Jetsettersblog

The award-winning Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) –based luxurious Chuan Spa, at The Langham, Yangtze Boutique, Shanghai will open on May 1, 2009 with special introductory prices and a range of expert therapy programmes.

The introductory specials celebrate the launch of the luxurious 96-room art deco boutique hotel in Shanghai’s central business district and are available for guests seeking a journey of pampering and wellness between May 1 – June 30.

Double Happiness Package

With the Double Happiness Package, spa visitors can indulge in a second treatment for the same price with the purchase of a spa massage, facial or a signature treatment. The complimentary treatment is transferable so friends and family can be amongst the first to enjoy Shanghai’s luxurious new TCM-based spa, either in a dual treatment room or on a separate visit.

Ritual Added Offer

Likewise, through the Ritual Added Offer, guests who avail of any 60 minute Chuan treatment will get an additional 30 minute session which translates into superbly relaxing 90-minutes of indulgence. The 30-minute extension may be used for alternative treatments that include the Chuan Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage, Collagen Velvet Eye Facial, Chuan Signature Herbal Salt Scrub or Chuan Hand Manicure.

An Oasis of Calm and Luxury

Located on level three of the city’s newest stunning landmark, The Langham, Yangtze Boutique, Shanghai, Chuan Spa is the ultimate sanctuary for respite and relaxation. Within a luxurious setting of serenity and pure tranquillity, guests are cocooned in total comfort and refinement, away from the frenzy and madding chaos of the city life outside.

Facilities include infinity baths, steam showers, body spray, wet and dry saunas, opulent changing rooms and four private treatment rooms including two treatment rooms for two persons.
On the same floor and with easy access to the Spa, are three stylish Chuan Residences which feature private steam showers with body spray, aromatherapy and chroma therapy. When staying within the spa in any of the Chuan Residences, we offer you a 60 minute Chuan Signature treatment as part of your experience.

Antidote to Stress and Strain

Chuan Spa is haven of sheer pleasure that provides revitalization and restores balance to one’s senses. Staffed by a team of highly-trained therapists, Chuan Spa offers a full range of physical and beauty treatments mostly based on the ancient healing principles of balancing the five universal elements – metal, wood, fire, earth and water.

Utilizing the techniques of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the use of high-end, marine-based Thalgo products combined with special essential oils, the therapists render superlative healing treatments for physical wellness and rejuvenation.

Its range of services include traditional Chinese and other Asian influenced massages, body scrubs, skin exfoliation, facials, and other treatments designed to alleviate fatigue and exhaustion or simply assist to restore balance to body.

A team of professionals practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine provide health assessment and treatments using acupuncture, acupressure, moxibustion and Ho Guan healing techniques are also on hand for consultation.

For Added Strength and Stamina

A range of state-of-the-art cardio and strength machines equipped with audio-visual equipment for entertainment plus a complete series of weights are available at the fitness centre. Regular exercise classes are held while experienced trainers are on hand to provide professional instructions based on specially-designed fitness programmes. The Contemplation Corner is a refuge after a strenuous work out where one can rest with a cup of five-element tea.

Chuan Spa also features regular membership packages that offer discounts and special prices to members.

For more details on Chuan Spa services and membership deals, contact the Spa Concierge at (86) 21 6080 0722 or email at tlsha.info@chuanspa.com.

About Langham Hotels International & Its Affiliates

Langham has a legendary hotel heritage dating back to 1865 when The Langham in London originally opened as Europe’s first Grand Hotel. For over 140 years, this flagship hotel has been at the forefront of sophisticated and gracious hospitality. Today, all Langham Hotels worldwide inherit the same philosophy that reflects elegance in design, innovation in hospitality, genuine service and captivation of the senses creating a truly unique hotel experience.

The group is pursuing an aggressive portfolio growth strategy using its distinctive brands and affiliate – The Langham, Langham Place and Eaton. Currently 15 hotels, including affiliates, are open or in the pipeline across four continents.

The Langham is where guests can enjoy service with poise and be enchanted by our innovation and traditions while Langham Place, the fun sibling of The Langham, is about living the 21st century through design, technology and attitude, epitomising stimulating and artistic hospitality.

Eaton, a premium four-star affiliate property, aims to surprise and delight our guests with a value-for-money proposition that delivers a stylish, modern level of comfort with spirited, can-do service.
Langham Hotels International is a wholly-owned company of Great Eagle Holdings (Stock Code: 0041) which was founded in 1963 and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 1972.

