Jetsettersblog

The stylish, Olarro safari lodge, situated in an escarpment on the Loita Hills in South Western Kenya is offering a whole new perspective to night-time game drives with the introduction of infra red night vision binoculars.

This exciting and unique activity is the first of its kind in Kenya and offers an innovative insight into the movement and behaviour of wildlife during the hours of darkness.

After enjoying refreshing sundowners guests join an experienced guide and spotter on a 4×4 each with their own set of night vision binoculars in hand.

The spotter uses a spot light to search for nocturnal wildlife as their eyes reflect the light.

Once an animal is found, the vehicle lights and spotlight are turned off, and guests switch on their night vision binoculars to observe the animals in the pitch black.

This minimises the “disturbance” to their natural behaviour and allows guests a clear view of their movements.

There are many “strictly nocturnal” animals that are not active during daylight, and some that can be seen both day and night. Porcupine, ardwolf, aardvark, bush baby, spring hare, striped hyena and a variety of nocturnal birds of prey are all mostly active at night thus allowing guests the chance to see creatures that would normally be seen or at least clearly.

There is also the chance to see two of the most magnificent of predators, the Leopard and Lion. After dark is when these cats are most active and most interesting in hunting and catching prey whereas by day, they like to lie under a shady tree and relax.

After an hour of two of fascinating game viewing guests return back to Olarro for a mouth-watering gourmet dinner finished off with a night cap before heading to bed for a well deserved night’s sleep in one of the lodges sumptuous cottage suites.

Both main Olarro and Little Olarro, offers a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere, fine dining with breathtaking views, a pampering mini spa and the opportunity to take part in an abundance of game viewing activities.

Artistically built with undulating curves mimicking the rolling hillside in which the lodge is set,

Olarro blends effortlessly into its surroundings. Comprising of seven uniquely different cottages, of which six are co-joined through a common sitting area.

The common sitting area is an ideal “private area” where family and friends have the opportunity to socialise and relax in relative privacy. The expansive deck with 180 degree views is the perfect location to enjoy sundowners whilst overlooking this pristine area of Africa. The split level swimming pool provides guests with ultimate privacy and is the ideal place for a cool dip to escape the heat of the African sun.

The inclusion of Little Olarro, a private house, offers extra privacy and seclusion with a luxury suite and master bedroom, smaller twin bedroom, lounge, dining area and veranda all again with spectacular views over the Loita plains. Little Olarro also has its own entrance, private kitchen and deck area.

Not only is Olarro the perfect place to relax and unwind in a serene environment, there are also an abundance of activities for guests to take part in.

Situated in its private conservancy and in addition to the new night drives with infra red binoculars, Olarro also offers bush walks, game drives and specialised bird watching with the licensed guides.

A stay at Olarro is made even more special with the opportunity to fly over the million strong wildebeest and zebra migration using a privately chartered aircraft, hot air balloon or helicopter.

The attentive and friendly staff will prepare picnics for breakfast, lunch or drinks and gourmet appetisers to enjoy out in the bush.

Olarro is a remarkable destination for a truly African experience, one which families, friends and couples will never forget.

4 nights at Olarro starts from £2387pp with Scott Dunn (+44 (0)20 8682 5070, www.scottdunn.com)

Cost includes all meals, drinks, park fee, flights, air taxes and transfers.

Four ski resorts in Norway have launched the first 365 day lift pass to enable skiers to enjoy the snow all year around.

The resorts – Voss, Myrkdalen, Røldal and Folgefonn, are based on the west coast of Norway and are in near proximity. Season pass holders can now use all four resorts on one lift pass.

This unique card offers the possibility of skiing 12 months a year as Folgefonn resort is positioned on a glacier and opens for summer skiing when the other locations close in May.

From November to May, the resorts offer guaranteed snow with the unique backdrop of magnificent fjords and mountains, and is perfect for off-piste skiing as well as family friendly slopes.

Many British skiers are surprised at how easy Norway’s family-friendly ski resorts are to reach – it’s just a two-hour flight away and offers good quality and quantity of snow, even at low altitudes.

Norway has uncrowded slopes, efficient lift systems and queues, and modern ski equipment.

easyJet, the UK’s largest airline, has today launched a new ski holiday website which enables customers to book ski hotel and apartment accommodation, ski transfers, ski equipment hire and lift passes online via www.easyjet.com

The new ski holiday booking service is provided by B2Bski.com, the Dublin based B2B ski holiday wholesaler, who has signed a three year contract with easyJet to be the sole provider of all easyJet ski holidays and accessories through the airline’s website.

www.B2Bski.com, whose other business-to-business clients include Ebookers, STA, Alpha Rooms and The Cooperative, is the UK’s largest wholesaler of ski beds and also operates a consumer brand, www.Directski.com.

