of Abu Dhabi. All of these facilities will help us maintain price competitiveness across the Gulf as well as allowing us to have full control of the guest experience from airport arrival to embarkation to ensure our high service levels are maintained,” O’Hare said.

“What this all goes to show is that Royal Jet’s business is based on a sound footing and that our initial strategy is proving its worth in being able to see us successfully through leaner times,” Shane O’Hare concluded.

Internationally-acclaimed angler Martin James to teach week long academy at the East Coast resort

Fujairah, United Arab Emirates

To cater to the increasing number of leisure tourists and water sports enthusiasts,
Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort will hold its fourth fly-fishing academy from December 14 to 21, 2008.

Fly fishing as a sport is believed to have originated as early as the second century, but the past 30 years have seen an increase in the popularity of salt-water fly fishing and the favorable weather conditions in Fujairah during autumn and winter make it an ideal venue for fly fishing.

The Fujairah Salt Water Fly Fishing Academy was launched in 2006, run under the auspices of British angler Martin James. Through the academy, fly-fishing has risen in stature to become one of the east coast’s most popular activities, particularly since it requires minimal equipment and does not involve live bait but a hook covered in silk furs.

Martin, who began fishing when he was four years old, broadcasts his many fishing travels on BBC Radio Lancashire and has received many awards from the angling industry, including the Lord Mason’s Illuminated Scroll. Since his first visit to the UAE in 1992, he has been enthralled by the seas surrounding Arabia.

“Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort prides itself on providing guests with a complete range of outdoor activities, to suit all interests, and the popularity of the academy prompted us to invite Martin back,” said Patrick Antaki, General Manager, Le Méridien Al Aqah.

“Fly-fishing looks simple, but actually requires a lot of skill so naturally we wanted to provide our guests with expert tuition so they can get the most out of the activity,” added Antaki.

The academy aims to offer anglers of varying abilities both an insight and expert tuition in the sport. It covers all aspects of the sport, from the various methods of tying knots to the mechanics of casting and the use of floating, sinking and intermediate lines

The academy offers both week-day and weekend packages – starting from AED 1850 per night for weekdays and AED 2210 per night for weekends.

All the packages include accommodation; half a day in the classroom, with video and technical presentation; and a five-hour fishing charter with James. James will also be hosting the students at dinner, to provide any extra tips on fly-fishing.

The academy, which will run from Sunday 14 December to Sunday 21 December, promises to be a sell-out so anglers are advised to book early.

For more information, please call +971 9 244 9000 or email: reservations@lemeridien-alaqah.com or visit www.lemeridien.com/fujairah

 Qantas today launched the latest addition to qantas.com – Qantas Travel Insider.

Qantas Group General Manager Sales and Distribution, Mr Rob Gurney, said Qantas Travel Insider was a unique and comprehensive online resource that would help travellers plan the perfect trip.

“Qantas Travel Insider combines stories by respected travel writers from our popular award-winning inflight magazine Qantas The Australian Way, together with the opinions and insights of Qantas Frequent Flyers, Qantas Ambassadors and our most regular travellers – our pilots and cabin crew,” Mr Gurney said.

“In a first for Australia, we have developed a platform that allows Qantas Frequent Flyers to share their travel experiences with others and provide unique first-hand reviews of destinations, accommodation, restaurants and bars, entertainment, shopping and other activities, in a user-friendly, searchable format.” Qantas Travel Insider launches with more than 500 quality articles. City Guides will also help travellers with all they need to know about a destination including addresses, phone numbers and websites to attractions, venues and restaurants.

Qantas Frequent Flyers have been given exclusive access to the site so they can submit their comments and reviews in time for the official launch to the general public later this month.

The site also has an RSS feed that customers can subscribe to.

“Qantas Travel Insider further reinforces www.qantas.com  as a truly comprehensive one-stop travel site,” Mr Gurney said.

With the very best travel advice from Qantas Travel Insider, and easy online booking for flights, hotels, travel insurance, cars, activities and experiences, qantas.com enables travellers to plan and book every aspect of their trip with ease and confidence.

To celebrate the launch of Qantas Travel Insider, Qantas is giving travellers the chance to be a guest travel writer and win one of 12 unique weekends away for two people to write about an Australian destination.

Further details on the competition are available at www.qantas.com/travelwriter

Whether you are an incredibly accomplished skier who seeks out the most challenging of slopes each season, or more of an ‘armchair skier’ lured by the appeal of the après-ski rather than the number of ‘black runs’, be sure to experience one of Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s luxurious ski retreats this northern winter.

