Jetsettersblog

World’s ONLY Madagascar Theme Park Attraction and Unique “Floating” Louis Vuitton Store Take Centre Stage

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

From early 2010, visitors to Singapore’s two new Integrated Resorts are set for a series of once in a lifetime experiences with the launch of a host of new luxury attractions, including the world’s ONLY Madagascar theme park attraction and a unique “floating” Louis Vuitton store.

Themed after Dreamworks Animation’s blockbuster movie Madagascar: A Crate Adventure will bring the hit animation movie to life with a state-of-the-art indoor boat ride featuring animated figures, digital projection and other special effects.

Southeast Asia’s only Universal Studio’s theme park will also be home to the world’s first Far Far Away Castle, a landmark in the box-office hit Shrek series.

The young and the young at heart will be spoilt for choice at the world’s biggest collection of DreamWorks Animation theme park attractions making their debut at Universal Studios Singapore.

Universal Studios Singapore® is located within Singapore’s massive family destination resort, Resorts World® Singapore. Universal Studios Singapore will feature 24 rides and attractions, 18 of which are either original or adapted for the park.

Discerning fashionistas will be rejoicing at legendary French fashion house, Louis Vuitton’s announcement that it had chosen Marina Bay Sands as the site for its “island” flagship store.

The crystal-shaped pavilion, made of glass and steel, will float on the water in front of the retail and entertainment development, which will play host to a total of 300 luxury stores, a five-star hotel, casino, and celebrity chef restaurants – all due to open in the first quarter of 2010.

The announcement came as the first piece of Marina Bay Sands’ most impressive tourist attraction, the Sands SkyPark®, was lifted into place, signifying the start of Singapore’s entry as one of the world’s greatest skylines.

The SkyPark will sit 200 metres off the ground and will be large enough to park four and a half A380 jumbo jets. It will offer a public observation deck, landscaped gardens, sprawling outdoor pools, signature restaurants and one of Singapore’s hottest night spots.

The Sands SkyPark will crown an extraordinary integrated resort with something for everyone. Marina Bay Sands Shoppes® will offer an impressive line-up of 300 stores comprising international luxury brands and cutting-edge and emerging labels new to Singapore.

Brands that have committed to open stores in the new retail Shoppes include Bally, Blancpain, Bottega Veneta, Breguet, Bulgari, Burberry, CHANEL, Ferragamo, Gucci, Guess, Hermès, Hublot, La Senza, Miu Miu, Omega, Patek Philippe, Prada, Raoul, Tiffany & Co. and Yves Saint Laurent.

“Singapore will continue to offer our Middle East guests new, not-to-be-missed experiences. With the wide range of new product offerings on Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa, we will firmly establish Singapore as one of the world’s top travel destinations,” said Jason Ong, Area Director for Middle East and Africa, Singapore Tourism Board.

The Farmers Almanac predicts this winter will be “especially harsh” in the Northern climes. That forecast, along with expectations of a continuing economic recovery make it advisable to firm up travel plans now.

Reserve a spot to escape the coming freeze, somewhere perhaps like the sun drenched deserts of Arizona or the warm, enchanting lands of New Mexico.

The American Southwest is one of the sunniest spots in the country. It’s also the locale of numerous Western dude ranches, 12 of them proud members of The Dude Ranchers’ Association. The organization has kept the standards for the industry high since its inception in1926.

A reservation at a” DRA”, member ranch comes with the guarantee of an authentic, quality, experience. Keeping travelers’ budget, preferred activities, and desired level of service in mind, DRA staffers steer vacationers to ranches best suited for them.

Plenty of Southwest dude ranches offer the same resort-like amenities and services of other popular “snowbird” destinations. What guests won’t find are added charges or daily resort fees. Instead, dude Ranches operate on the American plan. Lodging, activities and delicious, hearty meals are included in one “no-hassle” rate, a guarantee touted by Arizona’s Grapevine Canyon Ranch for their 2010 rates.

It’s an upfront, straightforward policy, packaging accommodations, riding, all meals, even taxes and gratuities in one rate.

Rates vary by season, with some of the lowest rates in January and February. The no-hassle rate starts at just $178 per person per day. Once the land of Dragoons and Apaches, there are still remnants of primitive Indian villages on ranch property and wild grapevines still flourish in the canyon.

Located between Tucson and Tombstone, the working ranch provides ultimate immersion into the Cowboy life of the Old West with the exception of lodging and meals. No bunkhouses and beans for “Grapevine guests. Instead, guests retreat to cool, private casitas and feast on homemade meals made from “scratch.