Louise Marples, easyJet’s Strategic Travel Partnerships Manager commented

“The independent winter sports holiday market is rapidly growing, as more consumers take advantage of easyJet’s wide range of daily, high frequency services to 13 ski gateway airports, giving them the opportunity to hit the slops several times each season.”

This new partnership with B2Bski means we can make it even easier for consumers to book that winter sports getaway, with all the services and facilities they’ll need together at www.easyjet.com.”

Anthony Collins, CEO of B2Bski.com said
“easyJet wanted a partner they could rely on for resort and ski knowledge, coupled with excellent access to ski accommodation, ranging from 5* hotels to budget apartments. Our booking engine and experience of ski tour operating for both consumer and business fitted the bill perfectly.”

The new ski booking facility offers accommodation in over 1000 properties in 216 resorts in Austria, France, Italy, Andorra and Switzerland, from 2* apartments in Val Thorens to a 5* hotel in Kitzbühel, all at keen pricing commensurate with easyJet’s brand image.

Isle Royale Resorts – Rock Harbor Lodge
CONTACT: Heather Miller
TEL: (970) 568-7423
E-MAIL: heather@atmstravelnews.com
 WEB: www.rockharborlodge.com  

HOUGHTON, MI — When Albert Stoll, a writer for the Detroit News newspaper, visited Isle Royale in the 1920s, he found an unspoiled wilderness fit for king. Stoll enjoyed his visits so much, he wrote several articles about the island and is generally regarded as the driving force behind the movement to make Isle Royale a national park. In 1931,

Isle Royale National Park was born and is, to this day, the only national park located on an island.

Today, visitors to the island can hike the Stoll Trail – named for the writer – and see the same view that inspired him nearly 100 years ago.

There is plenty to do and see on the island. Recreation opportunities abound including hiking, camping, scuba diving, fishing or just plain sightseeing.

There are roughly 165 miles of hiking trails ready for exploration and 36 campgrounds for backpackers.

There are several long trails, up 10 miles long, suitable for multi-day hiking/camping trips as well as a number of shorter hikes suitable for day hikes.

Leave the land behind for a day of kayaking, canoeing or scuba diving in Lake Superior. With numerous lakes, bays and islands, Isle Royale National Park provides many miles of waterways for the canoeist and kayaker to explore.

Lake Superior houses a variety of shipwrecks in outstanding condition for exploration and photography. In the last 125 years, ten major vessels have sunk in waters surrounding the park.

Dry suits are recommended for the same reason that has slowed the numerous wrecks decomposition – frigid 40 degree water. Divers will find excellent visibility with no light required down to 40 feet in places.

Shallow wrecks like the Americaand the Algoma – both located in less than 10 feet of water — are the most popular.

But there is plenty of deeper diversity including the Kamloops, whose deepest remains lie 270 feet below the surface.

These sunken vessels are protected by the National Park Service as cultural treasures to be enjoyed by experienced scuba divers.

The waters of Lake Superior house more than shipwrecks. Anglers will salivate over the trout and salmon population.

Fishing Charters are available at the only hotel on the island – The Rock Harbor Lodge.

All charter boats are fully equipped and fishing tackle is provided. Trips start at $382. Rock Harbor Lodge also offers numerous sightseeing trips from $15.50/person.

The Rock Harbor Lodge offers two types of accommodations: Lake-view lodge rooms and cottages with fully-equipped kitchenettes from $216 per night.

 For more information about lodging on Isle Royale, visit www.rockharborlodge.com

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When visiting Great Britain there are various historical cities and sites to explore. Britain has a full and interesting history dating back 10,000 years.

One of Britain’s main cities, London is actually considered a new city, becoming a major settlement about 2,000 years ago. So let’s focus on London as our city of interest to learn about its history, architecture, and sites that have now become popular tourist attractions.

London is in fact two cities, the city of London and the City of Westminster. In addition there are 32 Boroughs ,two of which are Royal Boroughs. The Royal Boroughs have Palaces such as Buckingham Palace and Hampton Court.

