Jetsettersblog

near Perugia, Umbria

In San Martino in Campo, near Perugia, the luxury hotel Alla Posta dei Donini has now added a spa and wellness centre, The Ginkgo Spa offering a range of traditional and oriental treatments.

The luxury Hotel Alla Posta dei Donini includes two renovated villas, connected by a glass-covered walkway overlooking the park, rooms frescoed by the Perugia School artists and a seventeenth century private chapel with a magnificent altar piece dedicated to St. Phillip.

The hotel also offers equipped meeting rooms, an outdoor pool, restaurant and wine bar. The villa is surrounded by over 20,000 square metres of one of the most extraordinary botanical park in Central Italy. www.postadonini.it

Tanoa International Hotel & Tanoa Apartments, Nadi has spent 2008 completing major refurbishments to guest services in the hotel including:
• Completion of an all-new “Bula Bar”
• Refurbishment and upgrading of the convention center

• Upgraded in-room entertainment
• New banquet furniture and equipment
• ‘Jacks,’ Fiji’s the foremost retailer of clothing and souvenirs
• “Mint,” a state-of-the art café

These refurbishments were made to enhance the corporate guest experience, as the Tanoa International Hotel is a premier corporate accommodation solution within close proximity to Nadi and the Nadi International Airport.

Travel By Rail

After months of voting RACQ, with the support of major partner Traveltrain, has announced their Top Ten must-do experiences for the state of Queensland.

Over 150 experiences from across the state were named as nominees in the 150 Must-Do’s in Queensland campaign including Traveltrain’s own Spirit of the Outback, The Sunlander, The Gulflander and Kuranda Scenic Railway.

The top ten experiences as voted by the public are:

1. Paronella Park, Cairns
2. Take a trip to Fraser Island
3. Australia Zoo, Beerwah
4. Portside, Maryborough
5. Whale watching, Hervey Bay
6. See powerboat racing in action at Bundy Thunder
7. Guurbi Tours, Cooktown
8. Dance the night away at the National Country Music Festival Gympie
9. Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame & Qantas Founders Museum, Longreach
10. A Brisbane River adventure with Riverlife Adventure Centre, Kangaroo Point

Traveltrain’s services were strong performers in the list of 150 must-do’s with the Kuranda Scenic Railway coming in at number 31, The Gulflander at number 46, Spirit of the Outback at number 54 and The Sunlander at number 68.

QR Passenger General Manager Travel and Tourism, Mark Williams, says the response to the 150 Must-Do’s in Queensland campaign was overwhelming with over 155,000 votes registered.

“Queensland is home to some of Australia’s most memorable holiday experiences, and the competition for a spot in the Top Ten was fierce,” Mr Williams said.

The Top 10 experiences are all easily accessible by rail, allowing you to combine these must-do experiences with the excitement of a rail adventure.

Information on how you can access the RACQ 150 Must-Do’s Top Ten by rail is detailed in the attachment that accompanies this release.

Check out the full list of must-do experiences by visiting www.150mustdos.com.au. The website contains detailed information about all of the experiences including directions on how to get there by rail.

To book your rail adventure to these great must-do experiences call Traveltrain Holidays on 1800 627 655, or visit www.traveltrain.com.au for more details.

A luxurious new B&B and a revamped Stamford Plaza will step up the accommodation options for visitors to Brisbane’s CBD.

Chester’s Guest House is a contemporary-designed residence located in the heart of Fortitude Valley offering five-star hotel facilities in the privacy of a modern guest house. The fully licensed B&B has a comprehensive selection of boutique beers and wines.

It also features a large lounge area, roof-top access and bar, and a sound room for music lovers. Tariffs start at $165 per room per night including a full continental breakfast with freshly ground espresso coffee. www.chesters.net.au.

Meanwhile, Stamford Plaza Brisbane will show off its $10 million facelift in late May. The makeover will include new-look suites and rooms, including the prestigious Stamford Suite. The existing European-style décor will be enhanced, whilst retaining a warm, yet elegant and luxurious ambience complete with mini LCD TVs in the bathrooms.

The hotel’s signature Kabuki Japanese Restaurant will be extended to include a fashionable ‘Kabuki to go’ takeaway area and the popular Courtyard and the Pav Bar will feature a new bar area.

Room rates for the new-look hotel will be $245 per room per night (excluding GST). www.stamford.com.au

The popular hotel in downtown Los Angeles introduces a new destination for fun-loving lounge goers with this bright, rooftop space.

The Kyoto Grand Hotel and Gardens, a celebrated boutique hotel in Los Angeles, is happy to announce a fresh face on the downtown Los Angeles lounge scene: Pangea Garden. A dazzling hip-casual bar and lounge with amazing city views and a laidback atmosphere, Pangea Garden is the latest in the hotel’s impressive line of on-site dining options.

