Jetsettersblog

Natural wonders meet cutting-edge technology at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden, a 15-acre facility at 5210 College Road in the island city. Visitors can now explore the garden and learn about its rich and diverse environment through “Wonders of Wireless” cell phone tours that maximize the outdoor learning experience.

The project, under a grant awarded by AT&T, entailed installing wireless service throughout the garden and creating multiple tours that can be accessed by calling a toll-free number. Wi-Fi service also is available, enabling visitors to access the Internet while enjoying the beauty of the site.

The only frost-free tropical moist forest garden in the continental United States, the facility is home to more than 6,000 plants and trees, and provides habitat for 35 butterfly species and more than 270 migratory bird species. Attractions include tropical fruit trees, native fragrant plants, native palms, tropical spices and local herbs and champion trees.

The garden currently is undergoing an expansion that includes the development of a new wetland habitat and 1.5 acres of tropical forest. In addition, a freshwater pond has been excavated and will be surrounded by a boardwalk system with wildlife viewing areas.

For more information, visit www.keywestbotanicalgarden.org

Southernmost Hotel Collection recently debuted a multimillion-dollar expansion of its Southernmost on the Beach, located on the Atlantic Ocean at 510 South St. in Key West.

Characterized by Key West architectural styling and lush landscaping, the expansion features 80 luxurious guestrooms each measuring more than 400 square feet. All rooms offer private balconies, ocean views, flat-screen televisions and blue-and-white nautically inspired décor with mahogany furnishings. Three custom-designed penthouse suites await guests seeking an extra touch of oceanfront luxury.

The new rooms and suites bring Southernmost on the Beach’s total to 127. Guests also can enjoy a new oceanfront pool bar, fitness center and private tanning pier.

The landscaping features more than 40 palm trees, transferred to a nursery for safekeeping during construction, that were recently replanted at Southernmost on the Beach.

For reservations, call (800) 354-4455 or visit www.southernmostresorts.com

New Opening! Nkomazi Game Reserve,

Opening 1st April 2009, Nkomazi Game Reserve, known as the place of water, is a destination of outstanding scenic beauty. Situated in one of the malaria-free areas of Mpumalanga province in South Africa, Nkomazi defines the ultimate in luxurious tented accommodation for those who appreciate and seek the very best of luxury leisure.

It is an ecological Alladin’s Cave of natural science, from towering ancient mountains to broad river valleys and impressive grasslands with countless animals such as lion, elephant, white rhino, leopard and buffalo and rare flora such as the Barberton Daisy within. It is blessed with interesting geomorphic features including ancient meteorite impact deposits, the oldest sedimentary rock on earth, the first ancient river valleys, Barberton greenstone and many other natural wonders.

 This area is often referred to as the holy grail of geology and it offers a treasured haven to all who choose to visit.

The reserve lies partly within a rugged tract of land famous worldwide as the Ancient Barberton Mountainland, and partly in the grasslands of the Great Komati River Valley.

 
In South Africa, Mpumalanga is regarded by many as the true symbol of Africa – the ‘real Africa’ with its vivid scenic beauty, dramatic landscapes, thunderstorms, rolling savannah, bushveld, wildlife, massive beasts, relaxed atmosphere and fascinating cultural history. Here, plateau and valley, mountain and savannah, water and soil weave together a world in which so many kinds of life prosper in harmony.

Accommodation

Nkomazi Game Reserve offers the exclusive luxurious tented accommodation, namely Komati Tented Camp, set on the banks of the Komati River. Each of the 12 private luxury tents (11 Noble Tents & 1 Royal Tent with separate lounge tent and private outdoor fire pit) overlook breathtaking views of its many natural wonders allowing guests to experience the quietness and solitude of this unique reserve.

There is also the River Retreat, with two treatment rooms where you can unwind and relax before or after game drives, an outdoor boma dining area for supper under the stars, a dining tent and a Majilis lounge tent with viewing deck.

A Wildlife Haven

Nkomazi has been restored to a wildlife haven. Here where great natural beauty and the 3.7 billion years of history meet, the Nkomazi conservation project has celebrated the return of wild animals to a region where they can once again roam in great abundance.

The reserve represents a kaleidoscope of Africa’s habitats in its ability to support both highveld and lowveld game on the high-lying grassland and low-lying bushveld areas, supporting an ecological balance including the Big 5.

The Barberton Mountainland has a plant biodiversity higher than that of the entire Kruger National Park and second only in South Africa to the Cape Fynbos and succulents.

