Jetsettersblog

The Maharajas’ Express, India’s first pan-India luxury train, has been unveiled in the presence of India’s Tourism Secretary Sujit Banerjee.

The train is the product of a joint venture between the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and Cox and Kings India Ltd (CKIL). IRCTC managing director Rakesh Tandon said,

“This train will have many state-of-the-art features and the first to cut across state boundaries that would make luxury rail travel in India a pleasurable experience.”’ The luxury train has 23 coaches with a passenger capacity of 82. It is the first luxury train that boasts four distinct configurations.

It has five deluxe carriages, each with four cabins; six junior suite carriages, each with three cabins; two suite carriages, each with two suites; and one presidential suite exclusively in one carriage.

The rolling stock also has state-of-the-art pneumatic and hydraulic suspension system, ensuring a smoother ride; climatic control in passenger cabins; and, importantly, an environmentally-friendly toilet system. Maharajas’ Express is set to embark on its first commercial run on Jan. 9, 2010.

For more information, visit

www.rirtl.com/rirtl

CruiseTube, new social networking site targeting more than 13 million annual cruisers, has launched. The new site is built exclusively for the cruise community. CruiseTube allows cruisers to stay in touch with their fellow passengers by sharing memories online. Cruisers can also read reviews written by others, network with fellow passengers, as well as cruise enthusiasts worldwide, sharing common interests and travel plans.

On CruiseTube, users create profiles including photos, videos, interests and status.

In addition, cruisers can join upcoming cruises and connect with fellow passengers giving them the ability to meet in advance of the cruise, request dining mates and connect with those who have similar interests.

Users can also connect their CruiseTube account with their Facebook account and invite their Facebook friends to participate on CruiseTube through the site’s “Facebook Connect” feature.

For more information, visit www.cruisetube.com

Scheduled for a soft opening in October, the conservation-based Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa has already received its first bookings, including individual, family and small group reservations.

Located on Australia’s Great Dividing Range, within the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, Wolgan Valley occupies 2 percent of a 4,000-acre conservancy reserve and is surrounded by two National Parks. This secluded resort will feature 40 individual villas surrounded by private decks, each having its own indoor/outdoor swimming pool. Its architecture is reminiscent of traditional rural Australian homesteads. As Emirates Hotels & Resorts’ first hospitality development outside Dubai, the A$100 million project is being built on the same principles as Emirates’ acclaimed Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, fully integrated into its environment, and supporting wide-ranging conservation practices focusing on endangered species protection.

With approximately 4,000 acres of land operated as a wildlife reserve, the Wolgan conservancy project re-establishes and secures a future for many of the region’s indigenous and endangered species, which were under critical pressure from introduced flora and feral predators — the major causes of species extinction in Australia.

This comprehensive conservation program will include the regeneration of the Wolgan Valley reserve through the planting of thousands of native trees indigenous to the area. Sustainability is also an integral part of the Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa development.

Environmentally-sustainable practices such as rainwater collection, grey water recycling and the use of solar panels are incorporated into the framework of a green architecture that ensures the resort will sit lightly within its environment. The resort will ultimately have over 100 solar-energy units, significantly reducing the resort’s energy consumption, and therefore its resources footprint.

For more information, visit www.emirateshotelsresorts.com

Six months after the Life Heritage Resort Hoi An reopened, it opened the doors on a Life Spa.

Throughout its first several years of operation, the riverside resort’s Life Spa operated in a cabana setting between the banks of the Thu Bon and the resort’s pool.

This month, the expanded Life Spa debuts four new treatments rooms and a spa menu. “Remarkably enough, this will be the first spa of international standing in the Old Town,” said Chris Duffy, general director of the Life Resorts.

“Now, for both guests and visitors alike, there is the opportunity to walk the historic old district and top off the effort with a world-class spa treatment. It’s a winning combination, heritage and wellness.”

Life Resorts operates two wholly-owned resorts in Vietnam, the Hoi An property and the Life Wellness Resort Quy Nhon, and manages the Blue Ocean Resort on the south central coast in Phan Thiet.

The Dutch company is also developing resorts in Ninh Binh, Danang and Ha Long Bay. In Hoi An, the Life Spa’s treatments range from wellness options to cleansing rituals, skin treatments and a suite of beautification classics.

The signature treatment is an 80-minute fusion of seven techniques, known as the “Harmony of Energy.”

The spa features several 30-minute express treatments, and a clutch of healing treatments that include hot stone therapies, aromatic oils and foot reflexology.

