Jetsettersblog

‘The Australia Way’, a breathtaking new journey through the heart of Australia’s majestic outback, has launched. Based on Baz Luhrmann’s much anticipated epic drama, Australia, the new touring route enables visitors to experience at first hand the dramatic scenery and characters that so inspired the Australian film director.

Opening across the UK on Boxing Day, ‘Australia’ tells the story of an English aristocrat, Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman), and a rough-hewn cattle drover (Hugh Jackman) who drive a 1,500 herd of cattle across Northern Australia.

Taking a recommended 11 days, the 1,875km route will allow visitors to see the landscapes hat provided the breathtaking natural backdrops and sets for the film, as well as meet local stockmen and cattle drovers who are the ‘real’ cast of the movie.

Extending across the north-western corner of Australia, the route starts in the vibrant and tropical harbour city of Darwin, then winds its way through red escarpments, lush waterholes and remote cattle stations before ending up in the exotic pearling town of Broome.

During the journey, visitors can spend two nights in Darwin; two nights in Kakadu National Park and a night in the beauty of Katherine before crossing the border into Western Australia to stay one night in Kununurra, two nights at El Questro Wildnerness Park or Home Valley Station and overnight at Halls Creek, culminating in Broome.

Created in partnership by Tourism NT and Tourism Western Australia, the movie-inspired route is set to become a classic Outback Australian journey.

Drive highlights include:

• A natural cast – The journey takes in endless natural wonders of red desert landscapes and spectacular gorges. Think soaring rock escarpments and vast floodplains of dual World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park east of Darwin, or the famous beehive-like mounds of the Bungle Bungles in Purnululu National Park.
• Learn to be a real cattle drover -Saddle up in the Outback community of Katherine for some whip cracking action on a cattle station at the Outback Jackaroo and Jillaroo School.

Mix with the real cowboys and learn the basics of property maintenance, quad biking, horse riding and cattle mustering. Or try your hand at a real ‘mini’ muster at Home Valley Station where they can ‘turn on’ a cattle muster and allow visitors to enjoy the thrill and excitement of controlling cattle in a safe and educating environment.
• Outback adventure – Make your ‘Australia Way’ journey as adventurous as you dare. Gain a new perspective on stunning natural attractions such as the Bungle Bungles or Kakadu on a scenic flight, canoe down the breathtaking Katherine River, or for those who want to get off the beaten track, opt for the rugged unsealed Gibb River Road – a 660km ‘bush track’ that connects the remote Kimberly cattle stations and Kununurra. It’s a true outback 4WD adventure.

• ‘Star’ locations – Feel like a star and visit the locations frequented by the cast and crew during filming. Dine at the celebrated Hanuman Restaurant or Roma Bar in Darwin where Nicole and Hugh could be found when the cameras stopped rolling. In Kununurra head to the Kununurra Hotel, a popular watering hole for the cast and crew, and make sure to find your way to Kimberley Fine Diamonds, where Nicole Kidman picked-up some sparkling gifts for her friends and family.

• Historic – Darwin forms the backdrop for the final scenes of the moving, at a tense point in the city’s history – 19 February, 1942. Darwin’s involvement in World War II is evident at the many preserved sites in and around the city including the East Point Military Museum and the World War Two Oil Storage tunnels. Explore the beauty of Darwin Harbour aboard the restored pearling lugger – Anniki -as featured in the film, before dining at historic Stokes Hill Wharf where Kidman arrives in a Catalina plane. At the end of your Outback adventure, relax in Broome an old pearling town with a fascinating pioneer history.

• Aboriginal culture – Immerse yourself in ancient Aboriginal culture and some of the best Indigenous rock art in the country. Along the way you will witness exceptional displays of Northern Territory rock art in Nitmiluk Gorge (near Katherine) Manning Gorge and Kakadu National Park. Across the border you can experience Western Australia’s world-famous Bradshaw (Gwion Gwion) paintings or visit the community-run art centres that offer authentic artworks for you to purchase.

