Jetsettersblog

Royal Caribbean International is planning to give passengers the ability to pre-book spa reservations online before boarding the ship.

Lisa Bauer, senior vice president-hotel operations, mentioned the plan in a guest posting on President and CEO Adam Goldstein’s blog.

“We are also getting ready to announce the ability to pre-book spa appointment pre-cruise (stay tuned for the actual press release, and I am sure I will get in trouble for even writing about it!)” Bauer wrote in the blog.

For more information, visit www.oasisoftheseas.com

The Silver Green Globe Certification was awarded to InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa in French Polynesia.

This award places the InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa as a leader in the worldwide group of sustainable tourism operators that are certified to the internationally recognized Green Globe Company Standard.

The certification was presented to InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa as a result of the resort’s continuous efforts to remain an environmentally, socially and economically sustainable member of the Benchmarking and Certification program.

The Green Globe program is supported by the science and technology of The Sustainable CRC, the world’s largest dedication research center specializing in sustainable tourism.

The InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa continuously strives to raise environmental awareness and employs safe environmental practices.

The resort features the Moorea Dolphin Center with a percentage of proceeds from the center donated to marine wildlife research and research grants.

The resort is also home to the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center, serving as a hospital to ill and injured turtles from the surrounding islands.

Along with the resort’s three sister InterContinental properties in French Polynesia, InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa is a member of the international “Reef Check” program, a voluntary-based research organization which observes local marine growth and educates the public for a better understanding of coral biology.

The resort also has a “Green Team” — a group of hotel staff members who continuously brainstorm and implement ideas to conserve and protect the environment.

In addition, the French Polynesia resorts are founding members of the World Ocean Network, where they participate yearly in community environmental awareness activities including World Ocean Day and Earth Day.

For more information, visit www.tahitiresorts.intercontinental.com

The Seagate Hotel & Spa, the first independent luxury hotel in Delray Beach, Fla., is officially open.

The new boutique property is located steps from the beach on East Atlantic Avenue in the town’s arts and entertainment district. From the freshest food at Atlantic Grille to an on-site spa and nearby beach club privileges, The Seagate Hotel & Spa is a designated a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. Special introductory rates start at $159 per night through Dec. 20, 2009.

For more information or reservations, visit www.theseagatehotel.com

A ONE-STOP RESOURCE FOR COUPLES PLANNING THEIR OVERSEAS WEDDING CEREMONY IN FIJI

The new website, www.fijiweddings.com.fj, was recently launched by industry wedding planner Kim Beddoes to offer a more user-friendly approach for couples looking to plan their dream wedding in Fiji.

The site is a one-stop shop that includes a list of wedding requirements, wedding packages at various resorts, FAQ’s, testimonials, selected wedding venues, spa products, reception venues, catering options and reception/honeymoon packages. By using the direct chat feature, couples can also communicate directly with a knowledgeable wedding coordinator with the click of a button.

Information: paradisebride@connect.com.fj

Frasers Hospitality Pte Ltd became the largest branded international operator of serviced residences in Shanghai with the signing of its new property,

Fraser Place Shanghai, underscoring the importance of China in the company’s global expansion.

The signing of the 23-story property, adjacent to the Bund, takes the total number of residences under Frasers’ portfolio in Shanghai alone to 1,271. Together with their second brand, Modena, Frasers will manage a total number of 18 properties in China and further increase the company’s dominance in the China market.

The company currently operates 4,171 apartments in nine major cities in China — Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Nanjing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Suzhou and Tianjin. Fraser Place Shanghai sets new benchmarks for the Fraser Place brand.

It takes the inspiration for its neo-classical architectural style from the buildings along the Bund.

The interiors reinterpret Shanghai’s golden era. Facilities include a large gymnasium, yoga and steam rooms, game rooms, pool table and an underground pool bathed in abundant natural sunlight.

The lobby will feature a coffee bar by day which transforms into a wine bar by night. Specialty teas will also be available at the tea lounge located on the mezzanine floor.

The 212-apartment property is scheduled to open in June 2011. The company’s first city property, the 317-apartment Fraser Suites Shanghai, opened in October 2008 and overlooks the Bund from the Lujiazui location in the Central Business District (CBD), Pudong.

The company’s second property, the 30-story Fraser residence Shanghai, opened in March this year with 278 residences, and is located in Luwan’s Huaihai district.

In addition, Frasers will also manage the 63-apartment Portman House, a conservation development located in the Heng Shan Road area, in Shanghai’s French Concession.

For more information, visit www.fraserscentrepoint.com

Continental Airlines’ first aircraft with new flat-bed BusinessFirst seats took to the skies Sunday, operating as flight CO98 from Hong Kong to New York/Newark.

The aircraft, a Boeing 777 used on long-haul international routes, is the first aircraft type in Continental’s fleet to receive the new seats.

The company will also install the flat-bed seats on its Boeing 757-200 and 767-400 aircraft, and on its Boeing 787 fleet as the aircraft are delivered to Continental.

Continental’s new BusinessFirst seats allow customers to lie completely flat, reclining 180-degrees and providing 6 1/2 feet of sleeping space in the fully extended position.

Electronic controls enable customers to easily move the seat to an infinite number of adjustments, including lumbar support and fully extended sleep positions.

Laptop power, headset and USB plugs are conveniently tucked above the customer’s shoulder and iPod connectivity is also available at the seat. The seats feature 15.4-inch video monitors.

Continental’s product marketing team began researching new seat options in the fall of 2006 when planning BusinessFirst service for the new 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

The airline visited with numerous seat manufacturers worldwide before selecting BE Aerospace, which created five different design concepts. Concurrently, Continental sought feedback from a focus group of BusinessFirst frequent-flyers that identified and prioritized key needs of global travelers and worked closely with the airline’s project team and the seat manufacturer to help create the new seat.

