Jetsettersblog

Malé, the Maldives – The first international-class hotel opens in Malé, the capital city of the Maldives. Holiday Inn Malé, which sports the look-and-feel, service and quality facilities of the new Holiday Inn brand, welcomed its first guests at 2 p.m. yesterday.

“As the newest hotel and the first international-class property in Malé, I am confident that Holiday Inn Malé will do extremely well. Holiday Inn Malé aims to be the ideal business and leisure connection for our guests to the Maldives,” said General Manager Brett Wilson.

“We are also fully in line with the standards of the global Holiday Inn relaunch, joining over 1,000 other hotels around the world that sports the new Holiday Inn brand standards and contemporary new logo.”

Holiday Inn Malé offers world-class meetings and conference facilities, food and beverage outlets, extensive recreation and leading-edge communication facilities and commands an unrivalled view of the habour.

A mere five-minute speedboat ride from the international airport, Holiday Inn Malé will be ferrying guests in the first-ever Holiday Inn-branded speedboat.

Located on the corner of Ameer Ahmed Magu, Holiday Inn Malé lies near the harbourfront, shops and markets and within a short walking distance to the various historical places of interest like the Old Friday Mosque, Sultan Park and The Presidential Palace. The hotel provides the perfect gateway to holidaymakers heading out to outlying resort islands.

Holiday Inn Malé boasts of 117 stylish rooms, including 17 Superior Rooms, 77 Deluxe Rooms, 13 Deluxe Ocean view Rooms, 9 Premiere Rooms and a Presidential Suite. All rooms feature either a king bed or two twin beds and offer amenities such as broadband Internet, LCD TVs, minibar, complimentary tea/coffee making facilities and in-room safes.

As for dining and entertainment, there is a Lobby Café, an all day dining restaurant, a rooftop restaurant offering European/Japanese fusion cuisine and a 24 hour in-room dining.

The hotel also has a rooftop swimming pool, a well equipped fitness centre and the first branded Spa in Malé, Coconut Spa.

Other full range of activities include scuba diving and snorkeling, big game fishing, island excursions and picnics, Malé city tour, photo flights, resort day visits, submarine trips and others.

For corporate meetings, there are four versatile meeting rooms including the Grand Ballroom offering 255 square metres of space, all equipped with the latest technology.

They provide the ideal space for a range of function requirements: from seminars, board meetings and exhibitions, to wedding banquets and private celebrations catering for up to 180 persons, banquet style, or 240 for a reception.

The hotel is currently in its soft opening phase with 39 rooms opened for booking. By October the full facilities at Holiday Inn Malé will be available.

As the first Holiday Inn in the Maldives, this is another milestone for the iconic Holiday Inn brand. Currently, Holiday Inn is undergoing a global relaunch programme, the biggest rebranding exercise in hospitality that will result in a completely refreshed estate worldwide by 2010.

Iceland Retreats has launched a unique new menu of experiences that offer a taste of authentic Icelandic life for travellers interested in getting to know a bit more about the people who live in this fascinating destination.

The experiences include having fish soup with an Icelandic grandma, lunch with a poet, tea with an elf expert and exploring Reykjavik’s legendary nightlife scene over cocktails with a local DJ.

Peter Leigh from Iceland Retreats said: “This sort of experience is usually hidden if you’re just staying in Reykjavik for a day or so. It’s different, sustainable and most of all a lot of fun.”

Iceland Retreats’ 10 “in the know” experiences were developed as a result of feedback from guests who consistently rated experiencing Icelandic life first-hand as the highlight of their stay.

Full details can be found at www.icelandretreats.com/experience

Reykjavik’s thriving restaurant scene has seen yet another addition with the opening of Fish Company in July 2009.

Located in the heart of downtown Reykjavik, Fish Company’s innovative and experimental chefs invite diners to take an adventurous journey around the world through a quirky internationally inspired menu and its colourful and eclectic surroundings.

Dishes focus on one core ingredient, linking it back to its native roots, but using fresh Icelandic ingredients to construct the meal. Examples include Rhubarb from Iceland – Icelandic lobster served with rhubarb, and Brennivinn – a potent Icelandic schnapps, and Lemon from Brazil – lemon skate and tigerprawns served with black bean puree, cashew nut crust and boiling vapata.

Fish Company
Vesturgata 2a, Grofartorg
101 Reykjavík
www.fishcompany.is

A new website has been launched showcasing activities in and around Reykjavik which visitors can enjoy for free

www.freecitytravel.com

Former economist and local Reykjavik resident Inga Jessen created the site after becoming unemployed following Iceland’s recent financial crisis when she started to look for free activities that she could participate in to pass her time.

“I’ve been working on this website since April and it has been incredible fun.

With this I would also like to say to those who are unemployed that anything is possible and that giving up is not an option,” Jessen added.

“I took all the pictures myself and wrote all the text. Even though you’re unemployed you can always find something interesting to do.”

Jessen’s brother-in-law, who is a programmer, helped her launch the website.

