Jetsettersblog

Freighter Cruises, a division of the Concierge Travel Group, is now taking bookings for the 2009 & 2010 cruising season.

Australia’s only ‘freighter cargo’ ship agency, Freighter Cruises, specialises in six routes – “Around the World”, Asia, Pacific Islands, Europe, North America and South America.

Freighter Cruises’ qualified Cruise Master, Julie Richards, is Australia’s foremost expert in freighter cruising, and has been with the company since its inception over 20 years ago. Equipped with her extraordinary depth of knowledge in this area of maritime voyages, Julie has unparalleled access to all the shipping lines around the world that continue to take fare paying passengers.

“This is a very specialised and unique area of travel that has gained its popularity among semi-retirees and the retired, who have the time to travel in the leisurely manner required by a freighter trip,” says Julie.

“The experience is not so much the port destinations, but largely the sea voyage itself. Passengers travel in a very ‘dressed-down’ manner, getting to know their captain and crew members; dining with them, playing cards with them and also utilising the same facilities onboard.

“It’s an alternative to the ‘glitz and glam’ of mainstream cruises that the majority of cruise-goers tend to prefer as the level of luxury and comfort is different.

“There are only five companies departing Australia that allow passengers on their cargo ships; we have very close relationships with them after having worked together over two decades.

“Bookings are usually taken at least a year in advance to ensure spots as there are only 3 cabins per cargo ship and timing of connecting services need to be very carefully planned, so we are now booking for the 2009 season,” says Julie.

Due to insurance and safety policies, Freighter Cruises can only book such cruises for clients under the age of 80 at the time of travel.

For More Information:
Julie Richards
Head of Freighter Cruises
(02) 8270 4899
jrichards@freightercruises.com.au
www.freightercruises.com.au

on Vietnam’s China Beach

Vietnam’s most luxurious resort, The Nam Hai, Hoi An has launched an indulgent new spa menu at its award-winning sanctuary for relaxation and renewal of body, mind and spirit.

Inspired by the healing traditions of the East, unique new treatments are highlighted by The Nam Hai Indulgent Oriental Ritual. The three hour pampering ritual includes an aromatherapy foot polish, Jade Massage designed to dissolve deep muscle tension and soothe the spirit under the hands of two therapists, Traditions D’Orient Organic Facial, Asian Style Foot Massage, Himalayan Crystal Body Polish and Oriental Bathing Ritual.

Embracing Eastern philosophy, Asian inspired spa rituals available at The Nam Hai also originate from the healing traditions of places such as exotic Bali, spiritual India and the sacred land of Tibet.

These include exotic treatments as a traditional Vietnamese massage combining massage and pressure point work to balance the flow of “chi”; Indian ayurvedic rituals with warmed therapeutic oils; Balinese palming, stretching, effleurage and pressure point techniques; Himalayan ‘hot stone’ massage and Thai-style foot reflexology.

Romantic bathing rituals are also among pampering options where guests can luxuriate in a bath strewn with flowers and infused with aromatherapy oils and Himalayan bath salts, or frankincense & sweet orange in an ‘Arabian ceremony’, or love potion and rose petals in a ‘Love Bath Ceremony’ complete with Champagne and canapés.

Reviving body polish rituals including an Omega 3 Body Polish, nurturing envelopment ritual such as Ayurvedic Healing Envelopment featuring a walnut and cardamom oil body polish, warm cocoon of purifying neem, conditioning gotu kola and neem mask head massage and cleansing facial and rejuvenating beauty rituals including facials, eye treatments, waxing, manicure and pedicures are also on the new spa menu, along with an extensive range of therapeutic massages ranging from The Nam Hai Jade Massage to Thai Style Foot Reflexology.

The state-of-the-art spa at the 5-star resort on Vietnam’s famous China Beach has been nominated as One of the World’s Top New Spas by Conde Nast Traveller US, and among the world’s Top 75 Spas by Conde Nast Traveller UK.

The new spa concept was developed by Brenda Ramen, GHM Corporate Director of Spa, with the signature collection of rituals and spa products inspired by her travels throughout Asia.

The Spa is the “ultimate for relaxation and rejuvenation combining a luxurious environment with superior quality botanical based products and graceful therapists with magic hands”, Brenda said.

“Adhering to a holistic approach that beauty is more than skin deep dictates our choice of products, treatments and applications. Dynamic spa products are an integral element in the true holistic spa concept along with a nurturing environment and effective treatment techniques.”