 It is home to the well-known Protea, South Africa’s national flower, as well as the Barberton Daisy.

It also offers protection to the oldest fossil of life on earth and preserves the tracts of grasslands, the biome that is recognized today as the most threatened in the world.

Guest Activities

Game drives at Nkomazi can last up to three hours each and are available to guests twice a day in open vehicles with a maximum of six guests per vehicle. Other activities available include nature walks, fly fishing, bird watching and rock art viewing, all of which can be combined with game drives. Star gazing at night is also a must!

General Information

Close to the picturesque town of Barberton, the Kruger National Park, Pilgrims Rest, the Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window and other wonders of the escarpment region.

Access Nkomazi by road through a pleasant 3 hours’ drive from Johannesburg or a quick flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) via Johannesburg (approximately 1 hour) or via Cape Town (approximately 2 ½ hours).

2009 rates at Nkomazi start from R4000 (£357) per suite. Price includes all meals, game drives and selected beverages, tourism levy and VAT. For reservations or more information visit www.mantiscollection.com  or call 01483 425 465.

Deer Run Bed and Breakfast on Big Pine Key has been named to the “Islands Magazine” 2009 Blue List that celebrates leaders and innovators in sustainable travel. Of the 24 worldwide honorees on the prestigious list, Deer Run was the only one in the continental United States.

Located on a secluded Atlantic Ocean beach, close to two protected wildlife preserves in the pristine Lower Florida Keys,

Deer Run is operated to reflect its innkeepers’ earth-friendly mindset.

At breakfast, guests at the small Caribbean-style inn savor freshly prepared vegetarian offerings.

 Home-baked breads and fruits are predominantly organic and sourced locally, and the kitchen serves only organic fair trade coffee and tea.

Guestrooms feature organic cotton towels, cruelty-free eco-friendly products are used throughout the inn and water is collected in rain barrels for irrigation.

In addition, all proceeds from the inn’s honor bar are donated to Florida Keys animal charities.

Prior to the Blue List designation, Deer Run was the Lower Florida Keys’ first certified member of the Florida Green Lodging Program, created to recognize the state’s environmentally conscious lodging facilities.

For more information and reservations,

 visit www.deerrunfloridabb.com

 or call
(305) 872-2015.

The Orchid Key Inn is now open at 1004 Duval St. on the site of Key West’s former Key Lodge Motel.

The property features 24 elegant rooms and suites set against lush landscaping that includes brick paths, waterfalls and other water features.

Guest rooms and suites offer either a queen or king bed, a bath with mosaic glass tile shower, tropical deco décor, mini-refrigerator, HD plasma television, iHome sound system and wireless and high-speed Internet access.

Custom-built walnut furniture and artwork by local artist Alicia Renner round out the appeal. One-bedroom suites and junior spa suites also are available.

On-site amenities include a sun deck, large heated pool and spa, concierge services and low-cost off-street parking. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast poolside and complimentary sunset happy hour at the Orchid Bar.

For more information and reservations, call (800) 845-8384 or visit www.orchidkey.com

Eco-adventure and marine life encounters are the focus of a shark and wildlife eco-tour recently introduced by Key West Extreme Adventures.

The brainchild of veteran Key West fishing captain Ken Harris, the tour takes passengers on a 3.5-hour shallow-water visual hunt for sharks in the pristine backcountry waters off Key West. Passengers travel aboard the modern shallow-draft power catamaran Tiger Cat.

Harris and the company’s other seasoned captains use their skills and experience to seek out sharks by employing a fishy scent, attracting them for passengers to observe from the deck of the 34-foot Tiger Cat. No shark feeding takes place; the tour is solely a viewing adventure.

Shark species that travel Florida Keys waters include bull, nurse, lemon, blacktip and hammerhead. It’s even possible to view tiger sharks at certain times of the year.

Sea turtles, dolphins and a wide variety of bird life also can be viewed on the tours.

A portion of the proceeds from Key West Extreme Adventures’ tours benefit shark and marine life research and conservation through the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation and Guy Harvey Research Institute.

Tours depart from a dock at the Westin Key West Resort & Marina, 245 Front St. Drinks and snacks are available on the Tiger Cat.

For bookings and information including tour schedules and costs, visit www.kwextremeadventures.com

South Korea’s premier luxury hotel, The Shilla Seoul, has been ranked among the ‘World’s Top 100 Hotels 2008’ by the prestigious international business magazine, Institutional Investor.