Although the city is the commercial and financial centre there are numerous banks at Canary Wharf, a development of UK high rise buildings and are built in the former docklands area and to the East of the City, and North of Greenwich. London, often called just the ‘City,’ is about one square mile and there are over 700 hundred banks registered, though.some just have a representative office.

For the tourist, the main sites are Tower Bridge and The Tower of London. They have a similar appearance architecturally but were built almost a thousand years apart. Tower Bridge, completed in 1894 and is registered, for insurance purposes, as a ship, has it’s roadway lifted whenever a ship,needs to pass underneath. The two spans of the bridge weigh 1000 tons.

On The North of the River ,to the west of Tower Bridge, is the Tower of London. The full name is ‘Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress the Tower of London,’ started by The Norman Invaders in 1078.

They invaded and conquered England in 1066, the last successful invasion of England, though others have tried none have succeeded.

The tower was expanded and developed over the centuries but the central part is of considerable age. In 1240 The King made it a palace and his home. Henry the VIII, had many of his wives and those who he wanted rid of imprisoned and some executed there.

In more modern times, German spies were executed in the courtyards during the two World Wars. I

n 1941, Hitler’s deputy, Rudolph Hess, who some say was a trifle odd and flew uninvited at the height of the war to try to persuade the British that Hitler was not all bad, was actually imprisoned in the Tower.

The Jewel House is where you’ll find the Crown Jewels, a collection of gold, silver and, precious stones. Two permanent features are the Ravens flightless birds, which legend says their continued residence ensures the safety of the British Commonwealth and Beefeaters.

If looking for a city where you can discover towers, medieval palaces, courtyards, and a little history combined with new, you may want to book a trip to London!

For more information about historical royal palaces please visit http://www.hrp.org.uk

Priority Club Connect is an online community for Priority Club Rewards members. It provides a forum for members to connect and engage with other travelers and to learn about the Priority Club Loyalty program and the InterContinental Hotels Group family of brands. Topics of discussion range from exotic travel destinations and special offers to packing tips and financial travel information helpful for any traveler.

To join the community and contribute your travel tips and experiences, please visit: http://community.priorityclub.com

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No one likes being stuck during a layover while traveling. Whether it’s due to weather, equipment,
cancellations or missing a flight, here are the top airport choices that can turn hours of misery into pure bliss.

JFK International, New York: Specifically JFK JetBlue Terminal 5 offers great restaurants, even a food court with an amazing salad bar. Did you sweat through your shirt running to try and make your flight? Terminal 5 also has plenty of shopping everything from brand name clothing to top electronics.

Orlando International, Florida: If you didn’t get to visit Mickey this year, travelers will find several fun shopping opportunities at Orlando International Airport and be able to get gifts for friends and family here.

Indianapolis International, Indiana: The new terminal at Indianapolis International Airport is incredible for such a small airport, traffic wise. It’s nice to have an airport that has decent restaurants and food selections, because when you’re stranded at an airport, comfort food is a plus, one frequently delayed traveler said. One restaurant suggestion is Harry & Izzy’s.

Portland International, Oregon: There are some great shopping opportunities at PDX, especially stuff you may not find anyplace else. Stranded travelers can visit a branch of Powell’s, or buy stuff from the Made in Oregon store. PDX has taken environmentally friendly initiatives such as the airport’s use of solar panels for power, its connection to the MAX Light Rail, and its recycling of its restaurants’ used oil and grease.

San Francisco International, California: SFO has a great selection of local restaurants, not the same half-dozen national chains you find everywhere else. There is also a museum and library devoted to aviation history, interesting art and history exhibits all over the airport (unfortunately, some are airside and thus inaccessible to most travelers). SFO also has a train between the terminals that has great views and is accessible on groundside.

Charles de Gaulles Airport of Paris, France: Charles de Gaulles is another place that has plenty of distractions for you if you’re stranded longer than expected. It has big-name shops charmingly arranged like boutiques within the airport, which will leave you with quite an impression. Shop until you hearts content or your wallet screams, at the many brand name and duty free shops.
Munich Airport, Germany: Can you say “BIER BITTE” or “beer please”? No need to spekenze deutsche, beer is beer in so many different countries and airports, including this one. Of course, you can also get some of the best German fare here.

But, beer is not all that Munich Airport has to offer. Need US dollars or dinars, euros, rupees, you can get that too.

Frankfurt Airport, Germany: Another German airport, the Frankfurt Airport has an incredible amount of restaurants and shops. Of course there are plenty of beer kiosks and best of all it has free WiFi. Lufthansa’s First Class Passengers can revel in Lufthansa’s dedicated terminal.