The new rooftop lounge promises an escape from the stuffy L.A. bar scene with a refreshing come-as-you-are attitude, whether that means your evening best, straight-from-business attire, or a pair of comfortable jeans and a T. Anyone who likes to socialize, sample delicious cocktails and have fun is welcome.

Pangea Garden’s unique personality is evident no matter where you look. The stylish decor combines traditional dining and high top tables with inviting accent pieces like couches and day beds, all arranged to highlight the remarkable view. The menu is no less exciting.

Living up to the Los Angeles hotel’s reputation for inventive L.A. dining, the menu features international fusion cuisine and their unique “Bentos of the World”, an eclectic array of international dishes served “bento box-style”.

Friday evening brings live music to the Pangea Garden; the perfect weekend kickoff. Management promises a variety of entertainment to match the abundance of Los Angeles itself, with everything from Latin jazz to house DJs to cover bands in the future.

The Pangea Garden at the Kyoto Grand Hotel will open April 27, 2009. The lounge will be open Monday through Friday, beginning at 4:00 p.m. For more information about Pangea Garden, contact Luisa Garcia at luisa.garcia@crestlinehotels.com

The Kyoto Grand Hotel and Gardens welcomes all to opening night at the Pangea Garden.

For more information about this downtown Los Angeles hotel, visit the Web site at http://www.kyotograndhotel.com

About Kyoto Grand Hotel and Gardens:

The lively city of Los Angeles is full of surprises, and the same could be said for the Kyoto Grand Hotel and Gardens.

A Los Angeles boutique hotel like no other, the Kyoto Grand immerses you in warm accommodations that capture the chic and refined accents of Los Angeles without sacrificing their soulful comfort.

A convenient downtown location and incredible on-site amenities will ensure you are never wanting. Begin that escape vacation at one of the finest hotels in downtown Los Angeles today.

Visit the Web site at http://www.kyotograndhotel.com

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is offering cost-conscious travelers free-night bonuses and savings on boutique accommodations. Beachcombers Hotel features chalet-like accommodations, ranging from air-conditioned standard rooms to ocean-view penthouse suites with a Jacuzzi. Amenities include a health spa, an outdoor swimming pool, and an open-air restaurant.

Guests who book a seven-night getaway will now enjoy an extra night free, with rates starting at $54 per person, per night, based on double occupancy.

For bookings or more information, call 784-458-4283 or visit www.beachcombershotel.com

Only a five-minute drive from the E.T. Joshua Airport and 10 minutes from the capital of Kingstown, Rosewood Apartment Hotel features 10 rooms, all of which open onto a spacious patio or balcony with views of the Caribbean Sea.

A budget-friendly vacation or an affordable personal incentive trip is now possible, with a 20 percent savings on spring and summer rates until June 15.

For bookings or more information, call 784-457-5051 or visit www.rosewoodsvg.com

Bequia’s Frangipani Hotel features ocean-view rooms that overlook Admiralty Bay and garden units that are handcrafted from local stone and hardwoods.

Located within walking distance to two PADI-accredited dive shops, the historic guesthouse is an idyllic choice for dive buffs. The “Frangi Special” offers six nights with the seventh night free for travel May 1 to Aug. 31, with rates as low as $60 per person, per night, based on double occupancy.

For bookings or more information call 784-458-3255 or visit www.frangipanibequia.com

For more information on St. Vincent and the Grenadines, call 212-687-4981 or visit www.svgtourism.com

Finland’s Leading Restaurant Trade Magazine, Viisi Tähteä, Announces 2009 List

Four Michelin-Starred Restaurants, Finnish Ingredients and Innovative Chefs Make Finland a Rising Star in the European Arena

Helsinki, FINLAND – Viisi Tähteä (“Five Stars”), a leading restaurant trade publication in Finland, has announced their 2009 list of “50 Best Restaurants in Finland,” with the award-winning Chez Dominique leading the way for the fifth straight year (they also appeared on Restaurant Magazine’s highly regarded “World’s 50 Best Restaurants” list in 2008). Another prominent winner gaining international acclaim is Grotesk, featured in a New York Times December article. The restaurants are chosen through surveys of chefs and leading figures in the world of restaurants, the “movers and shakers” as identified by Editor-in-Chief Eeropekka Rislakki.

“Two main trends were clearly visible in the listings” explains Rislakki. “On the one hand professionals respect different classical aspects; on the other, it is only possible to reach the top rankings by questioning and adapting: showing innovativeness, updating the product, and assuming a broad vision of the field.”

Of the top ten restaurants, four have received coveted Michelin-star ratings – and no two are alike. Restaurants earning one star include Demo, noted for its sumptuous food and laidback-yet-energetic atmosphere and started by chefs Teemu Aura and Tommi Tuominen in 2003 (who also own the Grotesk); Carma, whose French cuisine and small, intimate setting make for a romantic atmosphere; and the sweets-oriented Postres, specializing in five-course meals with at least one dessert.

