Jetsettersblog

Bonaire’s Woodwind Snorkel & Sailing Charters, a trimaran sailing charter which offers snorkeling/sailing excursions on Bonaire with a professional guide, has recently expanded its website to include a section for arriving cruise ship passengers.

This new area of the site makes it easier for those planning a port call to Bonaire to see exactly which excursions are available to them during their ship’s visit.

Additionally, there is a link to on on-line form which makes it easy and fast to request availability or make a reservation.

For more information, email info@woodwindbonaire.com  or visit www.woodwindbonaire.com/woodwind_cruises3 .

Eastern Mediterranean hotel group Aquis Hotels and Resorts is set to officially launch and open its doors in Corfu and is offering 100 free rooms for agents to mark the occasion.

 The 100 rooms are available for arrivals between April 21 and 25 for a maximum of seven nights at either the Aquis Agios Gordios Beach Hotel or Aquis Pelekas Beach Hotel for double or single occupancy.

 Rooms are subject to availability on a first-come, first-served basis, allocation of hotel will be confirmed 10 days prior to arrival.

Backed by international funds and capital investments, the company was created last summer with the objective to develop a chain of upmarket hotels within Greece, Cyprus, Turkey and Egypt.

For more information, visit www.aquisresorts.com

Dopplr an online service for smarter travel helps you make more of your travels by sharing your future trips privately with friends and colleagues.

The service then highlights coincidences, for example, telling you that three people you know will be in Tokyo when you will be there too.

You can use Dopplr on your personal computer or mobile phone. It links with many popular online calendars and social networks.

After a period of exclusive availability to selected global companies, Dopplr opened to world travellers everywhere in December 2007.

Sign up now or visit the Dopplr city pages for London, Helsinki, Tokyo or New York.

Dopplr has offices on London’s Silicon Roundabout and the Helsinki seaside.

The most of the international team behind Dopplr hails from Helsinki lead by co-founders CEO Marko Ahtisaari, CTO Matt Biddulph and Design Director Matt Jones. Lisa Sounio, Tyler Brûlé and Saul Klein serve on the Board of Directors.

Dopplr is backed by a premier international group of investors including Martin Varsavsky, Esther Dyson, Thomas Glocer, Lars Hinrichs, Joichi Ito, Reid Hoffman, Tyler Brûlé, and Saul Klein.

What people are saying

“You put in your travel schedule and link to your friends. It allows you to see where everyone is. I love it.” – Jimmy Wales, Wikipedia

“Dopplr made my vacation!” – Richard Moross, CEO, Moo

For the latest coverage of Dopplr including articles in the Financial Times, TIME Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian and Fortune. http://www.dopplr.com/main/press

The Dopplr service is owned and operated by Dopplr Ltd. in Helsinki, Finland.

www.dopplr.com

Book a day on the private beach of Burj Al Arab and enjoy a variety benefits including a complimentary 55 minute Wellbeing Massage and use of spa facilities at Assawan Spa, a three-course lunch menu in Majlis Al Bahar, or a dinner buffet at Al Iwan or Junsui.
Price: AED 690 per person

For more information, please contact Burj Al Arab Restaurant Reservations
Tel: +971 4 301 7600
Email: BAArestaurants@jumeirah.com

Scandinavian simplicity, arctic flavors and pure, organic ingredients. Home cooking, original recipes and reinventing traditions. These are the ideas that you would come across while perusing the shelves of Finnish cookbooks in any of the country’s bookstores. In the last decade, Finnish gastronomy has taken considerable steps towards international appreciation.

Today, both Finns and global gourmands are greeted by a newfound flair for the local cuisine, which can be sampled at a handful of Michelin-star restaurants as well as a growing number of small, independent eateries in Helsinki.

The number of cookbooks being published is also rapidly increasing, and many of these are in the Finnish language. This is evidence the fact that the local cuisine certainly appeals to the locals. A recent survey found that young Finns in particular are more enthusiastic about the Finnish traditional gastronomy. They prefer salmon, and game such as elk and reindeer, root vegetables, mushrooms and forest fruits to foreign flavors. One would be hard pressed to find a stronger endorsement of a country’s cuisine.

