Jetsettersblog

JIA boutique hotels in Shanghai and Hong Kong are offering two very special Valentine’s packages guaranteed to make it a memorable Valentine’s day and night!

Choose from JIA’s SUITE SEDUCTION PACKAGE in Hong Kong for HKD2988+10%, or Shanghai for RMB 2995+15%. Guests enjoy a seductive selection of treats to enjoy in the privacy of a one bedroom suite. Those feeling naughty can nibble on chocolate covered strawberries by GODIVA or lather up with Body Butter from The Body Shop in Hong Kong, or indulge in a decadent handmade dessert from Issimo in Shanghai, then crack open a bottle of Veuve Clicquot or Moet Rose Champagne and settle in for a dose of Lorenzo Saraceni’s seductive ‘The Human Form” books. Couples are then treated to an arousing ‘morning-after’ breakfast.

Those seeking total decadence can indulge in the JIA INTIMATE INDULGENCE PACKAGE. Priced at HKD5988+10% at JIA Hong Kong and RMB 9995+15% at JIA Shanghai, this ultimate Valentine’s Day celebratory package includes one night’s accommodation in the duplex Penthouse in Hong Kong or the rock-star Penthouse Suite at JIA Shanghai, with all of the above ‘Suite Seduction’ goodies, and more.

Guests can discover little delights in a unique ‘Proposal Box’ including a chocolate covered fruit, g-string, massage oil from l’Occitane, a finely wrapped aromatic candle and with the last drawer left for you to add your own gift to surprise your lover…

All JIA guests enjoy a host of complimentary ‘extras’ which include breakfast, all day soft beverages , afternoon cakes, evening wine, broadband/wifi throughout hotel, local phone calls and more…

Located in the heart of the city’s buzzing Causeway Bay shopping and entertainment district, JIA Hong Kong comprises 54 studios and suites, including two penthouses with a stylish but relaxed flavour.

 The interior spaces of JIA have been transformed by French design guru, Philippe Starck, showcasing his celebrated sleek, modern designs and handpicked chic furnishings and fittings.

From its moody, dark and seemingly secretive corridors to its 55 chic guestrooms and suites, some with balconies, JIA Shanghai exudes seduction. Further evoking the romantic ambience so often associated with this city known as the “Paris of the East”, JIA Shanghai also features two penthouse suites located on the top floor, each appointed with ultra indulgent facilities.

For reservations and more information visit www.jiahongkong.com on the internet, call + (852) 3196 9000 or email info@jiahongkong.com

Warwick’s growing portfolio of Hotels & Resorts now includes
the Rembrandt Hotel & Towers in Bangkok, Thailand!

The Rembrandt Hotel & Towers features 407 luxurious guest rooms and suites. The hotel is centrally located and is just 25 kilometres away from the Bangkok International Airport and just a 5-minute drive away from the Queen Sirikit Convention Centre. The Hotel’s prime location also makes it easily accessible via various modes of transport and hence, the ideal choice for business and leisure travellers.

‘We are very proud to include such an impressive hotel into our Collection of Hotels & Resorts. It is our first hotel in Thailand and we are very excited to be able to offer our clients such a global offer’ says G.Paul LeBlanc, Vice President Marketing & Sales for Warwick International Hotels.

The Hotel also features 5 restaurants, the “Señor Pico” Mexican Restaurant and Bar, the “Rang Mahal” Indian Restaurant, the “Red Pepper” Thai Restaurant, the “da Vinci” Italian Restaurant and “The Café” 24-hours International Restaurant.

These restaurants dish out hundreds of gastronomic delights in a variety of cuisines daily.

The Rembrandt Hotel & Towers offers a fully equipped Business Centre, wireless and wired broadband Internet connectivity and a choice of meeting rooms for up to 750 participants that make it the preferred choice among business travelers. It also offers a swimming pool, a fully equipped gymnasium and a SPA. Famous attractions, shopping and entertainment venues are all located close to the Hotel, also including Chinatown Bangkok, the National Museum, the Emerald Buddha and the Grand Palace.

Officially Awarded 5-star Status Qualmark

Hotel St Moritz has had a truly remarkable year of achievements, the latest an official 5-star rating from Qualmark.

The 5-star classification is the ‘cherry on top’ of 2008’s celebrations: the hotel’s tenth birthday, a multi-million dollar refurbishment, its repositioning within the prestigious MGallery collection and being named New Zealand’s best hotel at the 2008 New Zealand Tourism Awards, for the fourth time.

