Jetsettersblog

True North Ashore has opened its doors to those seeking the ultimate in luxury and a peaceful and tranquil setting. Located in the Margaret River wine region of WA, the house is set on top of a hill top overlooking the Indian Ocean and the small town of Busselton.

The four bedroom house sleeps a maximum of eight people with an outdoor spa featuring a waterfall big enough for all guests, in addition to an al fresco sauna. The manicured lawns are surrounded by native bush, and an on-call private chef is available, as well as on-call massage therapist. True North Ashore is just two and a half hours south of Perth.

Prices start from A$3600 (approx £1720) for three nights (minimum booking) for the entire house. www.truenorthashore.com.au

 Enjoy Your Stay In Vilnius!

A NEW Vilnius City Card is now available for Vilnius visitors who wish to gain better knowledge of the city.

A card holder gets a lot of advantages: free use of public transport (both buses and trolleybuses), free admission to museums, discounts in parks and while booking tours on foot, by bus, minibus, bicycle or velomobile.

Discounts are also available when booking accommodation, paying restaurant or café bills, buying souvenirs in galleries or ordering wellness services.

There are two types of card: a 24 hour card (LTL 52/EUR 15) and a 72 hour card (LTL 86/EUR 25).

The card is issued for individual use and takes effect at the moment of its acquisition.

Vilnius city card can be ordered online (www.vilnius-tourism.lt)  or at the following Vilnius Tourist Information Centres:

Vilniaus St. 22 (Main Office), Didžioji St. 31 (Town Hall), Geležinkelio St. 16 (Railway Station).

For more information

e-mail citycard@vilnius.lt T: +370 5 262 9660, +370 5 250 5895.

Legoland Billund Resort Opens As Denmark’s Largest Theme Park

Be one of the first to enjoy the comfortable, modern and spacious holiday homes and the new Aquadome waterpark at Lalandia with its partner Legoland.

Legoland and Lalandia, two of Denmark’s largest and well-known family theme parks and resorts will be opening a new combined resort, LEGOLAND Billund Resort, in Billund.

Less than 2 hours flying time from the UK with direct flights into Billund and only 5 minutes from the airport, the new Legoland/Lalandia collaboration will include partnerships with the neighbouring Givskud Zoo, Billund Airport and Ryan Air.

As well as Lalandia’s range of activities such as its Aquadome tropical waterpark and Monky Tonky Land indoor play area, holidaymakers will get access to Legoland which offers an exciting range of rides and attractions for all ages (you can visit Miniland to see famous buildings created from over 20 million bricks; try driving the remote-controlled monster truck; go on a Lego Safari in a lego vehicle or walk the plank at Pirate Water Falls in the new Pirate Lagoon).

The Lalandia complex also includes 40,000m2 covered activity centre so that holidaymakers need never worry about the weather.

The resort will also offer an excellent selection of accommodation in new fully equipped holiday cottages (www.lalandia.dk/da/feriehuse/Pages/Classic4Billund.aspx)  or at the Legoland Hotel with all the fun of the fair right on their doorstep.

In addition to the activities in the resort, the area has a lot of fun attractions for families making it a great base from which to explore the other sights.

These include the Danfoss Universe (http://uk.danfossuniverse.com)  - an interactive science park where you can try out all sorts and weird and wonderful things like lifting a car, floating on a cloud and walk through a glacier; Givskud Zoo (www.givskudzoo.dk/gb)  - a drive through zoo giving you a firsthand safari experience with animals from all over the world; Jylland’s last royal castle Koldinghus; the Orion Planetarium; and the Danish West Coast which is well-known for its white sandy beaches (www.visitbillund.dk  and www.visitsydjylland.com)

FACT BOX: A week’s holiday living in a serviced Classic 4 holiday home, based on a family of four (+ a child age 0-2 free of charge) starts from 6050 DKK(approx. £750 based on a £1 = 8 dkr).

The price includes free access to Lalandia Aquadome, the large play land Monky Tonky Land, entertainment shows for children at the Atrium Stage and cleaning of the Holiday Cottage. Top up Legoland resort passes, giving unlimited free entry to Legoland, are available for 395DKK (children 0-2yrs free). Single entry and two day passes are also available.

