Jetsettersblog

To mark its 15 year anniversary, Chiva-Som has this year added another dimension to its luxury accommodation with the opening of the new Leelawadee suite.

The resort’s largest suite was created by transforming the former house of Chiva-Som’s founder, Boonchu Rojanasatien; the name Leelawadee means frangipani, which was his favourite flower and grows abundantly in the private garden.

You enter the 192-metre suite into an open plan living room and dining room. A separate kitchen allows for private entertaining, while the butler service provided throughout your stay ensures every need is catered for.

The 66-metre bedroom has 90 degree view over the garden and beach. It has a large walk-in wardrobe and dressing area, and the centrepiece of the master bathroom is a spacious circular Jacuzzi. There’s also guest bathroom accessible from the living room.

Leelawadee’s sheltered, private garden and outdoor terrace overlook the Gulf of Thailand. The secluded ground floor location enables guests to practice meditation and yoga sessions in complete tranquility.

The new Leelawadee suite complements Chiva-Som’s existing 57 accommodations, which incorporate 17 Thai pavilions, 33 Ocean view rooms and seven suites. It is available to book immediately.

To book, visit www.chiva-som.com  ,email reservation@chivasom.com  or call the resort on Tel: +66(0)32 536536. For your local sales representative, visit www.chivasom.com

A secluded world of beauty and serenity, Chiva-Som is the “Haven of Life” – a luxury health resort dedicated to revitalising the mind, body and spirit.

The beachfront resort represents tranquility at its best with luxurious accommodation, nestled within lush tropical gardens.

Focusing on greater well-being and vitality, Chiva-Som offers extensive fitness, spa and holistic health facilities to help you relax, restore, rejuvenate and redirect. Personalised programmes and treatments are designed for everyone, blending Eastern philosophies with Western diagnostic skills.

Widely regarded as the Best Destination Spa in the World, Chiva-Som welcomes you with unique Thai hospitality.

Located in the Royal city of Hua Hin, the resort is less than three hours by car south of Bangkok.

Chiva-Som is the proud recipient of numerous accolades, most recently‘

Best Overseas Spa’ Luxury Travel&Style Magazine 2009 Gold List; ‘

Spa Cuisine of the Year’ AsiaSpa 2008; ‘Favorite Spa in Thailand’

and ‘Top 10 Medi-Spas’ Spa Finder 2008; ‘Best Spa in the world’ The ULTRAs-

The Ultimate Luxury Travel Related Awards 2008;

‘Best Overseas Spa’ Luxury Travel&Style Magazine 2008 Gold List;

 ’Top 5 Overseas Spa Retreat’ Conde Nast Traveller 2008 Readers’ Awards (and every year since 1999)

Date(s)Wednesdays and Saturdays

The Hilo Farmers Market is a must-see experience when you are on the Big Island.

Over 100 local farmers and crafters sell their produce, crafts, gift items and tropical flowers in a festive outdoor atmosphere that recalls back to the old “plantation” days of early Hilo.

 Located at the corner of Mamo Street and Kamehameha Avenue in historic downtown Hilo, it’s open all year round, every Wednesday and Saturday, from dawn ‘til it’s gone.

Website: http://www.hilofarmersmarket.com

The Hawaiian Islands, and especially the island of O‘ahu, are well known worldwide for their supernatural phenomenon. Famed Hawaiian historian, Glen Grant spent much of his life in Hawai‘i studying these sites and wrote many books to support his findings.

On our tours, guests are taken to some of the most haunted places on O‘ahu, if not in all of the islands. All stories are true, and all sites are real. Historical and ancestral information is used, as well as eye witness accounts. Hawaiian ghost tours are not like the typical ghost tours you may be familiar with in other locations around the world.

As Hawaiians have their own way of dealing with the supernatural, you may see and witness several ceremonial events at the places visited.

All of these events are important to the Hawaiian and their personal beliefs.

Please be respectful of these. Also, some of the sites visited may not have a particular story behind the actual haunt.

The location may be just a reputed hotspot where paranormal activity is extremely high and ghosts have made it their home for a reason that cannot be explained.
Website: http://www.oahughosttours.com

You know about the Inca Trail, the Road to Santiago and the Appalachian Trail.

But have you heard about Iceland’s classic hike?

 The Laugavegur (“Hot Spring River” Way) is a trek between two scenic national parks through mountains, lava fields, glacial landscapes and geothermal areas.

Now a week-long guided trek is $500 off.

You’ll stay in mountain huts and your luggage will be transferred for you, so all you have to concentrate on is enjoying the scenery and one of the world’s most scenic hiking routes.