The world’s top 100 hotels were nominated by the magazine’s readership of chief executive officers and senior executives from the United States, Asia and Europe.

Seoul’s leading 5-star hotel, which has featured in the highly influential luxury travel poll since 1989, recently underwent an extensive makeover creating a “lifestyle destination” with dramatically improved shopping, dining, health and beauty, wedding, conference and business facilities.

Commenting on The Shilla’s latest accolade, General Manager Mr. Junghwan Kim said, “We are very proud to be consistently acknowledged by the readers of Institutional Investor and see this is a reward for the dedication of our loyal staff and their commitment to providing our guests with the very highest standards of service and hospitality.”

Featuring 465 rooms, Shilla Seoul is an affiliate of the Samsung Corporation and member of the prestigious, The Leading Hotels of the World which also honoured the hotel in its latest annual “Leaders Club” awards with a coveted Gold.

As the first Asian hotel to receive this award, The Shilla Seoul has achieved the highest scores from the responses of questionnaires filled out by the international members of the Leaders Club.

Mr. Ted Teng, president and chief executive officer of The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd., said: “Throughout our company’s history, our hotels have set the standards for excellence in hospitality and service. It is our pleasure to recognize their numerous achievements in not only in providing their guests with the ultimate luxury experience, but also for their efforts to promote responsible tourism, and to nurturing the future of our industry.”

The Shilla’s refurbishment includes one of only two Guerlain Spas in Asia and the world renowned anti-aging La Clinique de Paris.

A prestigious new shopping arcade showcases around 20 world-famous brand name boutiques, high profile Korean labels and famed London ‘florist to the stars’ Paula Pryke.

Luxurious lodging with state-of-the-art facilities, high-end technology and subtle, dedicated service has made The Shilla Seoul one of Asia’s most admired hotels.

About Shilla Hotels & Resorts

The Shilla is one of Asia’s most admired hotel groups. The affiliate of Korean electronics giant Samsung Group owns two deluxe properties, The Shilla Seoul and The Shilla Jeju, on the resort island of Jeju. Both are members of The Leading Hotels of the World.

The Shilla Seoul is consistently voted South Korea’s top hotel by influential publications, most recently ranked among the ‘World’s Best Hotels’ by Institutional Investor and World’s Top 500 by Travel + Leisure. It is also consistently on Conde Nast Traveler’s Gold List of the ‘World’s Best Places to Stay’.

The market leader was lately refurbished as a “lifestyle destination” with dramatically improved shopping, dining, health and beauty, wedding, conference and business facilities – including one of only four Guerlain Spas in Asia, world renowned La Clinique de Paris, and a prestigious new shopping arcade showcasing world-famous designer brands, including Vera Wang, Hermes and Stephen Webster.

The Shilla brand has extended beyond South Korea with the management of the 5-star Shilla Suzhou, a new luxury hotel in Suzhou, China.

For information and reservations at The Shilla Hotels & Resorts, contact: (82-2) 2230-3310 Fax: (82-2) 2230-3720. Or The Shilla’s Overseas Offices in New York toll free (1) 212-515-5885, Fax: (1) 212-515-5881, Tokyo Tel: (81) 3-3586-7571 Fax: (81) 3 -3586-7360 or your travel agent or the nearest reservations office of The Leading Hotels of the World.

For more information on The Shilla hotels, visit www.shilla.net

The tour operator, bothfeet, offers a variety of Advanced Eco certified walking programmes, including the Great Ocean Walk. Founders, Dana and Gavin Ronan, have just opened a purpose-built walking lodge by the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. The walking lodge is for the exclusive use of bothfeet clients and combines state of the art architecture and best practice sustainable design.

Located about a kilometre from the coast in a serene, rainforest setting on ten acres, the lodge makes a perfect retreat for guests to relax after a day of hiking. The experience is enhanced by the fine regional food and wine on offer.

 Bothfeet produces lunches and snacks for walkers and, in the evenings, a local chef creates modern Australian dishes, accompanied by Victorian wine. www.bothfeet.com.au

Royal Phuket Marina

In a ceremony attended by Royal Phuket Marina owner and developer Mr. Gulu Lalvani, and more than 50 VIP guests from Thailand and overseas, Governor of Phuket Mr Preecha Ruanchun, officially opened the island’s first dedicated Exhibition & Conference centre in Thailand’s most exclusive luxury lifestyle yachting community.