Ryan Air has direct flights from London Stansted, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Dublin to Billund Airport from as little as £48.03 return including taxes. www.ryanair.com

The Luxury Collection’s ITC Mughal Agra hotel’s ‘Kaya Kalp – The Royal Spa’ Awarded

AsiaSpa India celebrated their 5th anniversary and gave away awards to recognize and applaud the Achievers in the Spa Industry. The Luxury Collection’s ITC Mughal Agra hotel’s Kaya Kalp – The Royal Spa, received three awards at this event in the following categories:

1) Best New Spa in India 2) Best Interiors 3) Best Spa Marketing

Earlier in September 2008, Kaya Kalp – The Royal Spa, was also singled out by UK’s Tattler Magazine, as the World’s Best City Spa.

At Kaya Kalp – The Royal Spa, the spa experience is spread across more than 99,000 square feet. Widely recognized as India’s largest Spa, it follows Mughal tradition in its extensive use of greenery and water and interiors embellished with stone latticework, mother of pearl, inlay and mirror work.

Eight exquisitely designed luxury treatment suites, offer traditional and international therapies. Among the important experiences offered is ‘The Royal Mughal Hamam’ – India’s first luxury hamam .

Babar, the first Mughal Emperor, is credited with having brought into India the pomegranate – the fruit that is the inspiration for the theme for Kaya Kalp – The Royal Spa.

Always considered special in India for its therapeutic properties, the pomegranate is now being recognized the world over for its healing qualities.

Babar’s legacy of fruit is highlighted through a luxurious ‘Pomegranate Aromasoul Massage’, which serves to detoxify, revitalize and elevate the senses. The ‘Pomegranate Ritual Scrub’, followed by the ‘Pomegranate Infusion Bath’, may be considered the ultimate in relaxation therapies – within a private garden atmosphere while sipping a glass of freshly squeezed pomegranate elixir.

Consistant with the demands of global corporate travellers, spas are fast becoming one of the essential offers at All ITC Luxury Collection hotels. Spread across the country, ITC’s Kaya Kalp Spas can now be experienced at ITC Sonar at Kolkata, ITC Kakatiya in Hyderabad, ITC Windsor at Bengaluru and ITC Maurya in Delhi.

Yuksek Hizli Tren, set off from Ankara in March, incorporating business class seats sporting TV screens and power points to charge laptops.

Currently the service operates from Ankara to Eskisehir, about half the full planned distance to Istanbul; but once new link is complete, it will halve the journey time between Ankara and Istanbul to around three hours, making it a viable alternative to flying or driving between Turkey’s political (Ankara) and business and cultural (Istanbul) capitals.

www.gototurkey.co.uk

Is An Island Of Calm And Rejuvenation

Whilst many associate Ibiza with non stop partying and hedonism for some it is an island of rejuvenation and relaxation and for many years the country has played host to those looking to escape the rat race and draw strength from the island’s beauty and spirit.

Those looking for holistic breaks will love Atzaró , a chic rural retreat hidden in beautiful countryside surrounded by hundreds of orange trees.

The Spa at Atzaró offers a complete range of treatments, which have been developed using a combination of methods and products, from both Eastern and Western societies. Spa facilities include a fully equipped gym, a traditional Moroccan style Hamman, a Swedish sauna and a 43-metre long swimming pool made of unpolished green marble which imitates the moving currents of water.

Classes and activities include yoga, Qiong and Pilates making this the perfect retreat for those looking to rebalance and re-discover their sense of calm.
Doubles are priced from €161 including breakfast.
www.atzaro.com

Far from the club scene, Ibiza Yoga has two retreats, both within 100 metres of Benirras Beach, one of the island’s most popular beaches.

The classes are taught by many renowned world class teachers and due to this Ibiza Yoga’s week long courses attract celebrities including Sadie Frost.

Prices range from £220 to £1200 per week per person including the six day yoga course, seven night’s accommodation, one meal per day plus unlimited fruit and beverages.
www.ibizayoga.com

For a treat with a difference the five star Hacienda Na Xamena situated on the North East of the island is truly unique offering a mix of Arabic, Eastern and Mediterranean that blends seamlessly to create a stylish escape that takes advantage of the stunning natural surroundings.