Hotel St Moritz’s tenth anniversary marked a decade in which General Manager Lynne McVicar and her team have established the hotel as one of Queenstown’s great success stories, gaining praise and recognition from guests and industry peers alike.

The hotel is one of only eight in the world to join Accor’s prestigious new collection of boutique hotels called MGallery. A new upscale hotel experience, MGallery hotels are selected for being truly unique, embracing individuality and providing a distinctive travel experience.

Hotel St Moritz epitomises the MGallery label by offering a unique experience that embodies its destination and stunning location overlooking Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range. MGallery has propelled the hotel to an upscale, five star offering, while retaining the warm alpine-lodge character the hotel is renowned for.

“We are truly delighted that this year of successes and change within the property has resulted in our 5-star classification”, says McVicar. “This cements the upscale positioning that is MGallery and provides us with an opportunity to authentically deliver an upscale and experiential product. This is a wonderful finale to close our tenth year.”

Experience Hotel St Moritz

Enjoy this stunning hotel and the spirit of Queenstown with this special offer – from $684 per night for two people you will receive 5-star accommodation at Hotel St Moritz, a scenic helicopter flight to a secluded alpine location with a signature champagne picnic from St Moritz’s award winning Lombardi restaurant, and an Alpine Room Service Breakfast experience. Minimum three night stay, subject to availability, conditions apply.

For bookings and more information visit www.accorhotels.co.nz

Kicks Off 2009 with more Top Awards

Pacific Resort Aitutaki has been chosen as a Best Luxury Hotel in the World & Best Luxury Resort in the South Pacific by TripAdvisor® in its 2009 Travelers’ Choice awards. Now in its seventh year, the TripAdvisors Travelers’ Choice awards honour the world’s best hotels, earning their distinction from those who know them best – real travelers.

Unlike any other hotel awards programs in the world, TripAdvisor® Travelers’ Choice winners are based on the millions of real and unbiased reviews and opinions about hotels on tripadvisor.com and content from across the web.

“Travelers always appreciate great values, and 2009 is certainly no exception. The 2009 Travelers’ Choice awards highlight more bargain properties than ever before with 190, nearly five times as many as last year   Millions of real travelers worldwide have helped identify these outstanding hotels, recognized for their exceptional accommodations, service, and value.”

Pacific Resort chief executive officer Greg Stanaway says this award provides further testament Pacific Resort Aitutaki’s position as one of the world’s leading luxury resort’s. The list of accolades for Pacific Resort Aitutaki in recent years is extensive with the resort collecting the following awards in 2008 alone:

- ‘World’s Leading Boutique Island Resort’ – World Travel Awards
- ‘Top 20 Resort – Australia & Pacific’ – Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers Choice Awards
- ‘Luxury Island Resort’ – World Luxury Hotel Awards
- ‘Australasia’s Leading Boutique Resort’ – World Travel Awards
- ‘Cook Islands Leading Resort’ – World Travel Awards

For more information on Pacific Resort visit www.pacificresort.com

Situated at Pererenan, a largely deserted stretch of beach 25 minutes by car from Bali’s sophisticated and cosmopolitan shopping, dining and clubbing, the estate comprises five luxurious beachfront villas.
Pantai Lima is not just another cookie cutter-estate where villas are identical to one another and shoe-horned into a tiny plot of land. Each villa is completely different in design and ambience one from another, and sited in such a way that one is not aware in the slightest of staying in an estate.

The property is truly spacious, extending over four 1.6 hectares, or four acres. That’s about the size of two football fields.

Individual gardens range from 2250 to 3270 square metres (24,220 to 35,200 square feet) and the villas themselves all exceed 800 square metres of floor area (8,600 square feet.)

Each villa has been uniquely created by French designers Gaelle Echene and Charles Pelletier, with considerable personal input from the owners.

Four villas are 5-bedroom, one has six bedrooms. Many of the bedrooms offer stunning ocean views to wake up to.

All five villas are right on the water’s edge, sharing 170 metres (560 feet or 185 yards of beachfront). Guests step from their front lawns straight on to the beach. The beach itself is largely deserted save for an occasional fisherman or surfer.