• Outback romance – Nothing is more romantic that an Outback sunset. Take a sunset camel ride on Broome’s world famous 22 kilometre Cable Beach, enjoy the radiating colours that bring the Cockburn Range alive on an evening sunset tour or experience sunset at Ubirr, a sacred Aboriginal rock art site in Kakadu National Park. You can even witness some of the world’s most spectacular sunsets as you cruise the north-west coastline on board a luxury yacht.

So reach for your popcorn and then your passport and plan your very own Nicole and Hugh inspired Australian adventure. The set is incredible – an untouched wilderness waiting to be explored right now.

An interactive map of the journey, experiences and suggested itineraries can be found on:
www.westernaustralia.com/australiaway

For more information on the Northern Territory or Western Australia visit
www.australiasoutback.com and www.westernaustralia.com

The latest episode of the BBC’s Oceans series investigated the depths of the Atlantic from a group of islands in its western reaches – the Bahamas. To experience a diver’s paradise of pristine reefs, historic wrecks, spectacular walls, blue holes, fantastic caves along with the opportunity to dive with diverse sea life, join Dive Worldwide on its NEW 10-day Riding Rock Resort & Marina dive holiday based on San Salvador – the Bahamas’ most south easterly island. Holidays depart London daily throughout the year.

Just twelve miles long and five miles wide, San Salvador is quiet, friendly and unspoilt, with endless deserted beaches and over 50 internationally renowned dive sites! With shallow reefs, stunning water clarity and more than 20 miles of dramatic vertical walls, beginning in as little as 40ft, the island offers a wealth of attractions.

Divers are based at Riding Rock, a custom designed, oceanfront diving resort perched on a pinnacle washed by warm breezes and clear azure waters – ideal for watersport enthusiasts, complete with onsite dive centre. Also on offer is an impressive trio of custom dive boats with deep V-hulls, walk-through transoms, dive platforms with extended ladders, camera rinse stations and plenty of shaded deck. Back on land, enjoy freshly prepared Bahamian cuisine in the resort’s restaurant then relax in the Driftwood Lounge – taking in the magnificent ocean view. For time out of the water – visit San Salvador’s other local attractions – ‘Blackbeard’s Castle’ (he may once have held court here!), Dixon Hill Lighthouse – one of the last hand-operated, kerosine-lit lighthouses in the world, or Columbus Monument, commemorating the landfall of Christopher Columbus in 1492…

The holiday costs from £2,005 p/p including international flights, taxes, 7-nights full board hotel accommodation at Riding Rock Resort and 1-night (RO) on Nassau, plus 10 dives package with tanks and weights.

Dive Worldwide
0845 130 6980

sales@diveworldwide.com 
www.diveworldwide.com

Ten leading ‘Whisky Bars of Edinburgh’ have joined together in a new initiative to attract visitors to the capital and promote their high quality whisky experience to tourists. The scheme – created under the auspices of ScotlandWhisky, Scotland’s national Whisky tourism initiative – is launched today.

Whisky is a key part of 2009′s celebration of the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns. May is designated Whisky Month with several major whisky-themed events taking place. See www.homecomingscotland2009.com for more details.

Chris Conway, of ScotlandWhisky, said

“Pubs and bars are an important part of many visitors’ experience of Scotland, as is the wish to try Scotch Whisky in its home country. ‘Whisky Bars of Edinburgh’ is a new collaboration to ensure that visitors know where they can be ensured a great bar and whisky experience.

“Edinburgh is rightly famous for its bars and ‘Whisky Bars of Edinburgh’ brings together ten fantastic examples of where visitors can enjoy a dram in a traditional setting. Each bar has a great reputation for its Scotch Whisky range and staff that have passed the Scotch Whisky training school.”

