Jetsettersblog

Anguilla is developing new initiatives with substantial reasons for incentive and meeting planners.

In dealing with the Caribbean, incentive and meeting planners have grown accustomed to common destinations such as the Bahamas, Bermuda, Jamaica, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

But what industry planners truly value is finding something undiscovered — with qualities that can deliver a special and rich experience for their clients or organization.

Anguilla is a British overseas territory in the northern Caribbean, consisting of 35 square miles.

Some features include 33 white sand beaches considered to be among the best in the world, exclusive luxury resorts and a plethora of dining and activity options.

While there is no international airport, the island accommodates luxury jet service without congestion.

Anguilla, by design has deliberately shied away from over-development and mass tourism. “The intimacy of the island, our old-fashioned hospitality, and our high levels of service make Anguilla the idyllic setting for small, high-level, executive board or group meetings and top-tier incentive programs,” said Marie Walker, director of North America for the Anguilla Tourist Board.

An improved website (www.anguilla-vacation.com) now offers a meetings and incentives section that provides planners with a downloadable brochure, listings of hotels with group capabilities, sample itineraries, ways to download requests for proposals for Anguillan properties and information on site inspection programs.

American Eagle has non-stop daily flights from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The neighboring island of St. Maarten also offers another possible route to Anguilla via a seven-minute flight or a 20-minute ferry from Marigot Bay. Private executive jet charter can also be arranged from San Juan to Anguilla via Anguilla Air Express on Rainbow International Airlines.

Anguilla offers many choices to entertain, relax and rejuvenate meeting attendees; including a Greg Norman signature 18-hole golf course, spa and wellness treatments, horseback riding, art galleries and evening entertainment. Destination management companies can provide: group itineraries, themed dinners at private villas, catamaran cruises, snorkel safaris, and scuba diving, as well as custom golf, tennis and volleyball tournaments.

Event specialists within the resorts or tourist board representatives can further support all these initiatives.

Call 877-4 ANGUILLA or visit www.anguilla-vacation.com/meetings-incentives

Ocean Breeze Hotels has been launched in Mexico as an alternative for travelers seeking an affordable, family getaway.

The company provides a wide range of recreational activities, fresh Mexican cuisine, sightseeing and more. Ocean Breeze Hotels are owned and operated by Grupo Vidanta, one of Latin America’s leading developers of tourism destinations for over 35 years.

Currently there are three Ocean Breeze hotels located in key Mexico family destinations:

Acapulco, Mazatlan and Nuevo Vallarta. A fourth hotel, Ocean Breeze Riviera Maya is scheduled to open in March 2010 and more are planned for other top spots in Mexico.

Ocean Breeze Hotels are casual and stylish, bright and contemporary, with touches of Mexico’s rich cultural traditions.

Accommodations at Ocean Breeze hotels offer guest rooms and family suites that vary by location and all feature air conditioning, modern baths and the latest in entertainment and technology.

Suites also offer fully-equipped kitchenettes, dining facilities and modern baths.

Varying with each location, beachfront settings, tropical gardens and spectacular swimming pools are among the outdoor features that add beauty and appeal to the Ocean Breeze experience. Each Ocean Breeze hotel offers a variety of dining options ranging from informal poolside snacks to themed or casually elegant dining experiences. Complementing the restaurants are bars and lounges, many al fresco or poolside.

Depending on the hotel, recreational opportunities range from golf to scuba diving and snorkeling to biking and whale watching.

Situated in Mexico’s premier vacation destinations, the hotels also provide easy access to sightseeing, vibrant nightlife and superb shopping.

For more information about Ocean Breeze Hotels in Mexico, call 877-282-2115

or visit www.oceanbreezehotels.com

Trump Hotel Collection has unveiled generous pet policies at its hotels in Chicago, New York and Las Vegas.

At Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, pups will find their room outfitted with a plush dog bed, gourmet treats, a water bowl, and a fresh bottle of water to fill it, a rubber ball, and a special in-room dining menu of doggie delights.

Dog-walking services can be arranged through the concierge. No special cleaning fee is charged (a deposit is required for guests paying cash) and pets are limited to 25 pounds.