Continental currently operates the Boeing 777 on routes between Newark and Beijing, Shanghai, Delhi, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, London/Heathrow, Mumbai, Paris, Rome, Tel Aviv and Tokyo, and between Houston and London/Heathrow, Amsterdam and Tokyo. Continental uses the Boeing 767-400 on routes between Newark and Brussels, Paris, Frankfurt, Geneva and Honolulu; between Houston and Frankfurt, Paris, Rio de Janeiro and Honolulu; and between Guam and Honolulu and Narita. BusinessFirst on the Boeing 757 is currently offered on routes between Newark and Amsterdam, Barcelona, Belfast, Berlin, Birmingham, Bristol, Copenhagen, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Hamburg, Lisbon, London/Heathrow, Madrid, Manchester, Oslo, Paris, Shannon and Stockholm.

The Affinia Manhattan has been named the official hotel for this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade taking place on Nov. 26, 2009.

In honor of the Parade, the Affinia Manhattan, which will be fully decked out with Parade-inspired balloons on its distinguished dazzling marquee, will offer easy access to the Parade route to all patrons in town for this renowned event.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a three-hour event organized by the famous Macy’s department store, starts at 77th Street and Central Park West and ends just past the Macy’s flagship store, at Herald Square on 7th Avenue.

Affinia Manhattan has put together a variety of Experience Kits designed to help guests explore, enjoy, and learn about the city while in town for Thanksgiving. Guests of the hotel can also access the hotel’s Metro Concierge, armed with expertise and further access to New York City tickets, tours, dining, and transportation.

For further details, call 212-563-1800 or visit www.affinia.com

Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem announced plans to open two new restaurants — Burgers and More by Emeril, the first-ever burger restaurant by world-renowned Chef Emeril Lagasse, and a new branch of the famous New York City Carnegie Deli.

Both restaurants will launch at the Sands Bethlehem property on Nov. 22. Burgers and More by Emeril, a play on Lagasse’s signature expression, BAM — joins Emeril’s Chop House as the chef’s second restaurant at the Sands Bethlehem.

The menu will feature prime and grass-fed beef burgers, plus seafood, turkey and veggie selections, along with Emeril’s distinctive twist on all-American favorites, fresh salads and cool desserts.

Carnegie Deli at Sands Bethlehem, which will be only one of three Carnegie Deli locations in the entire country, will duplicate the atmosphere of its New York City location, continuing the restaurant’s tradition of donning pictures of visiting celebrities on the wall and featuring signature items from its classic menu, including its famous corned beef and pastrami, gargantuan sandwiches and cheesecake.

The new property will seat approximately 150 guests, and will include a takeout area as well.

On Nov. 22, the Sands Bethlehem also will open a new lounge, Infusion. The property’s other premier dining options include Emeril’s Chop House, St. James Gate Irish Pub and Carvery, The Market – Gourmet Express and Cobalt Cafe.
For more information, visit www.PaSands.com

Virgin Atlantic’s “Flying Without Fear” course, which has a success rate in excess of 98 percent, is now available as an app for the iPhone and iPod touch from the App Store. It is the first of its kind. Many people suffer anxiety at the prospect of flying.

These fears range from anxiety at booking a trip to complete inability to board an aircraft. Whether it is the unfamiliar aircraft, the strange noises a plane makes, or the fear of losing control, this app is designed to help people overcome their personal fears. Sir Richard Branson, president of Virgin Atlantic, said that the iPhone app will put many travelers at ease.

Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Without Fear team have developed the app with Mental Workout, a company developing mobile applications focused on improving lives by helping people resolve issues and increase mental performance.

The Flying Without Fear app contains a personal introduction by Branson, a video-based in-flight explanation from start to finish of a flight, frequently asked questions, relaxation exercises and fear therapy, a fear attack button for emergencies with breathing exercises and quick tips, and a “My Program” section where each user can rate their personal fears and add future flights to prepare them for their next trip.

As a bonus, the user is offered 2,000 points when joining Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club. Virgin Atlantic’s Flying without Fear team recently helped American actress Whoopi Goldberg overcome her fear of flying. The actress had not flown for a decade but a business commitment in London meant she had to step on a plane once again.

“The program works, I was a skeptic,” Goldberg said. “I hadn’t flown in 13 years but after doing their program, I understood that while my fear was real, there were many things I didn’t know or had misinformation about, which they were able to clear up. So what happened? I now fly. It’s that simple.” The app costs $4.99.

For more information, visit www.mentalworkout.com/flying-without-fear/iphone/buy

For more information on Virgin Atlantic, visit www.virginatlantic.com

Hoping to hear the patter of tiny feet in the near future? The Westin Resort on the Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba has just announced a very special offer for would-be Mums and Dads.

Couples that conceive during a romantic getaway at the hotel will receive a special US$300 ‘Conception Credit’ towards a return visit to the resort in 2010.

The special offer is valid for couples staying at the hotel until 18 December 2009; and as an added bonus, bookings made prior to 30 September are also eligible for a US$100 resort credit, which can be used towards activities such as an in-room massage or other spa services.

To prove that the Westin was the site of the happy occurrence, the couple will need a note from their doctor saying that the likely conception date took place around the time of their stay at the resort.

The Westin Resort in Aruba now offers a new twist on the all-inclusive holiday. Rates start from $199 (less than £120) per person per night and include accommodation, three meals daily, unlimited drinks (including beer, wine and cocktails), a US$25 dining credit for the resort’s fine dining establishments, non-motorised water sports, tax and service fees and more.

For resort reservations or further information, call (877) 782-0149 or visit www.westinaruba.com/allinclusive.

When booking, please quote CLASSIC.

For more information on Aruba visit www.aruba.com