The 40 minute La Posidonia Thalassotherapy treatment aims to truly stimulate mind and body. Especially developed for Hotel Hacienda, it is a unique treatment that exists nowhere else in the world. The outside pools and waterfalls seem to cling to the cliff and use the natural power of saltwater, heated to 37º, to transmit beneficial properties to the human body via a series of therapeutic jets and cascades throughout the entire relaxation process.

The 40 minute session aims to create an unrivalled level of physical and spiritual relaxation which is optimised by further treatments every one to two days.

Doubles at Hacienda Na Xamena start at €213 per night. Posidonia spa treatments start from €52 per person.
www.hotelhacienda-ibiza.com

Aguas De Ibiza is a new and exclusive waterside hotel located by Ibiza’s Santa Eulalia Marina. This hotel was built by local architect Juan de los Ríos and designed by Barcelona-based Triade Studio combining eco-friendly materials with energy saving techniques.

The hotels Revival Wellness Club offers a range of body treatments to sooth, cleanse, relax and nourish. The Puree de Papaya Radiance Scrub combines the natural extracts of papaya, coconut, vitamin E and essential oils leaving the skin illuminated and radiant.

The Plantar Reflexology stimulates reflex points on the feet to mirror the body’s major organs and glands promoting deep relaxation and healing of tired bodies and feet.

Rates start from €150.87 per night not including breakfast.

Puree de Papaya Scrub treatment starts at €50, Plantar Reflexology starts at €90 and complete spa packages start at €165.
www.aguasdeibiza.com

Enterprise Rent-A-Car is designating four airport rental locations in Virginia as “hybrid branches” — part of a broader move that adds nearly 5,000 additional gas/electric hybrids to its nationwide fleet.

The designated “hybrid branches” have a high concentration of the new hybrids available and customers will be able to reserve these hybrids online or by phone.

Across Virginia, the hybrid branches are located at Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport, Norfolk International Airport, Richmond International Airport and Roanoke Regional Airport.

Nationwide, the new hybrids are available at nearly 100 locations in approximately 30 major markets, including the 10 busiest airports for business travelers in the United States.

Markets include California (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, Fresno); New York (Albany, Buffalo, New York City, Rochester); Colorado (Denver, Boulder); Florida (Orlando, Tampa); Oregon (Eugene, Portland); Texas (Austin, Dallas, Houston); Atlanta; Boston; Detroit; Minneapolis; Philadelphia; St. Louis; Seattle; and Washington, D.C.

Riu Emerald Bay, the first Riu resort in Mazatlan, Mexico, will open on May 29, 2009. The all-inclusive beachfront resort will offer 716 rooms, three a la carte restaurants and a buffet, five bars, two swimming pools and three conference rooms.

Opening rates start at $73 per person, per night, based on double occupancy. Kids are free when sharing the room with two full paying adults. Special rates are valid May 29 through June 25, 2009.

For more information, visit www.riu.com

Boutique brand charms travellers with locally-inspired design and guest-focused service

Continuing the boutique brand’s global rollout, Hotel Indigo today announced the opening of its first property in Central America. The 100-room Hotel Indigo is located in San Jose’s upscale neighbourhood of Santa Ana, one of the city’s fastest developing areas and an excellent starting point to visit some of the world’s most compelling eco-tourism destinations.

Uniquely designed to reflect the local culture, character and geography of the surrounding area, Hotel Indigo San Jose Forum showcases Costa Rica’s tropical climate and natural settings by incorporating oversized and artistic photographic images throughout the hotel of tropical flowers, waterfalls, coffee beans and dynamic elements of the rain forest.

The use of water features at the main entrance and lobby along with contrasting colours and different textures from the floors to the ceiling are an understated homage to the country’s natural resources.

From the locally-inspired murals to the seasonal renewal programme where the images, music, scent, and menu items change four times a year, Hotel Indigo delivers a vibrant, engaging and genuine boutique experience that gives guests the confidence to step out and explore the local neighbourhood.

Hotel Indigo San Jose Forum is located at the Del Centro Empresarial Forum Dos, the city’s latest and most prominent commercial office development, which provides business and leisure travellers easy access to shopping, coffee houses, and gourmet restaurants.

In addition, the three-story boutique hotel is just 15 minutes from the Juan Santamaria Airport and adjacent to a major thoroughfare that connects to Escazu, the prominent residential and business district of the city.

