Jetsettersblog

“Last Chance To See” Asia’s Lovable Wildlife

In response to a rising demand for wildlife experiences in the Far East, Bamboo Travel is launching a special tour of China and Borneo to see some of the planet’s most endangered animal species.

The 16 day tour includes a day’s volunteering at the Bifengxia Giant Panda Research Base in Sichuan, and a chance to see a number of critically endangered species in the wilds of Borneo.

For every person who books this special wildlife tour Bamboo Travel pledges to donate US$50 to the WWF.

The tour starts in China’s western province of Sichuan to spend a day volunteering at the Bifengxia Giant Panda Research Base.

Following 2008’s earthquakes which forced the closure of China’s largest panda base at Wolong, many giant pandas were transported to nearby Bifengxia which now has a crucial role to play in altering the destiny of this endangered species.

With the guidance of a researcher volunteers will help to clean cages, collect the pandas from their bamboo groves, and have the chance to hold and feed baby pandas.

From Western China the tour continues to Sabah in Northern Borneo, home to the greatest variety of wildlife in the Far East.

The Borneo leg of the tour starts with an overnight stay on Selingan in the Turtle Islands National Park, as featured on the BBC’s “Lat Chance to See” with Stephen Fry.

This National Marine Park protects a group of pristine islands in the Sulu Sea which are an important breeding ground for the critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle, and the Green Turtle. Staying overnight on Selingan Island provides a high chance of seeing turtles laying eggs on the beach throughout the year, and each evening new hatchlings are released into the sea by the National Park Rangers.

Heading back to the mainland of Borneo, the tour then includes a visit to Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre.

This crucial facility was founded in 1964 to care for abandoned and previously captive Orang-utans, and teach them to fend for themselves before being returned to the forest.

After learning about the rehabilitation process and the conservation work being carried out by the volunteers at the centre, there is the opportunity to see recently released Orang-utans that return to feed at specially constructed platforms in the forests surrounding the reserve.

The designated wildlife corridors along the Kinabatangan River provide a wonderful place to see Borneo’s wildlife, especially the proboscis monkey.

Found only in Borneo, the male of this species has a large pendulous nose, fat belly, thick white tail and webbed feet. The tour includes a 2 night stay in Sukau for excursions on the Kinabatangan River to spot proboscis monkeys and other animals, and bird life including oriental darters, bee-eaters and hornbill.

The tour finishes at the Danum Valley Conservation Area, a pocket of primary rainforest the size of Singapore with one of the world’s most complex ecosystems, and the highest concentration of wild orang-utans anywhere.

Danum Valley is the largest remaining habitat for Borneo’s most endangered species including the Sumatran rhino, Borneo pygmy elephant and clouded leopard.

Prices for this 16 day tour start from £2,895 per person sharing which includes return international flights, accommodation, wildlife excursions and transfers with English speaking guides.

For more information on this tour or any of Bamboo Travel’s tours in the Far East, please contact Robin Ball or log on to www.bambootravel.co.uk
 robin.ball@bambootravel.co.uk

50% More Winter Fun For Free Until Christmas Eve

For a stimulating winter sun getaway, look no further than the 1+1 Night Free, the Opening Offer at Langham Place Samui at Lamai Beach, the five-star resort on beautiful Koh Samui, Thailand which opens on December 1.

Until 24 December 2009, for every room reserved at the best available rates online or through the travel agent, guests will receive a second bonus night for free. That’s double the winter sunshine at no extra cost. Naturally, with such a fresh offer for one of the hottest destinations in Thailand, it’s first come, first served.

Langham Place Samui at Lamai Beach enjoys prime position beachside and comprises of a chic modern village of 77 stunning villas and suites, many featuring personal plunge pools.

As well as beachside individual pool villas for the romantic getaway and watching the sunrise, suites clustered around large communal pools form the basis for the perfect private pool parties with resident DJs playing the hottest flavours.

Unique to the property will be the concept of borderless dining at specially-designed retreats throughout the resort, as well as an CHA Restaurant and poolside Splash Bar.

The resort also features two piers extending out 200 metres ending in a secluded sala or ocean pool. The main pool even has a cinema showing poolside blockbusters.

Meanwhile, Chuan Spa will be introduced to Samui bringing spa treatments based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) while introducing Thai Traditional Medicine-based treatments.

