Jetsettersblog

www.marblearchcaves.net

In September the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark became the first International Geopark in the World.

These caves cover an area of 18,00 hectares and has been recognized by UNESCO due to its internationally important geology and environment. This geodiversity has created a unique region that features characteristic rugged limestone landscapes, extensive forests and swathes of globally rare blanket bog. The landscape has influenced the lives and farming practices of its inhabitants throughout-history and there are many fine examples of the interaction of people with the alnd dating back voer 6,000 years. The Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark represents a geological timeline that extends unbroken over 330 million years.

It’s location is in the heart of rural Ireland’s cross border region of counties Fermanagh and Cavan.

East African safari experience, Singita – a South Africa’s safari brand, has undertaken a number of new developments at its Singita Grumeti Reserves in Tanzania. The exclusive 350,000-acre reserve is located on the Western corridor of the Serengeti. Three new suites are currently being added at Singita Grumeti’s flagship Sasakwa lodge, while at Singita Faru Faru lodge, a two-bedroom unit, as well as two new suites are under construction and are due for completion in February 2009.

In addition, stables are also being built at Faru Faru to facilitate the introduction of Singita’s first overnight horseback safaris, which will be on offer to experienced riders from mid-2009.

One of the distinctive attractions at Singita Grumeti Reserves is its Equestrian Centre, located at Sasakwa Lodge. Here, a diverse range of horses are stabled, including South African Boerperde. The new facility has also resulted in the introduction of a three-night horseback safari for experienced riders.

With accommodation provided at Sasakwa and Faru Faru, experienced riders will be accompanied by seasoned Singita guides through the vast, game-rich plains. Two new double or twin suites and a two-bedroom unit with cool, relaxed interiors will augment the current six suites at Singita Faru Faru, which will at completion accommodate a total of 21 guests.

For families or groups traveling together, the new two-bedroom unit with its private pool may be booked along with the two new suites as a “lodge within a lodge” to accommodate up to eight guests in complete privacy, overlooking a watering hole and the Grumeti River. At flagship Singita Sasakwa lodge the three new suites will boast their own private rim-flow swimming pools.

Each suite will display typical African influences with touches of wood, leather and grass, alongside crisp linens, imported chandeliers and exotic furniture. Singita Sasakwa is a member of Relais & Chateaux and currently accommodates 28 guests, which will increase to 34 beds with the addition of the three new suites.

Plans are also being finalized to increase the number of luxury tents at Singita’s third lodge within the Grumeti Reserves, Sabora Tented Camp.

For more information, email Reservations@singita.co.za , 011-27-21-683-3424 or visit www.singita.com

The monumental artwork by artist Brian Cairns that has concealed Andaz West Hollywood’s south-facing exterior for the last month has come down to reveal the second property in the Andaz brand portfolio and the first Andaz hotel to open in the United States.

Encouraging guests to create their own experience, Andaz West Hollywood offers an uncomplicated stay while focusing on delivering the simplest pleasures.

“It’s been quite a journey, but we’re delighted to have the doors open,” said Andaz West Hollywood General Manager Michel Morauw.

“We look forward to welcoming our first guests and the community to Andaz.”

Andaz West Hollywood has completely re-imagined the fourteen-story former Hyatt on Sunset, affectionately referred to as the “Riot House.” While guests may still find subtle hints and heritage from its earlier days, the new hotel focuses on unique details and the special locale of West Hollywood, California. Andaz worked with New York-based architecture and interior design firm Janson Goldstein to develop the series of engaging spaces featuring design sensibilities tied to the locale of the hotel.

“Our mission has been to make each Andaz property unique to its surrounding area,” says Janson Goldstein principal Hal Goldstein. “We have highlighted the contrasts between the modern and the mid-century, as well as broken down barriers between the indoor and outdoors spaces.” Thursday, January 8th also marked the opening of the highly anticipated RH restaurant.

French-trained chef Sebastien Archambault leads as executive chef and has been working with local vendors and growers to create his “market to table” menu, which focuses on regional, seasonal ingredients and personal choice.

 In addition to a menu of signature dishes, RH offers a market list, from which guests will be able to choose and customize their own meals. The restaurant showcases local wines inspired by boutique vintners celebrating the best of California.