In Southwest New Mexico’s pristine Gila National Forest, guests of Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch escape the cold and the frantic pace of modern society.

85 miles from the nearest stoplight, solitude is the ranch mantra. The ranch accommodates only 15 guests at a time. Riding the trails, visitors may glimpse elk, wild turkey, even a mountain lion but rarely other people. Not a resort type guest ranch, visitors may add a spa experience at the Sierra Grande Lodge and Spa in nearby Truth or Consequences.

Here, ranch guests are offered a 10% discount off all services. And many do choose to soak for a day or two in the spa’s geothermal, natural springs.

Ranches more like resorts are found near Tucson. Both the White Stallion Ranch and Tanque Verde Ranch, come with luxurious pools, spas, and tennis courts.

The White Stallion offers a full calendar of special events -horse and riding seminars, cowgirl camps, and packages co-sponsored by Elderhostel.

At the Tanque Verde there are special pack trips through December and a mountain bike adventure for serious peddlars.

Can’t get much further south in Arizona than DRA dude ranch resort; The Circle Z Ranch ,straddling the border, minutes from Mexico.

The ranch is recognized worldwide as a prime destination for “birders.” In the nearby Patagonia-Sonoita Nature Reserve, riders often glimpse vermillion fly catchers and other rare birds. First class amenities include an all-weather tennis court and heated pool. Colorful adobe cottages and meals served on the lodge patio entertain guests with panoramic views of the mountains and desert.

For a quality Southwest dude ranch trip, be sure to select a member of The Dude Ranchers’ Association. The DRA remains dedicated to preserving the beauty, natural resources, and authentic western ranch experience that first attracted visitors during every season of the year.

To request a free directory, call the DRA at 866-399-2339, e-mail info@duderanch.org  or visit www.duderanch.org

Qantas today officially welcomed the first of its new Boeing 737-800 aircraft into service, and announced that it would be named in honour of pioneer aviatrix Jean Batten.

The following two new aircraft in the trans-Tasman fleet will be named after iconic New Zealanders Sir William Hudson and Katherine Mansfield.

Qantas Regional General Manager New Zealand, Mr Grant Lilly, said Qantas will have three of the new aircraft flying trans-Tasman routes by mid-October, with the remainder to arrive by 2011.

“These new aircraft will become the flagship of our trans-Tasman fleet. They are New Zealand registered and based, and will be operated by New Zealand based pilots and cabin crew. We believe it is only fitting to recognise this by naming these aircraft after three truly great New Zealanders, who, in their individual fields, cemented strong links between Australia and New Zealand,” he said.

“These pioneers also sought to bring the unique culture of New Zealand to the world, and for us here at Qantas, we like to think we also play a part in this. It is undeniable that Jean Batten, Sir William Hudson and Katherine Mansfield, were pioneers in exporting New Zealand skills and culture on a global scale.” Mr Lilly said it was a privilege for him to present a plaque to relatives of both Jean Batten and Sir William Hudson, and representatives of Auckland’s Katherine Mansfield Society, commemorating the naming of the first three aircraft.

“We have twenty-two relatives of the late Jean Batten here today as part of this celebration, and also the daughter and grandson of the late Sir William Hudson, and a representative of the Katherine Mansfield Society here in Auckland who have taken up the very important cause of ensuring one of our greatest writers receives the recognition she deserves, both here and abroad.

“Aircraft have come a very long way since Jean Batten broke her records, and we are confident that our new fleet will showcase the best of modern onboard technology and design.” He added that some of the features of the new aircraft include:

• A 12-seat business class and 156-seat economy configuration • Individual state-of-the-art Panasonic Inflight Entertainment on Demand system in both business and economy with over 300 entertainment options • 10.6 inch in arm touch screen in business • 9 inch seatback touch screen in economy • Marc Newson styled seating design with a 22 inch width and 37 inch seat pitch in business and a 17 inch width and 30 inch seat pitch in economy, ergonomic cushions and adjustable headrest; and • PC and USB ports in both business and economy to facilitate computers, MP3 players and other technology.

The Qantas B737-800 will initially fly on Auckland-Sydney and Auckland-Melbourne routes.

Aurora Expeditions offers travellers the chance to experience the rich cultural heritage and unspoilt nature of Papua New Guinea with two new adventure cruises taking in the Sepik River on board the luxury ship Oceanic Discoverer in 2010.

Aurora has added some new sites to its itineraries, exploring some of the least visited regions of the country including the remote communities of the Sepik River.