Reservations for Langham hotels can be made by logging onto langhamhotels.com or www.eatonhotels.com

Spa Director Appointed At Blythswood Square Glasgow’s Newest Five Star Hotel

Matt Laird has been appointed Director of the Spa at Blythswood Square, the luxury five star boutique hotel currently being developed by the Town House Collection in Glasgow.

Matt has considerable experience of the luxury spa market. He joins from ESPA International where he worked on spas at a variety of resorts including The Gleneagles Hotel and The Westin Turnberry in Scotland and the Intercontinental at Mar Menor in Spain.

Blythswood Square is the first of the Town House Collection properties to incorporate a spa and Matt will be response for all aspects from development, design and build liaison to staff recruitment and the selection of the products and treatments, which will be available.

He said: ‘Opening any new spa in a city like Glasgow is tremendously exciting and challenging. We believe that the Spa at Blythswood Square will be very much a city spa with a real cutting-edge feel to it, blending the best indulgent beauty therapies with fabulous facilities.

We will be sophisticatedly Scottish with a touch of the contemporary elegance that Glasgow has become famous for.’

Hans Rissmann, Managing Director of The Town House Collection added: ‘Matt’s wide-ranging experience gained from working with so many top spas around the world is unique and will help us become quickly established as Scotland’s top city spa.

‘Everything about Blythswood Square will offer luxury and make both the hotel and the spa a real destination within Glasgow.’

Blythswood Square will open late September 2009.

A Montserrat based company, Montserrat Airways Limited (MA Ltd), has announced its plan to start a new flight service to Montserrat by mid-2009 operating under the name Fly Montserrat.

Montserrat Airways Limited (MA Ltd) has been granted funds from the Tourism Challenge Fund, which is administered by the Montserrat Tourist Board, and funded by the British Department for International Development (DFID).

These funds will aid and enable to pursue the establishment of a Montserrat-based and controlled airline, which will help stimulate the growth of the island’s economy.

Managing director Captain Nigel Harris believes “A Montserrat-based airline will provide the stability, reliability and flexibility to transfer visitors to Montserrat, as well as other islands.”

The local airline will be offering on-demand charters, which will provide additional capacity at peak periods, urgent freight movements and day trips both on and off island at short notice.

Presently, Montserrat is accessible by air on Winair, which runs four daily scheduled flights from Antigua using a 19-seater aircraft. The additional service from Fly Montserrat will allow more visitors to the island on a daily basis.

Fly Montserrat is currently in the process of completing all the necessary approvals, registrations and procurements to ensure the service commences by mid-2009. The company’s first nine-seater Islander aircraft is due to be delivered soon.

For more information about Montserrat see www.visitmontserrat.com  and for further information about Fly Montserrat visit www.flymontserrat.com  or contact Dwain Lovett at dwain@flymontserrat.com

Le Caméléon Boutique Resort (www.lecameleonhotel.com) in the tropical forest of Puerto Viejo (Limon), in Costa Rica, has opened its doors. This is the first luxury hotel to open on the country’s Caribbean Coast.

Le Caméléon has ten superior rooms, 6 deluxe rooms, 6 junior suites and a grand suite. Guests can also enjoy a massage at the Jungle Massage Deck, top global cuisine at Le Numu restaurant, or simply relax by the pool or in the Lounge and Bar. Other services include airport shuttle, parking and a crèche.

The hotel’s best asset is its location on one of the best beaches on the country’s Caribbean Coast, where guests can practice diving, surfing, or simply enjoy long walks or relax in the sun. Other activities available in the surrounding area include horse riding, canoeing and cycling, plus the opportunity to meet the local indigenous community and discover the country’s fascinating flora and fauna. Attractions nearby include the Cahuita National Park, Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge and the Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve.

The hotel chain of the Brazilian entrepreneur Mrs. Chieko Aoki launched a new brand for an economic modality of hotels in Brazil: SPOTLIGHT.

The first SPOTLIGHT will be opened in the city of São Paulo and four more are already planned (in the next 18 months) for the hinterlands of São Paulo, Bahia and the Center-West region of Brazil – an investment of R$ 120 million.

According to Chieko Aoki Group, known by its BLUE TREE HOTELS & RESORTS flag, there are 134 economic hotels in Brazil, offering a total of 17.537 apartments.

The estimative is that this sector will grow about 32% in 2009.