Gary Still from ‘Whiski Bar’ on the Royal Mile , a member of the ‘Whisky Bars of Edinburgh’ group said:

“With bars feeling the effects of the ‘credit crunch’, this collaboration reflects the determination of the bars, and their partners in the Scotch Whisky industry, not to standstill during this difficult period. Working with other bars in the group to attract locals and tourists alike, we want to show the best of Scottish hospitality and may be teach customers a little bit about our national drink along the way.”

The scheme is being supported by a free ‘Whisky Bars of Edinburgh’ map and a more in-depth website (www.whiskybarsofedinburgh.com)

 Similar schemes in Glasgow and other parts of Scotland are being developed.

Edinburgh Pass — The Edinburgh Pass, it your passport to explore Edinburgh, allowing you to see and save more. The Edinburgh Pass lets you visit as many attractions as you wish from museums, art exhibitions, fine dining and shopping. Using this electronic smart card is a quick and hassle-free way to see the best of Edinburgh.Every card comes with a FREE guidebook with helpful information on the establishments associated with the card, as well as area maps – BOOK NOW!

- Jurys Doyle Hotel Group reveals new name and brand identity for its 11 luxury hotels, in addition to capital investment programme -

Jurys Doyle Hotel Group Ltd has unveiled its new brand identity and has announced the withdrawal of the Jurys Doyle brand from the market with immediate effect. The new International Luxury Hotel Group will be known as The Doyle Collection; a portfolio of eleven truly individual hotel experiences, in six major international cities in Ireland, the UK and the United States.

The roll-out of the new brand identity will see each individual hotel re-named and relaunched.
This announcement is the culmination of an ongoing capital investment programme of more than Euro 200 million, which will see a complete refurbishment of nine of the eleven Doyle Collection properties, as well as the repositioning of the hotel group into the luxury five star category.

Commenting on the unveiling of the new name and launch of the new brand identity in The Westbury Hotel today, Bernie Gallagher, Chairman of The Doyle Collection said:

‘The creation of The Doyle Collection signals a new dawn for our organisation. Building on the Doyle family approach to hospitality, founded by my father PV Doyle in 1964, our new identity reflects a long tradition of excellent service, but also embodies the spirit of the new luxury hotel group we are becoming, delivered in each of our 11 luxury city hotels.

A contemporary design ethos of simple, understated luxury has driven our three year intensive refurbishment programme and, as the physical structures are changing, so too is the way we think about the evolution of service and the positioning of our new brand.’

The company has developed ambitious plans to grow revenues at The Doyle Collection and the Group will compete exclusively in the luxury segment of the market.

Commenting on the Group’s growth plans, CEO Bill Walshe said: ‘Although there is no doubt that the current economic conditions are challenging, we are convinced that our focus on the creation of highly individual, centrally located luxury hotel experiences, built around the evolving tastes of our guests, will be the driver of repeat business and future growth. Each of the hotels in The Doyle Collection has a different character, but all have a common aim – to provide our guests with a modern interpretation of extraordinary hospitality and expert service that only a hotelier with decades of experience can consistently deliver.’

Walshe concluded: “Our membership of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), an alliance of luxury individual Hotel Groups will also contribute significantly to the realisation of our growth plans and positions us among the worlds’ most recognisable luxury hotel brands.’

The new website www.doylecollection.com also goes live today with full reservation functionality and the first Ireland & UK hotels will be rebranded by January 31st 2009, starting with The Westbury Hotel in Dublin and followed by The Marylebone Hotel in London.

