Jetsettersblog

Luxury All-Inclusive, All-Suite Property Offers Guests Superior Amenities and High Level of Personalized Service

Riviera Maya, Mexico – Surrounded by ecological reserves, emerald-green jungle, and turquoise blue water, Riviera Maya is a destination where visitors can indulge in nature’s splendor.

Valentin Imperial Maya Resort, a luxurious all-inclusive, adult-only resort property, encompasses these incredible natural surroundings and masterfully incorporates them into the resort’s beautiful landscape. Nestled along a pristine half-mile stretch of white sand coastline aptly named Playa Del Secreto (Secret Beach), Valentin Imperial Maya Resort offers its guests the sense of a secluded island paradise.

Opened in November 2007, Valentin Imperial Maya is the first resort developed outside of Europe by Valentin Hotels, a family-run hotel business that began in 1966 in Mallorca, Spain.

The company currently owns and operates six resorts in Mallorca, two in Menorca, one in Costa de la Luz and one in Gran Canaria of the Canary Islands.

Inspired by the grand haciendas of Spain, the magnificent 540-suite Valentin Imperial Maya Resort presents a unique blend of classic style and contemporary sensibility.

“By offering guests a high level of elegant and personalized service, Valentin Imperial Maya Resort is setting new standards of quality for all-inclusive resorts,” says Dirk Urban, General Manager Valentin Imperial Maya, “What sets Valentin apart from other hotel brands is our attention to detail and the unique ability of our staff to make guests feel comfortable and taken care of, as if they were among family.”

Valentin Imperial Maya Resort features an impressive array of world-class amenities, ranging from superior accommodations, outstanding restaurants, state-of-the-art meetings facilities and a seemingly endless menu of recreational activities.

The resort offers six categories of suites that overlook the majestic Caribbean Sea, 900-foot meandering swimming pool surrounding three island pools or natural lagoon area. Additionally, guests can enjoy the enormous main pool, which features two swim-up bars.

All guest suites offer a range of deluxe amenities including private terrace or balcony, marble bathrooms with hydro-massage tubs, fully stocked mini-bar, high-definition television with DVD player and extensive movie selection, radio/alarm clock with I-Pod dock, nightly turndown service, slippers, bath robe and a bed pillow menu.

For dining, Valentin Imperial Maya Resort offers seven à la carte and two buffet restaurants which invite even the most discerning palates on a first-class culinary adventure.

Offering gastronomy from Italy, France, Japan, Mexico and other Asian-inspired cuisine, dishes are hand crafted and presented by world-renowned chefs.

To keep guests informed of the exciting mix of activities both on and off the property, the ‘Valentin Journal’ is distributed daily and offers a schedule of what is happening at the resort as well as the weather, available tours, excursions and information on the “Spotlight Show,” taking place each evening in the resort’s fully air-conditioned theater “El Palenque.”

For an additional cost, guests can enjoy a private, romantic dinner on the beach.

Guests can also take advantage of the Spa at Valentin Imperial Maya, a haven of relaxation and rejuvenation which offers a variety of treatments and spa rituals devoted to energizing the soul and invigorating the body, mind and spirit. Special treatment rooms are available for couples, featuring a Jacuzzi and rain shower.

For couples planning their weddings or who wish to renew their vows, Valentin Imperial Maya Resort is home to an official Roman Catholic chapel, the only one of its kind located within the entire destination of Riviera Maya.
A multi-religion wedding gazebo and two dedicated wedding concierges are additionally available for couples planning their upcoming nuptials.

Conveniently located 25 minutes from Cancun’s International Airport (CUN) and 20 minutes from downtown Playa del Carmen, Valentin Imperial Maya Resort offers an unparalleled vacation experience exclusive to adult guests.

All-inclusive resort amenities include unlimited access to nine restaurants, eight bars including cigar lounge and sports bar, two tennis and two paddle ball courts, non-motorized water sport equipment such as kayaks and snorkel gear, air-conditioned fitness center, live entertainment nightly, fully equipped business center and complimentary high-speed internet access.

State-of-the-art meeting facilities with a capacity of 300 and full-service spa can additionally be found on-site.

The perfect place for destination weddings, honeymoons, girlfriend getaways, mancations, mature travel, meetings and more, Valentin Imperial Maya Resort is both Elite Meetings Certified and TAG approved.