Who is Chieko Aoki: born in Japan, Mrs. Chieko Aoki arrived in Brazil at six years old.

In the last 13 years, this businesswoman has turned Blue Tree into Brazil’s largest hotel chain (6,200 rooms in 27 hotels located in 16 cities).

Prior to Blue Tree, she managed the Brazilian operations of the Caesar’s Park and Westin Hotels.

Villas with pools are far more likely to appeal to holidaymakers looking for a European villa holiday than those without a pool, according to award-winning specialist villa tour operator CV Travel, who have been organising villa holidays on behalf of discerning British clients since 1972.

The company maintains the majority of its clients insist upon villas with pools, although houses that are situated right on to a beach are also among those likely to be snapped up quickly.

CV Travel offers villas with pools in Corfu, and the Greek Islands of Paxos, Lefkada, and Kefalonia, as well as in France, Italy, Morocco, Spain, the Balearic Islands, Portugal, and Britain.

Around 95% of the company’s overseas villas have pools. Included among the more unusual are an 18m pool with an exercise jet at the Umbrian country house `La Crete’, a restored `bassin’ with central fountain that makes an elegant pool at the French Provencal house `Clos St. Maurin’, and in Morocco, the artist wife of the owner of a residential palace, Verger de l’Etoile Filante, Marrakech, created the tiles that line the unusual key-hole arch shaped pool.

Many of CV Travel’s villas with pools are also built to take advantage of their location, for example the beautifully restored ‘Rou Estate’ on Corfu’s north east coast with a horizon pool, built on a sun-baked terrace beneath the stone houses that make up this small hamlet and appears to blend with the Ionian sea.

Second only to the popularity of villas with pools are houses that are in close proximity to water, such as `Apraos House & Studio’, a stone house and annex built inches above the shallow water of a long stretch of golden sandy beach on Corfu’s sought-after north east coast, and ‘The Harbour House’, Kefalonia, with swimming platforms along the waterfront in Fiskardo. In Italy ‘Porto Ulisse’, a Sardinian house built into the rocky shoreline has access to two virtually private sandy coves and Casa Delfino on the Lazio coast has a sea-water pool roughly hewn from the rocks.

“Villa with pools are our most popular properties” said a spokesperson for the company “and the ones that our clients are most likely to return to year after year, as once they find the `right house’, they are eager to return to it for future holidays”.

Full details of CV Travel’s villas with pools can be found at www.cvtravel.co.uk  or by calling 020 7410 1054 for a choice of villa brochures.

Bonaire is Pleased to Announce Insel Air Introduces Non-Stop Flights From Miami to Bonaire!

Bonaire is pleased to Announce Insel Air Introduces Non-Stop Flights From Miami to Bonaire! Airline to Start Service July 4, 2009.

The Tourism Corporation Bonaire today announces that Insel Air will be commencing a new weekly non-stop flight from Miami, Florida to Bonaire effective July 4, 2009.

The flight will operate weekly on Saturdays throughout the year. Insel Air flight #7I 907 will depart Bonaire at 11:55 a.m. arriving into Miami at 3:05 p.m.

The return flight #7I 908 will depart Miami at 4:25 p.m. arriving into Bonaire at 7:35 p.m. Insel Air will use either an MD 82 or MD 83 aircraft configured with 152 economy seats.

For reservations on Insel Air, travelers from the United States should call toll free 1-877-546-7352, or consult their professional travel counselor.

For more information on Insel Air, please visit www.fly-inselair.com  or contact the call center at + 5999-737-0444.

Bonhata is pleased with this announcement from TCB, as this new flight will add to the already announced increase in airlift from Delta, via Atlanta starting October 2nd this year! Bonaire is getting easier to get to for your clients, and the vacations values have never been better. Contact your travel seller or one of our members and book your clients to Bonaire today!

Marion Wilson, Association Executive of the Bonaire Hotel And Tourism Association added this comment: “We are pleased to have Insel Air contributing to Bonaire’s air portfolio. The Miami flight will compliment our already non-stop Houston and NY flights, making this summer the perfect time to visit Bonaire.”