The new facility will be known as ‘RPM International Exhibition & Conference Centre’.

The 2,500 square metre waterfront ‘RPM Convention Centre’ paves the way for a new era of large-scale conferences, expos and private events on the island. Three times larger than any existing exhibition facility in Phuket, it expects to host one or two high profile events every month.

PIMEX, which runs from December 4 to 7 and which is hailed as “Asia’s favourite boat show” by its organiser, is the first major exhibition to be held at the new RPM facility.

The conference centre is a joint venture between Royal Phuket Marina and Informa (www.informa.com), the largest publicly-owned organiser of conferences and courses in the world, staging over 10,000 events annually.

In his address Governor Ruanchun said, “Phuket is one of the world’ premier tourist destinations, and I am confident that with the opening of such facilities as the RPM International Exhibition and Conference Centre, our island paradise has the potential to become a leading international venue for conventions, expos and large scale private events.”

On Phuket’s eastern seaboard overlooking scenic Phang Na Bay, Royal Phuket Marina is Thailand’s first world-class luxury lifestyle community rivaling top marina resort communities in Europe and the Caribbean.

It was developed by tycoon Gulu Lalvani, founder of Binatone, the world’s second largest manufacturer of digital cordless phones, who is on a mission to promote Phuket as a world class yachting hub in one of the world’s most idyllic and assessable locations.

Royal Phuket Marina has become an entertainment and lifestyle hub with open air restaurants and bars overlooking mega yachts moored in the Mediterranean-style marina.

“The launch of the waterfront ‘RPM International Exhibition & Conference Centre’ is an important milestone for Royal Phuket Marina as we continue to contribute to the social and economic fabric of the Phuket community,” said Mr Lalvani.

“The island is a natural magnet for growing international demand for conventions and exhibitions. I too am confident that Phuket will be placed firmly on the international convention and exhibition map.”

Visitors to Phuket exceeded a record five million last year, up 11.25 per cent from 2006.

Despite the troubles in Bangkok over the past few weeks, Phuket has been largely unaffected and high season hotel bookings and visitors to the Island are expected to be high.

More information:

Following the successful completion and sale of Phase I with its luxury condominiums and unique Aquaminiums, the marina complex is now going into Phase II.

More than half of the Royal Phuket Marina development is devoted to leisure, shopping, recreation, and dining set amidst landscaped gardens overlooking the marina.

For more information about Royal Phuket Marina please visit www.royalphuketmarina.com

Hainan, China – Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announced the opening Le Méridien Shimei Bay Beach Resort & Spa. Le Méridien Shimei Bay Beach Resort & Spa is the first five-star resort to open in Wanning City on China’s Hainan Island. Owned by China Resources (Holdings) Co., Ltd., this magnificent property boasts an idyllic setting on more than three miles of pristine, white sandy beach with majestic views of the South China Sea. Surrounded by lush forest, the resort features 275 luxurious guest rooms, including 25 villas, all with private balconies overlooking either the sea or the mountains.

“We are very excited to open in Shimei Bay, which is a new destination for the traveler to discover on Hainan Island, and will become a stunning option for our sophisticated, forward-thinking guests. We are committed to providing them with an interactive and a culturally enriching experience”, Mr. Terry Ko, General Manager remarked.

Le Méridien Shimei Bay Beach Resort & Spa offers an experience that is enriched by its European coffee culture and close ties with contemporary art institutions. In this sophisticated setting, guests will enjoy a choice of three stylish restaurants and three lounges. The signature breakfast menu with a selected number of dishes created by Jean-Georges Vongerichten is available at Breakers, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, as well as an enticing selection of western, continental and Asian dishes. Ai Mei Chinese restaurant offers popular dishes from mainland China, Hainan specialties and Cantonese cuisine, while Horizon Bar + Grill serves signature cocktails and a diverse menu in a poolside setting.

The hotel’s three lounges – Latitude 18, Lagoon Bar and Sensations – offer a range of exotic cocktails, freshly squeezed tropical juices, Illy Coffee and live musical entertainment.

Inspired by the rich traditions of European and Asia, the hotel’s 3,700 square-foot Spa features six spa villas with individual dipping pools, steam rooms and spa cabanas, as well as luxury suites, massage rooms, a hair salon, Spa boutique and Spa bistro. State-of-the-art meeting facilities include a nearly 6,000 square foot ballroom and five meeting rooms.