In the same spirit of openness and transparency that marks the style of RH, Sebastien and his team work in an open kitchen, which anchors the 100-seat bar and restaurant.

The walkin coolers feature glass doors so guests can observe their entire meal taking shape from storage and preparation to cooking and plating.

“Our menu highlights the climate and richness in Los Angeles, and we would like to give new meaning to the concept of honest food,” Sebastien comments.

Illawarra Fly has introduced a range of exciting new activities and product offerings that will add to the treetop walk experience. “The Illawarra Fly strives to be innovative and fresh, and to achieve this introduces new activities for visitors and the region’s local community on a regular basis” says Sean Haylan GM.

The new activities include Laser Skirmish and Pete the Snow Dragon special visits.

Laser Skirmish is similar to paint ball without the pain. Aim at your friends’ specially designed flack jacket and if on target they will be out. Laser Skirmish will cost $12 for 3 x 5 minute games and is available from December 27 until January 11 from 10 am -4pm daily.

“The kids will love this game. It’s a great way to get them running around and stretch the legs, whilst you sit back, take in the views and enjoy a coffee” says Haylan.

“Illawarra Fly is striving to increase visitation to the region and provide good fun activities so that visitors can really enjoy the IIlawarra and south coast experience” says Haylan “We’re really keen to add value and increase return visitation”.

Pete the Snow Dragon resides in Falls Creek during winter and will be making special guest appearances at The Fly over the school holidays. Have your photo taken with Pete and look out for when he has his giveaways. “Kids are enthralled by the big blue Snow Dragon. Pete makes such an impact with his big blue tail, smiling face and huge arms for hugging” says Haylan “He’s a hit with the kids and young at heart”.

To make the visit to the region even more special, The Fly has teamed with Bradman Museum to offer a dual ticket for $31* and receive a free coffee at each attraction. Tickets are available at the Southern Highlands Tourist Information desk or online at www.southern-highlands.com.au

Another big addition to the offering is a ‘2 park pass’ with Jamberoo Action Park and accommodation packages, check www.2parkpass.com

It’s a first of its kind in NSW tourism. Be one of the first to experience this exclusive offer. Our accommodation partners are Novotel Northbeach Wollongong, Sebel Harbourside Kiama and Belmore All Suite Hotel Wollongong.

Illawarra Fly tickets are available at Tourism Southern Highlands and Kiama Visitor Centres as well as at the Fly.

Set atop the escarpment of Knight’s Hill, the Illawarra Fly Tree Top Walk is a 500m elevated walkway featuring two cantilevered arms, that take visitors to the edge of the forest fall line and offers inspiring views over the valley to Lake Illawarra and the South Pacific Ocean

Spectacular panoramic scenery is also experienced from the crest of the walkway’s spiralling tower, 45 metres above the forest floor.

Located just 1.5 hours from Sydney, this natural attraction is a must-see for visitors touring the Grand Pacific Drive and Kiama or the Southern Highlands. Worth the journey.

Phone 02 4885 1010 for information or check the website at www.illawarrafly.com

Winner – 2008 South Coast Regional Tourism Awards – New Tourism Development | Finalist – 2008 New South Wales Tourism Awards – New Tourism Development

Nestled on the fringing Great Barrier Reef of Tropical North Queensland, Fitzroy Island Hunt Resort Managed by Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific offers a new luxurious island getaway.

Located 45 minutes by ferry from the Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns, Fitzroy Island Hunt Resort is a stylish, modern and sophisticated resort which features natural timbers, stone, leather and marble finishes.

A choice of accommodation options is available including hotel rooms, one and two bedroom apartments, beachfront suites and a luxurious penthouse. Resort facilities include a spectacular swimming pool and spa, a variety of dining options including restaurants and a food court, games room, boutique resort shopping, cinema, and tour desk.

Day trippers and overnight guests can choose from a multitude of activities to fill their time including sensational snorkelling and diving directly off white beaches, national park walks, fishing, sea kayaking and Great Barrier Reef cruises.

Phone (07) 4044 6700

or visit www.fitzroyisland.com.au

Popular Whitsunday resort, Hamilton Island, has added a Quad Bike Adventure Tour to its activity lineup.