About BONHATA:

BONHATA is recognized by the Island Government and the Caribbean Hotel Association as the Official Hotel & Tourism Association of Bonaire. More information can be found at www.ilovebonaire.com

Re-opens In May 2009 Following Refurbishment To Celebrate Its 21st Year In Business:

Finca Buenvino is a family run boutique-style guest-house, set within an 150 acre estate of serene woodlands, looking out over the blue and green hills of the Parque Natural de la Sierra de Aracena, Huelva. Owned by a British couple, Sam and Jeannie Chesterton, this enchanting retreat, which this year celebrates its 21st birthday, is situated in a privileged mountaintop position with uninterrupted views of rolling hillsides, cork and chestnut forests.

Sam and Jeannie first arrived in Aracena just over twenty-five years ago with a clear vision to create the ultimate gastronomic guest-house, and the first of its kind in Spain. Today, Finca Buenvino prides itself on its reputation as the original, bohemian, house party-style hotel in Spain, where guests are treated to a charming way of life by their exceptional hosts.

Well-known names have flocked here for many years and fashion and interior shoots are a regular occurrence. Sublime food and wine play a major role in each stay, where guests are offered meals cooked by exquisite cordon-bleu chef Jeannie and her team, or for the Finca’s highly popular cooking courses.

Most of the produce used is provided from their organic farm, including seasonal mushroom and chesnut harvests, even down to their own pata negra’s and sun-dried tomatoes.

The Chestertons’ are highly regarded in their local community, and fully integrate themselves in the many unique fiestas and celebrations that take place throughout the year in the nearby picturesque villages. The historical town of Aracena is a few minutes drive away, Seville (nearest airport) is just over an hour away and Portugal is 60km down the road.

The main house, was lovingly built by the owners in the style of a ‘Tuscanesque’ villa, complete with pink washed walls. It looks and feels as if it has been here for centuries. Much of the materials used were salvaged from older buildings in the area and further afield, including huge opera doors from Madrid and painted floor tiles from Lisbon. An imposing wooden staircase and a pine-panelled dining room add to the sense of history.

Featuring four bedrooms suites, all with private bathrooms, some with tubs, others with contemporary steam showers, the house is available for guests as a hotel or as complete private rental, sleeping 12 comfortably.

Downstairs includes a boho-style drawing room, piled with fascinating books (Sam himself is a writer), a conservatory with honesty bar, grand piano and panoramic views; a cosy media room with WIFI and home cinema, DVD library and Sky TV.

There is a large farmhouse kitchen with shady summer terrace outside.

The interior decoration is charmingly eclectic, whether you find yourself among hand-painted walls, oriental hangings, or a bath tub with a magnificent view to the forest. There is plenty of outdoor entertaining space, including two shady terraces and a lower lawn, ideal for eating under the stars and relaxing in the easy chairs, as the sun goes down.

The Chestertons’ were one of the first people in Spain to introduce the ‘infinity’ pool, which is set within a classical and Moorish pavilion and includes a further bedroom suite, living room, kitchen and bbq.

Further accommodation on the estate includes three independent cottages, each with their own private pool, divinely isolated and set within wild natural beauty.

Key activities include walking (Sam is available as an experienced guide), yoga, reiki and massage. Jeannie’s seasonal cooking courses have grown to be a hot fixture at the house, and occur between 6 – 8 times a year over long weekends or weekdays.

Suitable for up to 8 people at a time and for approx 4 days, the course focuses on Mediterranean cooking that goes beyond the well-known French and Italian influences, including traditional Southern Spanish and North African recipes.

‘One of the top twenty charming hide-aways in Europe’ – Alistair Sawday, Special Places to Stay

‘The most idyllic place I can think of in Europe. We had been staying for three weeks in a beautiful house in Andalucia, north west of Seville, in the Sierras of Aracena; entirely surrounded by cork and sweet-chestnut forests, and looking across on all sides to mountains in the blue distance. It is as near perfection as a holiday house can get … ‘

Minette Marin, The Spectator, London

“Though supply is increasing, luxury accommodations are not abundant in the Sierra de Aracena. One of the most charming and welcoming options is the guesthouse Finca Buenvino. It was built and is operated by Sam and Jeannie Chesterton, who raise their own lambs and pigs, and offer rooms and elegant meals in a family atmosphere in the main house.”
Christopher Clarey – New York Times Travel

“Every now and then I come across a really special place, a gem so special that I have mixed feelings about revealing its whereabouts….’
Darina Allen (Ballymaloe Cookery School) – The Irish Examiner

• Entire house rental is charged at from €5,500 per week and from €7000 with chef (from mid July – mid September)