The innovative resort will also introduce a cool new space called The Pantry playing on the fact that some of best conversations take place in the kitchen and Portal –allowing you to connect and have fun while still staying in touch with the real world via technology.

Book Langham Place Samui at Lamai Beach via:
Tel: +66 (0) 2957 5813
Email: lpsmu.resv@langhamhotels.com
Website: http://kohsamui.langhamplacehotels.com

The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok is a contemporary retreat in the heart of Bangkok’s thriving business and entertainment district.

The hotel provides direct access to Asok skytrain station, ensuring you are moments away from the city’s best shopping, vibrant nightlife, cosmopolitan restaurants and unique cultural attractions.

Enjoy a rejuvenating break in Bangkok with “Bangkok Dining Package” at The Westin Grande Sukhumvit and receive Baht 2,500 net credit per stay to spend on food and beverage in our highly regarded restaurant Taste, Kisso Japanese Restaurant, Zest Bar & Terrace, Horizons Sky Lounge & Karaoke, and in-room dining.

Stay for a minimum of two consecutive nights between October 1, 2009 and January 31, 2010 and you’ll benefit from our special room rates starting from Baht 5,600++ per room per night with single or double occupancy, plus Baht 2,500 net to spend on dining.

• Experience overnight accommodation in a Deluxe Room featuring our signature Westin Heavenly Bed®.

Taste is the Westin’s newest dining venue.

The exciting new concept features open kitchens and five live cooking stations allowing for interaction between chef and diner. International gourmet cuisine, fresh seafood, and a special festive ambience await family and friends at Taste.

Kisso features a teppanyaki counter and sushi bar, creating a dramatic and personal dining experience.

Guests can watch as their meal is prepared in front of them in an exciting display of dexterity and creativity.

Zest Bar & Terrace occupies a truly relax atmosphere with dramatic 8m high space with views over Sukhumvit Road. On the full-height rough stone wall behind the bar-counter, hangs a beautiful, glowing organic sculpture of 75 multi-coloured glass ‘tendrils’, handmade in the Czech Republic, making your day more vivid. Horizons Sky Lounge & Karaoke is located on the 25th floor of the hotel, providing panoramic views of Bangkok.

With eight private karaoke rooms and extensive selection of food and drinks, it’s a great place to relax with friends and family.

For reservations and further information, please call 66 2 207 8000 or email rsvn-bangkok@westin.com  (quote rate plan APPRO2)

Terra Incognita Ecotours, an adventure travel company that specializes in wildlife-focused ecotours that give travelers the chance to “make a difference” while vacationing is offering a new ecotour of New Zealand for 2010.

This unique adventure takes visitors to both the North and South Islands of New Zealand for an up-close and personal exploration of the incredible wildlife, scenery, and culture of the region.

Travelers will experience things like newly-hatched penguins, the flightless kiwi, keas and kakapo, spectacular marine life, Maori culture, high altitude sheep farming, majestic fjords, seals, dolphins, rainforest, glaciers, and so much more.

Travelers also have the opportunity to have a positive impact on the local community as Terra Incognita Ecotours donates part of the booking fee to the Tiritiri Matangi Conservation Project, a program that involves protecting indigenous plants and animals on a small island off the coast of New Zealand.

Dates: November 28th-December 11th, 2010.

$8,600 per person, Single Supplement is $1,299.

www.ecotours.com

KOSRAE, Micronesia;– It’s the reef and the abundance of sea life that brings divers to Kosrae, Micronesia.

But there’s more to the magical Lelu Harbor than fish.

For divers who have a dash of archeologist in them and yearn for a touch of history – visiting Kosrae is a must.

Currently, there are three planes and one whaling boat that have been discovered by divers:

two PBMs, an Albatross and a whaling boat however a 1973 newspaper article refers to four plane crashes in the harbor … the next dive might be the one to discover that plane. Kosrae Village EcoLodge and Dive Resort can make all the arrangements to dive in Kosrae. 

www.kosraevillage.com  Read the Jetsetters Magazine feature about Kosrae Diving.

Luxury Mekong Onboard The “Jayavarman”
8 Days/7 Nights
From $1385* per person, cruise/land only

Inspired by the golden age cruise liner Normandie, “The Jayavarman” is the first of its kind boutique style river cruise liner which offers uncompromising luxury.

The guest accommodation consists of 27 expansive and carefully designed staterooms and junior suites with floor to ceiling panoramic sliding glass doors onto a private balcony.