Guests joining the tour are taken through a safety briefing and a confidence course to gain experience in quad biking prior to departure.

The bikes are fully automatic and easy to operate providing novices and experienced riders with an enjoyable experience.

The highlight of the tour is when guests drive up the hill to Resort Lookout from where they experience breathtaking 360 degree views of Hamilton Island and the other Whitsunday islands.

The tour operates from Palm Valley Activities and complements other adventure activities including Target Sports, Go Karts and the Aquatic Golf Driving Range.

No prior experience is required, however driver’s must have at least a learner’s drivers’ licence and be over 16 years of age. Cost for the one hour quad bike experience is $129 per person.

www.hamiltonisland.com.au

Enjoy a tropical breakfast in an exclusive rainforest setting with Great Barrier Reef Helicopter’s new Breakfast in the Rainforest tour.

Soar over the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics Rainforest, past cascading waterfalls and alongside crystal-clear rapids, before landing on a huge river rock bed at a remote wilderness location. The site is inaccessible by land and Great Barrier Reef Helicopters is the only company with a permit to land in the area, so exclusivity and privacy is guaranteed.

 Enjoy a glass of sparking wine and delicious tropical breakfast picnic before a swim in the flowing pools, or a relaxing stroll along riverbanks and through the rainforest. The return flight includes more breathtaking scenery along the Coral Sea coastline.

Transfers from Cairns and Port Douglas accommodation are included in the tariff.

Ph: (07) 4035 9669 or visit www.gbrhelicopters.com.au

Preferred Hotel Group is pleased to announce its newest member – Angkor Palace Resort & Spa in Siem Reap – under the Summit Hotels & Resorts brand, a collection of more than 150 internationally acclaimed hotels and resorts that celebrate local luxury.

Located just 15 minutes from the Angkor temples and 10 minutes from the airport, the Angkor Palace Resort & Spa is set amidst 11 hectares of exotic tropical gardens and offers a delightful resort base from which to discover the legendary temples of Angkor. Being the first Cambodian-owned luxury five-star resort accommodation, its design, décor and furnishing reflect the finest in traditional Khmer architecture.

The resort features 251 guestrooms and suites and eight villas, all tastefully furnished in Cambodian style with inlaid teak floors and traditional poster beds with balconies overlooking the gardens. Complimentary broadband internet is also offered in all room and wireless internet access is available in public areas. Business travelers are catered for with a fully-equipped business center and meeting facilities can cater for up to 200 persons.

Four restaurant and bars offer a traditional Khmer menu as well as international cuisine.

The resort’s Kainnora Spa is a relaxing sanctuary with nine treatment rooms and four spa villas offering a wide range of holistic body treatments including traditional Khmer massage, body wraps and scrubs.

Other recreational facilities include a gym, two tennis courts and a large freeform outdoor swimming pool surrounded by lush greenery. Newly-opened is a golf driving range located within the hotel with 16 sheltered golf driving bays. Also, the resort is within a 10-minute drive to Angkor Golf Resort, a Nick Faldo design 18-hole golf cours, and host to the prestigious Indochine Cup.

“Siem Reap is one of the major tourism hotspots in Asia and we are thrilled to be partnered with a hotel that is truly representative of genuine Cambodian hospitality. We aim to bring high-end FIT and MICE business to the city and to the resort through our global channels,” said Mark Simmons, Area Managing Director, Asia.

“As a member of Summit Hotels, Angkor Palace Resort & Spa joins a hotel brand that is made up of some of the finest hotels in the world. With Summit Hotels’ stringent criteria to ensure all members meet global service excellence and quality standards, we are able to offer and ensure five-star quality services to all discerning travelers visiting Angkor Wat temple complex, an UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site,” said Weng Aow, General Manager, Angkor Palace Resort & Spa.

