Jetsettersblog

NEW VENUES DIRECTORY FROM WINDSOR AND
THE ROYAL BOROUGH FEATURES NEARLY FIFTY LOCATIONS

The new 2009/2010 Venues Directory from Windsor and the Royal Borough features nearly fifty conference and meeting locations providing an insight into the vast choice of top business facilities, distinctive venues and corporate hospitality opportunities within the region. Venues range from a 2012 Olympic Games venue, country house hotels, riverside retreats and purpose built meeting and sports centres to riverboats, theme parks and racecourses.

Less than thirty miles west of central London in the heart of the Thames Valley, the Royal Borough is easily accessible by road, rail and air. It combines world-class facilities with the very best in English heritage, sophistication and countryside creating an unrivalled and relaxing business environment.

2012 Olympic Games Venue

As 2012 draws nearer, more and more organisations will be looking to the Olympic Games to motivate and inspire their team. The world-class Eton College Rowing Centre at Dorney Lake, near Maidenhead has been selected as the 2012 Olympic venue for rowing and flat water canoeing. Its on-site hospitality facility, which has stunning views over the lake, is an ideal location for corporate functions and can host up to 300 guests for a reception in the Boat House.

Working in-conjunction with the Royal Borough, Point8 Coaching, run by Olympic Champion Ben Hunt-Davis, is offering a team of articulate, driven and goal focused Olympic and Paralympic athletes as part of a three-tier Olympic experience. The athletes can act as keynote speakers presenting their story of high achievement; run motivational workshops or host an exciting team-building rowing experience on Dorney Lake. The aim is to inspire and motivate workforces to challenge themselves and realise their true potential.

Up to 3,000 People

The largest venue in the Royal Borough is the magnificent grandstand building at Ascot Racecourse which can accommodate up to 3,000 people for conference and training events and has 300 meeting and dining rooms including 266 private boxes.

Another particularly large location which also offers accommodation is Savill Court Hotel & Spa, a Jacobean style mansion on the edge of Windsor Great Park. The Great Hall, which has a unique moveable floor, can accommodate up to 850 theatre style and 390 for a dinner dance while its 22 acres of wooded parkland are ideal for outdoor team-building activities.

Amongst the more unusual places for non-residential events are Legoland theme park for company fun days and team building events and the iconic Savill Building within Windsor Great Park. Overlooking the Savill Garden, its undulating roof is shaped life a leaf made from green-wood harvested from the Crown Estate.

French Brothers Boats operate floating conference and hospitality venues on their attractive Thames riverboats while there’s a permanent Edwardian Marquee on the lawn which sweeps down to the river at Weir Bank, Bray.

Cultural Programme

For after business relaxation delegates and their partners can visit the area’s many cultural and historic attractions such as Windsor Castle and Eton College while in the evening they can take in a show at the Theatre Royal, new Firestation arts centre or the Norden Farm Centre for the Arts near Maidenhead. They can also dine in one of the region’s excellent restaurants; Windsor alone boasts 16 different types of cuisine while some of the finest food on the Thames can be sampled at Bray, home of the three Michelin starred Waterside Inn and Fat Duck as well as Caldesi in Campagna which offers rustic Italian cooking.

Corporate events can also be planned to coincide with the region’s many high profile sports, arts and social events or, in the summer, an evening meeting at Windsor Racecourse – perfect for entertaining important clients.

The Royal Windsor Information Centre operates a venue finding service to suit all needs whether it’s an executive boardroom for four or a residential conference for five hundred. Assistance with partners’ programmes, group itineraries, weddings, where to eat, what’s on, where to shop and accommodation is also available from the professional team who have expert knowledge of the area and its facilities.

For assistance or a copy of the new 2009/2010 Venues Directory, call the Royal Windsor Information Centre venue finding and accommodation service on 01753 743907, email Windsor.accommodtion@rbwm.gov.uk  details also on www.windsor.gov.uk

Catered chalet specialist Ski Famille has some great savings for families keen to take advantage of the fantastic snow conditions currently being experienced across the Alps.

Another good week, particularly for families travelling with babies and seeking warmer weather, is 21st March. On this date Ski Famille have 15% reductions on all but two of their chalets.

