Jetsettersblog

Summit Hotels & Resorts™, a brand of Preferred Hotel Group™, is pleased to announce its newest member – La Flora Resort Patong. The collection includes more than 150 internationally acclaimed hotels and resorts that celebrate local luxury.

La Flora Resort Patong is designed in contemporary style and situated on 1.2 acres off the edge of renowned Patong Beach providing privacy and quiet luxury.

This area is popular for its beautiful beach, variety of international restaurants, nightlife and shopping. The resort is a 45 minute drive from Phuket International Airport and 20 minutes from Phuket town.

The golf courses of Phuket Country Club and Loch Palm Golf Club can be reached within 15 minutes by car.

La Flora offers 67 rooms and villas featuring private balconies to enjoy the wonderful ocean views. The rooms feature luxurious furnishings, stylish decor and amenities including LCD TV with 22 satellite channels in 5 languages such as Thai, English, French and German and Russian, DVD players with selected rooms with Bose home theatres.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is offered in all rooms and throughout the hotel areas. Resort facilities feature two lap swimming pools overlooking the Andaman Sea, a fitness centre as well as the Flora Spa with traditional Thai massage and other international therapies.

One restaurant serves seafood, Thai, and international cuisine and a rooftop bar offers cocktails and live music with dramatic views of Patong Bay.

“Phuket has always been one of Asia’s most popular resort destinations for the international leisure and MICE markets with great air access. With its prime location in the Patong Beach area, La Flora’s stylish design matched with Thai hospitality is a great addition to the Summit portfolio, ” said Mark Simmons, Area Managing Director, Asia.

Sawai Sombat, General Manager adds, “We found Summit Hotels & Resorts to be the leading choice during our search for a global marketing arm that could help maximize our property’s regional and international production.

Alice Springs Helicopters are pleased to announce that they have recently become an Accredited Tourism Business and are the first and currently only helicopter company in Australia supplying Advanced EcoCertified tourism flights to industry. Notification was received by the Directors, Chris and Mechelle Collins on 02/04/09 and was cause for celebration at their Alice Springs office.

Attaining the highest level of EcoCertification is proof that helicopter touring can provide sustainable, eco friendly tourism products. Both Chris and Mechelle have promoted for some time that their helicopter tours enable visitors maximum exposure to the natural surrounds with minimal physical impact.

Heli-touring gives guests their own very personal experience and provides true ‘small group’ touring for visitors to Alice Springs.

Brochured tourism products have all attained Advanced EcoCertified Tourism status with the accreditation process well underway for the current range of standard Private Charter Itineries. Chris and Mechelle would like to acknowledge both the Tourism Industry and EcoCertification Australia for their support.

For ATE Attendees – be sure to catch up with Chris and Mechelle at Booth 349 at the NT Exhibit.

From July 1st, savvy travellers with a keen eye for value will have another reason to add Broome to their list of “must visit” Australian travel destinations.

Oaks Hotels and Resorts, Australia’s very own hotel and apartment accommodation provider has unveiled their latest stunning property – Oaks Broome. The property combines Oaks renowned quality accommodation with superior affordability in one of Australia’s most popular tourist towns.

Set in picturesque Roebuck Bay, Oaks Broome offers brand new hotel and apartment-style holiday accommodation fringed by lush landscaped gardens overlooking two sparkling swimming pools. Boasting a selection of contemporary appointed hotel rooms – perfect for business travelers and family friendly self contained apartments, Oaks Broome exudes distinctive modern décor, breezy tropical ambience and convenient on-site facilities including café, restaurant and bar.

Just a short drive to Cable Beach, 5 minutes from the airport, an easy walk to the Town Beach and within close proximity to many of Broome’s most famous attractions, Oaks Broome is set to become a sought after base from which to explore all that this spectacular region has to offer.

Contact Oaks Broome on 1800 061475, email broome@theoaksgroup.co.au  or go to www.theoaksgroup.com.au  for booking details

Oaks Broome is currently considering familiarisation requests from accredited media and promotional opportunities.

Famils must be taken post July 1st 2009.