About Summit Hotels & Resorts

Summit Hotels & Resorts is a member of the Preferred Hotel Group™ family of brands which also includes Preferred Boutique, Preferred Hotels® & Resorts, Sterling Hotels and Historic Hotels of America™. For reservations and a complete description of the Summit Hotels & Resorts collection, please visit www.SummitHotels.com

Summit Hotels & Resorts guests are eligible to enroll in the I Prefer™ Guest Benefit Program featuring benefits such as early check-in/late check-out, space-available room upgrades and more. For more information, please visit www.IPrefer.com

The New Year started off with a bang in the Lion City and the action is set to continue right throughout 2009. Whether you are planning to stay for seven hours or seven days, use the following A-Z guide to help you discover the very best Singapore has to offer.

Ann Siang Road – A shopper’s paradise housing a variety of niche and cutting edge stores in historic shophouses including Asylum (22 Ann Siang Rd), an art space and store rolled into one and Front Row (5 Ann Siang Rd), where you can mix shopping with a deli and a cup of tea.

Bars – Whether you are after a classic beer, or the latest cocktail doing the rounds, Singapore has a venue for you. Archipelago Craft Beer (Clarke Quay) houses Asian flavoured beer with ingredients like tamarind and palm sugar; enjoy a tipple at Tasting Notes (Robertson Quay) for the latest in wine with 200 plus choices; or to end the night, visit the Butter Factory (Robertson Quay) which offers arty types the latest in art exhibitions and hip cocktails while enjoying the groovy beats.

Coffee and Tea Singapore style – Singaporeans refer to tea as ‘teh’ and coffee as ‘kopi’. Served in no frills cups, the local method of brewing tea and coffee features the use of a muslin bag through which tea leaves and coffee powder are strained. Drop by a local hawker centre for a sample.

Deepavali – Singapore’s Hindu celebration takes place during November. The streets of Little India are lit up with thousands of fairy lights and market stalls line the streets as Singapore’s Indian community celebrate the Festival of Lights and good over evil.

Eng Seng Restaurant – don’t let the queue faze you…their succulent signature Black Chilli Crabs are definitely worth the wait. (241 Joo Chiat Place).

Fish Reflexology – for something a little different enjoy a fish reflexology treatment. Relax as you enjoy a unique pedicure session undertaken by live spa fish followed by a relaxing foot massage by a qualified reflexoloigst.

Geylang Clapot Rice – Locals swear this is the best place to enjoy this simple Cantonese dish, a definite ‘must try’ meal in Singapore. (639 Lorong, 33 Geylang)

Hawker Centres –Singapore’s popular hawker centres are dotted around the island and offer a diverse range of food –including Malaysian, IndonesianChinese, Indian, Indonesian and Korean – all at incredibly low prices. Make sure you visit favourite centres such as Lau Pa Sat (Boon Tat St) and Newton Circus (Bukit Timah Rd) and don’t forget to grab your napkins from a local street store or MRT station…they will come in handy not only to clean up after your meal but to reserve your seat by placing them on your table before ordering.

Island Getaway – Sentosa is often referred to as Singapore’s island escape and can be reached by either cable car or bridge. A great place for young and old alike, popular attractions include Underwater World, The Luge, Butterfly and Insect Kingdom and a flying trapeze for learners to name a few.

Jungle Breakfast at the Zoo – Singapore’s famous Jungle Breakfast lets you get in touch with your wild side. Dine with the orang utans and the reticulated python before munching into a delicious breakfast. Make sure you also visit the newly opened Rainforest@KidsWorld where the kids can enjoy the rides and water fun! (80 Mandai Lake Rd)

Katong – home to Singapore’s Peranakan culture with its picturesque old homes and quaint stores. Ruma Bebe’s beautiful shophouse is where you can learn the art of beading and at Kim Choo Kueh’s dumpling house, you can discover the secret ingredients of this delicious traditional treat.

Laska Wars – there is already a contentious battle between Chilli Crab and Laska to be named Singapore’s official dish – but Laska has its own war going. The territorial tussle which is known as the Katong Laska Wars is between four stalls (47, 49, 57 and 328) along the same stretch of East Coast Road and has been brewing for more than two decades. Make sure you select your favourite when next in the Lion City.

Merlion – as Singapore’s national tourism icon, this half-fish, half-lion statue symbolises Singapore’s humble beginnings as a fishing village and its name Singapura (Lion City), given by Prince Sang Nila Utama. Now located at the head of the river at Merlion Park, it is visited by over 1 million people each year as the obligatory tourist photo shot.