It is the ultimate in Mekong River cruising.

This amazing journey takes you from bustling Saigon through Vietnam’s beautiful Mekong Delta into Cambodia and ends at the amazing temples of Angkor.

Package includes:

- 7 nights cruising – Superior Category
- Round trip transfers
- All meals and sightseeing
- Local English speaking tour guides
- Port taxes

**Price is per person based on double occupancy; cruise/land only, based on double occupancy onboard The Jayavarman in a Superior Category Cabin.

Valid for travel between 4/01/10 and 09/30/10.

The above rates are based on travel from 07/03/10 – 07/10/10.

Other restrictions may apply. For full terms and conditions please visit BrendanVacations.com CST# 2084503-20.

Bangkok On a Budget
6 Days/5 Nights from $249* per person land only

As the capital city of Thailand, Bangkok has changed into a modern and sophisticated city. It not only offers the cosmopolitan amenities you would expect from other big cities, but also unique treasures of cultural attractions.

The city is dotted with 400 glittering Buddhist temples, magnificent palaces, classical dance extravaganzas, and numerous shopping centers. Bangkok offers visitors the opportunity to experience a fascinating glimpse of Thailand’s gentle culture amidst the bustle of a great and dynamic metropolis.

Package includes:

- 5 nights accommodation at the Radisson Hotel Bangkok – Superior Category
- Round trip airport transfers
- Half city and temples tour
- All taxes included

The above rate is per person, double occupancy and is based on stays from 1/15-1/20/10 at the Radisson Bangkok Hotel in a Superior Room.

Valid for travel from 12/01/09 – 3/31/10. Seasonal and weekend surcharges may apply.

Offer valid on new bookings only.

Rates are based on availability and subject to black-out dates and changes.

Other restrictions may apply. Visit www.BrendanVactions.com for full terms and conditions. CST# 2084503-20

About Brendan Vacations

Brendan is a professionally operated travel company that has been introducing travelers to the world since 1969. Through the use of innovative travel technology and close partnerships with thousands of travel professionals, Brendan delivers quality service, reliability and value for money by providing the most exceptional and memorable vacation experience possible, to every client.

By offering over 800 packages to over 60 countries, Brendan offers one of the widest selections of both independent and escorted vacations.

For full terms and conditions or for general questions, please call 800.421.8446 or visit us at www.brendanvacations.com

Our brochures feature: Europe, Ireland & Britain, Egypt, USA & Canada, South & Central America, Tahiti, Fiji, Australia & New Zealand and Asia.

Featuring “Be My Guest” Dining Experiences and Savings Up To $300 Per Couple

Trafalgar has launched their 2010 Australia & New Zealand brochure, featuring 13 spectacular Free & Easy and Discovery touring vacations down under, ranging in length from 10 to 24 days.

A new program of 12 “A La Carte” mini-stay vacations, ranging in length from 3 to 5 days is also included in the brochure, giving you the option to customize your vacations by mixing and matching these shorter stays or adding them on as a pre- or post-tour option.

Trafalgar’s exclusive “Be My Guest” dining experience, successfully launched during their 2009 European touring season, has now been extended to selected tours calling in Sydney and Alice Springs, Australia, and Christchurch, New Zealand.

These included experiences allow you to dine with local families in their homes or unique family-owned establishments.

Among Trafalgar’s popular escorted Discovery tours are the 11-day Australian Express, which features 3-night stays in Sydney and Melbourne, plus overnights in Beechworth and Canberra, with land-only prices from $2,345 per person double occupancy.

Another favorite Discovery tour is the 11-day New Zealand Highlights, with 2-night stays in Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown, and overnights in Rotorua and Franz Josef. Land-only prices start at $2,099 per person, double occupancy.

Trafalgar’s vacations always include First Class hotel accommodations; luxury transportation by motor coach, rail or cruise ship; outstanding cuisine; daily sightseeing and optional excursions with expert local guides; and the personal concierge services of the most professional, knowledgeable Tour Directors in the travel industry. It really is a case of “Dream. Pack. And leave…the rest to us.”

For more information and reservations,  call (866) 544-4434 or visit www.trafalgartours.com/southpacific.