The Spa is surrounded by a tranquil lotus pond, with two spacious pavilions accommodating eight spa villas, four single and four double, relaxation areas, steam showers and changing rooms is open daily from 10am to 10pm.

Unrivalled 5-star accommodation at The Nam Hai amid the unique culture of Central Vietnam combines gourmet cuisine and abundant recreational pursuits in an atmosphere of unsurpassed opulence at Vietnam’s most exclusive oceanfront resort. Just 10 minutes away is picturesque Hoi An, an ancient ‘Silk Route’ trading port with a rich multi-cultural history and nostalgic streetscapes.

For the sporting, there are four floodlit tennis courts, badminton courts, basketball court and gym. An 18-hole golf course is opening nearby in the near future. River tours and other boat outings can be arranged and The Health Club features state-of-the-art fitness equipment including resistance training, cardiovascular and free weights, with steam rooms and saunas.

The Nam Hai is managed by GHM, one of the world’s leading creators and operators of award-winning, distinctive luxury hotels and resorts, throughout Asia and the USA. GHM Chairman Adrian Zecha is renowned as a design-oriented boutique resort developer and founder of the world famous Amanresorts.

The resort is connected to the world via Danang’s international airport, just 30 minutes from the resort, offering direct flights from Singapore and Bangkok with future plans for direct flights from Hong Kong and other major Asian cities.

The five-star resort is a member of the prestigious The Leading Small Hotels of the World.

For more information on The Nam Hai Resort and for reservations, visit: www.ghmhotels.com

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and its highly anticipated new lifestyle brand, aloftsm hotels announce the grand opening of aloft Beijing, Haidian. The 186 room, new-build hotel owned by Yong Tai Real Estate Group (Beijing) Co. is the first aloft in Asia Pacific and the first aloft to open outside North America.

The aloft Beijing, Haidian underscores the brand’s remarkable global expansion with more than 100 hotels scheduled to open in markets like China, United Arab Emirates, India, Thailand, Belgium, Canada and the U.S by 2011. The aloft Beijing, Haidian is the first of nine alofts currently in development in Asia Pacific, and the first of two slated to open in China in the next two years.

“We are thrilled with the opening of the first aloft hotel in Asia Pacific! aloft Beijing, Haidian will bring a fun new way to play and stay to Beijing. As the 1st aloft in Asia Pacific, this hotel will be the landmark in this dynamic market of Zhongguancun Hi Tech Science Park in Beijing,” commented Miguel Ko, President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Asia Pacific.

“Guests traveling to Beijing for business or pleasure won’t have to settle for one or the other, thanks to aloft. Our bar w xyzSM is sure to be a hub of activity for locals and visitors alike, and our meeting space and guestrooms will inspire even the most jet-lagged business traveler,” added Ko.

“The rapid and simultaneous expansion of aloft hotels in markets throughout the world is a testament to the power of Starwood and developers’ confidence in our brands.” said Simon Turner, President, Global Development for Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “As we continue aloft’s global growth, China represents a key market with its significant increases in both inbound and outbound tourism. aloft is ideally positioned to meet the needs of this growing group of travelers who are enthusiastic consumers of high-quality, global lifestyle brands.”

Infused with the DNA of W Hotels, aloft’s signature loft-inspired design, accessible technology and stylish urban attitude is not lost in translation as it arrives on the scene in China. While meeting space and food service offerings were increased to cater to local market demand, the design, style and service of the aloft Beijing, Haidian stays true to the brand’s vision.

“aloft Beijing, Haidian introduces a new level of style and energy to the country’s dynamic capital city, and sets the stage for the brand’s aggressive expansion throughout China and across the region,” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Specialty Select Brands. “aloft Beijing, Haidian is a fitting choice for the brand’s Asia Pacific debut as it is strategically located in what is known as China’s Silicon Valley. We anticipate the younger, style-conscious and tech savvy visitors to this booming business center will connect with the electric, eclectic experience of aloft.”

aloft Beijing, Haidian is conveniently located in the Zhongguancun Science Park near the 4th Ring Road . Surrounded by numerous high-tech businesses, research centers and leading universities, the hotel is just minutes from Asia Pacific’s largest shopping arcade, the Golden Resources Shopping Mall. Many of Beijing’s most prized attractions are a short drive from the hotel, including the Summer Palace, the awe-inspiring CCTV tower and the “Bird’s Nest” Beijing National Stadium featured in the 2008 Summer Olympics. The new hotel will be part of an exciting, new mixed-use complex including the Four Points by Sheraton Beijing, offices and residential buildings.