Village life along the Sepik remains virtually unchanged since European explorers made first contact in the 1800s. The local Sepik people are among the greatest primitive artists on Earth, and the skills of its craftsmen are legendary.

The voyages, departing in November 2010, will also visit the Trobriand Islands, known as the ‘Islands of Love’; the D’Entrecasteaux island group; Bismark Archipelago and Kimbe Bay, one of the richest and most diverse coral reef environments in the world.

Aurora Expeditions places emphasis on a combination of interactive experiences with the environment and a strong educational element. Assisted by a team of expert lecturers, these expeditions aim to provide authentic experiences with the people of PNG and give a genuine insight into traditional lifestyles that have changed little in centuries.

Spacious viewing decks and purpose-built excursion boats make Oceanic Discoverer an excellent vessel for an in-depth exploration of PNG’s hidden bays and coral reefs.

Prices start from AU$8,650 per person twin-share (ex Cairns and Rabaul), including all meals on board, shore excursions and lectures.

For more details or to obtain a copy of the new 2010 Papua New Guinea brochure (which will be released in October 2009), contact Aurora Expeditions on 1800 637 688, visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au  or email auroraex@auroraexpeditions.com.au

Khiri Travel brought in ecologist, Dr Stephen Elliott of the Biology department in Chiang Mai University to conduct the training.

The guides and five Khiri staff spent a full day on the slopes of 1,100-metre Doi Suthep-Doi Pui national park 15 kms west of Chiang Mai city.

Dr Elliott explained subjects such as the distinction between evergreen and deciduous trees, the importance of organic matter and nutrients in soil, the survival techniques of epiphytes such as the basket fern, plant survival techniques in face of forest fires, the life cycle of the foul smelling sapria himalayana parasitic plant, and the dependence of giant buttress fig trees on air borne pollination from a single species of wasp.

“When you explore the forest, be quiet like you’re in a temple – the temple of nature,” said Dr Elliott.

Many of the guides already had specialist knowledge about forest ecosystems, but wanted to deepen their understanding and enhance technical English language skills.

Guide, Nattika “Phueng” Rungruengwong said: “I added to my knowledge of nature and the interdependence between humans and nature. I increasingly believe that if we humans want a good quality of life, we have to better understand and take care of nature around us as well.”

The group also visited the nursery of the Forest Restoration Research Unit (FORRU) in the national park. The nursery, under supervision of the university, conducts research into the best kinds of tree species to be used for reforestation.

The park has lost about 50% of its tree population due to logging and encroachment. FORRU volunteers plant seedlings that are about 50cm tall and can tolerate hot dry weather and regenerate quickly. Khiri Travel supports FORRU with financial donations.

Khiri Travel co-founder, Frans Betgem, who initiated the study trip, said: “Khiri Travel wants to make clear to everyone how important forest conservation and reforestation is, and to show guests what a great job FORRU is doing and to support its reforestation efforts.”

Khiri Travel offers a half-day morning tour of Doi Suthep-Doi Pui national park. The trip visits Doi Suthep temple and the FORRU nursery. Tourist then hike through the forest past the giant fig trees to Montatharn Falls and the smaller Sai Yoi waterfall for brunch.

Khiri will soon add new programs that focus on national parks, forest conservation and nature in general. The company is preparing additional material on forest plants and trees for guides to use during treks.

Mr Betgem said: “Khiri Travel is committed to lifting our trekking to a higher quality level by improving and standardizing information about forests, nature and the threats to ecosystems posed by humans.”

About the Khiri Travel Group

Khiri Travel, established in 1994, is an independent destination management company with its own regional network. It has seven offices in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. The company’s detailed knowledge shows in its innovative itineraries, precise operations and our commitment to responsible travel throughout the Indochina region. Visit www.khiri.com

Quest Serviced Apartments opens its doors in Mackay, generating approximately 15 local jobs and injecting an estimated $6 million a year into the local economy.

The new property will invigorate Mackay’s industries and provide a corporate accommodation solution for the greater Mackay region. The property has been purchased by franchisees Russell and Elise Spurrell.

Quest Chairman, Paul Constantinou, said that during construction, the project generated 300 jobs and brought an estimated $22 million to the region, supporting local suppliers and providers in the process.

The new property will service the accommodation needs of the local coal mining and agriculture sectors, as well as Mackay’s flourishing marine, fishing and tourism industries.

“We understand just how important it is to contribute to the community, both in economic terms and providing the level of accommodation required to meet the growing needs of industry in the area,” Mr Constantinou said.

The established mining and agricultural industries critical to Mackay will all benefit from this new accommodation offering.