For further information or to express your interest, please contact NMedia: info@nmedia.com.au  or telephone +61 0416 867 925 to register.

Welcome to The Great Escape! An exciting and exclusive getaway which combines first class travel whilst exploring some of Australia’s most remote yet magnificent coastline and pristine reefs.

The Great Escape has a fleet of two luxury vessels which can each accommodate up to 14 passengers, offering them a once in a lifetime experience.

The Great Escape was established by Kylie Bartle and Chris Tucker in 1999 after they identified the need for an intimate cruise company which explores the undiscovered waters of West Australia’s Kimberley Coast and Rowley Shoals.

“Both myself and Chris felt there was a need for a unique cruise option to be available in the Kimberley region,” says Kylie. “The Great Escape offers to an exclusive number of privileged passengers all the experiences that the Kimberley has to offer without big crowds that you find on many of the other cruise vessels.”

Both Kylie and Chris have an extensive range of experiences in the cruise industry. Together they have a diverse background as a result of many years working on separate cruises in the Kimberley region, gaining a solid insight to the industry.

Not only have they mastered the hospitality aspect of travel, but they also have an invaluable knowledge of the coastal geography, culture, flora and fauna as well as having discovered some of their own secret treasures.

Most of the Kimberley and Rowley Shoals are still uncharted waters, meaning that it is one of the few remaining isolated areas in Australia, offering a complete escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

“The Kimberley Coast and Rowley Shoals are world class wilderness destinations,” says Kylie. “There is so much to offer, with very little traffic going through the area; it is the ultimate escape!

Not forgetting that our diving and snorkeling adventures visit the Rowley Shoals – one of the most pristine and sought after dive sites in the world. In addition, this year we are excited about having an onboard helicopter to give guests another thrilling way to experience the region.”

Equipped with three expedition tenders, The Great Escape offers passengers a variety of eco-based activities throughout their luxury cruises. Guided by a well educated, passionate crew, guests will shower under cascading waterfalls, snorkel amongst vibrant coral gardens, explore secluded bays and test their skills against the prized yet elusive Kimberley Barramundi.

Both of The Great Escape’s vessels comfortably sleep up to 14 guests and 5 friendly crews. Stunning features include luxury Staterooms with ensuites, elegant dining rooms with vistas of the ever-changing landscape, sprawling foredeck with a relaxing spa and helipad.

Bargain Hunters Big Winners in a Value Add Market

Australians have 121 million days of accrued annual leave which equates to around $31 billion dollars of unspent revenue.1 With more Australians choosing to stay at work rather than taking a well-earned break, businesses and individuals, as well as the economy, are beginning to exhibit signs of strain. 2

The Australian tourism industry has long promoted great Australian holiday destinations and Queensland resort destination Couran Cove Island Resort has implemented a reward incentive to encourage over-worked Australians to enjoy their holiday entitlements.

Couran Cove Island Resort General Manager Scot Hayden said the leading-edge marketing campaign aims to provide a channel for some of the $31 billion dollars in unspent revenue to reach and bolster the Australian economy.

“I think everyone is entitled to a well-deserved break especially when choosing a local holiday destination that will help support and secure local jobs. Visiting Couran Cove Island Resort will be good for the soul and good for the economy.

“Through this campaign we want to reward existing and potential customers for their forward-planning skills,” said Mr Hayden.

Well organised holiday makers booking a Couran Cove ‘Earlybird Reward’ package will receive a reward of $1 per day for each day from the booking date to the arrival date – as long as they book by 1 June for travel up to 31 January 2010. For example, those who book a Couran Cove holiday three months in advance will receive a $90 reward, those booking six months in advance a $180 reward.

“Naturally, some conditions apply but we are determined to reward forward-planning holiday-makers, especially in this economic climate, when couples and families deserve a helping hand and value add incentives,” said Mr Hayden.

Value add campaigns such as this support the Tourism Australia approach to encourage Australians to use their four weeks annual leave entitlement each year. In April 2009, Tourism Australia will launch the No Leave, No Life program which aims to give Australian companies and employees the help they need to plan for and take a great Aussie holiday.