The most known of all treks in Iceland, this paths takes you from the famous valley of Landmannalaugar in the highland interior and south to Thorsmork valley, north of the great Eyjafjallajokull glacier.

On the way your group will walk over the third biggest geothermal zone in the world, pass yellow rhyolite mountains, black deserts, great canyons and green valleys.

From $2,429* per person based on double occupany.

Nature’s Power

Explore the winding roads of Southern and Western Iceland – two regions that showcase the volcanic energy and wind-tangled coastal scenery of Iceland. Or rent a 4WD and discover the hidden beauties of the highland interior. A new lower price for 2009 saves you $245 on this six-night tour.

Highlights of just the first day include a drive through Whale Fjord via a sea tunnel or the more scenic coastal road to historic Borgarfjordur village. Pass Eldborg crater on the way to Snaefellsnes and its crown jewel, the sparkling glacial ice cap covering the volcano where Jules Verne began his masterpiece “Journey to the Center of the Earth”.

 The vacation just gets better from there, and at your own pace. From $1,749* per person based on double occupany.

Despite recent demise of Majestic America Line and its heartland river cruise operation, the Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau points out that several companies offer Mississippi River voyages. The Twilight Riverboat in LeClaire, Iowa, and the Celebration Belle in Moline, Ill., offer several options on the Mississippi River.

The Quad Cities, which straddle the Mississippi River, are Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa, and Moline/East Moline and Rock Island, Ill. Majestic America operated the Delta Queen, American Queen and Mississippi Queen, which are all up for sale now by parent company Ambassadors International.

The Twilight, located 20 minutes east of the Quad Cities, offers overnight roundtrip cruises between the Quad Cities and Dubuque, Iowa.

The 2009 season begins May 24 with departures every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday through October.

“You can still experience the grandeur of the Mississippi with an affordable two-day trip on the Riverboat Twilight,” said Carrie Stier, owner of the Twilight. “We’re a much smaller cousin to the Delta Queen, but we pride ourselves in maintaining her grand tradition of personal service and sumptuous meals.

“With three decks, comfortable dining salons, and enough outside lounge chairs for everyone, a cruise aboard the Twilight will take you on a journey back in time when riverboats were the fastest and most luxurious way to travel in the country.”

Rates for the Riverboat Twilight overnight cruise is $329 per person, based on double occupancy.

The fare includes three meals per day plus snacks, overnight accommodations at the Grand Harbor Resort, ground transportation, entry to the National Miss River Museum and Aquarium and entertainment.

The Celebration Belle is an 800-passenger riverboat that provides several cruise options.

During 2009 and 2010, the Celebration Belle will offer cruises to Winona, Minn., with the port cities of Dubuque, Guttenburg and Lansing, Iowa; La Crosse and Prairie du Chien, Wis.; and Winona, Minn.

“After the loss of the majestic Queens, we decided it was important and vital to add expanded river cruises so people could continue to enjoy the beauty and history of the Mississippi River,” said Scott Schadler, captain and owner of the Celebration Belle.

“This year, we added new cruises that cover 230 river miles northbound and 300 river miles southbound on the Mississippi so guests have the opportunity to enjoy different sections of the Mississippi River. It is unfortunate that the Queens are not cruising any longer and providing people with that overnight riverboat experience. We are not looking at trying to replace any of the nostalgic vessels; we just hope to help fill a void with our new cruise destinations.

All-day cruises from LeClaire to Dubuque and Dubuque to Moline are priced at $154.95, including tax, gratuity and return transportation to vehicles at embarkation point. For all-day cruises into Northern Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota, fares are $150 plus $20 for return transportation.

Also in the Quad Cities, shorter cruises on the river are offered by the Channel Cat Water Taxi and the RiverSong.

 The Quad Cities area is a 2½-hour drive from Des Moines and Chicago, accessible via I-80, I-74, I-88 and several major state highways.

For more information, call 800-747-7800

or visit www.visitquadcities.com

www.riverboattwilight.com 

or www.celebrationbelle.com

Planning your summer holiday with friends and family? Dreading the responsibility of finding something for everyone? Let Coastline do the hard work and select a luxury villa for you. You can experience the service of an upmarket hotel with the privacy and freedom of your own villa with sparkling pool. Coastline’s hand-picked selection of gorgeous villas in Ibiza, Mallorca and Corsica feature a number of properties ideal for groups of friends and family to share. And with Coastline’s celebrated guest services, from private chefs, beauty therapists, maid service, private nannies, online shopping and daily bread and newspaper deliveries, life is made easy so you can relax and enjoy the good company. Here’s our pick of sophisticated villas ideal for groups:

Pamper and Plunge

Belvedere, Corsica – Sleeps 8

Pamper yourself and enjoy some me-time in the sun with your friends and family at Belvedere, a beautiful villa sitting in the hills overlooking the marina of Porto Vecchio, Corsica. With a teak terrace made for enjoying cocktails at sunset and a beautiful infinity pool with superb views of the yachts criss-crossing the bay, this villa was made for elegant lounging. Why not go a step further and enjoy a massage and pedicure from an expert beauty therapist, who will visit you in-villa so you don’t have to move an inch.