At New York’s two Trump Hotel Collection properties: Trump International Hotel & Tower New York and the soon-to-debut Trump SoHo New York, opening Feb. 1, 2010. Bowls, biscuits, blankets and chew toys are provided at the brand’s midtown flagship hotel, while the SoHo property will include all of the above (in the form of a pet dinner set with croc embossed placemats, gourmet dog treats and plush bone toys) plus a dog bed inspired by famed photographer William Wegman and dog walking service arranged by the concierge.

Both New York hotels charge a mandatory $250 cleaning fee per room per stay for canine guests, and limit size to 25 pounds.

Trump International Hotel Las Vegas also welcomes dogs and their favorite humans to its soaring gold tower above the Strip.

The hotel limits the family pet to 25 pounds and charges a mandatory $200 cleaning fee per room per stay.

For reservations, call 888-44-TRUMP or visit www.trumphotelcollection.com , or in New York, call 888-44-TRUMP or visit www.trumpnewyorkhotel.com.

For Chicago, call 312-588-8000 or visit www.trumpchicagohotel.com  . For Las Vegas, call 866-939-8786 or visit www.trumplasvegashotel.com  . For SoHo, call 877-828-7080 or visit www.trumpsohohotel.com

This December marks the fifth anniversary of Snowland, an annual holiday tradition at Great Wolf Resorts, Inc., North America’s largest family of indoor waterpark resorts.

The month-long celebration welcomes families into the Lodge to celebrate in a family-friendly way.

The winter wonderland experience starts as soon as guests enter Great Wolf Lodge through the Grand Lobby.

Images of snowflakes, icebergs, twinkling lights, decorated trees and other festive decorations fill the space. And several times a day, holiday music plays to compliment the three times daily Snow Show, real snow falling from the snow-making machines hidden in the rafters, showering the children below.

The holiday experience continues with a variety of themed activities throughout the Lodge:

Holiday Story Time with Mascot Rowdy the Reindeer; The Writing Depot, where children can write, decorate and mail letters directly to Santa; Polar Wolf Walk, a wintery nature hike for kids to site penguins, polar bears and more; North Pole University, complete with educational activities to earn a diploma and special gift; Toy Creation Station, where children can create toys to keep or give to a friend; Wrapping Depot for guests to have presents wrapped on-the-spot;

Special musical guest performances; Holiday caroling; Santa appearances; and Animated Great Clock Tower holiday performances. Events may vary by property location. Snowland wraps up with the celebration of New Year’s Eve and the annual Snowball, a family-friendly event that includes music, dancing and special waterslide duck races (with prizes). Naturally, all stays include passes to the 84-degree indoor waterpark.

For more information, call 800-905-WOLF or visit www.greatwolf.com

The Strand opened its midtown Manhattan hotel doors. The Strand, a member of the Green Hotel Association, is a modern new tower featuring 20 floors housing 177 deluxe guest rooms and junior suites at 33 W. 37th St. (between 5th and 6th avenues).

The hotel is the newest addition to the Atlantic Stars Hotels & Cruises portfolio which operates boutique hotel and cruising experiences in New York City, Newport, Rhode Island, Martha’s Vineyard, South Beach and the Caribbean.

The Strand’s lobby with staircase of stone and glass and a two-story waterfall engages the ear and helps guests leave the city’s cacophony at the door.

Fashion photographs are also featured from Conde Nast archives.

The hotel’s new rooftop lounge, Top of the Strand, features a retractable glass ceiling and walls — one of only two hotels in Manhattan that offer this design element — allowing guests to enjoy four seasons’ worth of Empire State Building views and a private lounge ambiance.

The lounge was designed by Lydia Marks, known most recently for creating the set designs for Sex and the City, the movie.

The Top of the Strand is open to both guests and the general public and features a full-service bar.

Rooms at The Strand are modern, fresh, and spacious and bring the Manhattan skyline inside through floor to ceiling windows that frame exceptional views of the Empire State Building and other city landmarks.

Designed by Lisa Knight, guestrooms highlight elegant décor featuring dark mahogany furnishings mixed with colorful fabrics.

Bathrooms are outfitted with European tiles and granite counter tops with custom wood cabinetry.

Guests will enjoy personalized services and in-room amenities that include room service, fully-stocked mini bars, slippers and bathrobes, bamboo cotton linens, HDLCD TVs, iPod docking stations and complimentary all-over WiFi.