Consumer-driven companies who value customer feedback reward existing customers for ongoing and repeat business while potential new customers are attracted by the value add deals on offer.

Clued in consumers are making big savings and benefiting from attractive special offers driven by a value add market focus.

Couran Cove Island Resort’s harmonious blend of nature and culture creates a truly Australian-styled resort. A beautiful location, excellent food, drink and entertainment, and an unrivalled list of sporting activities make the island an ideal location for the 60 per cent of Australians who do not use their full 4 weeks annual leave each year. 1

Couran Cove Island Resort on South Stradbroke Island is just a short ferry ride from the Gold Coast. For full information on the resort and the latest holiday packages, visit the website www.couran.com  or call +61(0) 7 5509 3000 or 1800 268 726 within Australia.

Winner for ‘Best Corporate Caterer’ Restaurant and Catering Queensland, Awards for Excellence – Gold Coast 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005.

Sofitel presents two new properties in two different destinations: Argentina for the perfect escape and China for business clients

Blending Sofitel’s signature French flair and Argentina’s reputation for hospitality, Sofitel La Reserva Cardales, the first luxury resort hotel of its kind in Argentina has opened its doors.

Sofitel La Reserva Cardales is located only 40 minutes outside of Buenos Aires and is set in a pristine natural environment close to surrounding forests and the Rómulo Otamendi Natural Reserve.

Sofitel La Reserva Cardales offers guests a choice of 159 luxury rooms with private balconies, a presidential suite and three bungalows built around a picturesque 50-acre lake.

The Sofitel La Reserva Cardales is the latest playground for wealthy, stylish Argentineans looking to escape the hustle of the city.

For UAE visitors, it offers the perfect antidote to a few days in Buenos Aires – relaxation, watersports and fabulous food.

Sofitel Luxury Hotels invite travellers to combine a visit to the art-deco Sofitel Buenos Aires, in the downtown Retiro district neighbourhood, with the newly opened Sofitel La Reserva Cardales, for an enticing combination of fast-paced city life and luxurious relaxation Argentinean style.

The very first five-star hotel to open its doors in the Yinzhou district of China, the Sofitel Wanda Ningbo creates a striking ambiance courtesy of its breathtaking Sino-French style. For relaxation, the hotel offers the „Touch Spa‟ comprising private treatment rooms for indulgent massages, body treatments and facials adapted from natural beauty elixirs as well as a sauna and steam room. A fitness centre and an impressive indoor swimming pool are also exclusive to guests.

Sofitel Wanda Ningbo situated in China‟s second largest seaport located 240 kilometres from Shanghai, enjoys a prestigious address in the picturesque Yinzhou district, a popular corporate destination just 15 minutes from downtown Ningbo. Sofitel Wanda Ningbo also represents a new chapter for Yinzhou, which was for ancient traders, the starting point of the famous “silk road” trading route into China.

The hotel‟s key location affords guests easy airport access and a convenient address next to the Wanda Plaza Shopping Mall, which offers a wide range of upscale shopping, dining and entertainment options.

China‟s latest 290 room Sofitel property places a strong focus on the needs of business and corporate clients. Extensive conference facilities include a lavish Grand Ballroom accommodating up to 600 people in addition to four function rooms equipped with the latest technology, all supported by a dedicated events team.

The scenic location near Dongqian Lake – the largest freshwater lake in Zhejiang province – complements Sofitel‟s world-class outlets, facilities and focus on delivering the perfect guest experience. This combination appeals to both international and domestic visitors travelling to Ningbo on business, as well as to local and mainland China holidaymakers seeking a highly attractive leisure destination.

Opening rates for Sofitel Wanda Ningbo start from 323Dhs for a Superior Room.

Dubai: Jumeirah Group, the Dubai-based luxury hotel group and member of Dubai Holding, has signed a management agreement with Abu Dhabi’s Al Farida Investments Company to manage the Jumeirah Al Ain, a new 5 star luxury hotel located in the heart of Al Ain city.