Coastline (0844 557 1020; www.coastline.co.uk)  offers 7 nights in Belvedere from £784 per person, based on 8 sharing.

This includes return flights from Gatwick, air conditioned car hire, welcome pack, change of linen, twice weekly maid service, bath and beach towels, daily bread, croissant and newspaper delivery and complimentary Concierge service.

Fabulous

Finca Grande, Ibiza – Sleeps 8 – Designed and built by the owner, set in established grounds with large pool and terraces with sea views and within walking distance of Santa Eulalia, this is the perfect villa for families and friends alike. Bedrooms have views over the gardens to the sea beyond and are spacious and airy with contemporary fittings.

Coastline (0844 557 1020; www.coastline.co.uk)  offers 7 nights in Belvedere from £733 per person, based on 8 sharing. This includes return flights from Gatwick, air conditioned car hire, welcome pack, change of linen, twice weekly maid service, bath and beach towels, daily bread, croissant and newspaper delivery and complimentary Concierge service.

Award Winning

Can Tirana, Mallorca – Sleeps 10 – Voted in the top 5 fincas in Mallorca by the Independent, Can Tirana is the essence of the classic and luxurious Mallorcan villa, set in huge grounds with an elegant pool house and large pool. The interior has vaulted ceilings and spacious living areas with modern and traditional furnishings.

One of the most popular for large parties, this villa feels like the holiday you always felt you deserved. The villa is located just a few minutes from the local beaches of Pollenca and within easy reach of the Formentor peninsular which features a series of more secluded coves and beaches.

Coastline (0844 557 1020; www.coastline.co.uk)  offers 7 nights in Can Tirana from £887 per person, based on 10 sharing. This includes return flights from Gatwick, air conditioned car hire, welcome pack, change of linen, twice weekly maid service, bath and beach towels, daily bread, croissant and newspaper delivery and complimentary 24 hour concierge service.

Serenity and Sophistication

Son Fe d’Alt, Mallorca – Sleeps 10 – A real wow luxury villa set in huge grounds high above the coast with magnificent views, a large pool and plenty of space for everyone. The contemporary, spacious interior is centered around a double height atrium and decorated in stone and marble, with well presented bedrooms on 2 floors. Just a short drive to the picturesque roman town of Pollenca and the nearest beaches.

Coastline (0844 557 1020; www.coastline.co.uk)  offers 7 nights in Son Fe d’Alt from £796 per person, based on 10 sharing. This includes return flights from Gatwick, air conditioned car hire, welcome pack, change of linen, twice weekly maid service, bath and beach towels, daily bread, croissant and newspaper delivery and complimentary 24 hour concierge service.

Luxury Twin Villas

Bonnix and Es Coster, Mallorca – Sleep 8 in each (16 total) – These two villas are just 5 minutes apart on foot and are designed by the same architect. Each villa offers a spacious and contemporary interior with large gardens and each with private pool. Villas can be taken individually or together for a total of 16 people.

Coastline (0844 557 1020; www.coastline.co.uk) offers 7 nights in Bonnix and Es Coster from £617 per person, based on full occupancy or one or both villas.

This includes return flights from Gatwick, air conditioned car hire, welcome pack, change of linen, twice weekly maid service, bath and beach towels, daily bread, croissant and newspaper delivery and complimentary 24 hour concierge service.

Spectacular views from a splendid villa with private sea access

Varador, Mallorca – Sleeps 8 – With its bold design, Varador is the complete opposite to a traditional Mallorquin finca and represents serious razor-sharp lines against the backdrop of the Mediterranean.

This minimalist masterpiece is perched on a cliff face with steps carved into the stone, leading down to a private rock bathing platform. Décor is funky yet practical, and a collection of decks means everyone will have plenty of space for lounging, dining and sunbathing. If cooking is not on the agenda, opt for a private chef who will prepare a gourmet feast in front of your eyes, or simply flip a few steaks on the bbq.