Finishing, furnishings, fixtures and fittings are of the highest quality.
All bedrooms in each of the villas, for example, have 37 inch liquid crystal tv displays, and Bose dvd players and sound systems. Another great touch are iPod docks in each villa which connect with speakers in every room and in the gardens.

Individual villas offer spacious cinema rooms with High Definition projection systems.

All villas occupy vast tropical gardens planted with lush vegetation and swaying palm trees.

Swimming pools are equally large scale. All are 100 square metres or larger. Each villa also has a separate, generously proportioned shallow pools designed for children.

Pantai Lima’s innovative approach extends to its food and drink policy – no premium is charged for food prepared by French executive chef Manuel Wendling and his team of sous chefs.

Guests decide on a menu, provide a cash budget, then culinary staff shop at local markets, delicatessens and specialty stores to buy produce and ingredients. There is no mark-up on anything purchased on a guest’s behalf.

The same goes for soft drinks, beers, wines and spirits. Guests decides what they want to drink, and provide the butler with funds to buy it.

The estate has an extensive selection of fine wines in its cellars, and guests may purchase these if they wish.

Pantai Lima has over 70 staff to guarantee the guest experience. Heading the team is an on-site estate director. Each villa has its own butler who acts as major domo, concierge and household manager. Each villa also has its own sous chefs and kitchen staff working under direction of the French executive chef.

Shared facilities at Pantai Lima included a tennis court with night-lighting, and a 250 square metre seminar room complete with High Definition projection and sound systems.

This – and the fact that the estate accommodates over 50 guests in luxury and privacy – makes Pantai Lima an ideal choice for large scale functions such as weddings, corporate functions and other events.

The estate is about 25 minutes by car from Seminyak, Bali’s centre of sophisticated shopping, dining and nightlife. The world-famous Nirwana Golf Course is just 4 km to the north-west.

The international airport is 45 minutes by car.

The estate may be viewed at www.pantailima.com   and the individual villas at www.villawaringinbali.com     www.villamelissabali.com www.villasoundoftheseabali.com     www.villaambrabali.com www.villamarybali.com

Weekend sailings

The boutique cruise ship MV Fantasea Ammari has added a new dimension to Brisbane getaways with a series of weekend itineraries highlighted by a three day Easter Escape.

The 60 metre, four deck cruising catamaran accommodates 64 passengers in 32 spacious, luxuriously equipped, air conditioned cabins complete with ensuite bathrooms and plasma television screens and has previously cruised the Mediterranean and the Whitsundays.

Now based in Brisbane, the ship will cruise Moreton Bay taking in Tangolooma, Stradbroke and the wrecks with itineraries that include a three day Easter Escape from April 10-12, Mother’s Day cruise options (May 2-3), a cruise over the Queen’s Birthday weekend (June 6-8) and Father’s Day weekend (September 5-6).

The Ammari will also become a luxury viewing platform for Brisbane’s Riverfire Festival, being anchored in the river during the September celebrations

The ship will be available for corporate charters and events and be a familiar sight at special events in the South East.

Ammari will cruise to Townsville for the V8 Supercars race in July, to Sydney Harbour for Christmas, the Boxing Day start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and New Year’s Eve cruises before returning to the Gold Coast for the Magic Millions.

MV Fantasea Ammari CEO Angus Campbell said that the presence of the ship in Brisbane would enable people to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of Moreton Bay and surrounding areas as never before.

For reservations or further information call 07 3852 0945 or email ammari.reservations@fantasea.com.au

Voyages Heron Island Resort has been given a further boost to its strong eco-tourism credentials following a $9 million refurbishment and reconstruction of the University of Queensland’s Heron Island Research Station.

Located next to Voyages Heron Island Resort, the University of Queensland’s Heron Island Research Station is an internationally renowned facility for coral reef research and student training in marine sciences, and has been in operation for more than 50 years.

 It is also a world-class research and teaching facility and one of the most productive and prestigious marine research stations in Australia.

On February 20th, the Research Station re-opened during a special event to launch a raft of upgrades including new research laboratories, aquaria and teaching facilities.

Guests visiting Voyages Heron Island Resort will be able to benefit from the reconstructed Research Station with interpretive tours, participation in educational Coral Watch programs and environmental talks.

The Coral Watch project is a simple, non-invasive method for the monitoring of coral bleaching, and assessment of coral health. Assistance with this project can be undertaken at any time by any resort guest by collecting a Coral Watch kit from Heron Island Resort’s interpretive display or reception, walking or snorkelling the reef flat and following the simple instructions to provide the project scientists with their collected data.