Scheduled to open in 2011, Jumeirah Al Ain will be part of the Al Ain Mall, a distinctive landmark currently under re-development. This exciting development is set to put the emerging destination on the map as a tourism centre alongside fellow Emirates, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Al Ain is also known as the ‘Garden City’ due to its wealth of greenery and desert oasis setting. Key features of the cosmopolitan site will include an Arabian inspired souk and traditional spice market, with a variety of casual dining concepts and cafes scattered amidst lush landscaping in keeping with the local environment. The tranquility of the site will be enhanced by themed waterways accessible by abra, in recognition of the traditional Arabian water transport.

The Jumeirah Al Ain, comprising of 220 well-appointed guestrooms and suites as well as luxury chalets and lofts, will adjoin the Al Ain Mall through a span of newly developed high end retail outlets. Features of the hotel itself will include four unique dining and entertainment venues, as well as an exemplary spa center, for the exclusive indulgence of guests and members.

Meetings and events will also be well catered for by what will be Al Ain’s largest fully serviced banqueting hall, capable of accommodating over 1400 guests and delegates at one time, and a state-of-the-art conference centre to exceed the expectations of the most discerning event organisers.

The structural design and interior décor of Jumeirah Al Ain will be inspired by the traditional Arabian hospitality experience, with an emphasis on luxurious comfort, quality and style. Architect firm, Creative International, will design the hotel’s unique structure; internal design will be provided by the world-renowned KCA International, the same team responsible for the iconic interior of Jumeirah Group’s flagship property, Burj Al Arab, the World’s Most Luxurious Hotel, recognised as a symbol of Dubai.

H.E. Sheikh Hamed Bin Ahmed Al Hamed said: “By joining hands with Jumeirah Group, Al Farida Investments is pursuing its objective of developing Al Ain as a major tourist destination and enhancing its hospitality infrastructure.

The Jumeirah Al Ain Hotel is a natural complement to the well established Al Ain Mall, turning this integrated, mixed-use development into a truly authentic leisure, retail & luxury hotel destination”.

“We are proud to be working with Al Farida Investment Company on the ground-breaking redevelopment of Al Ain Mall, which will help to put Al Ain on the world map.

Traditionally, Al Ain has always been a lush desert oasis, and we are hoping that this development will also serve as an oasis of luxury hospitality for the surrounding area, completing the golden triangle of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.”

Commented Gerald Lawless, Executive Chairman, Jumeirah Group, “As a home grown company in the UAE, we are pleased to see the continued investment and development of tourism and luxury hospitality throughout the country. Jumeirah Al Ain will be a welcome local addition to Jumeirah Group’s diverse portfolio as we continue to expand around the world,” he added.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific announced today that six of Starwood’s finest spas are now members of The Starwood Spa Collection, one the world’s largest assemblage of premier spas. Comprised of 52 hotels and resorts in 20 countries, The Starwood Spa Collection is renowned for incomparable service, luxurious treatments and unwavering standards of excellence.

The Starwood Spa Collection includes hotels and resorts from all corners of the globe and its newest members in Asia Pacific include:

Indonesia – The St. Regis Bali Resort and The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa,

Nusa Dua, Bali; China – Le Méridien Shimei Bay Beach Resort and Spa and W Hong Kong; India – The Westin Sohna-Gurgaon Resort & Spa and ITC Mughal, a Luxury Collection hotel, Agra.

“The Starwood Spa Collection features some of the world’s most renowned spas and we are excited to welcome our new members to be part of this collection,” said Mia Kyricos, Director, Spa Development, Operations & Marketing. “With the increased footprint, we are happy that the collection can now provide travelers with more options to enjoy quality spa vacation experience that examines both body and mind in a holistic fashion.” added Kyricos.

The Seven Pillars of Well-Being of Starwood Spa Collection
While guests can expect a comprehensive offering of spa services from each member in the Collection, no one experience will be like the other.

Instead, The Starwood Spa Collection celebrates cultural differences and provides spa enthusiasts with boundless travel choices to fulfill their personal quests for well-being.

The Seven Pillars of Well-Being philosophy defines The Starwood Spa Collection:

Beauty – To Address the Esthetic – Restore the youthful flow and suppleness to your skin with no less than seven uniquely inspiring offerings at every spa in the collection including facials, exfoliations, body wraps and more.