The terminal provides individualized security screening and customs facilities, valet parking, a white-linen restaurant, a cigar room and bubble baths.

Passengers clear exit immigration controls in the terminal and then are catered to by being driven from the terminal directly to their aircraft by a chauffeured Mercedes-Benz S-Class or Porsche Cayenne.

Amsterdam Schiphol, Holland: For travelers who seek variation, Amsterdam Schiphol has the most varied and interesting things to do before and between flights, including an art gallery. The shopping at Amsterdam Schipol is amazing. Try your luck at their casino, and if you have a layover of 6+ hours you can check your carry-on bags and take a city tour.

Narita International, Japan: Food travelers will enjoy what this airport has to offer. Narita International’s variety of food ranges from burgers to sushi.

The shopping in the departure area is great, similar to a Mall. Once you tire of shopping you can relax in the NW World Club which offers free WiFi.

There are also complimentary food and beverages, mostly offering finger sandwiches, sushi rolls and soup, along with assorted crackers and cheese.

This is truly a world class airport, according to several experienced travelers.

Seoul Incheon International, Republic of Korea: Duty Free!! Duty Free!! What more needs to be said? For travelers stuck at Seoul Incheon International, they may be wishing to be here longer than expected as it provides ample shops to entertain delayed travelers.

Need a Hermes scarf for that special someone or a bottle of Johnny Walker Blue for that person with the most indiscriminate of taste, this is it.

Change money, get a massage, and before you know you are wishing you had just another hour.

This airport boasts unique luxury features such as a golf course, spa, private sleeping rooms, a casino, and indoor gardens.

Singapore Changi International:

Travelers who are also movie buffs probably wouldn’t mind being delayed in the Singapore Changi International Airport.

There are a lot of shops to explore, and the airport even offers a free movie theater. Travelers will also find a range of duty-free shops, food and beverage outlets, and free internet terminals are available.

With inflation and fuel costs on the rise, along with flight costs, most airlines and airports have tuned in and are finally cashing in. Aggravation + Boredom = Misery! Travel delays and cancellations are becoming more of a regularity than an irregularity and are pushing most airports to become increasingly more traveler friendly. Let’s not forget that happy travelers are repeat travelers!

Priority Club Connect is an online community for Priority Club Rewards members. It provides a forum for members to connect and engage with other travelers and to learn about the Priority Club Loyalty program and the InterContinental Hotels Group family of brands. Topics of discussion range from exotic travel destinations and special offers to packing tips and financial travel information helpful for any traveler. To join the community and contribute your travel tips and experiences, please visit: http://community.priorityclub.com

New concept hotel and Crowne Plaza opens in Yas Island-
Today InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) opened two new hotels in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi – a Crowne Plaza hotel and Staybridge Suites, its first extended stay property in the Gulf.

Staybridge Suites

Staybridge Suites Abu Dhabi is located in the centre of Yas Island, close to Abu Dhabi International Airport and within walking distance of the new F1 Yas Marina Circuit.

The property offers guests the choice of 164 suites, ranging from studios to two bedroom suites, all with fully equipped kitchens and access to a 24 hour convenience store.

Bridging a gap between conventional hotels and serviced apartments, Staybridge Suites offers a home-from-home for people spending long periods travelling on business. Introduced in 1998, Staybridge Suites is one of IHG’s newest brands with 167 properties worldwide and 147 more in the pipeline.

The tiered rate structure ensures prices are discounted the longer a guest stays, making it a more economical and comfortable option for business travellers staying for more than a few nights.

John Bamsey, chief operating officer, IHG Middle East and Africa said: “The success and popularity of Staybridge Suites among guests seeking a home-from-home experience in the US and the UK, has led us to introduce this concept in the Gulf. For business travellers looking for an alternative to the traditional hotel environment, Staybridge Suites is the ideal solution.”

Crowne Plaza

The 428-room Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi is the second Crowne Plaza hotel in the capital. Located on the banks of the Yas Creek, the hotel is near to both the city centre and Abu Dhabi International Airport, providing a great location for business and leisure travellers alike.

Guests can also take advantage of the new F1 Yas Marina Circuit and the Championship Links Golf Course, both of which are located within walking distance of the hotel.

The Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi has six restaurants, including the Sundowner Pool Bar with outdoor dining, as well as full business facilities, a 25 metre part shaded pool, steam rooms, sauna and a squash court.