Perhaps this also points to a larger trend, in which young generations in Finland and elsewhere look to their origins and folklore for inspiration in fashion, design, art, food and other creative pursuits. One could say that the trend extends to the restaurant scene as well as in tourism, where genuine cultural exchanges are the ultimate aim of many travelers. While Finnish tourists visiting Madrid might seek out authentic patatas bravas, Spaniards touring Finland would similarly look for distinct taste experiences in Helsinki, Turku or Lapland.

A variety of venues

Today, Finnish chefs proudly offer these experiences at a variety of venues in different categories. Michelin-rated menus are offered by places like Chez Dominique, Demo or Carma, all of which are located within the same neighborhood in Helsinki. Their proprietors belong to the contemporary crew of ambitious talents who place an emphasis on local produce and simplicity in tastes while seeking innovative approaches.

Postres, another Helsinki-based restaurant, could be described in similar words. The South China Morning Post cites it as serving distinctly Finnish menus and reinventing old recipes “so the classic salmon pastry comes with a different jasmine rice pudding and dill purée.”
Juuri, a 24 seat restaurant with a farmhouse atmosphere is an example of the more relaxed eateries. It serves Finnish tapas, such as lingonberry-marinated salmon, recently praised by the New York Times, International Edition.

In fall, the business, culture and design bible Monocle was quick to mention the new Sis Deli chain, supporting local produce, which instantly became a hit among the Helsinki crowd.
The list of places to see and experience continues: each day and each year Finnish chefs become more inventive in creating personal, independent concepts, in charming their customers, in maneuvering the handicraft of the profession, and in turning the heritage of a traditionally poor kitchen into simple, modern delicacies. Thanks to the new talent, the international audience may today try ambitious fine-dining and relaxed food concepts, all with a Finnish twist, in Helsinki as well as in cities further north.

Helsinki, and Finland, may today proudly present themselves on the global culinary map. And most likely the trend will continue: young people take an interest in food as well as in the chef’s profession. If this is a promise of an even brighter culinary future, remains to be seen.

Places to try
In the 2007 edition of “50 best Finnish restaurants”, the list compiled by the Finnish trade magazine Viisi Tähteä, Editor-in-Chief Eeropekka Rislakki states:
“Our restaurants have now reached the level in which to compete in the international arena. Finland is becoming one of the gastronomically most interesting countries in Europe and Helsinki one of the most exciting restaurant cities.”

In 2008 the list was revised. As in earlier years, the best restaurants have three things in common: a respect for classical aspects of the Finnish cuisine, a demonstrated innovativeness and broad vision of the field, and an interest in top-quality raw materials and regional cuisine. Please find picks of the list below:

Helsinki
Chez Dominique, www.chezdominique.fi

Chez Dominique is a unique top-restaurant in Finland run by Hans Välimäki, currently holding two Michelin stars. Considered a forerunner in the field, and worthy of the international recognition it has received. Signature dish is baby lamb with egg-plant lasagna and rosemary sauce.

Demo, www.restaurantdemo.fi

Demo, holding one Michelin star and run by chefs Teemu Aura and Tommi Tuominen, is considered a modern classic in the heart of Helsinki. It is appreciated for it’s the harmonic flavors and combinations, the choice of ingredients and preparation. The atmosphere of the small restaurant is smart and personal. The duo also runs Grotesk, around the corner from Demo.

Olo, www.olo-ravintola.fi

Olo, newly elected restaurant of the year 2009, is one of the restaurants constantly receiving excellent ratings. It is considered the aristocracy of the Scandinavian cooking, Finland’s next top-restaurant. Its playful attitude, skills and compilations of modern tastes have found a place in many hearts.

Postres, www.postres.fi

Postres is run by a team of young chefs and is known to offer high-quality, art-like food experiences. In a short time period it manages a place in the very top category of the city’s restaurants, and receives special thanks for their Tarte Tatin and for sharing their enchanting personalities in their work.

Carma, www.carma.fi

Carma is the relatively new place of old-timer chef Markus Aremo: an enchanting place, stylish and clean interior-wise, with a strong label of its own.

Ateljé Finne, www.ateljefinne.fi

This is the place for art-lovers who fancy granny’s cookings. Ateljé Finne is located in the former studio of Finnish sculptor Gunnar Finne and presents many his works in the decoration. The menu is compiled of traditional, honest food with a fresh twist: a quality bistro with relaxed atmosphere and young clientele.