The spa offers two exfoliating treatments, using green tea, sea salt and ginger. Two additional skin treatments leverage the replenishing powers of mud, and the moisturizing properties of honey.

The Life Spa’s facials constitute the most extensive range of protocols on the new menu, with seven opportunities to rejuvenate the fatigued countenance. The new spa’s sunken terrazzo tubs have been designed for baths of flowers, coconut milk and Vietnamese herbs.

“Although our focus in Hoi An is on the area’s rich heritage, we had nothing to lose by importing tried and true treatments from Vietnam’s premier wellness destination,” Duffy said.

Like the resort itself, the Life Spa’s décor reflects a Tropical Asian Modern design, featuring an earthen color palate, timbers and a floor of bamboo parquet. The treatment beds themselves are blue and black with an almost metallic finish.

Life Resorts owns and operates the 94-room Life Heritage Resort Hoi An. Reopened in August 2008 after a major six-month renovation, the resort sits on a quiet stretch of the Thu Bon River within walking distance of the trading port’s downtown.

The company also owns and operates the Life Wellness Resort Quy Nhon. Inspired by the architecture of the Kingdom of Champa, the 63-room hideaway boutique is dedicated to the tenets of wellness, from yoga, tai chi and Pilates to an ample range of spa treatments and anti-stress and detox programs. Elsewhere in Vietnam, Life Resorts manages the Blue Ocean Resort in Mui Ne. The 84-room Blue Ocean Resort features a 153-meter private beach, a newly renovated 26-meter swimming pool, as well as some private bungalow plunge pools, on-site waterfalls, fountains, tranquil water features and tropical grounds.

For more information, visit www.life-resorts.com

Palau is promoting its wealth of experiential soft-adventure activities. Widely recognized as a top underwater (or scuba diving) destination, Palau is also afloat with many on the water amusements as well, including everything from sports fishing, sailing, private charters, kayaking and the new Jungle River Boat Cruise. Guided kayak tours around the Rock Islands with local naturalist guides illustrate the local legends, culture and myths in Palau.

Half-day trips include paddling through the Rock Islands to Nikko Bay and the Bat Cave.

The full-day version adds a trek to Mandarinfish Lake. The Jungle Book expedition and Indiana Jones trails takes excursionists on hikes, hidden channels in the mangroves and World War II sites.

Extended trips visit remote places such as Peleliu, Jelly Fish Lake, North Babeldaob, Ngardmau water falls, the Palauan sunken village and more.

For more information, email Fish n’ Fins at info@fishnfins.com  or visit www.fishnfins.com

Several Palauan operators run fishing trips daily with local guides and fisherman, both whom know the right time and the right place for fishing.

Whether it’s trolling, casting, fly fishing, bottom fishing or spear fishing, passengers will have the opportunity to catch blue marlin, yellow-fin tuna, sailfish, wahoo, skip-jack and barracuda.

Fishing enthusiasts can choose between trolling game and spear fishing or simple reef fishing, for red snappers and parrot fish. Personalized dive packages and group excursions are available.

For more information, contact any one of the following: Sam’s Tours (info@samstours.com  or www.samstours.com ); Neco Marine (info@necomarine.com  or www.necomarine.com ); or Fish n’ Fins (info@fishnfins.com  or www.fishnfins.com)

Aboard Sam’s Tours’ “Eclipse,” sailors have the freedom to choose their own adventures and develop excursions that are personally suited to their individual needs. Eclipse is a former ocean racing yacht whose pedigree ensures high performance sailing in comfort and safety as one explores Palau’s vast and protected inner lagoon waterways, Rock Islands and outer reefs.

Additionally, the vessel offers food, comfortable accommodations and activities. For more information, contact Sam’s Tours at info@samstours.com  or visit www.samstours.com

Several Palauan operators offer kayaking adventures through the Rock Islands, mangroves and marine lakes. Kayakers, beginners through advanced, will discover the beauty of the lush Palauan fauna and flora with local naturalist guides that illustrate the legends, culture and myths in Palau while guests enjoy light calm-water paddling, snorkeling, hiking, birding and exploring in this tropical paradise.

For more information, contact Fish n’ Fins (info@fishnfins.com  or www.fishnfins.com) ; Neco Marine (info@necomarine.com  or www.necomarine.com) ; Sam’s Tours (info@samstours.com  or www.samstours.com) ; or Planet Blue Sea Kayak Tour (planetblue@palaunet.com  or www.paddlingpalau.com) .