From the rustic charm of New England to the sophistication of Italy, the vibrancy of Spain or the uniqueness of China, Ski by Small Luxury Hotels of the World offers you some of the most inspiring choices. From chic, contemporary lodges to cosy chalets dotted throughout the world’s most renowned ski resorts, there is something to suit everyone, regardless of how proficient a skier you are. Reservations for any one of ‘Ski by Small Luxury Hotels of the World’ experiences can be made by calling the SLH reservations number +65 6232 5060 or by visiting www.slh.com/inspirations  

With over 20 exclusive ski properties in both the northern and southern hemispheres, Small Luxury Hotels of the World offers ski aficionados a wealth of options throughout the year. Here is just a sample of what you can experience this ski season:

North America is undoubtedly home to some of the world’s best ski terrain. In New Hampshire, The Manor On Golden Pond (www.slh.com/goldenpond)  is putting a slightly romantic twist on its ski experience. In addition to three nights’ accommodation in a luxury chamber on a full-board basis, a two-day ski pass and private lessons with an expert, guests can enjoy a gourmet ski picnic on the slopes and then return to the hotel to indulge in afternoon tea and chilled champagne, followed by a relaxing spa treatment of their choice (up to the value of US$110). The package is valid from 1 December 2008 to 27 March 2009, with prices starting from US$780 per room per night (excluding tax).

In Vermont, close to the Stowe Mountain Resort and Spruce Peak, is The Trapp Family Lodge, (www.slh.com/trappfamilylodge ) where guests can look forward to an authentic Austrian experience with sing-a-longs and live musicians reminiscent of The Sound of Music’s von Trapp family, whose history is in fact connected to this Vermont gem! With over 100km of snow trails in the most picturesque of settings this is the perfect ski retreat. The hotel is offering a two night package, including daily cross country ski rentals, a one-hour private cross country ski lesson, a three course dinner and daily breakfast, as well as a 20 percent discount on skis, boots and poles in the ski shop. The package is valid from 4 January to 14 March 2009, with prices starting from US$1,010 per room per two-night stay (including tax and service charges).

Set amidst the Adirondack Mountains on the shores of Mirror Lake in Lake Placid, is the old world charm of Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa (www.slh.com/mirrorlake)  There is a relaxing atmosphere here with a choice of rooms and suites in five idyllic lodges, all with stunning lake views and many with snug fireplaces and balconies. This ski season, the hotel is offering an overnight package, which includes breakfast and a one day lift ticket to Whiteface Mountain. The package is valid from 30 November 2008 to 31 March 2009, and prices start from US$320 per room per night (excluding tax and service charges).

However, if your preference is to head to the slopes in Europe, then Small Luxury Hotels of the World provides skiers with the perfect opportunity to make the most of the deep snow covered valleys, high altitude resort towns and endless choice of ski fields.

 Hotel Yastrebets Wellness & Spa in Bulgaria (www.slh.com/yastrebets)  is set on one of the country’s best and most picturesque ski runs. Here guests have a delightful choice of rooms, apartments and Finnish lodges surrounded by mountain pines. Choose the seven night package, which includes daily breakfast and dinner, a six-day ski pass with rental equipment for two people and use of the small ski lift in front of the hotel. Following a full day on the slopes, guests can relax with a glass of hot wine before unwinding at the hotel’s ‘thermo zone’, which offers herbal and steam baths, sauna and Jacuzzi. The package is valid from 15 January to 3 March 2009 and prices start from EUR240 per room per night (inclusive of all taxes).

Nestled at the foot of the Mont Blanc mountain range in Italy there is a cluster of pretty wood and stone chalets, which make up Mont Blanc Hotel Village (www.slh.com/montblanc)  Surrounded by the most awe-inspiring mountain peaks, the hotel has excellent access to the Courmayeur ski resort. This winter the hotel is offering a three-night retreat in a deluxe room with daily in-room breakfast, a degustation dinner with a bottle of Metodo Classico white wine, a two-day ski pass, shuttle service for Courmayeur and La Thuile ski resort areas and unlimited spa access where guests can unwind in the hotel’s steam grotto. The package is valid between 5 and 19 December and then from 11 January to 30 April 2009, with prices starting from EUR1,000 per room per three-night stay (inclusive of tax and service charges).

 An equally appealing Italian ski option is Alpin Royal Wellness Refugium & Resort Hotel (www.slh.com/alpinroyal)  located in the beautifully unspoilt, alpine landscape of the Ahrntal in South Tyrol. For those seeking something a little more exhilarating, the hotel’s seven-night package includes tobogganing on South Tyrol’s longest night-time toboggan run. The inclusion of an Ahrntal Wintercard provides guests with discounts on ski passes and ski rentals. Then, at the end of an exhausting day of the slopes, head to the hotel’s spa where gentlemen will receive a full body massage with aromatic bath oil, while the ladies will be treated to a gentle body peel treatment and facial. The package is valid from 31 January to 13 April 2009, with prices starting from EUR 1400 per room per seven-night stay (inclusive of tax and service charges).

Tucked away in Spain’s Baquiera-Beret ski resort is La Pleta Hotel & Spa, (www.slh.com/laplenta) an exclusive mountain spa retreat where every room has incredible vistas. The hotel’s seven-night ski package includes daily breakfast, La Pleta ski bag, lip balm and face balm, a bottle of Spanish Cava and hot drinks in the afternoon. Ski rental and lessons with an instructor are available for a nominal charge. The package is valid from 4 December 2008 to 19 April 2009, with prices starting from EUR1903 per room per seven-night stay (inclusive of tax and service
charges)

For something a little off the beaten track, Small Luxury Hotels of the World welcomes China’s first village-based mountain ski resort at the end of this year. Sun Mountain Lodge makes its debut this December with a special three-night ski experience, complete with daily VIP ski pass with rental equipment, a 90-minute Elements spa treatment, daily breakfast, roundtrip deluxe train ticket to/from Harbin Train Station and roundtrip transfers to/from Harbin International Airport to the train station. The package is valid from 20 December 2008 to 31 March 2009, with prices starting from RMB 10,186 per room per three-night stay (excluding tax and service charges).