Kosmos, www.ravintolakosmos.fi

Kosmos is one of Helsinki’s legendary places, the artist’s living room going way back. Still Kosmos appeals also today: nothing revolutionary, rather traditional, safe, yet unique. A classic dish is fried herring.

Juuri Keittiö & Baari, www.juuri.fi

Known for its Finnish tapas, sapas, Juuri has been a positive surprise for locals and foreigners. It is a simple, yet warm place featuring a feeling of returning to ones roots (Finnish roots). Its small dishes are part of the traditional Finnish cooking, a handicraft and a piece of the national identity.

Tampere
Näsinneula, www.nasinneula.fi
Henrik’s, www.aleksinravintolat.fi/henriks

Turku
Panimoravintola Hermann, www.ravintolaherman.com
Mami, www.mami.fi

Oulu
Matala, www.matala.fi
Uleaåborg 1881, www.uleaborg.fi

Rovaniemi
Lapland Hotel Sky Ounasvaara, www.laplandhotels.com
Nili, www.nili.fi

Scanrail Pass

The high-speed rail link between Helsinki and St. Petersburg has been given the name Allegro. The livery for the high-speed trains on this route will consist of a white background with blue, red and silver stripes.

The trains are due to come into service in 2010.

The word allegro comes from Italian, where it means “fast”. Ease of pronunciation and usability in the Finnish and Russian languages, as well as internationally were subject to special attention in the name selection. Inspiration for the new trains’ livery came from the colours of the Finnish and Russian flags.

This high-speed rail link is intended to shorten the journey time between Helsinki and St. Petersburg at first to three and a half hours and later to three hours, down from the current five and a half hours.

Passenger numbers on the Helsinki–St. Petersburg line are expected to triple within five years of the introduction of the high-speed service. In 2007, the Helsinki–St. Petersburg line carried some 230,000 passengers. Total passenger travel between Finland and Russia last year amounted to nearly 400,000 journeys, which is an 18% increase on the previous year. The growth has continued to increase this year: in the period from January to November, passenger numbers on trains to and from Russia increased by 9 %.

Last autumn the train operating company Oy Karelian Trains Ltd placed an order for four high-speed trains. According to the company’s plans, three services will operate in each direction daily in the initial phase, with the number of services later increasing to four per day in each direction.

The new trains will have a “dual voltage” system to enable them to operate on both the Finnish and Russian rail networks. The top speed of the trains will be 220 km (137 miles) per hour. Each train will have seven carriages and a total of 350 seats. There will be a restaurant, business class area, facilities for disabled passengers and designated seats for passengers travelling with pets.

Getting the rails ready in Finland and Russia

Increasing the speed on the St. Petersburg rail line requires investment in the tracks in both Finland and Russia, in addition to the new rolling stock. All border-crossing formalities are also being relocated onto the moving trains.

The Russian segment of the line will be improved between 2007 and 2010. After the rail line upgrade passenger train are able to run at 200 km/h on St. Petersburg–Buslovskaja line section. The upgrade work also includes construction of a new electrified line between Petäjäjärvi and Kamennogorsk and freight traffic will be transferred to run via Rutshji–Petäjäjärvi-Kamennogorsk-Vyborg line sections.

Upgrades on the Lahti–Luumäki-Vainikkala segment in Finland will be completed in 2010.

Karelian Trains is jointly owned by the Finnish national rail company VR Ltd and the Russian rail company OAO RZD. It was set up to acquire high-speed trains for services between Helsinki and St. Petersburg and related maintenance services. The train operating companies VR Ltd and OAO RZD are responsible for customer service, timetables and pricing on the high-speed trains.

Grand Pacific Drive and its sinuously exciting Sea Cliff Bridge has become such a hit with driving enthusiasts that it has been chosen by Sydney’s Prancing Horse Car Rentals for regular Ferrari driving days.

“We kept seeing Sea Cliff Bridge appearing in car ads, including a television commercial involving a Formula 1 Ferrari, so we just had to take a look at the route,” said Prancing Horse director Walter Szyszka.

“The upshot is that we’ve begun offering Ferrari drive days from Sydney to the South Coast through the Royal National Park and along Grand Pacific Drive, taking in the magnificent bridge and pretty coastal villages along the way.