Mackay Mayor, Col Meng, said the new Quest opening shows confidence in the future of the Mackay region.

“Quest accommodation is a much-needed addition to the mix of accommodation already available,” Mr Meng said.

“Quest’s apartments will be valued by all visitors to the Mackay region. The new accommodation will particularly support workers coming into Mackay in pursuit of mining and agriculture.”

Quest Mackay is a modern property, featuring 97 studio, one and two-bedroom serviced apartments spread over four levels, with an anticipated 4.5 Star AAA Tourism rating. The property includes on-site undercover car parking, outdoor pool and conference facilities that can cater for up to 65 people.

Located at 38 Macalister Street, Quest Mackay boasts fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities, plus in-room broadband internet access and Austar connection, as well as the provision of an onsite restaurant.

“Quest will have everything the business traveller needs. It will suit people staying for shorter periods and will feel like a home-away-from-home for those who want to stay longer,” Mr Constantinou said.

AT A GLANCE

Construction started: 21/02/2008
Cost of development: $22 million
Date opens: 29 August 09
Anticipated number of staff to be employed: 15
Accommodation type: anticipated 4.5 star serviced apartments
Address: 38 Macalister Street, Mackay QLD 4740
Business structure: Franchise

ABOUT QUEST SERVICED APARTMENTS

Quest has become Australasia’s largest provider of serviced apartments, with more than 120 properties across Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. Established in 1988, Quest offers stylish, well appointed and spacious apartments designed with the business traveller in mind.

With separate bedrooms and living areas, fully equipped kitchens, additional amenities and high service standards, Quest provides flexible accommodation that allows its guests to work or relax in complete comfort.

Famous base for war correspondents transformed into luxury 5-star WORLDHOTELS affiliate

WORLDHOTELS Deluxe Collection affiliate the Caravelle Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City has celebrated its 50th anniversary as a colonial icon in Vietnam.

The 5-star landmark which was a legendary base for Vietnam War correspondents in Lam Son Square marked the milestone with a memorable party including a reminiscent speech from renowned journalist Peter Arnett, a Pulitzer-prize winner.

The Opera Room ballroom was transformed into a replica of the former Rue Catinat (now Dong Khoi Street) as it looked in the 1960s whilst the flagship restaurant Reflections created a special ‘Champs-Élysées’ menu of French cuisine for which it was famed in the 1960s and 1970s.

During the war, the award-winning Caravelle Hotel was just across the street from the former National Press Centre of South Vietnam, where the foreign press gathered daily for official briefings known derisively as the ‘Five O’clock Follies’.

A number of major news organisations including both CBS News and ABC News kept bureaus in the hotel and its famous rooftop Saigon Saigon Bar served as the unofficial press club.

“The Caravelle was something of a beacon for foreign press, which is why it made sense for us to ask Peter Arnett along for the anniversary celebration,” said John Gardner, General Manager of the Caravelle Hotel.

“Fifty years ago, we opened and immediately set the standard as the most memorable, most talked-about hospitality experience in Saigon. You could say the exact same thing about this hotel today.”

The Caravelle today stands as a beacon of restoration after its dramatic comeback in 1998 just as Vietnam was in the midst of doi moi, or economic renovation. The refurbishment of the original 10-storey building was complemented by a new 24-storey tower.

While the hotel soared to new heights, Ho Chi Minh City asserted itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic cities.

The hotel plans to celebrate its storied history with a book detailing guests stories and experiences and the ups and downs of its history through the 1960s and 1970s.

Roland Jegge, Vice President Asia Pacific for WORLDHOTELS, said: “Today, the Caravelle ranks as one of the country’s most prestigious hotels. Its rooftop bar is one of Saigon’s most popular, as it was during the war, enjoying a surge of popularity as one of the premier rooftop bars anywhere.”

The Caravelle offers 335 rooms, 31 of which are suites. All rooms are a minimum of 38 square metres, and offer river or city views, as well as broadband Internet, satellite TV and climate control. The city’s leading five-star hotel also features a health club and beauty centre.
The hotel has also completely revamped its ground-floor dining venue, Nineteen, which ranks today as one of the city’s most chic and elaborate buffets.

The ever-changing views of Lam Son Square and the Saigon River are a delight, and it’s all within an easy seven kilometre transfer from Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

Cave Diving At It’s Best

Follow Steve Bogaerts as he explores the vast Cave Diving in Mexico’s Yucatan area. Explore the beautiful cave diving filmed in full High Def for a dramatic theatrical experience that will be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys the sport of Cave Diving.