“We are extremely privileged to be the first investor in this exciting new brand here in Asia,” said Dai Hao, President, Yong Tai Real Estate Group (Beijing) Co. “We are proud to launch the first of many aloft hotels in this new and dynamic market. Already the new aloft hotel is attracting admirers from around the world and from other provinces of China. We are certain the highly anticipated new lifestyle brand from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is the perfect fit for our vibrant community.”

Guest rooms feature the brand’s signature nine-foot ceilings, oversized windows and the ultra-comfortable bed, as well as oversized walk-in showers and amenities created by Bliss® Spa. Each aloft room is also a combination high-tech office and entertainment center equipped with wireless internet access and plug & play, a one-stop connectivity solution for multiple electronic gadgetry all linked to a 42” flat-panel, HDTV-ready television.

Designed in conjunction with world-renowned David Rockwell and the Rockwell Group, aloft offers atmospheric public spaces where guests can mix and mingle, read the paper, work on laptops, play a game of pool or grab a drink with friends at the re:mix SM communal lobby area and w xyzSM bar. The re:chargeSM fitness center and splash pool give travelers options to de-stress and re-energize, while re:fuel by aloftSM offers sweet, savory and healthy food, snacks and beverages to grab & go, 24-hours a day. aloft is also committed to the environment and launched a see green program, which promotes ecologically friendly practices, products and services both inside and outside the hotel. For example, aloft incorporates recycled materials in its design and provides preferred parking for hybrid cars.

aloft opened its first hotels in 2008 and expects to open 500 properties worldwide in the next five years. For more information on aloft, please visit www.alofthotels.com

A new travel, migration and culture website for everyone who loves life Down Under, has launched this month. The only website where you can find advice and information on everything from visas and taxes to travel, culture and lifestyle, wherever you are and whatever you want from Australia, you’ll find it all at Embrace Australia.

Whether you’re seeking practical advice on making the dream of moving Down Under a reality, or you simply want to share your passion for Australia with others, Embrace Australia is the site for you.

More than just an information resource, Embrace Australia regularly posts travel, culture, sport and migration news, and has a range of engaging and inspirational features on Aussie travel and lifestyle. The website includes state guides that will introduce you to each of Australia’s eight regions, and detailed city guides which will tell you where to go, what to see and where to eat. Embrace TV will showcase the sunshine country, while the Embrace Community will let you share your love for all things Aussie with like-minded people.

The site was created by Bath-based Publisher, Socket Creative, who were keen to provide a one-stop shop for those looking to Embrace all things Australian. Leaonne Hall, Editor of Embrace Australia says, “The idea is that whether you live in Australia, want to move to Australia, or are traveling, you can simply log on and share your news and stories online in the Embrace community. Alternatively you can get the latest expert advice on everything from visas to finding a job, or simply gain inspirational travel ideas.”

To sign up for all our latest press releases, visit http://www.socketcreative.com/pr-mail

You can also link to Embrace Australia from your website – find out how at http://www.embraceaustralia.com/link-to-us

These days, there are cruise holidays for just about everyone. Cruise lines are doing their utmost to make sure that no demographic group is left out by featuring family, single, senior, gay and lesbian, disabled, romantic, budget-conscious and luxury cruises.

 There are cruises that cater to special interest groups, such naturists and naturalists, gourmets and fitness fanatics, explorers and golfers.

Then there are the themed cruises for the more select and extreme groups of connoisseurs, devotees and eccentrics – including bloggers, psychics, chocolate lovers, students of Shakespeare and world championship bingo players.

Cruise travel news and reviews site CruiseCritic.co.uk has taken a look at some of the more unusual themed cruises currently available to U.K. travellers and has produced its Top Five Quirky Cruises for 2009:

1. Bikers Onboard — Hogs on the High Seas Mexican Riviera Rally on Mariner of the Seas sails 25 March – 5 April 2009. The formal dress code is “leathers required,” but no bikes are allowed onboard.

A fun rally cruise for all motorcyle enthusiasts, this voyage offers some $300,000 U.S. in giveaways and prizes.