Groups can also take part in daily one-hour guided tours of the Research Station, conducted by station scientific personnel.

Tours provide guests with an insight into the daily operation of the largest marine research station in Australia and give an indication of current research being undertaken on the island.

Occasionally visiting scientists from the Research Station will be available to give lectures at Voyages Heron Island Resort.

Topics will include subjects of global importance such as climate change and ocean ecology or the researcher may provide an insight into their current research activities and findings.

Voyages Heron Island is also introducing a new community partnership initiative called ‘inVolve’ which will allow conference and incentive groups to support the new Research Station via financial donations.

These contributions will allow the Station to further invest in research facilities for long-term studies and to enable the Station to purchase vital equipment for teaching and research, such as diver buoyancy jackets, aquarium heaters and dissecting microscopes.

A true coral cay right on the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, Voyages Heron Island is renowned for its spectacular dive sites and boasts some of the most amazing and unique natural wonders all year round.

A nature-lover’s paradise, eco-conscious holidaymakers can snorkel through coral reefs teeming with fish and marine life, participate in eco-tours to learn about nesting Wedge-tailed Shearwater birds and Black Noddies, join guided island reef and ecology walks and, from November through to March, spot turtles hatching and baby turtles scampering off to sea!

Whilst our future custodians of the Great Barrier Reef are educated by the rangers at the Junior Rangers Club, parents can enjoy a cocktail by the pool, enjoy a spa treatment or simply relax in this truly natural environment.

Bisected by the Tropic of Capricorn, Heron reef is home to around 60% of the 1,500 species of fish and around 72% of the coral species found in the Great Barrier Reef.

The Otway Fly has introduced abseiling from Tower 15 on its tree top canopy walk. Visitors can take in the beautiful views of the ancient rainforest , then abseil 25 metres down to the rain forest floor.

“It’s an exhilarating experience and is a first for tree top walks” says Elaine Burridge, General Manager. “We wanted to bring a new attraction to the area and had the perfect opportunity to add another element to the Otway Fly experience”.

Tower 15 is on the “off” ramp of the Fly. Guests can experience the walk with the 47m tower and cantilever, then drop off the Fly onto the track on the return to the visitor centre.

The first guest said “I was so excited to be the first person to take off from the Otway Fly and am definitely going to bring my friends to give it a go, it’s amazing!”

Westcoast Adventures will conduct the abseiling and have been operating since 1993.

They’re well known for providing adventure activities and have introduced thousands of people to the exciting recreational activities in the area.

“We’re passionate about educating people about the rainforest and have many programs in place for schools, universities, corporate teams and social clubs. Part of the education is experiencing the rainforest and it’s a good way for people to have fun and want to help us preserve this beautiful asset.” says Burridge.

Westcoast Adventure’s staff have a genuine love of the outdoors and are passionate about preserving the outdoors for future generations. They’re experienced and qualified, and enjoy sharing their experiences with others.

“We’ve teamed up with one of Australia’s best qualified operators and the region will see great benefits” says Burridge “I can see this being a very popular activity, which has generated a lot of interest”.

You don’t have to have any previous abseiling experience. The crew will put you in a safety harness and talk you through the simple instructions.

The Fly is directly accessible from Phillips Track and is 15 minutes’ drive from Lavers Hill, 45 minutes from Apollo Bay and 40 minutes from Colac. Travelling time from Melbourne via the Princess Highway is 2.5 hours. Travelling time via the Great Ocean Road is 3.5 hours. Worth the journey.

And don’t forget you can save with our joint adult ticket offer with the Cape Otway Light Station and Otway Fly for only $28.50 (conditions apply).

Phone 03 5235 9200 for information or check the website at www.otwayfly.com.au

VILLA PREMIERE HOTEL & SPA INVITES GOLFERS

Puerto Vallarta, MEXICO – Villa Premiere Hotel & Spa, invites golf enthusiasts to sample three of the region’s top courses with its new golf package.

Villa Premiere, the award winning boutique beachfront retreat on Puerto Vallarta’s golden sand beach on the Bay of Banderas is the perfect hot spot to indulge and unwind.