Cruisin’

Halong Bay, Vietnam – Halong Cruise’s new Halong Violet junk will be launched in September 2009. With just 6 immaculately decorated cabins, including 4 suites, with king sized beds, Jacuzzis, private balconies and personal butler service, the Halong Violet will provide a unique experience on Halong Bay. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994, Halong Bay’s karst islands rise up out of emerald waters covered in vegetation. Only a few are habitable; many have been sculpted into strange shapes by the wind and weather. This floating boutique hotel will be able to cruise to untouched areas of the Bay whilst providing all the services you would expect from a 5 star hotel; fine dining, a cozy lounge and spacious library, sun deck, spa and gym.

www.cruisehalong.com

Big River

Mekong River, Vietnam-Cambodia – Founded in 2008, Heritage Lines will launch their luxury boutique cruise boat, the Jayavarman in August 2009. Inspired by the golden age of cruise liners, the Jayavarman marries avant-garde French colonial design with enchanting Indochinese architecture to perfection. There are 27 expansive staterooms and junior suites spread over the 4 decks with floor to ceiling panoramic sliding glass doors opening onto private balconies. The boat cruises between Saigon in Vietnam and Angkor in Cambodia, providing explorative journeys of the Mekong River of between 3 and 7 nights.

www.heritage-line.com

On the Beach

Jimbaran, Bali – The much loved luxury Orient Express resort of Jimbaran Puri is set to open 22 new Luxury pool villas in April 2009. Each spacious villa will have its own swimming pool, and hard wood deck where spa treatments can be enjoyed. All villas are set amidst a traditional Balinese garden courtyard, with separate bed and living rooms, and personal, unobtrusive butler service. Villa guests will enjoy all of the facilities that are provided at the hotel. The villas are an exceptional choice for those seeking the luxury of space, privacy, style and comfort in a property on Bali’s beachfront.
www.jimbaranpuribali.com

White Palace

Varanasi, India – With over 100 years of opening and managing hotels in India and beyond, Taj Hotels & Resorts will open the Nadesar Palace in Varanasi in January 2009. Nestled in the heart of this bustling city, amongst mango orchards, marigold and jasmine fields, the 10 roomed Nadesar Palace was built by the East India Company. The meticulously fashioned accommodation, draws inspiration from the city, its culture and its timeless traditions, all accommodation is generously scaled with large windows overlooking the gardens and spacious bathrooms in cool white marble. As with all Taj properties, the newest hotel in their portfolio will provide impeccable service and unparalleled facilities.

www.tajhotels.com

New features provide online services and put ski holidaymakers directly in touch with holiday providers.

The Chalets Direct Solutions Room has recently had an upgrade to provide a better service for both holidaymakers and those providing the holidays. First launched in 1999, the Solutions Room is a bulletin board where people can state their requirements and Chalets Direct advertisers can come back to them with proposals and “solutions”. This feature is unique to Chalets Direct and has become popular amongst both skiers and snowboarders, trying to organise their holidays, and with ski holiday companies with available beds to sell.

The Solutions Room allows people to post up their requirements and to let the solutions come back to them. Their ski holiday can be tailor-made to suit their needs.

The visitor has to fill in a simple form to post his or her request, which asks for key details such as dates required and number of beds. Once the request has been posted it is then sent to the owners/operators of matching properties in the extensive Chalets Direct database. The owners can then respond to the request in the Solutions Room. With the improved matching process skiers can get better, more targeted responses to their requests.

Launched earlier this month the new Solutions Room has shown that there is a still a lot of demand for ski holidays, with the number of requests growing each day.

Replies will usually be posted within the hour, and someone searching for a holiday will have several propositions to look through.

The Solutions Room is part of the Chalets Direct Interactive area which also features a reviews area, and the Ski Blog.

There are also other ways to find ski holiday accommodation, including chalets, apartments and hotels using the Chalets Direct search or the Promotions area.

Trek in the northern tip of the Andes, explore the wild plains and swamps of Los Llanos and experience the world’s highest free-falling waterfall, Angel Falls. Walks Worldwide’s NEW guided, 13-day The Condor Pass and Los Llanos tour departs London daily throughout 2008 and 2009 – available NOW!