• Finca Buen Vino house suites are €140 per night including breakfast

• Dinner is highly recommended and is priced at €40 (€20 for lunch) including fantastic wine

• Cooking courses are from €800 per person for a four night stay

• Cottages are from €500 – €980 euros per week depending on season, based on four people sharing

Finca Buenvino contact: Sam Chesterton – sam@fincabuenvino.com

Calling All Shopaholics

Package details:

A VIP Westfield Pass offering discounts across a number of key stores

10% off when dining at the Meat & Wine Co, plus complimentary drink*

Save 20% when you stay 3 nights or more at any Millennium & Copthorne Hotel in London.*

This offer is available at the following hotels:

Millennium and Copthorne Hotels at Chelsea Football Club

Millennium Hotel London Mayfair

Millennium Hotel London Knightsbridge

Millennium Bailey’s Hotel London Kensington

Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington

Millennium Gloucester Hotel and Conference Centre London Kensington

*Terms & Conditions apply

To book this offer visit – http://www.millenniumhotels.co.uk/specials/shoplondon.html

Millennium and Copthorne Hotels are a four and five star international hotel chain offering over 120 hotels across 19 countries.

Our World of Hospitality marketing alliance partner Maritim Hotels offer over 53 hotels 9 countries.

More information from www.millenniumhotels.co.uk  and www.maritim.com

Angsana Velavaru Launches Inocean Villas- The First Floating Resort In The Maldives

Angsana Velavaru, located on the pristine South Nilandhe Atoll, is set to unveil new standards in resort living with the launch of its InOcean Villas in July 2009 – the first standalone collection of water villas in the Maldives not connected to an island. Perched in the middle of the Indian Ocean one kilometre away from the island of Velavaru, and boasting its own dedicated Italian restaurant, the InOcean Villas will be the first and only “floating resort” in the Maldives offering visitors a unique castaway experience.

Tropical Locations (www.tropical-locations.com 0845 277 3310) is offering 7 nights from £2245 per person in an InOcean villa including breakfast and return flights from Emirates from Gatwick or Heathrow via Dubai and seaplane transfers. The offer is valid stays between 01-15 July and 11 Aug – 15 Oct

The villas

Ranging in size from 175 to 290 square metres, each of the spacious 20 InOcean Villas, 11 Premier InOcean Villas and three Sanctuary InOcean Villas will offer guests a sense of unparalleled seclusion.

Upon entry, guests will be greeted by a panoramic view of the Indian Ocean through the sliding glass doors along the living, sleeping and bath areas. Reminiscent of stylish city lofts and accented with contemporary coral designs, each two-storey villa comes with a spacious outdoor deck, an infinity pool of at least 21 square metres, and a hammock suspended over the water.

Emphasis is placed on the generous use of outdoor space, without compromising the sense of privacy, and the Premier and Sanctuary InOcean Villas also feature an extended deck into the ocean, complete with a cosy pavilion for relaxation or yoga practice. The villas are ideal for both couples and families with children over 12 years of age.
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Facilities

Guests will be able to indulge in luxurious, Asian-inspired massages deftly delivered by the resort’s skilled Angsana Spa therapists in the comfort of
their own villa. In the evening, guests can choose to savour a hearty Maldivian curry in their villa, or walk to Azzurro, the gourmet Italian restaurant and bar offering an extensive international wine selection
showcased in floor-to-ceiling wine racks.

What’s more, the extensive facilities of Angsana Velavaru resort are accessible within a five-minute boat ride.

These facilities include:

• Eclectic dining options at Funa and Kaani restaurants, and exotic cocktails at Kuredhi Bar

• Castaway picnic experience on the deserted Maaga island. Maaga island is located 20 minutes away from the resort and is an idyllic location for a picnic with its pristine sand beach and untamed lush vegetation

• Cookery lessons on traditional Maldivian curries and ‘shorts’ (bite-sized snacks)

• Angsana Spa treatments in an outdoor spa pavilion or air-conditioned treatment room

• Kids Club – open from 10am to 8pm

• A dedicated Marine Lab which organises hands-on eco activities such as coral planting, reef cleaning, and marine biology classes

• Water sports including diving, guided snorkeling safaris and wakeboarding

• A selection of local crafts and spa amenities at Angsana Gallery

For reservations and enquiries, please contact Angsana Velavaru on our Toll Free number 00800 300 200 00.or email reservations-velavaru@angsana.com

One-stop reservations at the best rates can be made online at www.angsana.com