In January 2007, Palau’s newest attraction made its debut. Located in Ngchesar State, the Jungle River Boat Cruise is one of Palau’s eco-friendly tours, providing visitors with an opportunity to enjoy the island’s natural attributes firsthand.

The one-hour, five-mile tour starts at the main dock in the belly of the jungle and goes upstream to an ocean vista. During the tour, visitors get a chance to see crocodiles; Palauan Fruit Dove Bird, or Biib; Palauan fruit bats; kingfishers; archer fish; and several other wildlife and fauna.

Additionally, passengers might get a glimpse of locals collecting their catch of the day, big mangrove crabs, along the river banks.

For more information, contact Billy Takamine at info@junglerivercruise.com  or visit www.junglerivercruise.com

For more destination information, visit www.visit-palau.com

Zermatt chalet specialist offers ‘by the room’ stays to appeal to late season skiers

Winter has blown back into Zermatt with a massive 60cm snowfall in the last week. To celebrate, Mountain Exposure, the Zermatt chalet specialist, has created a ‘by the room’ concept for those looking for late season luxury for less.

“We’ve taken the decision to open our larger chalets to individuals so they can enjoy the late season skiing without spending the time to find a group of friends to travel with,” says Sebastien Marcelin-Rice, director of Mountain Exposure and avid snowboarder.

Rooms in larger, deluxe chalets are available from £800 per person per week including open bar, breakfast and fine dining, plus a free day’s Gourmet Guiding (excluding lunch). Mountain Exposure’s late season special offer for full chalet bookings of 30% off is also included in the price of individual rooms, ensuring skiers receive the full benefits of those travelling in a group.

Located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Zermatt is a world-class ski resort. Experienced skiers love the challenging runs and the adrenalin from heli-skiing, while novices enjoy lessons amid stunning scenery. Zermatt’s famous après-ski activities include gourmet restaurants, sophisticated jazz clubs, live music in numerous bars and many night clubs.

Rooms at the deluxe Zermatt Lodge, as well as Gemini and Castor chalets, are available for £800 per person per week (sharing a double room), including open bar, breakfast and fine dining, plus a free day’s Gourmet Guiding (lunch not included). Shorter stays are available on request.

To enjoy a luxury break in Zermatt and take advantage of Mountain Exposure’s fabulous special offers, visit www.mountainexposure.com, call +41 794 864 504 or email bookings@mountainexposure.com

key2holidays, the luxury online operator, features the new Tintswalo Atlantic Lodge in South Africa which has to be a serious contender in any ‘bath with a view’ contest. Bathrooms include a roll top slipper bath beside a picture window with far-reaching views to the majestic Sentinel across Hout Bay. At certain times of year, whale-watching becomes an imperative as they bask in the bay beneath the hotel.

Perched on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean in pristine Cape Mountain Reserve, the 5 star Tintswalo Atlantic is a new coastal hideaway just 25 minutes’ drive from Cape Town. The boutique lodge is built from wood and glass that blends into its surroundings in a chic yet understated design and has just ten ocean-view suites plus a presidential suite.

Beyond the jaw-dropping views from each of the luxuriously equipped suites, the lodge offers an interactive kitchen so you can chat with the chef as she cooks supper each evening. Other distractions include boat trips to nearby Seal Island, sea kayaking, walking in the mountain reserve, the renowned Hout Bay’s World of Birds, plus excursions to nearby Constantia Winelands and Cape Town.

• Lead-in: Five nights at 5 star Tintswalo Atlantic in Cape Town costs from £1435pp (saving £350pp) including round trip flights with South African Airlines, VIP Meet and Greet at Cape Town Airport, 6 days’ car hire and 5 nights’ b&b. Valid until 9 June.

Book by 7 April. Alternatively, the lodge can also be included in tailored multi-point fly-drive itineraries.

For further information on the holiday above, visit www.key2holidays.co.uk  or call 020 7963 6697 to speak to a specialist consultant

Villa Belle Epoque, Cairo’s first boutique hotel, will open on 21st March 2009 for its first guests. The new hotel offers a smaller, more intimate way of experiencing Cairo, located in the leafy suburbs of the city’s Maadi area. Three night stays are available through Bales Worldwide from £559 per person, including flights, transfers and bed and breakfast accommodation.