2. Tum ti dum ti dum ti dum, Tum ti dum ti dum ti da da — The Archers on Black Prince departs on 30 March 2009.

This cruise provides an opportunity for passengers to meet members of the cast of the long-running BBC Radio 4 soap about country folk. Sometimes guests are included in episodes that are specially written for the cruise.

3. Spooks at Sea — Spycruise: Operation Istanbul incorporates spies, .ies and espionage on Seabourn Odyssey from 8-18 July 2009.

Passengers will hear real spy stories; learn about the Cold War, intelligence tradecraft and clandestine equipment; and meet real spies from the CIA, RCMP and KGB. This sailing will takes place in Istanbul, Yalta and Balaklava and includes a visit to the home and office of the infamous Soviet spy Kim Philby.

4. Celestial Cruising — This astral cruise for astrologers happens aboard MSC Sinfonia on 9 April 2009 and features a 17-day voyage from Rio de Janeiro to Livorno. Clear night skies will be perfect for star-spotters, who can learn about astrology through courses from international experts, study the constellations and signs of the zodiac and view the starry skies first-hand from the bridge of the ship.

5. Wish You Were Here — Pink Floyd takes to the high seas on Carnival Imagination, 1-4 May 2009. Pink Floyd won’t be there, but Think Floyd will. Billed as the greatest American Floyd cover band ever — and apparently garnering “personal acclaim” from band member David Gilmour — they’ll host a Floyd extravaganza at sea

A comprehensive list of themed cruises on offer to U.K. travellers can be viewed on http://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/articles.cfm?ID=596

The restaurant at the Inn at Dos Brisas in Washington, Texas, has earned the Mobil Five-Star award for the second consecutive year.

It’s the only restaurant in Texas to hold this title and one of only 20 to receive a Mobil Five-Star Restaurant rating this year. The rustic restaurant and inn opened in October 2004 with vegetable and flower gardens, a horse barn and stables, fields, and a main ranch house.

For more information, call 979-277-7750 or visit www.dosbrisas.com

Casa Kimberly, once the Puerto Vallarta home to actress Elizabeth Taylor, the hilltop villa and its adjacent Burton House (which was once owned by actor Richard Burton and is connected to Casa Kimberly by an elevated “love bridge”) have been acquired by Janice Chatterton, owner-manager of Hacienda San Angel, the neighboring luxury boutique property.

 The renovation of the two villas, which Chatterton expects to complete by fall 2010, will provide 12 fully-remodeled suites, a new restaurant, and a renovated pool area and fitness center. Both Casa Kimberly and the Burton House were purchased by Burton after he filmed “Night of the Iguana” in Puerto Vallarta in the 1960s, and began his tumultuous and passionate affair with Taylor.

Post-renovation, the homes will boast a total of 12 guest suites, nine of which will offer guests private scenic terraces with breathtaking views of Banderas Bay, and three of which are located adjacent to the property’s pool area.

Eight of the property’s rooms will also have private Jacuzzis.

Casa Kimberly’s exclusive “Elizabeth Taylor Suite,” once the star’s personal retreat, will be accessible via private elevator, making it suitable for privacy-seeking celebrities and VIPs visiting the area.

All rooms will be fully equipped with the same museum-quality artwork, rare antiques and luxe amenities found at Hacienda San Angel, including remote-controlled air conditioning, televisions, CD and DVD players, telephones with free local calling, customizable mini-bars, and in-suite spa services, plus in-room wireless Internet services.

Renovations will be overseen by Chatterton herself, whose full-scale remodel of Hacienda San Angel’s five villas has been heralded in design and lifestyle publications worldwide. In addition to a renovation of Casa Kimberly’s accommodations, Chatterton plans to add a new, open-air scenic restaurant to Casa Kimberly, which will offer innovative gourmet Mexican cuisine.

Chatterton will fully renovate all additional interior common areas, including courtyards, which will be re-landscaped and filled with artisan-crafted fountains and sculpture, the property’s pool, which will be decorated with hand-painted Mexican tiles and sculpture, and the property’s fitness center.

Chatterton expects to complete renovations on Casa Kimberly by fall 2010.

For additional information about Casa Kimberly or Hacienda San Angel,

visit www.haciendasanangel.com

Jake’s at Treasure Beach, located in a small seaside fishing village on Jamaica’s South Coast, recently opened the doors to its expanded Driftwood Spa.