Record numbers of families have already taken advantage of Ski Famille’s family focussed chalet packages this winter and the comments below are just a small selection of the positive feedback generated:

“We couldn’t have asked for better staff …. incredible, polite, funny, friendly, amazing! Can they come and live with me?” – Chalet P’tit Pierre

“The chalet was perfect – warm cosy and clean.” – Chalet Le Chardon

“Fantastic service as always. The nannies were so enthusiastic, helpful and flexible.” – Chalet Marjorie

“Fantastic holiday. Had so many “my life is perfect” moments that it became a family joke!!” – Chalet Negritelles

“The nannies were all great with the children. Thank you.” – Chalet Chats Bleus

Family holidays with Ski Famille are offered in the picturesque French resort of Les Gets. Packages include five days of childcare, half board catering and either Channel crossings or Geneva airport transfers.

For more details visit www.skifamille.co.uk  or call 0845 64 437 64

Austria is at the forefront of ecologically-sound holidays – with “Naturidyll” at the very pinnacle of what the country has to offer: we respect nature and work tirelessly to preserve the harmony between man and his surroundings.

In Austria it sometimes seems that we have failed to push our green credentials, simply because caring for the environment and using local products is embedded in our everyday life. According to the second annual Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2008, Austria was marked as one of the world’s best destinations for sustainable tourism. The Austrian Institute for Sustainability hails Austria as the pioneers of Europe with an “aristocratic” green sensibility. We are proud to say that 70 per cent of power comes from alternative energy and 60 per cent of all waste is recycled.

The Naturidyll Promise – no sooner said than done
Nature awaits you just outside the hotel door. Whether you spend your holiday quietly relaxing or busily adventuring, nature is your constant companion. Therefore, our hotels are situated in the most beautiful places throughout Austria.

The countryside is our home. The region in which our hotels are based is not just a beautiful backdrop it is also an important supplier of certified quality products from local farmers.
We want you to feel at home. This is why our service is not only personal but lovingly attentive. Our hotels are family-run and limited to a certain size.

We take our responsibility seriously and look after the environment. Therefore, most of our member hotels have already achieved the standards of the Austrian Ecolabel and by the end of 2009 all of our hotels move closer to the environmental quality mark. We don’t just try, we promise sustainable tourism development because we want to save our wonderful scenery for further generations.
We know our way around the Austrian scenery and are more than happy to let you in on our leisure secrets!

The Naturidyll Holidays – individual, authentic and pure
Kick back and relax. Stop dreaming and start living. Make the most of outdoor activities and the chance to breathe clean, fresh air on your Naturidyll holidays. Spend time together and create memories that will last a lifetime. This is what a holiday in one of our member hotels is all about. All share the same ideals, but everyone is different. Therefore we offer some specialties:

Family-friendly and on silent paws: at Naturidyll holiday, time is family-time. We offer spacious apartments, baby-sitting and special leisure activities for children and parents. Some hotels have a children’s area with play equipment in the garden. Most hotels accept dogs, offering treatments and giving hints on the best places for walkers. There is a child and dog-friendly atmosphere all around.

Savour Nature’s Delights: a Naturidyll natural setting is not just a place to refresh the mind, it is a place to refresh the body. Almost all our hotels offer in-house health spas, beauty treatments and massages. Our culinary delicacies come from local producers and our breakfast buffets include a bunch of regional products. Have a lie-in and enjoy breakfast in bed, sample a glass of wine, or, for something really special, dine outdoors beside a moonlit Austrian lake.

Sporty Vacation: a Naturidyll holiday is a refuge for anyone who wants to escape the stresses and strains of daily life by getting out into fresh air. If a view is not enough, experience the meadows, woods and mountains first hand. Our hotels provide comprehensive information and detailed maps covering walks, marked hiking routes and the best Nordic walking trails as well as day-by-day weather reports. After a strenuous day, come back to the comforts of our hotels.

News
Naturidyll Hotel Seewirt, Fam. Maislinger, Holzöster am See, Upper Austria
Situated at the “Oberinnviertler Seenplatte” next to the Holzöster Lake, the Seewirt is surrounded by nature. The “Ibmer Moor” is ideal to carry out sports activities whether it is swimming, hiking or cycling. But there is another reason, why the Seewirt attracts attention: Mrs. Ulrike Maislinger, owner of the hotel herself, is woman in charge in the kitchen. With her creative and tasteful expertise in food preparation implementing regional products, she has been awarded with a “Gault Millau” bonnet. Treat yourself to pleasurable days in the Upper Austrian Innviertel valley.