National Museum – Reopening after extensive renovations in 2006, the Museum houses four living galleries representing Singapore’s history in terms of food, fashion, film and photography. (93 Stamford Rd)

One Rochester – A beautifully restored black and white bungalow, this is the perfect place to relax and let the day turn into night as you sip back with your favourite drink (1 Rochester Park).

Pink Parlour – a trip to Singapore would not be complete without a visit to a spectacular spa. Pink Parlour is a swanky 4 storey boutique spa where you can enjoy an oxygen facial before your Ginseng PediSpa, or your yoga session on the rooftop sky lounge (63 Kim Yam Road).

Quarters – Singapore’s ethnic quarters offer visitors insights into a variety of cultures. Be mesmerised by the gold stores and sari shops as you wander through Little India, take a step back in time in Chinatown when exploring the Chinatown Heritage Centre (48 Pagoda St), or discover the delights of Kampong Glam, Singapore’s Malay quarter.

Robertson Quay – this bustling waterfront area rounds off Singapore’s trio of quays, also including Clarke and Boat Quays. Previously the site of merchants’ offices, warehouses and jetties, Robertson Quay offers a more laid-back atmosphere for dining and entertainment by the Singapore River.

Singapore Sling – no trip to Singapore would be complete without a Singapore Sling at the Long Bar in Raffles Hotel (1 Beach Rd). Alternatively you can also sit back in the hotel’s courtyard and enjoy a decadent evening under the stars.

Tanglin Village – now home to many new ‘in’ restaurants and bars including hidden oasis Oosh (Blk 22), the intimate Hacienda (Blk 13A), and PS Café (Blk 28B), a chic Australian inspired bistro serving mouth-watering cuisine.

Upper Thomson Road – Food is always on the mind in Singapore and this location is no different. With plenty of choices along this 400 metre strip, the area is fast gaining a reputation as a food stretch for all. With cafes, hawker centres, restaurants and delis to suit any budget or taste, just don’t wait too late to go – you won’t be able to get in!

Velvet Dragon – Following a revamp this club is gearing up for a bright new year. Adorned in red plush velvet sofas and chandeliers, you can party the night away in luxury (6 Eu Tong Sen Street).

Wala Wala – the perfect place when you want to just relax. The mood is laid back and chilled out with music and live bands every night (31 Lorong Mambong, Holland Village)

Xi Yan – (38A Craig Road) putting the X in eXclusive, this unassuming restaurant with no street sign has a two month waiting list.

Heralded for its delicious food and stunning presentation, the house speciality is a fixed price 13 course Yin Yang degustation menu.

Yeo Swee Huat –15 Upper Circular Rd., Chinatown.

This simple workshop specialises in handcrafted paper effigies. Visitors will be fascinated by the colourful models, cars and houses meant to be burnt as offerings to one’s ancestors for their enjoyment in the afterlife. The shop also crafts traditional Chinese lanterns for auspicious purposes.

Zouk – constantly voted one of the world’s best dance venues, it continues to attract clubbers from across the globe as well as top international DJs. Party until the wee hours of the morning at Phuture, Velvet Underground, or unwind at the Wine Bar (17 Jiak Kim St)

For more information about Singapore, log onto www.visitsingapore.com

 or contact the Singapore Tourism Board on (02) 9290 2888.

Capella Telluride, in Colorado, opened The Spa at Capella on Feb. 12, 2009.

 Located on the resort’s second floor, the 5,700-square-foot space features four single and two couples’ treatment rooms.

The couples’ suites offer sitting areas with fireplaces, side-by-side treatment tubs with LED light therapy, and herbal steam rooms, with one featuring a private sauna. Entering The Spa at Capella, guests walk through an all-glass wall and door entry that opens to a reception area featuring an inviting fireplace.

 Traveling through the corridor to their treatment room, guests are greeted by a backlit wall of glass that ends at a water feature.

From the indoor pool and hot tub area, guests are afforded sweeping views down Telluride Valley from a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows. When weather allows, retractable glass doors open to the outside, and the pool’s raised design gives the effect of entering from below the water level.

The Spa at Capella’s fitness room — featuring on-site trainers — also offers views.

For more information, visit www.CapellaTelluride.com