Additional guest amenities at The Strand include a cardio fitness room with an area dedicated to massage and spa treatments, a state-of-the-art meeting and conference floor with capacity for groups up to 250, a business center and a reading lounge with fully-stocked library.

The Strand’s Lifestyle Consultant will be on hand to assist guests in securing reservations at coveted dining spots, theater and sports tickets, private tour guides and anything from A to Z in between.

Arriving at The Strand in winter 2010 will be a restaurant with a signature alabaster bar and lounge with fireplace.

Guests will enjoy year-round greenhouse dining featuring a second retractable glass structure and sidewalk cafe seating. The lounge will be decorated with a variety of captivating objects.

The hotel throughout will demonstrate best practices of green and eco-friendly hospitality including the use of natural bath amenities and extensive in-house recycling programs.

For additional information and reservations, call 212-448-1024 or visit www.thestrandnyc.com

Well-known for its friendly hospitality, Denmark’s regional city of Odense is ideal for a short break from the UK with a broad range of lodgings to accommodate even the most discerning travellers. From the thrift conscious backpacker and happy family camper to the more extravagant traveller, Odense has all tastes ‘well covered’.

Once upon a time Odense housed Hans Christian Andersen…

As one of the oldest cities in Denmark and home to probably the greatest creator of children’s stories, Hans Christian Andersen, Odense blends over a 1000 years of fascinating history with a lively modern outlook to offer a fantastic stay.

To immerse oneself in Han Christian Andersen’s fairytale surrounds, seek lodgings in the cobbled streets of old city precinct at the traditionally charming Hotel Ansgar (www.millinghotels.dk/forside_uk.php?p_id=2)  or Radisson SAS H.C. Andersen Hotel (www.radissonblu.com).

Adorned with bronze statues of his imaginative characters, the surrounding streets house many reminders of the famous writer including the house where he grew up and a museum dedicated to his life.

Dwelling in this period, indulge the history and fine dining at the Fangel Kro (www.fangelkrooghotel.dk)  - an inn built in 1855 with a modern reputation for serving delicious gourmet Danish fare.

Approach the end of the 19th century at First Hotel Grand (www.firsthotels.com/en/Our-hotels/Denmark/Odense-C/First-Hotel-Grand/),  allegedly the city’s most illustrious hotel since 1897.

Recently completely remodelled with a new french brasserie and luxurious salon bar, the hotel cleverly brings a modern flair to the romance of the old.

Combining a peacefully rural setting with all the modern comforts, relax in the 4 star Best Western Hotel Knudsens Gaard (www.knudsensgaard.dk)  or take a bed in the Danhostel Odense (www.odense-danhostel.dk),  a former manor house with a large enclosed courtyard garden in its own park.

With Funen Island known as Denmark’s ‘Garden Isle’, it has numerous heavenly spots for camping with Odense no exception.

Take refuge on the southern outskirts close to Funen Vilage and Fruens Bøge recreation area at Odense Camping (www.camping-odense.dk ) or discover the tranquil lakeside beauty of Blommenslyst Camping (www.blommenslyst-camping.dk ).

In addition to the wide and varying selection of individual options, visitors to Odense can also opt to take sanctuary in a traditional inn (www.krohotel.dk ); make friends with the locals in a homestay, bed & breakfast or farm stay and more remarkably camp for free (or at mere cost of DKK 20) at one of the many ‘Nature Camps’ on Funen – a popular choice with the cycling and walking fraternity – that offer shelter with limited facilities and no vehicles!

With prices per night starting from as little as DKK485 (approx. £60) for a double hotel room, DKK259 (approx. £33) for a hostel, DKK250 (approx. £30) for a cabin and DKK66/adult and DKK33/child (approx. £8/£4) for a campsite, there are plenty of good reasons to ‘sleep easy’ in Odense these days…

Getting there…?

Odense can be easily accessed with daily direct flights to Billund and Copenhagen from where there are easy bus/train connections and a good range of car hire companies. More details on getting to the city at: www.visitdenmark.com/uk/en-gb/menu/presse/generalrejseinfo/transport/flights-and-transport-to-denmark.htm

The 2009/2010 ski season will see the opening of a new cable car and ski piste linking Slovenia’s Kanin resort and Italy’s Sella Nevea resort.