Tarek and Beryl El Gendy, the Egyptian/Dutch owners, bought the property a year ago. Since this time they have painstakingly restored the former 1920’s townhouse into a stunning 13 bedroom hotel just five miles south of the city centre to the east of the Nile.

The setting is tranquil, with lush gardens date palms and fruit trees surrounding an inviting swimming pool. The original mango and guava trees are now joined by younger peach, apple, olive and lemon trees with plenty of cosy seating areas for guests to sit, relax and take tea or cocktails. There are also fire pits which will be lit during the winter evenings so guests can continue to enjoy the outdoors.

Each guestroom is individually designed using a mixture of contemporary and period styles. For example, many of the chandeliers have been purchased from El Atareen, the famous antique quarter of Alexandria. In addition the hotel has a fine collection of contemporary Egyptian art. Many rooms have conservatory areas opening onto balconies Bathrooms also have a period style combined with modern features with marble toped cabinets, bath tubs and powerful showers.

All meals are served at the hotel including lunch and dinner from a choice of Egyptian, Oriental, Italian and French cuisines. The hotel will be organising a high tea to be served on the shores of the Nile at a Plant Nursery from where guests can take a felucca sail boat to enjoy a sunset over the Nile.

Villa Belle Epoque offers guests a concierge service for advice on how to enjoy a different and more personal experience of Cairo. For example, excursions to the Fatimid quarter of the city with its historical houses and trade centres or a night out for dinner at the restaurant of the Azhar Park. Events can range from traditional musical performances, singing, dance or maybe a ballet at the Cairo Opera House. Colonial Maadi still boasts many rare trees brought into the country during the English and French periods. Special tree walks can be organised to view the old gardens of colonial houses, embassies and clubs.

The hotel is a short walk from Maadi’s main street, Road 9 where there is a small souk with many small boutiques worth a browse, from gold, silver to copper ware and bookstores. In addition t here are plenty of coffee and tea houses and restaurants as well as the metro station for convenient transport into central Cairo avoiding the traffic of the city.

The hotel offers the perfect alternative to the larger branded hotels of Cairo’s city centre and is the ideal base for a long weekend break to explore the sites and sounds of the lesser know side of Cairo, or before heading off for a Bales ‘dahabiyya’ cruise along the Nile.

Prices start from £559 per person for a three night break at the Villa Belle Epoque including return flights with British Airways, transfers and bed and breakfast accommodation. Sightseeing can be arranged by Bales including trips to the Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum. Alternatively, combine a three night stay at the Villa Belle Epoque with a leisurely week’s Nile cruise on board one of Bales’ four dahabiyya 19th century sailing boats. Prices start from £1595 for a 12 day holiday.

For reservations please call 0845 057 0600
or look online at www.balesworldwide.com/villabelleepoque

Jaz Hotels, Resorts & Cruises, a unique collection of highly regarded brands in Egypt and the UAE, has announced that the group will manage its first hotel in Cairo, the Iberotel Cairo Hotel & Casino. Representing the group’s first venture in to city-centre hotels, the Iberotel Cairo is open for business with plans for some renovation to take place during 2009.

Conveniently located within the Heliopolis area, the bustling business and residential district in Cairo, the five star Iberotel Cairo Hotel & Casino is minutes away from Cairo International Airport and the Cairo International Convention Center & Fair Grounds, as well as being within easy reach of the city’s historical and cultural attractions. With a range of guest rooms, including 21 Suites, two Ambassador Suites and 30 pool-view garden rooms, extensive business amenities and a fully equipped health club, the hotel offers an ideal venue for business and leisure travellers alike.

Whether trying their hand at volleyball, keeping fit in the gym and jogging track or merely enjoying a wide range of massage or body treatments, guests have a range of on-site facilities to enjoy. Children are also well catered for with their own swimming pool and well-equipped playground.

International dining is a speciality at the Iberotel Cairo which offers no less than five restaurants, including the 24-hour Orangerie open-buffet restaurant where guests can experience the world on a plate; Azure for fine dining; the Mei Shi, serving authentic Chinese dishes in an atmosphere of the mysterious east; the Italian, Il Giardino for Al fresco dining and El Dawar, where guests can sample the finest Egyptian cuisine. A state-of-the-art Casino, Le Papillion Disco and Movie and Pool Bar, complete the picture.