Chez Dominique now has two stars earned for their creative culinary masterpieces based on Nordic and French flavors.

The other restaurants in the top ten are equally diverse, from Savoy – which opened over 70 years ago and continues to serve classic fine dining integrated with raw materials of Finnish cultivation – to Kosmos, whose dining room reminiscent of the 1930s is known as a meeting place for artists, writers and TV personalities. G.W. Sundmans, eponymously named for the naval captain whose house it occupies, and Atelié Finne, a spacious Bohemian restaurant located in the former studio of noted Finnish sculptor Gunnar Finne, each combine culture and cuisine in a distinct way. Also included are Olo, whose menu changes with the seasons to incorporate only the freshest ingredients in its food, and Mami, a new restaurant located in Turku’s historic downtown area along the banks of the Aura River.

For more information:
Visit Finland www.visitfinland.com
Visit Finland image bank www.imagebank.visitfinland.com

The largest fast ferry to operate on short sea Channel crossing routes between the UK and France is to be introduced by French company LD Lines.

The new, high speed Incat 112 metre Wave-Piercing Catamaran will be introduced on the Dover–Boulogne route from May 29.

The vessel is capable of carrying 1,200 passengers and crew and up to 417 cars or a mix of cars and trucks.

The company’s Dover-Boulogne service will be enhanced as the new fast ferry will increase frequency from the current twoto sixreturn sailings a day with a crossing time of one hour.

All types of tourist traffic will be carried including cars, caravans, motorhomes, motorcycles, coaches and foot passengers, in addition to freight.

At nearly 11,000 gross tonnes, the new craft is one of the largest vessels yet built by manufacturer Incat.

It claims to offer “significantly greater seakeeping qualities” and passenger comfort than earlier generation fast ferries familiar to Dover Strait, cross channel passengers.

The fast ferry will be the first freight carrying high speed vessel to operate across the Dover Straits.

LD Lines also becomes the first-ever French ferry company to operate high speed ferries on the short sea routes from Dover.

The vessel is the world’s largest diesel-powered catamaran and it will be the first Incat 112 metre to operate in Europe.

The fast ferry will operate up to four daily return sailings between Dover (Eastern Docks) and Boulogne. at 0415; 0745; 1230and 1900 and from Boulogne at 0700; 1045; 1700 and 2230.

Tworeturn sailings daily to Boulogne and one to Dieppe (Monday-Friday) will continue to be operated by the conventional ferry, which introduced the earlier than planned start of the new Dover-Boulogne service in February 2009. Crossing time by conventional ferry is one hour 45 minutes.

Dover–Boulogne fares start from £24 one way and short break day returns from £28 for a car and four passengers.

Both vessels will initially operate into the Port of Boulogne’s existing ferry berths. Following completion of Boulogne’s new Hub Port Ro Ro Terminal from July 1, both will then transfer to inaugurate and operate into the first linkspan of the new Hub Port Terminal.

The introduction of the high speed ferry to operate with the conventional ferry on the Dover-Boulogne service will now mean that the ship “Norman Spirit” will remain on LD Lines’ Portsmouth–Le Havre route.

The vessel had previously been expected to operate the service to Boulogne’s new Ro Ro terminal from July 1

The introduction of LD Lines’ first-ever fast ferry is a major development for the company, further emphasising the strategy to firmly establish its business on the cross channel routes from Dover,

LD Lines managing director Christophe Santoni said: “This is a very exciting, innovative step forward for LD Lines and with the introduction of this new high speed ferry, we will be dramatically revolutionising ferry transport across the channel, with a style of service never experienced before on the Dover Straits.

“We will be offering a unique, combined high speed and conventional ferry sailing frequency via the Boulogne service, providing great appeal and choice, to meet the demands of tourist and freight customers and create new markets.”

LD Lines’ ferry route network comprises Portsmouth–Le Havre ; Rosslare–Le Havre; Newhaven–Dieppe ; Dover–Boulogne and Dover–Dieppe.

This new project aims to create a chain of hotels similar to the Paradors in Spain housed in historical residences, castles, ex-prisons, army or hospital buildings of historical interest in major art cities and towns.

The first 85 will be opened within four years and a further number will be opened later to reach 150 hotels within ten years.

To name just one of the above, in Campania plans are on the way to transform the Royal Palace of Quisisana in Castellammare di Stabia into a “hotel della cultura”.

Opening now is the Belli Spa resort is a brand new hotel in the medieval town of Gratteri near Cefalu’ in Sicily. The hotel consists of 14 beautifully appointed junior suites and double rooms and boasts a spa centre, a delightful private garden with a swimming pool and a gourmet restaurant.

The hotel was re-developed from 5 old townhouses and opens directly on to the cobbled street of the old town of Gratteri, a town set within the Madonie Mountains National Park and only 13 kilometres from the beach in Cefalu’. Nearest airport is Palermo.

For more info : e-mail: max@thinksicily.com