After an initial night in Caracas, transfer to the city of Merida, located on a high plateau surrounded by ‘Las Cinco Aguilas Blancas’ – Venezuela’s five highest peaks including Pico Bolivar (5,007m). After time soaking up the atmosphere and sampling the local delicacy – Andean trout, head south to Sierra Nevada National Park, encompassing an area of 130,000 acres, part of the Andean ranges and offering fine examples of high mountain pine forests, páramo, Frailejones (endemic shrub), glacial lagoons and a wide variety of animals. Here to is Mucubaji Lagoon – the largest lagoon in the park, and behind it the suitably majestic Mucunuque Peak (4,672m).

Running parallel to the Sierra Nevada is a slightly lower chain of mountains – La Culata, home to one of the world’s largest flying birds – Andean Condor, with wingspans of up to 3.5m. Here, the park offers vast, windswept vistas across a treeless terrain, dotted with wildflowers and spectacular waterfalls.

Follow the aptly named ‘Condor Pass’, ascend Pan de Azucar (4,747m) for breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Maracaibo and the Sierra Nevada, then descend to the valley floor through one of the most beautiful valleys in the Venezuelan Andes, passing villages and cultivated fields en route – in time for a well-earned soak in conveniently located hot springs!

The journey continues into the Llanos (grasslands) of Venezuela where a 53,000 square hectare cattle ranch provides an incredible wildlife habitat. Enjoy a 4×4 ‘safari’ in specially converted vehicles for further opportunities to observe wildlife, including caimans and Anacondas!

Finally, spend 2-days exploring the landscape surrounding the world’s highest single drop waterfall, Angel Falls. Soak up the atmosphere of raging spray during a cruise close to the falls, walk behind the watery curtain of Sapito Falls, trek through lush primary rainforest to the base of Angel Falls, and finally take a dip in the water, relaxing on the sun-heated boulders, before returning to Caracas for homeward flights.

The tour costs from £2,395 including international and internal flights, pre-paid taxes, transfers, hotel, lodge and camp accommodation, most meals, camping equipment (not sleeping bags) and an expert guide.

Walks Worldwide
01524 242000
sales@walksworldwide.com
www.walksworldwide.com

BC’s Kootenay Rockies is all about snow. And while award-worthy ski slopes abound, there’s much beyond the mountains to tempt one to take it outside.

A winter wildlife safari? A candlelit dinner served in the cosy confines of an igloo?

Take a walk on the wild side with the folks from Spirit Trail Adventures.

 Located just outside of Kimberley, Martina Danzer and Charlie Sims head this adventure-focused operation which offers eco-friendly and educational excursions;

their guests can indulge in an array of cool climate pursuits, including cross country ski and snowshoe excursions, old-fashioned toboggan rides and romantic sleigh rides for two.

Wildlife Safaris will tour, with a guide, through the traditional wintering grounds of the area’s resident critters, while more sedate experiences will see couples breaking bread over romantic four-course menus in igloos before bunking down for the night. (Accommodations include snug sleeping bags, plenty of hot chocolate and the soft hue of candlelight, while mornings promise a leisurely mug of coffee and a re-hashing of the previous day’s exploration.) Should the urge to make a few tracks take hold, head to nearby Kimberley Alpine Resort for a shush through the slopes.

With over 70 runs and scenic open glades, the resort proves a favourite for families seeking a bit of fun both on and off its snowy scapes.

Whether you choose to make tracks or find respite within an igloo, this is one destination sure to stir the spirit.

http://www.spirittrails.com/; www.skikimberley.com

Kalahari Resort, located in Wisconsin Dells, Wis., which is known for its concentration of 18 indoor waterparks, unveiled a 110,000-square-foot Indoor Theme Park, which features a wide array of indoor activities including: a six-story Ferris wheel, multi-level go-cart track, a carousel, laser tag, ropes course and much more.