Life Balance – To Address the Spiritual – Peace of mind and a fit body is the essence of health. Each spa in our collection offers a minimum of two treatments to help re-stabilize the body, mind and spirit.

Harmony – To Address the Body – Guests desiring relief from sore muscles, stiff joints or stress release can choose from at least five rejuvenating therapies to return harmony to the body.

Aqua – To Address the Qualities of Water – The healing, preventative and cleansing properties of water are available to guests with saunas and steam rooms plus a variety of water based offerings to promote longevity, serenity and contentment.

Vitality – To Address Aerobic Activity – Relieve tension and stay fit whether at work or play with an on site swimming pool, workout facility and skilled fitness professionals to inspire and guide you while exercising.

Nature – To Address the Sense of Place – Experience the environment and unique culture of each property with activities such as jogging, power walking, hiking and golf.

Nutrition – To Address Balanced Health – Guests are offered health-conscious meal options to nourish the body and soul.

These elements serve as the benchmark for the treatments and services available throughout The Starwood Spa Collection and which are complemented by minimum physical requirements upheld by all members.

Other members of The Starwood Spa Collection in Asia-Pacific are:

1. The St. Regis Beijing, China
2. The Westin Beijing Financial Street, China
3. The Westin Guangzhou, China
4. The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa, Malaysia
5. W Seoul – Walkerhill, South Korea

Cape Grace opened a new Signal restaurant that mixes all the influences of Cape cuisine into its menu. Signal specializes in fine cuisine created with local ingredients and prepared with the traditions of Cape Town’s many and diverse cultures.

What sets Cape food apart is the fact there are so many recognized cultures with different eating traditions and individual styles of cooking.

The traders who traveled on the Spice Route brought with them Dutch, English, French Huguenot and Asian cuisine, which have now blended with local ingredients to create a cuisine which is uniquely Cape Town.

The Cape provides fresh produce, locally farmed fruit and vegetables, a wide range of meat including lamb, venison and fresh fish which literally comes straight from the boat.

Executive Chef Malika Van Reenen brings the tradition of two generations of wonderful Cape cooking – her mother’s and grandmother’s – to Signal. Malika’s first menu at Signal includes a selection of local favorites, with her own flair.

Appetizer highlights from the menu include saffron-scented risotto with grilled prawns and an ostrich duo of tea-smoked carpaccio and tartar with melba toast and fig brûlée.

Main courses include the signature dish of cumin-crusted springbok loin, spicy potato samosas, coriander crème fraîche, baby spinach and beetroot chutney which epitomizes van Reenen’s local touch.

With the spectacular waterside setting, many superb seafood dishes are also offered, prepared beautifully with delicate herbs and spices.

For those who saved room for dessert, dark chocolate marquise, candied ginger ice cream and orange is the perfect ending.

For more information, visit www.capegrace.com

America’s Frontline is a special audio tour presented by the National Parks of New York Harbor Conservancy and the National Park Service aboard a New York Waterway Ferry.

The tour celebrates the rich history of America’s most famous harbor, regaling visitors with stories of the massive British invasion in 1776 (the largest invasion force the world would see until D-Day), the flotilla that evacuated Lower Manhattan on 9/11, and the role the harbor plays in today’s homeland security efforts. Beginning Fleet Week and running throughout the summer, the National Park Service and the Harbor Conservancy present this boat tour saluting the Harbor’s contribution to America’s national defense.

Discounted rates are available to those currently serving in the U.S. military and for veterans. Featuring the voices of National Park Service Rangers, Navy veterans, and distinguished historians including Kenneth Jackson, America’s Frontline retraces the military past of this vital waterway and focuses on how the harbor’s fortifications-now national park sites-are mirrors of American history, monuments to our nation’s defense.

Tours depart from Pier 78 on West 38th Street, 12th Avenue in Manhattan. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children under 12.

Note that due to river congestion during the parade of ships, there will be no tour offered on Wednesday.

For more information, call 800-53-FERRY or visit www.nyharborparks.org/visit/tour-military-history-nyharbor.html