A Cave Diver Story was recently released by Sea O’Farrell films and is by far teh best cave diving documentary to be released to date.

Sea O’Farrell Films recently announced the release of their new Cave Diving documentary featuring some of the worlds best cave divers. In medium that often presents problems capturing the amazing skill, training and beauty of the sport of cave diving. “A Cave Diver Story” takes you through this extreme sport in the eyes of stunning High-Def footage fit for a iMax theater screen. Follow these amazing athletes through their lives of training and planning to dive some of the worlds most dangerous uncharted underwater cave systems.

A Cave Diver Story is set in the picturesque surroundings of Mexico jungles. Watch as Steve Bogaerts and his friends challenge the vast unexplored caves of the Mexican Yucatan. Watch as these divers uncover ancient fossils of long since extinct pre-historic animals, rarely seen amphibious animals and species of fish and other life that most of mankind don’t know exist.

To top it all off the footage and format A Cave Diver Story was filmed in allows you to experience the adventures of this amazing sport hold such as a cave collapse that blocks one divers path to a safe return and forces him into a very deadly situation.

No matter if you’ve never considered cave diving or you’re a seasoned veteran of the sport, this film will captivate any audience. Visit the official website of “A Cave Diver Story” at: http://www.acavediverstory.com

The stunning footage of this Cave Diving video will enthrall all viewers, enthusiasts and people whom simply enjoy an excellent documentary into this amazing world of a Cave Diver.

Ghouls and ghosts are already making tracks for Ravenglass, on the Lake District coast, ready to lay on a spooky and surreal Halloween experience on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway’s Grizzly Ghost Trains. These will run on October 30 and 31, at 5.30pm and 5.50pm from Ravenglass Station.

Railway employees will be welcoming the intrepid travelling on the specially decorated steam train with a shake of their bony hands, whilst the skeleton staff working at the station will comprise a number of well re-spectred names and personalities from yesteryear.

As soon as the train pulls out of Ravenglass, there will be a distinct chill in the air and a grave sense of doom, as dusk falls over England’s highest mountains and eerie shadows are cast in the train’s path.

The Grizzly Ghost Train will make scareful progress through dark woods and deserted stations, where the tolling of a bell might just be detected in the dead calm of the evening.

Passengers will travel in specially decorated carriages and have some spooky-themed activity to enjoy. This may well include watching out for strange figures lurking in the shadows at some of the stations through which they pass.

On arrival at Dalegarth, they can buy refreshments in the Fellbites Café, including Dead Men’s Fingers, if they can stop their hands shaking for long enough to eat and drink. There will also be time to explore the gift shop before the train shakes, rattles and rolls its way back to Ravenglass.

Ravenglass and Eskdale’s Richard Copping says: “Passengers need to plan scarefully if they wish to be on board the Grizzly Ghost Train, as pre-booking is essential, due to its great popularity. This experience is not only wicked, but also truly ghoul! Don’t miss out!”

Tickets for the Grizzly Ghost Train cost £12.50 for adults and £6.30 for children aged over three.

For more information visit www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk  or call 01229 717171 to book.

Two back to back weekends of hair-raising fun.

YERMO – Thrills, terror and sheer excitement return to Calico Ghost Town on Friday, October 23rd during the annual Ghost Haunt. This year the town has gone all out to provide new horrors to the delight of anyone who attends this year’s event during two fun-filled weekends.

Silver Fever has invaded Maggie’s Mine. Step into the mine and beware as ghosts and skeletons of dead miners jump out to greet you. Flashes of lights, thunder and coffins appear from the various nooks and crannies of the mine. This attraction is a scream a minute!

Guests will have an opportunity to take “The Last Ride”. Climb into a real coffin and experience being taken down, down, down as if buried alive. Plenty of scare in this attraction!

Return to the schoolhouse and be taught a lesson from the “dead” schoolmarm. This will be a lesson you will not soon forget!

There will be trick-or-treating, costume contests, pumpkin carving, coloring contests,

Halloween family-friendly movies, the reading of Edgar Allen Poe’s The Raven, panning for gold in “blood” (red water) and more in two back-to-back weekends packed with scary, family fun.

Calico’s Ghost Haunt runs from October 23-25 and again October 30-November 1st.

Camping is available for the second weekend only and may be booked online at www.sbcountyparks.com

Daily admission is $10 adults; $5 ages 6-15.

Admission for active military with ID is $5 adults, $3 ages 6-15. Calico Ghost Town is located 6 miles north of Barstow on I-15. For more information visit www.calicotown.com  or call 800-86-CALICO.