The addition adds to Kalahari’s plethora of indoor attractions, which include one of America’s largest indoor waterparks. The new Indoor Theme Park, which was opened with live appearances from Justice and Siren from NBC’s hit show “American Gladiators,” connects Kalahari Resort and Convention Center — which currently features a 125,000-square-foot indoor waterpark, 742 guestrooms and suites, eight dining options, Spa Kalahari and Salon, three shopping outlets and a 100,000-square-foot convention center — to Damon’s Grill and the 15-screen Desert Cinema via an indoor walkway to continue to offer distinctive “under-one-roof” entertainment.

Kalahari Resort’s Indoor Theme Park includes a Ferris Wheel over six stories high; 24 lanes of state-of-the-art Brunswick bowling; hundreds of arcade games, simulators and redemption games; 18 holes of mini golf with a 25-foot waterfall; LaZer Runner Laser Tag and 3,500-square-foot Battle Arena; 28-foot African-themed carousel; climbing walls; five private party rooms; 1,000-square-foot interactive dry play structure; 430-foot, two-story elevated adult and kiddie go-cart track; 20-foot high Sky Trail ropes course Two Full Swing golf simulators with HD screens; sports bar including a dance floor;

Camp Kalahari Activity Center; and a wide array of food and beverage offerings. All day Indoor Theme Park admission is $19.95 for resort guests and $29.95 for non-resort guests. Day passes do not include bowling and golf simulators. Guests can also purchase individual attraction passes.

For more information, visit www.kalahariresorts.com/wi

For reservation and guest information, call 877-525-2427 or visit www.kalahariresorts.com

The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel celebrated a soft opening Dec. 20 marking the return of the Laurance Rockefeller-built beachfront hotel and resort on the Big Island’s Kohala Coast. Two years after being forced to close due to earthquake damage, the Mauna Kea reopened with a traditional Hawaiian blessing and welcomed its first guests to experience a multi-million dollar investment in redesigned, spacious guest rooms, new restaurants, a new spa, and an extensive makeover of the legendary golf course complete with a new clubhouse. The flagship property of the Prince Hotels and Resorts international portfolio, Mauna Kea will have its “official” Grand Opening in March.

The hotel’s classic exterior architecture design remains the same as before, with the most dramatic changes taking place inside the guestrooms. The total room and suite count has been reduced from 310 to 258 due to the enlarging of rooms in the main building. The Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa suites are a spacious 1,610 square feet (including lanai) and the Junior suites measure just under 1,000 square feet, while the regular guest rooms on the remodeled floors have been expanded to 550 square feet. With luxurious interior furnishings, upgraded bedding, oceanview bathrooms, and a host of the latest in entertainment amenities, the guestrooms have never been more comfortably modern while staying true to Rockefeller’s vision of “understated elegance.” The new oceanview bathrooms are sure to be popular, with the super-size baths, wall-less “rain showers,” soaking tubs, and private lanai.

Other new attractions at the hotel include a Mandara Spa offering an array of exotic treatments, and enticing new culinary experiences directed by Resort Executive Chef Piet Wigmans and Executive Chef George Gomes, who has returned to Mauna Kea following a distinguished career in some of Hawaii’s finest restaurants.

Also opening this week is the “new” Mauna Kea Golf Course, which has been completely renovated from tee-to-green over the past year. Overseen by Rees Jones, son of the original course designer, Robert Trent Jones, Sr., the world class Mauna Kea Golf Course has been upgraded and redesigned to USGA standards featuring new grass throughout the course layout, rebuilt bunkers, and a new irrigation system. The renovation includes a newly constructed Clubhouse with Pro Shop and locker rooms, as well as a restaurant that can serve as another dinner option for resort guests.

Many popular resort activities are also back, including the 13-court Seaside Tennis Club, the Salon at Mauna Kea, play-while-you learn children’s activities, Hawaiian cultural experiences, the Art & Garden Tour, yoga and exercise classes, and enhanced beach services and cabanas. The fabled manta rays are expected to return for their nightly feeding forays off Manta Ray Point.

For reservations or more information, call 866-977-4589 or visit www.maunakeapreview.com