Naturidyll goes Austrian Ecolabel

We just don’t preach abstinence whilst drinking wine! Our hotels are located in the most beautiful places throughout Austria. In order to keep things this way we make sure to look after the environment and set an example. By the end of the year 2009 all of our member hotels will have achieved the standards of the Austrian Ecolabel. As a holiday specialist of the Austrian National Tourist Office we will be proud to be the first and only one to present a complete unit and carry the Austrian Ecolabel.

The new name for holidays:  Naturidyll Voucherbox

Naturidyll Hotels created the Naturidyll Voucherbox in an appealing design. In there all of our hotels are presented with a nice package of 3 days / 2 nights redeemed in one of our hotels incl. breakfast, half-board and other amenities at the total cost of EUR 230. Indulge in a little Naturidyll!

The Israel Government Tourist Office has just launched a stand alone website for Eilat – http://www.explore-eilat.com  – as part of its promotion of its Red Sea destination for 2009. The new web site provides useful tourist information on accommodation, sightseeing and tours, attractions, nightlife and entertainment, events, and UK tour operators.

Accomodation:
The ‘Accommodations’ section of the site links to the Eilat Hotel Association website which provides in depth information on more than 35 hotels across the region.

Nightlife and Shopping:
Users will find recommendations for restaurants, nightlife, and evening attractions including sunset camel rides and nocturnal bird tours in the ‘Nightlife and Shopping’ section. Users will also find information on the city’s best shopping malls.

Attractions:

‘Attractions’ includes information on the Underwater Observatory Marine Park, Dolphin Reef, Coral Beach Nature Reserve, Kings City and Hai Bar Yotvata Nature Reserve.

Sightseeing and Tours:

The ‘Sightseeing and Tours’ section of the website includes information on Timna Park, glass bottomed boat tours, Kibbutz tours, Camel Ranch and day and overnight tours.

Special Interests:

Under the ‘Special Interest’ section of the site, visitors can also find information on diving, birdwatching and religious tours – activities Eilat is renowned for. It also recommends Eilat as a base for religious tours that can be undertaken on a day trip.

The new Eilat website is just one of many initiatives IGTO is conducting this year – the tourist board will also be investing a large amount of money in an advertising campaign highlighting Eilat’s tourist offerings.

For more information about Eilat, visit www.explore-eilat.com

To find out more about travel to Israel, visit www.thinkisrael.com

Jaz Resorts is a portfolio of five-star properties that blend stylish, contemporary elegance with extensive leisure facilities.

Each is situated in a stunning location and offers guests an unrivaled fusion of sports, entertainment and dining experiences. Jaz Resorts has four properties in Sharm El Sheikh (with a new hotel opening Dec 09), two in Madinat Makadi, one in Hurghada (with a new property opening Spring 09), two new hotels in Mersa Matrouh, one in Taba (opening early 2009) and one in Ain El Sokhna (opening early 2009).

Iberotel Hotels & Resorts comprise four and five-star properties, each individually designed in a local style and situated in spectacular beach side locations on the Red Sea and on the Nile. With a wide range of activities and entertainment, there is something for everyone at each resort. In addition to the new Cairo Hotel & Casino just opened, Iberotel also has three properties in Sharm El Sheikh, three in Madinat Makadi, three in Marsa Alam, one in Dahab, one in Luxor and one in Fujairah in the UAE.

Sol Y Mar Resorts is all about Sun & Fun. Each of the four-star properties delivers a vibrant experience and an attention to detail that is particularly appealing to families. Combining an informal atmosphere and warm hospitality ensures the Sol Y Mar experience is unforgettable. Sol Y Mar has two properties in Sharm El Sheikh, three in Madinat Makadi, three in Marsa Alam, one in Taba, one in Safaga, two in Hurghada and two in the Al Dakhla & Al Kharga Oases.

Travcotels, Egypt’s leading Nile Cruise Company, owns and operates a fleet of 22 modern Nile cruise ships in the four-star, five-star and five-star deluxe categories. Each allows the visitor to immerse themselves in the culture and history of the Nile, whilst ensconced in the luxurious modern environment of a 21st century ship.

For further information, please contact:
Daniel Hannich
Tel: 0207 864 4723
Email: daniel@timnorthagency.co.uk

The Marmara Hotels & Residences, a Turkey hotel collection, opened its third hotel in Istanbul.