Brochures can be ordered online at www.trafalgartours.com

2008: Travel Trade’s Readers Choice Awards voted Trafalgar ‘Best Tour Operator’
2008 and 2007: Travel Weekly’s Readers’ Choice Awards voted Trafalgar
‘Best International Tour Operator’

Crystal Cruises is hosting a 12-day Wine & Food Experiences of Discovery cruise departing March 30 from New Zealand to Australia. Master Sommeliers Robert Bath and Cameron Douglas — the first and only Master Sommelier from New Zealand — will guide guests through the nuances and pairings of New Zealand wines, while optional Crystal Adventures take guests to Cloudy Bay Vineyards, Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough.

Sailing to Sydney, Australian chef Serge Dansereau will share regional specialties via cooking demonstrations, tastings and special menus, while Australian food purveyor Simon Johnson will host tastings of artisanal cheeses and gourmet chocolate.

Ashore, Crystal Adventures offer looks at the farms and vineyards along the coast. Cloudy Bay Vineyards, which put New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc on the map, will lead a tutored tasting session in the privately hosted barrel room.

At Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand’s leading wine-producing region, guests will visit three of 600 wineries — Brookfield’s Vineyards, Church Road and Mission Estate.

From the farmlands of the Wairau Valley to the vineyards of Marlborough, the largest grape-growing region in New Zealand, then Havelock, the mussel shellfish hub, guests will see varied sides of New Zealand food and drink.

From Auckland, Crystal Symphony will visit Picton, Wellington, Christchurch, Napier and Dunedin, New Zealand; the fjords of Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and its longest fjord, Dusky Sound; and concluding with an overnight in Sydney. New 2010 two-for-one cruise fares begin at $6,530 per person, double occupancy, and include a $1,000 per person shipboard credit, plus complimentary air transportation from more than 20 North American gateways.

For more information, call 800-446-6620 or visit www.crystalcruises.com

Victoria Cruises is unveiling its 2010 brochures, which featuring an update on the new Victoria Jenna, the largest luxury river cruise ship in the world. The brochure also details the recently added optional shore excursion to White Emperor City and recent renovations to the Victoria Anna and Victoria Katarina.

“We are extremely excited about our 2010 brochure as it includes significant updates to our Yangtze River product,” said Larry Greenman, manager of public relations and customer service for Victoria Cruises.

“In addition to making history and shattering expectation with the Victoria Jenna, as well as placing added focus on luxury service with ‘Executive Suite Decks’ on three of our five-star vessels, we’re launching a new optional shore excursion to mist-shrouded White Emperor City,” Greenman said.

Overlooking the western end of Qutang Gorge, White Emperor City has long been a refuge for would-be kings and poets. Legend has it that in 25 A.D., white vapor in the shape of a dragon rose from a well, and Gong Sunshu, a soldier who had been headquartered there, declared himself the “White Emperor.”

Remains of the city wall can be seen on the hill behind Baidi Mountain, and a temple built to commemorate Gong’s reign dates back more than 1,950 years.

White Emperor City had been included as a shore excursion in the past but was discontinued because the journey up Baidi Mountain to the historical temple involved climbing many steps. However, the increased water level on the Yangtze resulting from the completion of the Three Gorges Dam has significantly reducing the climb.

The optional shore excursion is now available on all Victoria Cruises itineraries for $32 per guest.

A major highlight in the 2010 Victoria Cruises brochure is the Victoria Jenna, which has achieved several milestones since its launch in September.

Clocking in at almost 10,000 gross tons, the five passenger deck Victoria Jenna is the first river cruise ship in the world to possess four elevators, 2 separate full service kitchens and wireless CDMA Internet, as well as full bathtubs and high-efficiency dual-flush toilets in each passenger stateroom.

Victoria Jenna has 198 staterooms and a passenger capacity of 396. To drastically eliminate paper usage, the Victoria Jenna employs a hotel management software application to streamline ship operations from onboard shopping to passenger telecommunications.

All food on the ship is freshly made. Grass-fed and non-hormone meats are used, and all pastries, breads and desserts are handmade.

The Victoria Jenna is also the first Victoria vessel to include an “Executive Suite Deck,” which features concierge service, suite accommodations, an exclusive lounge area and private à la carte restaurant.

The Victoria Anna and Victoria Katarina will undergo renovations during the winter season and will be re-launched in the spring with the same “Executive Suite Decks” offered on the Victoria Jenna.