The first edition is in English and is designed for foreign tourists.

www.freecitytravel.com

Icelandic operator Borea Adventures has added a new Glacier Ski Tour for true winter adventurers to its growing portfolio of expeditions based in the Westfjords in north-west Iceland.

With departures in May 2010, the six-day trip explores the uninhabited Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, one of the most remote areas of Iceland.

The tour begins crossing the Drangajökull Glacier and discovering its magnificent ice craters formed by geothermal heat before skiing down to the lonely, but beautiful Reykjafjörður Fjord where there are no roads, or electricity.

Three nights will be spent camping on the glacier and two nights in a mountain hut located next to a geothermal pool before returning back to civilisation.

The tour costs Euro 1250 per person and includes all food and drink, tent, polkas (sledges) and cooking equipment, accommodation in a basic mountain hut, transportation to the Nature Reserve and the services of an experienced Mountain guide. International flights and transportation to the departure point in Isafjordur is not included.

For more information

visit www.boreaadventures.com

Visit Reykjavik adds more value for money with improved Reykjavik Welcome Card

Budget conscious travellers can now get more value during a visit to Iceland’s quirky capital thanks to the new and improved Reykjavik Welcome Card.

The Reykjavik Welcome Card now offers free admission seven of Reykjavik’s thermal swimming pools and museums including the National Museum, the Reykjavik 871 +/-2 Settlement Exhibition, Culture House, Reykjavík Family park and farm animal zoo, Árbæjarsafn- The Reykjavík City Museum and The Reykjavík Maritime Museum – Víkin.

The card also allows unlimited travel on Reykjavik’s buses, free ferry rides to Viðey Island, discounts at selected shops, tour operators and restaurants as well as complimentary internet access in the Visit Reykjavik Tourist Information Centre.

The cards are priced at 1,400ISK (around £6.65) for 24 hours, 1,900iSK (around £9) for 48 hours and 2,400ISK (around £11.50).

For more information on the new card

visit www.visitreykjavik.is

One Lapland – all destinations within an hour of Rovaniemi, in Finnish Lapland

The One Lapland product family is a collection of the best tourist destinations and products available for international tourists visiting Rovaniemi and its surrounding region.

Tour operators are provided complete commercial, marketing and selling assistance to create the best holiday experience possible for their clients. In addition to Rovaniemi, other regions participating in One Lapland include Ranua, Pyhä-Luosto and Kemi – each within a 90 minute drive from Rovaniemi, Rovaniemi Airport and the Arctic Circle and all with their own unique characteristics.

Products are listed by themes: city and culture, nature, snow and ski, and wellness.

Pyhä-Luosto is renowned as a diverse downhill skiing resort;

Ranua for its Arctic Zoo with polar bears and Kemi for its Arctic Icebreaker and exotic Snow Castle experiences.

Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland and the hometown of Santa Claus and offers year round attractions.

How to book: Available through Nordic Exposed wholesalers or retail travel agencies or visit www.onelapland.fi

For all those sun-starved Brits who have stayed at home this summer and are now desperately seeking some warm rays and relaxation before winter, the island of Mallorca is enjoying temperatures of around 28°C.

Plus, with budget airlines aplenty flying to Palma from a number of regional airports, Mallorca is easy and cheap to get to – making it the perfect autumn escape!

What’s more, Mallorca Farmhouses has a superb selection of self-catering properties available year-round suitable for couples and families alike. So whether for a luxury villa in the south with uninterrupted views of roving countryside and the sea, or for a cosy cottage in the north set amidst spectacular pine-clad mountains, there’s something for everyone. To enjoy the sunshine, all properties come with a private pool and for the cooler evenings central heating is available throughout. Options this autumn include:

NORTH

Les Oliveras: a two-bedroom stone-clad country cottage in Pollenca is available from £897 per week. Situated off a pretty country track, this cosy property boasts beamed ceilings throughout, a feature fireplace, gardens full of olive trees and stunning views to the mountains.

The ever popular beaches of Puerto Pollenca and Cala Sant Vicenc and the tapas bars and shops of Pollenca are all within a few minute’s drive.

Sleeping four, the price equates to under £225 per person.

SOUTH

Sa Tanca Nova: a five-bedroom traditional Mallorcan villa in Cala d’Or is available from £1,190 per week. Boasting far reaching views of roving countryside and the Mediterranean Sea in the distance, this spacious property is flooded with light from all the windows and French doors and features a master bedroom with vaulted ceilings and full en-suite.

Cala Sanau sandy beach is within an easy walk and the delightful restaurants in Cala d’Or Marina and Porto Colom are a short drive. Sleeping 10, the price equates to £119 per person.

WEST

Villa Michelle: a two-bedroom stone cottage in Deià is available from £1,317 per week. Perched on a pine-clad hillside overlooking the beautiful Cala Deia beach and the dramatic coastline beyond, this peaceful property offers breathtaking sea views from the comfy living/dining room and the small sun terrace to the rear.

A selection of tapas bars and restaurants are within five minutes walk. Sleeping four, this equates to approx. £329 per person.