Commenting on the growth of the Crowne Plaza brand in Abu Dhabi, John Bamsey, chief operating officer, IHG Middle East and Africa said:

“With an expected 2.3 million visitors to Abu Dhabi each year by 2013, it’s important that we continue to invest and grow our presence in this region to maintain our position as the leading hotel provider.

The Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi will strengthen our offering in the region and provide a high-quality base for business travellers, helping them to make the most of their business trips.”

Paul Bell, managing director, Aldar Hotels & Hospitality added: “Yas Island is located between the coast and city of Abu Dhabi and Dubai and has grown rapidly to accommodate the influx of visitors. Its attractions, unmatched anywhere in the world, make it a unique destination for both business and leisure travellers. The openings of the Crowne Plaza and Staybridge Suites hotels are great additions for Yas Island because they are international brands known to business travellers worldwide.”

The site of a $40 billion development project, Yas Island will also feature a host of attractions, including a brand new Formula One Championship Circuit, a movie theme park in association with Warner Bros, a motor sports theme park inspired by Ferrari and extensive retail, entertainment and hospitality projects. More than 100,000 people are expected to live and work on the island.

Featuring 32 kilometres of coastline, Yas Island will stake its claim as a super-yacht destination to rival those in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, with three exclusive marinas accommodating 1,400 luxury berths.

Flydubai, Dubai’s first low cost airline, will expand its network into the former Soviet Union for the first time  when it commences flights to the Azeri capital, Baku.

The flight, FZ705, will leave Dubai at 1935hrs arriving in Baku after a flight of 2hrs 55 minutes at 2230hrs local time. The return flight, FZ706, will depart Baku at 2330hrs and arrive back in Dubai at 0220hrs local time the following day.

flydubai’s CEO, Ghaith Al Ghaith, said Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, adds a new dimension to flydubai’s network.

“Baku is our first route into Asia and a prime opportunity because of its rapid expansion as a business and tourism centre.

There is currently only one other airline operating direct flights between Dubai and Baku so we anticipate strong demand for our service.

“Baku’s recent economic tale is one of resurgence in the oil and gas industry and as a growing business centre at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe.

It also possesses unique tourist attractions such as its Walled City, which became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000.

“The country is developing quickly and Baku has a reputation as a booming city with an extremely cosmopolitan population of around three million. While it is a bustling urban area, a short drive away is country landscape that has remained unchanged for centuries,” he said.

“While the more well-known routes are a mainstay of flydubai’s business, it is also our aim to open up the skies and fly to less established locations. We are providing more than just a service, we are providing opportunities,” he added.

Azerbaijan is bordered by Russia to the north, Georgia to the north-west, Armenia to the west and Iran to the south. Baku is an ancient trading post with a colourful history including rule by the Persians and Peter the Great.

At the beginning of the 20th Century, the Azerbaijan oilfields produced more than half the world’s oil, an accolade only shared in history by the United States. The former Soviet state gained independence in 1991.

One-way fares to Baku from Dubai will cost from AED300, which includes all taxes and one piece of hand baggage weighing up to 10kg.

Flights can be booked on the website (www.flydubai.com), through the call centre (04 301 0800).

The flydubai model is simple, with customers paying only for the services they want to receive. The price includes all taxes and one piece of hand baggage, weighing up to 10 kg, per passenger.

Passengers have the option to purchase checked-in baggage in advance at just AED 40 for the first piece and AED 100 for the second, weighing up to 32 kg, subject to availability. Checked baggage at the airport is also strictly subject to availability and passengers are advised to book online early to secure the space, as only pre-purchased baggage can be guaranteed.

A nominal payment of AED 5 allows customers to select their seat and just AED 50 secures the extra legroom positions. Bookings can be changed for a small fee, plus any difference in the fare, and food and drink can be purchased on board.

flydubai operates from a modernised and enhanced Terminal 2 on the north side of Dubai International Airport.

Six Senses’ Hub, Bangkok –: Morocco’s first Six Senses Spa is set to create a new benchmark of luxury and wellness in the region by combining contemporary Moroccan architecture and cutting-edge spa design with unique and enriching wellness experiences designed to balance the senses. Scheduled to open late 2011, the 1,500 square metre or 16,000 square feet spa will be a centrepiece of The Baglioni Marrakech – a boutique 5-star hotel set within a stunning 34-acre parkland resort and residential development located just 5-minutes by car from Marrakech Airport.