The Hotel Indigo San Jose Forum Costa Rica is owned by Prime Holding, under a license agreement with IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), the world’s largest hotel group by number of rooms and the second largest hotel operator in Latin America.

IHG properties currently operating in Costa Rica include Real InterContinental Hotel & Club Tower Costa Rica, Crowne Plaza Corobici San Jose, Holiday Inn San Jose – Aurola and Holiday Inn Express San Jose Airport.

“We believe the Hotel Indigo model strikes a great balance by providing guests the refreshing design and intimate service synonymous with a boutique along with the consistency, reliability, and accessibility of a branded hotel, “ said Luis Fernandez, president, Prime Holding. “Hotel Indigo has been incredibly well-received in North America and we are confident that it will thrive in San Jose.”

“IHG is very well represented in Costa Rica and the opening of Hotel Indigo further strengthens our position as the country’s leading international hotel company,” said Alvaro Diago, area president, Latin America, IHG. “We are very proud to be opening the first Hotel Indigo in the region with such a respected franchise partner, Prime Holding.”

Hotel Indigo San Jose Forum features inviting guestrooms with plush bedding, hard-surface flooring with area rugs, oversized artistic photo murals of local imagery, 37-inch flat screen TV, iPod/MP3 alarm clock radio, spa-inspired showers with complimentary Aveda bath products; and complimentary high-speed Internet access in guest rooms and public spaces.

Additionally, the hotel provides guests convenient access to meeting facilities and a 24-hour business centre; a sauna and spa; an outdoor swimming pool and well-equipped fitness studio.

Dining options include the Golden Bean Restaurant, which serves international and local dishes from beef broth with organic vegetables and natural chicken consommé to Costa Rican-style fish ceviche, and Phi Bar & Lounge, a causal gourmet bistro and full-service bar. Highlighting a national commodity, the hotel serves Café Britt home-grown Costa Rican coffee – a favourite of tourists and locals alike.

“Through Interpret Indigo, the brand’s flexible design concept that works with adaptive reuse, mixed-use, new builds, and conversions, each hotel is distinctly different from neighbourhood to neighbourhood and country to country,” said Janis Cannon, vice president, global brand management, Hotel Indigo. “From London Paddington to San Jose, Hotel Indigo is delivering a highly-differentiated and upscale hotel experience to guests and developers across the globe.”

Meeting the desires of today’s traveller, Hotel Indigo is an upscale boutique brand that delivers a refreshing and inviting guest experience that is truly reflective of the local community. There are currently 26 Hotel Indigo properties open worldwide and more than 60 hotels under development, either in the pipeline or in final negotiation.

By the end of 2009, Hotel Indigo will almost double its footprint in the Americas opening properties in New York City, San Diego, St. Louis, and Toronto.

Hotel Indigo participates in IHG’s guest loyalty programme, Priority Club® Rewards. With 42 million members worldwide, Priority Club Rewards is the industry’s first and largest guest loyalty programme. Guests can enrol for free by logging on at priorityclub.com or by enquiring at the front desk of this hotel or any of IHG’s more than 4,150 hotels worldwide.

IHG has more than 160 hotels in Mexico, Central and South America as the well as the Caribbean, and has been serving Latin America for over 60 years. IHG has hotels situated in nearly every key market in the Latin America territory.

An oxymoron ? Not in Riga! Isiah Berlin was born in Alberta iela (Albert Street) Riga in the middle of one of the best preserved Art Nouveau streets in the world.

A conference, freely accessible to those who register on-line http://www.berlininriga.com  to celebrate Isiah Berlin’s birth, will take place in Riga from the 1st to the 6th of June this year.

This will be a marvellous opportunity to listen to presentations by

Ronald Dworkin, Henry Hardy, Edna Ulman-Margalit, Edward Lucas and many others.

Enjoy a heightened focus on art nouveau architecture and the cityscape of Riga in the first decade of the 20th century, as well the Jewish heritage of the city.

Having enjoyed a rare opportunity to see and hear Alla Demidova read Ahmatova’s poetry (in Russian), you can spend the rest of your evenings at the Latvian National Opera for the extensive program of the acclaimed Riga Opera Festival!

http://www.opera.lv/opera.php?lang=2