The Marmara Sisli, a four-star hotel located in the city’s business district of Mecidiyeköy, will join The Marmara Istanbul, the only five-star hotel in Taksim Square and The Marmara Pera in historic Old Istanbul. Travel + Leisure magazine voted Istanbul the number three city in Europe in the 2008 World Best Awards, and recognizing the growing popularity of Istanbul as a top travel destination, Marmara Hotels & Residences wanted to offer a variety of accommodation levels in the city’s prime locations.

Offering panoramic views of Istanbul, The Marmara Sisli features a stylish and modern interpretation of 1950s design. The 107-room hotel is within walking distance to Istanbul’s business centers, historic sights, shopping and active nightlife, making it an affordable choice for both business and leisure travelers.

The Marmara Sisli’s “Nano” rooms offer the most affordable option. These provide all the necessities and amenities in a chic, comfortable and cheerful setting. Guest accommodations also include 88 “Square” rooms and 13 “Wagon” rooms.

Located on the penthouse level, the “Wagon” rooms are designed to resemble individual train compartments giving the entire floor the appearance of a train. All guestrooms have satellite cable LCD TV, complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access, in-room safe, and mini-bar. Room rates start at 125 euros, exclusive of VAT.

The Marmara Sisli also features a lobby lounge concept, Marmara’s alternative to the usual hushed public spaces found at luxury hotels.

 Located on the ground floor is an expansive open area that incorporates a restaurant, lounge and lobby all into one inviting, interactive public space where guests can relax, dine and work.

The Marmara Sisli is the latest property to open after The Marmara Hotels & Residences’ announcement this year of plans to spend $1.5 billion on international expansion with the goal of adding 40 hotels globally over the next 10 years. The Marmara Hotels Residences combine Turkish hospitality with European style. The chain includes The Marmara Istanbul in the heart of Taksim Square,

The Marmara Pera in historic old Istanbul, The Marmara Bodrum, a seaside resort on the Aegean coast, The Marmara Antalya, the world’s first and only revolving hotel and The Marmara Manhattan, a home away from home in the fashionable Upper East Side neighborhood of New York City. These hotels operate under the philosophy that “Living Well Is The Best Revenge,” thereby offering guests the ultimate luxury experience.

For more information, visit www.themarmarahotels.com

Lovers of Italian history, art and food should not miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a private evening tour of the Sistine Chapel offered by small group tour operator Academy Travel.

Book now to join this amazing 21-day ‘Grand Tour of Italy’ and secure the rare opportunity to be one of only 20 people viewing Michelangelo’s ceiling in solitude, rather than one of 20,000.

The group is guided by Italian historian, Dr Kathleen Olive allowing travellers to gain a comprehensive understanding of Italy’s fascinating history with visits to ruins from the Roman Empire, towns from the Middle Ages and trips to uncover the country’s notable Renaissance art.

The tour’s itinerary is carefully designed to showcase the most popular sites throughout Italy while leaving plenty of time for you to become truly immersed in Italian culture. Extended three and four day stays in key destinations including Florence, Venice and Rome will give you time to explore alone and relax while you engage in other important cultural activities such as eating gelato and drinking cappuccinos.

The tour also includes three nights relaxing in a small seaside town on the Sorrento Peninsula, four nights in a medieval town in Umbria, a full day exploring the famous ruins of Pompeii, day trips to Siena and Pisa and a spectacular drive along the Amalfi Coast to see the Greek temples at Paestum.

The Grand Tour of Italy concludes with the amazing private tour of the Sistine Chapel giving you the rare opportunity to quietly contemplate Michelangelo’s ceiling, taking in the masterpiece in your own time and without crowds rushing through.

The 21-day Italian experience of a lifetime is priced from $8,990 per person.

This price includes return air travel with Thai Airways, domestic air travel from Venice to Rome with Air One and land travel in Italy on an air conditioned coach. All accommodation in a selection of 3 and 4 star, conveniently located hotels is included as well as all breakfasts and eight dinners.

To ensure you get the most out of the destination you will also have an Australian tour guide and expert in Italian history at hand, local guides in many cities and sites, extensive background notes, online resources and documentary film screenings at the hotels. Entrance to all the sites listed in the itinerary is also included.

To view the full itinerary or to book a tour with Academy Travel visit www.academytravel.com.au