The Six Senses Spa at The Baglioni Marrakech has been uniquely designed to be a body temple incorporating the principles of feng shui using fire and water to balance the senses beyond all expectations.

The spa combines beautiful outdoor landscapes with indoor treatment rooms including two couples rooms with sunken bath for half day and full day package getaways or a la carte treatments if time is limited.

A feature of the spa is the traditional hammam heat experience offering hammam journeys for individuals, couples and small groups.

A central courtyard with three floating relaxation areas surrounded by water features and lush landscaping offers guests the opportunity to relax and enjoy herbal teas grown in the spas own organic garden.

The extensive spa facility also comprises eight single treatment rooms set around ponds, an outdoor terrace for group treatments, a 60 square metre gym, plus a steam, sauna, experience shower and state-of-the-art floatation pool.

A bridal area offers spa and wedding parties a convenient one-stop area to enjoy simple stress relief and relaxation therapies including facials, scrubs and steam baths. Within the bridal suite, beauty treatments are offered at the manicure and pedicure bar.

In addition to a comprehensive range of therapies and pampering choices administered by internationally trained therapists and visiting wellness consultants, the spa offers a consultation room and a roof-top yoga pavilion ideal for corporate wellness conferences and programmes.
The comprehensive spa menu delivers spa experiences that support

Six Senses’ commitment to SLOW LIFESM: Sustainable-Local-Organic-Wholesome Learning-Inspiring-Fun-Experiences. By utilising local ingredients including herbs and spices such as saffron and moorish rose, time-honoured hammam rituals combine with Six Senses signature beauty and pampering treatments to ensure the wellness experience is one of pure rejuvenation.

To complete the spa and beauty programme guests are invited to relax at the juice bar and visit the retail shop offering a range of wellness related products.

The Moroccan-inspired Six Senses Spa at The Baglioni Marrakech will provide an idyllic destination for guests looking to escape from their hectic lifestyle and indulge in treatments that are therapeutic and restorative for their total well-being. The spa will service The Baglioni Marrakech guests, resident owners and private members only.

Awarded European Wellness Certificates

Prestigious certifications guarantee best quality in spa and wellness and in more than 800 other areas of hotel operation

Hamra Hotels and Resorts has announced that Al Hamra Beach Resort and Khatt Springs Hotel & SPA have been awarded the European Wellness Certificates after successfully passing a rigorous audit by the European Audit Institute Wellness & SPA SCE (EAWS) – the only awarding body in Europe that offers a Wellness Quality Certificate with a seal and guarantee of a publicly certified and sworn expert for wellness concepts and wellness facilities.

Al Hamra Beach Resort and Khatt Springs Hotel & SPA are the first hotels in the UAE to receive such distinctions.

Al Hamra Beach Resort was awarded the Golf & SPA Europe Certificate, while Khatt Springs Hotel & SPA applied for two categories – Wellness & SPA Europe Certificate and Medical SPA Europe Certificate – and successfully fulfilled the requirements for both.

The European Wellness Certificate guarantees the best quality not only for spa and wellness but for all facilities of the hotel as the audit process includes more than 800 criteria covering different sectors of the hotel.

Michael El Nayal, Member of the Board, Hamra Hotels and Resorts said, “The stamp of approval from the European Audit Institute Wellness & SPA reaffirms our strong commitment to deliver the highest quality in terms of service and hotel facilities. We will continue to identify new ways to further raise the bar of excellence in the hospitality sector and ensure a consistently enjoyable and memorable experience for all our guests.”

“Moreover, this certification will provide a significant boost to the continuing efforts of the Hamra Hotels and Resorts team to attract a greater number of tourists from high-potential markets all over the world. We recently succeeded in opening a new charter flight from Copenhagen to Ras Al Khaimah in line with our goal of establishing the emirate as a premier global wellness destination,” added El Nayal.

Founded by hotel and wellness experts from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, EAWS offers the Wellness Europe Certificate in three categories: Wellness & SPA Europe Certificate, Golf & SPA Europe Certificate and Medical SPA Europe Certificate. Aside from the quality of spa and wellness service, the certification also takes into account other facets of the hotel, including the range of its healthy food and beverage products, value-added offerings for outdoor and nature activities and even cultural events held within the hotel or in the surrounding area.

Hamra Hotels and Resorts was established in 1996 with a mission to develop and operate unique hotels and resorts in Ras Al Khaimah and the United Arab Emirates. It has today grown to become one of the leading hotel developers and operators in the region, with new hotel projects soon to be launched in Africa, Asia and Europe.