 A hangout for locals as well as celebrity guests, Jake’s will now offer guests the opportunity to enjoy a range of unique body and soul-enriching treatments including Reggaelates, mat-based Pilates that flows to a fusion of Reggae music. Sienna Creasy is the Certified Fitness Instructor who will be teaching Reggaelates, as part of a broader Yoga/Pilates menu at the Driftwood Spa. An excellent way to tone the body and free the mind, the exercise program is based around classical Pilates and infused with a Jamaican flavor.

Guests can strengthen the inner core with “Take it to the World,” the infamous pose that Usain Bolt took upon winning gold at the 2008 Olympics or align the spine in the “Pon the River” pose.

Alternative poses include “Pon the Hedge,” “Row the Boat” and “Signal the Plane.” Reggaelates is a perfect class for music and fitness lovers who want to add a little bit of rhythm and spice to their workout.

One-hour classes cost $15 per person for a group session, $60 for a couple ($30 each) and $45 for a private session.

Following a work-out, guests can choose from a selection of massages, wraps, hot stone and aromatherapy treatments at the Driftwood Spa — authentic, unspoiled, Jamaican living at its very best. Jake’s has 26 secluded cottages. Room rates at Jake’s start at $95 in the spring/summer and $115 in the winter months.

 Jake’s is a proud sponsor of Breds, The Treasure Beach Foundation that supports local education, healthcare, culture, environment and sports initiatives.

The spa donates a dollar to the Breds dollar initiative for every treatment that you purchase, ensuring an all-round feel-good factor. Created by Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records and Palm Pictures, Island Outpost properties group includes Goldeneye, Strawberry Hill, Jake’s, and The Caves in Jamaica, and an exclusive selection of villas.

For more information, call 800-OUTPOST or visit www.islandoutpost.com

GO Philanthropic enters 2009 with a host of new travel programs aimed at providing support for the empowerment of communities worldwide and the protection of heritage and environment.

The socially-conscious travel company embraces the combination of Travel Philanthropy, Geotourism and Sustainable Travel, coupling Vacations and In-depth Educational Tours with support for social and conservation projects worldwide.The result offers travelers meaningful and authentic exchanges with local communities and engagement in conservation efforts unique to each region, providing a valuable source of support for projects worldwide.

The focus of the private custom-made trips is on providing the traveler with enriching experiences while protecting, preserving, and enhancing the “health” of foreign tourist destinations and their communities. This new trend in travel provides a compelling alternative to volunteer trips and offers a platform from which to educate tourists.

Through their philanthropic travel programs, travelers can have fabulous trips as well as plan in advance to purchase and deliver directly through the company’s partner NGOs tangible items such as:
• Water wells and filters
• Portable Mobile Libraries (boxes containing 250 bilingual books)
• School supplies, furniture, or computers

In addition, in certain locations travelers have the opportunity to meet in person

• Candidates for school scholarship
• Microloan/finance candidates
• Local artisans involved in fair trade programs
• Musicians, traditional dancers, and artists

GoPhilanthropic represents a growing social entrepreneurial trend in the private sector –a hybrid whereby for-profit businesses encourage their consumers to support the non-profit sector, providing a much needed resource in sustainability for NGO programs.

For more information visit
www.GoPhilanthropic.com

In the heart of New Orleans, the Paraplex prepares for its grand opening Jan. 24, 2009, with the world’s first-of-its-kind, multi-million dollar paranormal complex attraction. The Paraplex will offer an all-sense experience while delving into the world of the paranormal.

The high-tech paranormal complex will include paranormal art galleries, hands-on interactive psychic testing exhibits, a simulated seance room, a Ghost Experience Simulator and its own on-site theater for workshops, documentaries and feature film screenings. The Paraplex is located throughout a completely remodeled, 14,000-square-foot historic and haunted mansion built in the late 1800s as a private residence and later used as a funeral home.

The Paraplex will serve as an anchor attraction at the foot of Canal Street, only three miles from the French Quarter. The hi-tech Paraplex, with its arsenal of cameras of varying formats, will monitor and record all paranormal phenomena 24/7 and document interactions between the mansion’s resident entities (ghosts) and Paraplex visitors.

The Paraplex Annex, located at 718 Orleans, is the French Quarter campus of the Paraplex offering a full slate of paranormal reality events including Ghost / Parapsychology Expeditions, Psychic Boot Camp, UFO & Ghost Hunters Nighttime Swamp Investigations and the exclusive new tour, Anne Rice’s Vampires & Other Supernatural Beings.

For more information, visit www.paraplex.net