Modern meeting facilities are extensive, offering a total capacity for 1500 people. El Malikat is an opulent yet modern ballroom, which can host events for up to 300 guests and is divisible into three equal sections namely Cleopatra, lsis and Nefertiti, while four parlour rooms will host small intimate gatherings from five to 25 people, with a Business Centre and secretarial support.

Peter Grace, Regional Vice President Sales & Marketing, UK & Ireland at Jaz Hotels, Resorts & Cruises said, “The Iberotel Cairo Hotel & Casino gives us a significant presence in Egypt’s capital city and appeals to both the leisure and business travellers. The hotel also forms part of a wider expansion programme we have in place that will see 10 new hotels and resorts opening within the Jaz Hotels, Resorts and Cruises portfolio over the next 12 months.”

The Iberotel Cairo Hotel & Casino, located on Cairo International Airport Road, can be booked via the Jaz Hotels, Resorts & Cruises website, www.jaz.travel as well as directly via Tel: +2 (02) 226370099 or E-mail: info@iberotelcairo.com

Hotel Facilities

• 412 air-conditioned rooms including connecting and non connecting smoking rooms, satellite TV, international direct dialling, wireless internet, in-room safe deposit boxes, mini bar and hairdryer

• Themed restaurants, Bars and Disco
• 2 swimming pools (heated during winter)
• Laundry service
• Shops
• Wireless Internet services
• Doctor on call
• 24-hour concierge service
• Kids activities
• Tennis courts, volleyball court, a jogging track
• Disco
• 24-hour room service
• Fully equipped health club
• Conference and Catering Facilities
• Free shuttle bus to & from Airport
• Free shuttle bus to & from downtown as well as a limousine service available, 24 hours, 7 days a week

About Jaz Hotels, Resorts & Cruises

Jaz Hotels, Resorts & Cruises is a unique collection of highly regarded brands that encompasses Jaz Resorts, Iberotel Hotels & Resorts, Sol Y Mar Resorts and Travcotels Nile Cruise Ships. In key destinations around the Red Sea and other key resorts in Egypt and the UAE, each brand has its own unique personality combining excellent service and stunning designs.

There are exceptional facilities across the portfolio of properties including luxury spas; brilliant kids clubs, fascinating souks, vibrant nightlife, invigorating water sports and diving, and alluring restaurants.

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, 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.

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 three properties in Sharm El Sheikh (with a new hotel opening Dec 09), two in Madinat Makadi, one planned for Hurghada in November 09, one in Mersa Matrouh with two new openings planned (April and June 09), Taba (opening Nov 09) and Ain El Sokhna (newly opened February 09).

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, (with two openings in May & July 09), three in Madinat Makadi, three in Marsa Alam (two new hotels opening March 09), one each in Taba, Safaga and Hurghada and two in the Al Dakhla & Al Kharga Oases.

Travcotels, Egypt’s leading Nile Cruise Company, owns and operates a fleet of 21 modern Nile cruise ships in the four-star, five-star and five-star deluxe categories with three new ships planned for 2009. 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.

www.jaz.travel

Lava 3-5/F, The Plaza, 21 D’Aguilar St., Central: Lava is the latest hotspot in Hong Kong for creatures of the night, with its intimate, dark and decadent upstairs den. The décor comprises of polished and textured cushions and a stairwell with a lighting effect that seems to make the walls flow with lava. Try their signature ‘Lavas’, such as The Promise (gin, Cointreau, peach liqueur, passion fruit juice, grenadine).

Dada 2/F, The Luxe Manor, 39 Kimberley Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui: Named after the post-WWI surrealist art movement, Dada Bar & Lounge at The Luxe Manor boutique hotel is a new upmarket jazz venue oozing kitschy fun. Crazy couches and chairs from all eras and of all shapes sit in the lounge, fantastically celebratory yet reassuringly comforting…

Mint & Lemongrass 49 Staunton St., Central: With a bar upstairs, a restaurant downstairs, and an alfresco corridor linking two separate dining rooms, this new bar and bistro charms with its simple minimalism and clean Vietnamese paintings. Located in SoHo, Mint & Lemongrass offers high-end French-Vietnamese cuisine and Vietnamese-inspired cocktails with Southeast Asian herbs.

Vero 1/F, Fenwick Pier, Wan Chai: Time to get ecstatic on chocolate at the made–in–Hong Kong boutique chocolatier-slash-wine-bar. Modestly minimalist in white with chocolate artwork Vero has a relaxing terrace and a spacious L-shaped lounge on the other side that surveys the spectacular Victoria Harbour.