“In fact we are so excited about it we are aiming to introduce overnight stays, so that Ferrari lovers and their passengers get to broaden their la dolce vita experience and take in more of the wonderful sights and attractions on offer.”

Mr Szyszka said the Prancing Horse drive days were set up to give drivers the opportunity to sample not just one but four different forms of the famous marque, changing at pre-determined points.

On offer are a 2006 model F430 Spider, 2002 360 Spider, 1998 F355 Spider and a 1988 328 GTS, all top-down convertibles in dazzling Ferrari red. Accompanying them will be the tour director in another 328 GTS.

“This way you get to not only experience the world’s best-known sports car along sweeping clifftop roads but get to become intimately involved with some of the most exciting Ferraris ever produced.”

Highlights include breakfast at the likes of the beachfront sundeck at the Scarborough Hotel, lunch at stylish Bellachara Boutique Hotel at Gerringong, and an inland jaunt through the beautiful Jamberoo Valley, all from just $880 per person. Conditions apply.

Tourism Wollongong Managing Director Greg Binskin said the Prancing Horse drive days underscored the amazing impact that Sea Cliff Bridge and Grand Pacific Drive were having on the South Coast.

“Since the bridge opened three years ago we have moved up a notch as a tourism and lifestyle region, with six new hotels opening in and around Wollongong, Jamberoo Action Park becoming the largest theme park in NSW and the $6.5m Illawarra Fly Tree Top Walk opening at Robertson in the escarpment here,” he said.

“The Grand Pacific Drive is now marketed in 12 countries including UK, Europe, India and China, and the drive has put us on the list of must-dos for locals and visitors alike.”

Group bookings earn a discount to $770 per person. Details see www.prancinghorse.com.au  or call toll free 1300 30 70 50.

 General information on Grand Pacific Drive is available via www.grandpacificdrive.com.au or call 1800 240 737.

Guided walk aims for new high

Australia’s newest guided walks company, Hidden Peaks, will launch its first adventure in March and aims to set a new standard for luxury outdoor adventure in Queensland.

The Spicer Private Walk is a fully-hosted four-day walk traversing the scenic trails of one of south-east Queensland’s largest private nature refuges at Peppers Spicers Peak Lodge.

It also ventures into the pristine environment of the Main Range National Park World Heritage areas. The aim is to provide a world-class leisure experience where guests connect with natural wonders and still enjoy award-winning accommodation, food and wine.

Overnight accommodation is in well appointed safari style tents supported by a purpose-built kitchen/dining room.

The walk culminates with a night at Peppers Spicers Peak Lodge.

www.spicerspeaklodge.com.au

 or www.hiddenpeaks.com.au

New luxury cruiser available for charter

An Italian-designed luxury 72 foot Mangusta cruiser is now available for half day, full day or exclusive customised charters in the waters off south-east Queensland.

The MV Broadway offers a range of cruising charters for up to 24 day guests or six overnight guests. Half day charters are available cruising from the Brisbane CBD up the Brisbane River to the Indooroopilly Golf Course including lunch, or a full day cruise departing Marina Mirage and cruising past South Stradbroke Island to anchor at picturesque Wave Break Island. Overnight charters to Noosa and Moreton Bay are also available or a three-day charter to Lady Musgrave Island to snorkel some of Australia’s finest reefs.

 Choose from a range of menus catered by an onboard chef plus an extensive wine selection. Limousine and helicopter transfers can be arranged to meet the boat, plus a range of soft adventure activities. www.broadwaycharters.com

Townsville has welcomed an extra 200+ rooms across two new hotels which have opened in the city’s cosmopolitan Palmer Street dining precinct.

Hotel M Townsville and Gateway on Palmer, both managed by the Oaks Hotels and Resorts group, are the latest hotels to open in a stream of new properties being built on Palmer Street.

 The four-and-a-half-star Hotel M, a 104-room hotel tower, is situated at the back of the revamped Metropole pub and features 11 floors of modern and fully self-contained studio apartments.

Gateway on Palmer is more resort-style accommodation, boasting a fully-equipped gym along with sauna and spa, swimming pool on podium level with views over the river and city.

Located on the waterfront and conveniently close to the CBD fringe, Gateways spacious, modern and luxurious apartments.

All feature spectacular river and ocean views.

www.TheOaksGroup.com.au