The Tee it Up Golf package starts at $299 USD per person, per night and includes:

4-nights/5-days accommodations in a spacious premiere oceanfront guestroom with Jacuzzi
One green fee at Vista Vallarta Golf Club
One green fee at Marina Vallarta Golf Club
One green free at El Tigre Country Club
One 50-minute Therapeutic Massage
All meals and beverages
Welcome glass of champagne
The 83-room and suite Villa Premiere Hotel & Spa features ocean views, a full service spa, whimsical vibe with eclectic décor and warm, personalized service. Guests will the convenient location within walking distance of the colonial district and its famous boardwalk. New amenities include; pillow menu for extreme comfort, butler service for the ultimate in pampering and a rejuvenating Oxygen Bar.

The Tee it Up Golf Package is priced at $299 USD per person, per night, based on double occupancy valid for travel from April 20 through October 31, 2009 and priced at $320 USD per person, per night based on double occupancy valid for travel from January 4 through April 19, 2009.

Single occupancy rates are as follows; $455 US per room, per night valid for travel from January 4 through April 19, 2009 and $439 USD per room, per night valid for travel from April 20 through October 31, 2009. Package includes all hotel taxes and tips.

 Reservations for each golf course must be made three days in advance. Green fees include 18 holes of golf, shared cart and range balls. The package is subject to hotel availability and may not be combined with any other offers.

Rates include accommodations, chilled towels and champagne upon check-in, a relaxing five-minute anti-stress massage on neck and hands at check-in, special in room hotel amenities, complimentary use of gym, yoga lessons, reflexology lessons, meditation workshops and access to the sauna and steam room at Villa Premiere Spa.

For reservations, call 1-877-886-9176 email reservations@premiereonline.com.mx  or visit www.premiereonline.com.mx

About Villa Premiere Hotel & Spa

Nestled on Bahia de Banderas, Villa Premiere Hotel & Spa is an inviting retreat located on a serpentine stretch of golden sand beach walking distance from downtown Puerto Vallarta. Recently awarded the AAA Four Diamond status.

The hotel’s contemporary Mexican ambiance houses just 83, beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites come complete with Mexican furniture and art, private terraces, whirlpool tubs and sliding doors overlooking miles of Pacific blue.

Designed as a tranquil place, reaching out to the region’s indigenous culture and customs to create a most distinctive sense of place, the Spa at Premiere offers a feast for the senses. Stone-patterned flooring, stucco walls, Tepescohuite tree beams and rope ceilings, and palm mats provide textural contrasts while flowering plants, hand painted murals of angels by local artists done in subdued colors, Huichol Indian handicrafts, tranquility fountains, and aroma candles create an inviting and relaxing setting. www.premiereonline.com.mx

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has reopened The Royal Hawaiian as a Luxury Collection Resort. The 592-room resort features 35 suites, including 18 oceanfront and six two-story suites; more than 66,000 square feet of beachfront space; and several restaurants and lounges, including the Mai Tai bar and Waikiki’s only beachfront luau. The redesigned accommodations combine imported fabrics with indigenous materials and cultural artifacts to reflect the hotel’s heritage. Guests are welcomed into the resort with a traditional Hawaiian lei, a chilled oshibori towel and fresh Hawaiian fruit cocktails along with other indigenous, complimentary refreshments. The resort lobby features Koa wood desks, Hawaiian artwork by Eugene Savage and tropical botanicals.

 Boasting panoramic ocean or Diamond Head views, guestrooms and suites are adorned with traditional Hawaiian furnishings and design elements and woven wicker with bamboo and rattan accents crafted by master artisans.

Dining options include the new Azure Restaurant, an oceanfront, dinner-only space illuminated by candlelight and mother-of-pearl mosaics. It serves fresh fish and seafood, including locally caught fish selected each morning at the Hawaii Fish Auction.

The Mai Tai bar has been completely restored to evoke memories of the iconic celebrities, jetsetters and diplomats who have enjoyed the bar’s views of the ocean and Diamond Head. The Royal Hawaiian offers wedding venues including ballrooms and suites totaling 12,000 square feet and more than 66,000 square feet of outdoor event space.

Guests of the Royal Hawaiian have access to the resort’s private club, The Royal Beach Club. Staffed by the Royal Hawaiian’s Royal Ambassadors, the exclusive oasis features six private, beachfront cabanas with Wi-Fi, refrigerators and individual sound systems.

For more information, call 866-716-8110 or visit www.royal-hawaiian.com  or www.luxurycollection.com