The Victoria Jenna, Victoria Anna and Victoria Katarina each sail the “Three Gorges Highlights” program, both the four-night upstream and three-night downstream between Chongqing and Yichang, as well the roundtrip seven-night “Three Gorges Explorer” which features different excursions in each direction.

Other vessels sailing the “Three Gorges Highlights” and “Three Gorges Explorer” programs include the Victoria Queen, Victoria Empress and Victoria Star, as well as the Victoria Rose, the only vessel in Victoria’s classic ship category. Rates for the “Three Gorges Highlights” program on the Victoria Rose start at $770 per person, based on double occupancy, during peak season (April, May, September and October), and $710 per person during shoulder season (March, June, July, August and November).

For Victoria Cruises’ five-star vessels, rates begin at $880 per person, double occupancy, during peak season, and $810 per person during the shoulder season. Rates for the “Three Gorges Explorer” program on the Victoria Rose start at $1,390 per person during peak season and $1,260 per person during the shoulder season.

For the five-star vessels, rates begin at $1,610 per person in peak season and $1,470 during shoulder season.

Victoria Cruises also offers a six- or eight-night “Grand Yangtze Discovery” between Chongqing and Shanghai, which features additional shore excursions including Huangshan, also known as Yellow Mountain; the city of Wuhan, capital of Hubei province; and Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu province, where visitors will experience the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and a Qing Dynasty-style bazaar surrounding a Confucian Temple. Rates for the “Grand Yangtze Discovery” program on the Victoria Prince start at $1,610 in peak season and $1,470 during shoulder season.

For more information, call 800-348-8084 or visit www.victoriacruises.com

Hyatt Hotels & Resorts announced several offers that allow travelers to pick the vacation experience best suited to their style this holiday season.

Using code LTO110, travelers can receive savings of up to 30 percent off of the Hyatt Daily Rate for stays at participating Park Hyatt, Andaz, Grand Hyatt, and Hyatt Regency properties in key urban and resort destinations around the globe.

The offer is valid for a limited time at participating Hyatt hotels and resorts worldwide.

A full, non-refundable prepayment is required for all reservations at time of booking.

Guests receive up to 30 percent off the Hyatt Daily Rate in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean when they book to Dec. 10 for stays through Feb. 28, 2010; and 20 percent off of the Hyatt Daily Rate in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia/Pacific, Latin America, and at Park Hyatt and Andaz hotels worldwide when they book through Feb. 21, 2010, and stay Dec. 4 through Feb. 28, 2010. A seven-day advance purchase is required.

American Express cardholders can enjoy a two-night weekend stay during the holiday season.

Cardholders may visit www.hyattfortheholidays.com  and reserve one night at a participating Hyatt hotel or resort and receive 50 perfect off the second night when reserving and paying with any American Express card.

A Thursday, Friday or Saturday night arrival is required. Bookings must be made before Dec. 31 for stays through Feb. 28, 2010, at participating Hyatt properties around the world.

When reserving a stay at a Hyatt property outside the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean, travelers must use offer code FIFTY to secure the special rate.

For travelers wishing to start the day off with breakfast, there’s the AAA/CAA Winter.

Use offer code BREAKF as well as AAA or CAA membership.

The promotion offers up to 25 percent off the Hyatt Daily Rate and full breakfast for two daily on stays now through Feb. 28, 2010.

The promotion is available online at www.hyatt.com/aaa  or through a Hyatt worldwide reservations center or travel specialist.

Hyatt Resorts “Three for Free” Package is available through Dec. 18 at 18 Hyatt Resorts in North America. Guests can receive three free rewards during their stay when booking the “Three for Free” package, which includes a free room night, complimentary room upgrade, and full breakfast for two daily.

The “Three for Free” offer is subject to availability and requires a minimum length stay, which varies by property.

For additional information about “Three for Free,” for a full list of participating properties, and complete terms and conditions of the package, visit www.Hyatt3ForFree.com

Also this season, Hyatt Place and Hyatt Summerfield Suites hotels are offering 50 percent off a third night’s stay at more than 165 hotels across the U.S.,  through Jan. 3, 2010, with offer code 3RD50P.

To reserve a stay at Hyatt Place, call 888-492-8847 or visit www.HyattPlace.com  .

For reservations at Hyatt Summerfield Suites, call 866-974-9288 or visit www.HyattSummerfieldSuites.com  

or Hyatt reservations, call 800-233-1234 or visit www.hyatt.com