Coastline (0844 557 1020; www.coastline.co.uk)  offers 7 nights in Varador from £762 per person, based on 8 sharing. This includes return flights from Gatwick, air conditioned car hire, welcome pack, change of linen, twice weekly maid service, bath and beach towels, daily bread, croissant and newspaper delivery and complimentary 24 hour concierge service.

For reservations please contact Coastline on 0844 557 1020 email sales@coastline.co.uk

or visit www.coastline.co.uk

The Height of Luxury at the World’s Lowest Point

Despite hosting the start of a major international recession, 2008 witnessed a surge in bookings for the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea’s most opulent accommodation, the Royal Villas. As an increasing number of regional and international travellers opt for high-end luxury defined by space, authenticity, privacy and bespoke services, the award-winning resort is enjoying ongoing acclaim for its clever interpretation of intelligent luxury and leisure travel.

General Manager of Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea Jordan, Bugra Berberoglu is forthright about the potential for boutique luxury components such as the Royal Villas within the greater scope of a resort property, saying “In this travel-savvy generation many guests are seeking a more emotive and experiential holiday that almost transports them to another world; where both their mind is stimulated and their body is pampered.

This growing trend paves the way for the evolution of the hotel industry, in that we now seek to provide differentiated accommodation solutions that encompass the very best in space, design, amenities and on-demand services.”

Amongst a setting flanked by mountains, with uninterrupted views overlooking the breathtaking Dead Sea, the two Royal Villas are the hotel’s magnum opus; a masterpiece of design splendour encased in seclusion and bespoke luxury.

Inspired by the Babylonian era, a theme which runs throughout the entire resort, the two 476 sqm villas are spread over two floors, interspersed by a stunning internal courtyard featuring a mosaic-lined water-feature. Three elegantly furnished en-suite bedrooms each boast front row views of the nearby Dead Sea, as do the two spacious living rooms decked with panoramic floor to ceiling windows. A stylish and fully-equipped kitchen leads into a spacious dining room which can accommodate up to 12 guests, ideal for dinner parties or even top-end meetings.

Outdoors, guests can bask in the sunshine, dive into the sapphire-waters of the private heated pool, split as half plunge pool, half Jacuzzi, or unwind in the soft sands of their own secluded villa-front beach. Adding an extra-special touch to the entire experience, the villas also have a private wellness area, where guests can indulge in a complimentary massage upon arrival or enjoy in-room spa treatments from the resorts stunning Anantara Spa.

Attended by a private butler and personal chauffeur, villa guests will also enjoy VIP welcome kits, VIP bar, designer tea and coffee making facilities, Internet access, exclusive Dead Sea bathroom products, luxury turn-down service, use of iPods and laptops upon request, and if guests would like some more space for visiting family or friends, the Royal Villa can be connected to one of the neighbouring Ishtar Beach Chalets. Guests of the Royal Villa will also benefit from a complimentary chauffeur driven Audi A8 available 24 Hours during their stay.

“The villa is also the ideal solution for families that value privacy, space and exclusivity to spend quality time together. We aim to ensure the most memorable and comfortable vacation for each and every guest,” ended Berberoglu.
Follow in the passages of history amidst the beautiful sanctuary of Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea’s superlative Royal Villas, the quintessential Dead Sea experience.

To book or for further information visit www.kempinski-deadsea.com

And The Garden Terrace

The Egerton House Hotel, one of London’s best-loved boutique hotels, recently unveiled the refurbished Victoria and Albert Suite. In a city where space is at a premium, the suite boasts a spacious bedroom with separate lounge area. Perfect for sleeping, perfect for lounging. In addition to the king size bed, the bedroom boasts a comfortable sofa bed to sink into, with a second sofa bed in the lounge area.

A whole lot of beds and a whole lot of sofas, so you can bring the whole family – because never has such a chic, boutique hotel offered such stylish accommodations for all!

On the other hand, if it’s business that brings you to London, The Victoria and Albert Suite is Business Ready, with a spacious desk with built-in international power points and office supplies, so there’s no need to travel with adaptors. You’ll quickly adapt!

With gorgeous, fabric-covered walls, elegant swag curtains and a super-stylish blend of antique and modern furniture, the décor is up-to-the-minute English inspired by historical designs.

Wonderful stuff. The separate sitting room has French doors that open to the private Garden Terrace where guests can enjoy a full English breakfast or a full continental one, or afternoon tea surrounded by quietand privacy, with views across to the – quintessentially English – Egerton Gardens. How very quintessentially lovely!

Additional amenities include an espresso Tassimo machine (if you find better espresso, we’d like to hear about it); a Garden Terrace cocktail bar, where guests can mix their favourite drinks; and a games & toys cabinet with plenty to keep adults and children (and childlike adults) amused.