For more information on Valentin Imperial Maya Resort, please visit www.valentinmaya.com

Historic Country Inn Launches Dog-Friendly Breaks

Dog lovers have long been welcome to bring their pooches in to the bar of The Bird In Hand Hotel at Knowl Hill, near Maidenhead, but with the launch of dog-friendly weekend breaks at the 14th century country inn, man’s best friend will also be able to stay overnight.

Set in the heart of the Berkshire countryside, just a couple of miles from the Thames Footpath and close to woodland and rural trails, there are plenty of scenic walks nearby that may be enjoyed by dogs and owners alike.

Plus, with dog beds provided, along with complimentary treats, plenty of water bowls, an exercise field and a ‘poop bin’, dog lovers can rest assured that their favourite pets will feel right at home at The Bird In Hand.

Dogs are welcome to join their owners for dinner in the character-filled bar area, complete with oak panelling and inglenook fireplace – the perfect place to warm up after a winter walk.

Dog-Friendly Weekend Breaks at The Bird In Hand start from £80 per person in a single room and from £90 per person based on two sharing a double room, and include two nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast and VAT. Dogs stay for free.

For further information tel: 01628 826622 or visit www.birdinhand.co.uk

The Thinking Traveller is delighted to announce that San Giuliano, one of the most desirable fully-serviced private villas in Sicily, is now exclusively available for rent through thinkSicily.

San Giuliano, home to the Marquises Paternò Castello di San Giuliano for over 800 years, is one of the finest aristocratic villas in Sicily, and, as such, a welcome addition to thinkSicily’s exclusive villa range.

The house’s long, prestigious history is evident wherever you look, but modern comforts are never lacking.

The grounds are a delight to behold and the interiors, a labour of love for the late Fiamma Ferragamo, wife of the Marquis and world famous designer, ooze charm.

The presence of a butler, cook and maids means that guests here live like kings.

Indeed, it is no coincidence that Prince Charles is perhaps the best known of the countless family friends who have stayed at San Giuliano.

With both San Giuliano and Don Arcangelo all’Olmo (the “best villa” in Sicily according to Conde Nast Traveller) exclusive to The Thinking Traveller, those looking for something rather more than simple 5-star luxury in Sicily should have one port of call: thinksicily.com.

Resort named Top Hotel Spa in USA & Canada

Hawks Cay Resort, located on Duck Key in the Middle Keys, was recently honoured with a third major award in as many months. Travel & Leisure magazine, one of the most popular holiday magazines in the USA, has named the Calm Waters Spa at Hawks Cay Resort the number-one hotel spa in the entire United States and Canada, as announced in the publication’s October 2009 issue.

This award comes hot on the heels of two other reader survey awards by Travel & Leisure.

With the delicate aroma of salt air and tropical fruits, the 7,000-square-foot Calm Waters Spa pampers with an extensive menu of massages, body treatments, facials and fine salon care.

The full-service day spa offers an atmosphere of privacy and calm that helps to rejuvenate and refresh body and soul.

The spa also offers specialities just for teenagers.

Hawks Cay Resort was honoured in September with two prestigious awards based on surveys among readers of Travel & Leisure magazine.

In the magazine’s “2009 Top 50 Resorts in the US & Canada” the private-island resort was named number 32. It was also named second in the state of Florida.

The publication’s annual World’s Best Awards are held in high regard throughout the travel industry. Hotels are ranked based on ratings in the categories of rooms, facilities, location, service, restaurants and value.

The island paradise of Hawks Cay was reborn after a $35 million transformation in 2008, and encompasses a fully refurbished hotel, five children’s and adult pools, a natural saltwater lagoon, activity clubs for kids and teens, a marina and private villas – plus of course the Calm Waters Spa.

The hotel’s guest rooms, suites and villas offer garden views, ocean views and pool views with rich West Indies decor and local art and photography.

For information or to make reservations at Hawks Cay, visit www.hawkscay.com

The Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai unveiled its fully renovated River Wing.

The River Wing initially opened in 1998 as a pioneering luxury hotel in the countryside Lujiazui district of Pudong.

Today, Lujiazui is eight times the size of London’s new financial district.

Extensive renovations to the River Wing reflect the evolving landscape of Pudong.