The ski area will be accessible with one lift pass, allowing skiers from both the Slovenian and the Italian sides of the mountain to enjoy the slopes at both resorts.

The internationally connected ski centre will be the first of its kind in an area where, for most of the previous century, there was a strict border divide between the two countries.

The connected ski centre is expected to be called Kanin–Canin and will be one of the largest ski areas in Slovenia.

Kanin is Slovenia’s only resort with slopes over 2,000m and the high altitude means its season often lasts into early May.

The resort has a good mixture of advanced, intermediate, beginner and cross-country trails.

The link to Sella Nevea will provide an even greater choice of runs, particularly for beginner skiiers.

For further details, visit www.boveckanin.si

Slovenia’s eco-friendly Bohinj Park Hotel has been awarded five stars according to the official hotel classification scheme, making it the highest quality hotel in northwest Slovenia.

The hotel, which opened for business in the summer of 2009, is situated in the beautiful Julian Alps region on the edge of the Triglav National Park.

Built mainly from natural materials including timber and stone, the hotel has a range of special energy saving solutions, including being heated and cooled by water from its own well.

Facilities at the hotel include an exclusive wellness centre, a cinema, bowling alley and the Bohinj Water Park, a family-friendly complex including various pools and waterslides.

The hotel offers an excellent range of accommodation, including family rooms and rooms adapted for disabled guests.

The seminar facilities, including seven conference halls, also make it attractive for business guests.

http://www.bohinj-park-hotel.si

Moscow,– Swissôtel Krasnye Holmy is proud to announce the receipt of the award of the World Travel Association (WTA), one of the world’s comprehensive travel trade polls.

For the third year in a row the hotel was voted “Russia’s Leading Hotel” and the trophy was accepted by Jan Chovanec, General Manager and Tamara Afonina, PR & Communications Manager.

The World Travel Awards European regional ceremony took place mid of October 2009 in Portugal, where senior management and decision makers of Europe’s travel and tourism industry celebrated their achievements.

”The past 12 months have brought several challenges, namely the economic downturn and the outbreak of swine flu, which has impacted travel and tourism worldwide; today’s winners have remained focused on their long term objectives, and continued to deliver above and beyond the call of duty, setting an industry example”, mentioned Graham Cooke, President of the World Travel Awards.

“We are very proud that for the third time in a row our hotel receives the title “Russia’s Leading Hotel”, says Jan Chovanec, General Manager.

“I would like to sincerely thank the entire team for maintaining our brand quality of service and for caring and attentive attitude to our guests”, said Jan Chovanec, General Manager, after the ceremony.

Hilton Worldwide signed a franchise agreement with Hotel Zakrzowek to open a Hilton Garden Inn (HGI) hotel in Krakow, Poland. Scheduled to open in the spring of 2010, the hotel will become the first Hilton Garden Inn in the country and is on track to be the brand’s 500th hotel.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president development-Europe & Africa said:

“There is significant demand from hotel owners and developers in Poland for a contemporary yet affordable focused service product and our Hilton Garden Inn brand offers the perfect fit.

With deals already signed for HGI properties in Warsaw and Rzeszow, this third signing showcases the growth potential for the brand, especially in Poland’s regional centers where there is a real appetite for quality and internationally branded accommodation.”

When it opens, Hilton Garden Inn Krakow will offer 154 rooms spread over six floors, all featuring the brand’s key signature offerings, including the Garden Sleep System bed, ergonomic Mirra chair by Herman Miller, a 24-hour business centre and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi Internet access.

The lobby and reception area will feature a lounge area and bar, as well as the Hilton Garden Inn 24-hour Pavilion Pantry, which provides a selection of food and beverage options. A contemporary restaurant will also offer made-to-order breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as evening room service.

Set on the banks of the Vistula River, Hilton Garden Inn Krakow enjoys a central location, only 15 minutes away from the city’s historic center.

With views of the famous Wawel Castle, the contemporary, new build hotel will be located on Marii Konopnickiej Street. Hilton Worldwide has identified Poland as one of its key European growth markets for the roll out of its portfolio of hotel brands. Hilton Worldwide currently operates one hotel in the country — the upscale Hilton Warsaw Hotel and Convention Centre — and has a further two full service Hilton properties in the pipeline to open in Gdansk and Wroclaw.