There’s WiFi throughout the property – obviously – and iPod docks with video iPods are also available, as well as extra-wide, flat screen TVs.

Last but very definitely not least, because we all like good clan fun, the Victoria and Albert Suite and the Garden Terrace is equipped with an en-suite marble bathroom and an additional separate walk-in shower room. We can’t speak for Albert, but we feel Victoria may have been just the slightest bit amused.

Bedroom suites are from £850per night, exclusive of VAT. The hotel is a member of Preferred Boutique. For information call +44 (0)20 7589 2412, or email booket@rchmail.com, or visit www.egertonhousehotel.com

Red Carnation Hotels is a collection of luxury family-run properties. The Five-Star luxurious London jewels are The Milestone Hotel, overlooking Kensington Palace, and member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World; “41”, overlooking Buckingham Palace’s Royal Mews; and The Egerton House Hotel, in Knightsbridge. Outside of London is Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Restaurant, and Spa, Evershot, Dorset, a member of Relais & Châteaux. Other RCH properties and members of The Leading Small Hotels of the World, are The Five-Star Hotel d’Angleterre on Lake Geneva, Switzerland, and The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa in Cape Town, South Africa. Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Retreat, a member of Relais & Châteaux, is in the heart of the Cederberg Mountains in South Africa’s Western Cape.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced the opening of W Doha Hotel & Residences in Qatar — marking the entrance of W Hotels in the Middle East. W Doha is illustrative of Starwood’s market leading growth around the world as the company plans to open between 80 and 100 hotels this year, including its 1,000th property.

 Starwood said it remains on track to increase its global portfolio by 40 percent over the next five years. As part of its global expansion, the company plans to open 50 new hotels in Europe, Africa and the Middle East (EAME) by 2012.

Momentum in Central and Eastern Europe drives Starwood’s EAME pipeline and accounts for nearly half of all new projects.

Particularly strong markets include Russia, Ukraine and other economies in Eastern Europe like Czech Republic and Hungary. Starwood currently operates 250 hotels in EAME, with 116 in Central, Eastern Europe, Italy and the Balkans.

 There are 35 projects in development in these territories. The Middle East and North Africa also offer exciting growth opportunities, with multiple signings in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Libya, Madagascar and Mauritius in 2008 across all Starwood brands.

At the same time the company continues to expand opportunistically in established, high-profile destinations such as London, Paris, Barcelona and Milan.

W is a key contributor to the company’s growth in EAME. Since 2007, Starwood signed nine deals to open W Hotels in the region, in such primary destinations as Milan, St. Petersburg and Amman, and most recently adding Marrakech, London, Manchester and Paris to its pipeline. Starwood expects to open an additional 11 W Hotels around the world this year, including W Barcelona — a 473-room waterfront hotel scheduled to open in autumn 2009. The hotel follows the W Istanbul as the brand’s second open hotel in Europe and its first in Spain and the Mediterranean.

“W began as a New York wonder, grew to be an American phenomenon and is now becoming a global powerhouse in the design-driven luxury space with 10 years of proven success,” said Frits van Paasschen, CEO of Starwood. “With plans to nearly triple its footprint of 27 hotels by 2011, W has the strongest growth momentum of any luxury hotel brand in the most sought after markets in Europe and the world.”

Along with W, each of Starwood’s lifestyle brands continues to grow in the region. St. Regis, recognized globally as the preeminent luxury hotel brand, is developing world-class hotels in Doha, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Mauritius and Cairo. Europe continues to be a stronghold for The Luxury Collection, featuring flagship properties such as Hotel Imperial, Hotel Danieli and the Marques de Riscal. The Luxury Collection recently added several exceptional resorts in Spain and Greece, including the newly opened Mystique, a Luxury Collection Resort. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts has long been the dominant upper-upscale brand in EAME, and the brand continues to grow in both established and emerging markets with hotels under development in Libya, Poland, Slovakia, Latvia, Kazakhstan, and throughout Africa. In April, Starwood will officially open Sheraton Prague Charles Square Hotel.

In 2009, The Westin Grand Munich Arabellapark will open, adding to the 2008 openings of The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, The Westin Grand Frankfurt and The Westin Cape Town Arabella Quays. Recent signings for the Westin brand include new hotels in Abu Dhabi and the United Kingdom. Le Meridien, which Starwood acquired in 2005, continues to grow with new hotels scheduled to open in key markets like Prague, St. Petersburg, Doha and Cairo. This year, the brand known for its European heritage makes inroads in North America, with plans to open hotels in Dallas and Philadelphia.