The hotel’s 573 renovated guestrooms and suites blend classical elegance with oriental touches.

Guests who stay on the Horizon Club floors will experience an even higher standard of accommodation, with more exclusive and personalized services and privileges, including a Queen Anne chair and ottoman, a rain shower in the bathroom and L’Occitane amenities, and access to the newly enlarged Horizon Club Lounge.

Located on the 21st floor, the lounge provides breathtaking views of the Bund, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and magnificent skyscrapers.

Horizon Club guests receive complimentary services and privileges, including concierge and secretarial services; private check-in and check-out; a la carte and buffet breakfast in the Horizon Club Lounge; evening cocktails and canapés in the Horizon Club Lounge; all-day refreshments in the Horizon Club Lounge; broadband and wireless Internet access in the Horizon Club Lounge and guestrooms; use of the Horizon Club Lounge private meeting room for two hours daily; fresh fruit replenished daily; and pressing of one suit upon arrival.

For more information, call 866-565-5050 or visit www.shangri-la.com

Raffles Tianjin, the tallest “penthouse hotel” in China’s future northern financial hub, Tianjin, is nearing opening with a leadership team headed by veteran hotelier Gilbert Madhavan.

The luxury hotel is scheduled to open by March atop Tianjin Centre, in the heart of the city’s business and financial district.

Occupying the top 36 to 50 floors of the Tianjin Centre’s West Tower, Raffles Tianjin features 116 luxury rooms (including 22 elegant suites) that are among the largest in the city — beginning with oversized Grand Rooms close to 700 square feet, more than double the size of a standard Tianjin hotel room.

A 24-hour business concierge assists with residents’ requests both within the hotel and across the city, from selecting culturally appropriate gifts for a meeting, or arranging for a professional translator or city guide. Raffles Tianjin is Raffles Hotels & Resorts’ second hotel in China, following Raffles Beijing Hotel.

Madhavan brings a wealth of management experience and in-depth knowledge of the Raffles style to Raffles Tianjin.

He has been with the group for 15 years, and was previously general manager of Raffles Canouan, The Grenadines, which under his leadership hosted significant events including the Trump Million Dollar Invitational golf tournament, and a concert by operatic pop group Il Divo and José Feliciano in aid of The Prince’s Trust. His previous positions included area general manager of the group’s Indo China properties and general manager of Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, Siem Reap, leading the hotel’s launch in 1997.

For more information, visit www.raffles.com

When hotelier, John Baker decided to introduce a fleet of Mercedes Smart Cars to his unique boutique hotel in the heart of Cairns, his aim was to provide a service that was innovative and functional, providing his guests with an easy and fun way to explore all the magnificent attractions the Cairns’ region has to offer.

With over fifty years of experience behind him, John could also see the marketing advantage of these cute, practical, comfortable and energy-saving vehicles that are seen, not only around the Cairns CBD, but also day-tripping from Mission Beach, to the Tablelands to Port Douglas.

For those who just want the freedom of use of a car for serious shopping or business, The Hotel Cairns is happy for you to take the car by the hour.

John sees the fleet doubling next year as his guests see the added value of, not just staying at this beautiful tropical oasis, but being able to explore the region at their leisure.

Stay at The Hotel Cairns and receive FREE*

use of a Smart Car during your stay and, you’ll agree with John, that these great little cars will double the enjoyment of your holiday or facilitate your business requirements.

Interval International, a leading global provider of vacation services and an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group, will add Gold Coast Aruba to its vacation exchange network.

The master-planned resort community will feature 270 whole ownership villas and townhouses in the island’s Malmok area.

It is the only development of its kind in Aruba that offers purchasers Interval’s upgraded membership program, Interval Gold. “Gold Coast Aruba will be selling its whole ownership product to an upscale clientele and we’re glad to be able to support them with our enhanced membership benefit product, which is specifically tailored to an affluent consumer,” said David Gilbert, executive vice president of resort sales and marketing for Interval International.

The resort community is located on 26 acres just a few minutes away from the scenic northwest coastline, and its architecture and interior design reflect a Mediterranean style with a contemporary Caribbean touch.

It includes two- and three-bedroom townhomes and three-bedroom villas with well-appointed, spacious living and dining areas, state-of-the-art kitchens and bathrooms, large balconies, and secluded patios.