When the melt has begun on the northern pistes, ski addicts still have numerous options with Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s southern hemisphere ski properties, where the season runs from June to October. For full details visit www.slh.com/inspirations  or www.slh.com

(All offers are subject to availability)

British Airways has unveiled Metrotwin.com, a social media platform linking two of the world’s most dynamic cities; London and New York. Other cities are also being considered for future inclusion including the Australian capital cities.

Metrotwin is an online community that provides expert recommendations of the best places in both cities and extends the idea of ‘town twinning’ to the level of restaurants bars, shops, neighbourhoods and other places. The website will enable users to review, rate, save, create profiles, suggest ‘twins’, follow other members’ recommendations and make their own maps and lists.

Metrotwin gets to know your preferences and provides Amazon-style personalised recommendations. In addition, the “Metrotwin Index” gives every place a score out of 100, which changes dynamically, based upon user behaviour. As the site grows new features will be considered based upon feedback from the Metrotwin online community. In the coming months this will extend to mobile phone applications.

British Airways is the first airline to launch a social media platform of this kind.

Helsinki is considered to be the most modern and laid-back city-break destination in Northern Europe according the recent Baltic Nordic survey of 14 cities in the region. In particular, those interested in new experience, nightlife and trends recommend Helsinki. Families travelling with children tend to visit Helsinki less than other Northern European cities. Helsinki is also considered to be a green and clean city, a pocketsize metropolis and a good destination in terms of cultural offerings.

These and other interesting opinions are revealed in the Experience Design tourist survey carried out by Wonderful Copenhagen. The survey included a total of 14 Nordic and Baltic cities.

According to the research, visitors to Helsinki are less interested in museums and the city’s history than those who visit other cities. The majority of visitors preferred to be active and plan their programme as much as possible by themselves in order to experience the city as locals do. Helsinki ranked number one in terms of the desire of visitors to get to know locals.

Among Helsinki’s competitors, Tallinn and Stockholm were considered to be more traditional and historical destinations. Copenhagen and Malmö were most like Helsinki in terms of image. Tallinn was described as an exciting and romantic city, whereas Stockholm was strong in terms of the attractiveness of its attractions and events.

The results of the survey were reported at the Helsinki tourism co-operation forum on Tuesday 28 October 28 by Ole K. Mansfeldt, Research and Development Manager, and Ellen Vestager, Researcher, from the organisation Wonderful Copenhagen.

Australasia’s favourite travel industry cruise publication, Cruise Weekly, has launched a new consumer edition which is available to everyone who loves cruising.

The free publication will be produced every Tuesday, with an industry-only ‘trade update’ also published each Thursday.

“Cruising is booming in Australia and New Zealand, and we’ve found that consumers are eager for the latest cruise news and special offers. Cruise Weekly will be an entertaining and informative read, and an ideal way for people who love cruising to keep up to date on everything related to their favourite way to holiday,” said Cruise Weekly marketing manager Lisa Maroun.

As well as the latest cruise news and special offers, Cruise Weekly will include lots of other features such as crew profiles, ship information, on-board recipes, a cruise calendar, shore excursions and giveaways.

The first edition will launch with a major competition in which a subscriber will win a Mediterranean cruise for two people courtesy of Costa Cruises, complete with Emirates flights to Europe.

Cruise Weekly is distributed by email as a high quality PDF publication which is easy to read either on a computer screen or as a printed document. It’s available as a free subscription via a sign-up form at www.cruiseweekly.com.au

Cruise Weekly content will also feature exclusively on a new cruising page as part of an updated travel section at popular Australasian internet portal Yahoo!7.

For more information call 1300 799 220.

Cannigione – a New Base for Italian departures

Introductory Rates for Bareboat or Skippered Charters, save 15-20%

Latitude Vacations is pleased to announce a new yacht base in Sardinia – Cannigione.

Our supplier is offering great savings on reservations made prior to 31 December, 2008.

The base will feature some 2009 Yachts – Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 44i (4 cabins) and 42i (3 cabins) as well as a Cyclades 50.5 and a range of smaller Jeanneau Yachts.

For departures in April and May rates start at $2833AUD per week for a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 yacht.

Earlybird airfares to Rome are also available on Singapore Airlines – contact our office for details.

Skippers are available at an additional cost.

Cannigione is a great starting point for Northern Sardinia and Southern Corsica holidays, only 8 miles separate the two islands and they offer great sailing and cruising areas from remote islands like the Maddalena Group to lively waterfront towns like Bonifaccio and Porto Vecchio in Corsica .