All accommodation includes maid service and a welcome hamper. For further information and reservations please contact Mallorca Farmhouses on 0845 800 8080 or visit www.mallorca.co.uk

Featuring Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden

Nordic Exposed partners tours and products for 2010 featuring Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden for the ‘hottest’ travellers head for the world’s ‘coolest’ destinations – featuring 4 Seasons and over 1000 Reasons to visit the region.

BOREALIS DESTINATION MANAGEMENT

Guaranteed departures 2010

Product: Winter Lapland – Ultimate Arctic Adventure
Description: 7 Day fully escorted tour of Finnish Lapland where you will experience a blend of first class travel and invigorating winter activities in the region. Highlights include the King Crab Safari, voted as one of the 25 best new adventure trips by National Geographic, a night under the stars in your private Glass Igloo, a visit to Santa Claus Village and the Sampo Icebreaker cruise where you can experience ice swimming. Season: Winter – 4 x Guaranteed Departures January to April

Product: Scenes of the North

Description: 19 Day fully escorted tour of Scandinavia, the Baltics and Russia staying in superior first class hotels and including the Nordic highlights on this comprehensive journey. It’s a tour of contrasts – from Viking Capitals to the wild nature of the Norwegian Fjords through to the enchanting palaces of St Petersburg. Enjoy this modern, yet exotic area with its medieval history and feel the essence of the North!

For those guests with less time or wishing to combine the trip with alternative arrangements, there are 5 shorter modules of the Scenes of the North tour which can be taken.

Three Capitals & The Fjords – 13 Days

Copenhagen – Stockholm; Land of Fjords & Glaciers – 8 Days

Bergen – Oslo; Copenhagen & Bergen – 6 Days
Copenhagen – Bergen; Colours of the Baltic Sea – 9 Days

Stockholm – St Petersburg/Baltic Vision – 7 Days

Tallinn – St Petersburg. Season: Summer – 7 x guaranteed departures June to August.

How to book: Available through retail travel agencies that support MyBentours, Nordic Travel or Beyond Travel.

DFDS SEAWAYS

DFDS Seaways offers services and facilities for passenger and car traffic between Denmark, Norway, UK and Holland.

With 5 passenger ships – and capacity ranging from 600 to 2,200 beds – these majestic passenger liners are state of the art ships with comfortable cabins, tax free shopping, and sauna, choice of restaurants, wine bar and night-clubs.

The city to city overnight cruise concept offers a first class voyage with a range of comfortable on board facilities and is an excellent alternative to flying and staying over-night at a hotel.

How to book: Available through Nordic Exposed wholesalers or retail travel agencies or for more information visit: the ad above.

FJORD NORWAY

Fjord Norway is the marketing company for the travel industry in Western Norway – the site of the world famous fjords. Our company can secure the quality of your trips to the fjord region and can assist with FAM trips as well as press tours for travel correspondents. Our product manual, travel brochure, posters and newsletters are necessary tools for your planning. Fjord Norway’s Internet presentation www.fjordnorway.com contains detailed information as well as a wide selection of photographs for you to use free of charge (www.fjordnorway.com/imageshop  ) Fjord Norway is located in Bergen, Norway.

How to book: Available through Nordic Exposed wholesalers or retail travel agencies or visit www.fjordnorway.com

Thought mobile home holidays were just for summer? Then think again as Keycamp has just announced that it will be offering winter breaks – including Christmas and New Year options – at two of its parcs: and with prices starting at just £206 per family for seven nights, it’s a deal that you’d be crackers to miss.

A Sparkling Celebration in Catalonia

Located on the Costa Dorada just 25 kilometres from Barcelona and with spectacular sea views, Vilanova Park is a magical place to spend Christmas. With free access to the parc’s Wellness Centre for holidays of seven nights or more, relaxation will be high on the agenda, while for those looking for something a little more lively, a host of activities and entertainment await.

As a special Christmas offer, Keycamp customers will also be able to enjoy a superb deal, which offers an excursion to Barcelona with a guide, plus a case of 6 bottles of Cava for just €40 for a family of four (usual price €120, bookable on parc).

Seven nights from 22 December for a family of two adults and up to four children staying in a two bedroom Villanova mobile home with decking and air-conditioning will cost £206, accommodation only. Fly drive packages are available at a supplement.

Christmas in Amsterdam

When it comes to Christmas the Dutch do it in style, with Amsterdam transforming into the ultimate winter wonderland with its very own Christmas Square and a glittering array of free seasonal concerts.

The parc at Duinrell is located just over 20 miles from the Dutch capital, and offers a host of activities to keep the entire family entertained, including a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, whirlpool, tennis and volleyball, plus the Tiki Tropical Waterpark, which lies next door.

Eight nights from 21 December for a family of two adults and up to four children staying in a three bedroom two bathroom Villagrand Deluxe mobile home will cost £262, accommodation only.

Ferry crossings or fly drive packages are available at a supplement.

For further information, or to book, call Keycamp on 0844 406 0319 or

visit www.keycamp.co.uk