The two-story townhomes range in size from approximately 900 to 1,600 square feet, while the villas have around 1,800 to 3,200 square feet of space.

Scheduled for completion in 2010 and 2011 is an amenity complex anchored by a multi-million-dollar clubhouse with a full-service spa, water feature, and infinity pool; a state-of-the-art fitness center; and two lighted tennis courts. The Tierra del Sol championship golf course, designed by Robert Trent Jones II, is conveniently located across from the property.

For more information, visit www.intervalintl.com

Virgin Trains released the times of the additional trains on the London to Glasgow via Preston route over the Christmas and New Year holiday period, which will help passengers affected by the collapse of Scotland’s airline Flyglobespan.

The extra trains have been arranged to help passengers affected by the planned strike action on British Airways, but will continue to operate following the High Court ruling that the strike cannot go ahead.

The extra trains will supplement the already advertised service of 26 trains daily in both directions between Euston and Glasgow.

“Christmas and New Year is an extremely busy time for us, but I am confident that with the additional trains being arranged alongside our scheduled services, most of which have 439 seats, we will be able to carry all our regular customers together with those affected by the planned BA strike and those whose travel plans have been disrupted by the collapse of Flyglobespan,” said Virgin Trains COO Chris Gibb.

For more information, including a full schedule,

visit www.virgintrains.com

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Opens Opulent New Nightclub with Grand Opening Party Hosted by Diddy

Las Vegas, Nev. – Celebrate your inner “Vanity” this New Year’s Eve inside the latest indulgent nightlife creation at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Located in the luxurious new HRH Tower, Vanity nightclub opens its doors Thursday, December 31st to ring in 2010, followed by the official grand opening party January 2nd with illustrious party host Diddy.

Brought to you by The Nightlife Group (Body English, Rare 120, Rehab, Wasted Space) and co-owner Jason Giambi, Vanity focuses on the most important person in the room – you.

The entrance welcomes with a sparkling collage of reflective tile and antique vanity mirrors. The interior, courtesy of Mr. Important Designs, transports guests into an eclectic jewel box adorned with pearls, hand cut crystals and reflective walls of bronze fused with metallic gold.

The heartbeat of the club is a spectacular cyclone chandelier lit from within by more than 20,000 LED lights that truly bring the dance floor to life.

“We’ve taken everything we learned from Body English, one of the best nightclubs to hit Vegas, and brought it to the next level,” said Cory McCormack, Hard Rock’s managing partner of The Nightlife Group. “Vanity will cater to a person’s every whim.”

The 14,000 square-foot venue features two marble bars, 50 intimate VIP booths, an outdoor terrace with cabanas, fire pit, and offers direct access to the new outdoor Sky Bar opening April 2010. For those who are just a bit more vain, the ladies lounge is complete with nail and makeup technicians available for touch ups and all bathrooms are equipped with full-length three-way mirrors, naturally.

VIP seating lines the 80-foot sunken dance floor, while a larger center seating area borders an onyx catwalk lined with tall lanterns. Staff in rocker-style uniforms offer champagne menus engraved on handheld antique mirrors.

Venue entertainment will include:

Thursday – Godskitchen with world-class dance DJs

Friday – DJ Eric D-Lux

Saturday – DJ Clinton Sparks

Sunday – Sin at Vanity with DJs Presto One, Five, and Eric Cubechee

Vanity Nightclub will be open Thursday through Sunday from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Cover charges will be $20 for women and $40 for men; local ladies will enter for free at all times. VIP booths and tables start at $500 and include crystal punch bowls.

For VIP booths and tables, Vanity guests can call 702.693.5555 or visit www.VanityLV.com

Vanity is part of the Hard Rock Hotel’s $750 million expansion which includes the addition of approximately 860 new guest rooms – the recently opened Paradise Tower and HRH Tower opening December 28.

HRH Tower will also house Reliquary Spa across from Vanity, as well as three new restaurants, approximately 60,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, and more than 40,000 sq. ft. of casino space.

HRH and Paradise Towers will be finalized with the new pools and Skybar in the first half of next year.

By spring 2010, the property will have created more than 1,200 jobs for Vegas when the expansion is complete.

For room availability and additional information

call 800.HRD.ROCK (800.473.7625)

or visit www.hardrockhotel.com