Jetsettersblog

Millennium & Copthorne Hotels plc (M&C) today launched a new international hotel brand, Studio M, aimed at the new generation of savvy business and leisure travellers. Studio M is the latest addition to M&C’s portfolio of brands and underscores the group’s commitment to expanding its footprint in Asia.

The Studio M brand aims to offer both style and functionality to the well-travelled guest who relishes the urban contemporary lifestyle and demands access to fuss-free integrated technology and high connectivity.

The Studio M brand will be unveiled in Singapore soon when its first hotel opens in the second quarter of 2010.

A focus on elegantly restrained accommodation that offers a high degree of connectivity will set Studio M apart from current offerings.

Savvy travellers will also enjoy using the hotel’s unique open-air tropical deck, which offers private spaces in relaxed landscaped surroundings for both business meetings and leisurely conversations with friends. Guests will appreciate Studio M’s locality within the vibrant Robertson Quay and Mohamed Sultan entertainment district, which offers abundant dining and leisure options.

“Studio M represents a new facet to the hospitality landscape in Singapore. The concept of smart business travel is evolving rapidly.

“There is increasing demand from this largely untapped market segment that craves a distinctive and unique experience from their hotel, even as they demand functional services like wireless connectivity. Studio M aims to fill this gap,” said Mr Kwek Leng Beng, Chairman of M&C.

The Studio M brand is the latest addition to M&C’s global brands. M&C, listed in London and the largest Singapore-controlled hotel group in Asia, has a portfolio of over 120 hotels worldwide under several brands – the five-star Grand Millennium, the Millennium and Copthorne brands, and the budget Kingsgate which is located mainly in New Zealand.

Studio M’s forward-looking stance positions the brand as a modern, contemporary and fashionable offering that complements its sister brands.

“We can leverage our experience in running hotels globally, so we are confident of extending and growing our reach into this new market segment.

The launch of Studio M expands our hotel offering and reaffirms our commitment to offering a wide variety of hotel styles to meet the diverse requirements of travellers,” said Mr Kwek, who is also Executive Chairman of Hong Leong Group, the ultimate parent of M&C.

“We plan to take this new brand global,” added Mr Kwek. M&C has already received several enquiries from the Middle East to take the Studio M brand there.

Studio M Hotel has 365 distinctive rooms that will offer guests 24-hours integrated technology and wireless connectivity. The interiors and open-air tropical deck were designed by renowned Italian designer and architect Piero Lissoni to create a sleek yet comfortable environment. Lissoni uses clean lines, clear materials and subtle colours typical of Italian design, to craft a tranquil oasis for guests who appreciate chic and contemporary minimalism.

Guests will continue to enjoy integrated technology and wireless connectivity on the open-air tropical deck. Leisure options can also be found on the deck, with wading pools and a 25-metre lap pool. The architects for the project are Ong&Ong, a leading architectural firm in Singapore with a track record of over 30 years and over 500 projects to its name. Ong&Ong was also the landscape designer for the project.

Travellers today expect up-to-date information on the go. “Guests can request information on dining and entertainment options that can be immediately sent to their communication devices such as iPhones, iPods and laptops. This is just one of many unique guest experiences we plan to provide,” said Mr Ng Chee Theam, Chief Operating Officer Asia, of Millennium & Copthorne International Limited, the Singapore subsidiary of M&C.

Studio M Hotel is located at 3 Nanson Road in the iconic Robertson Quay entertainment precinct. Staff recruitment has started, while architectural finishing and fitting works are in progress.

Fantastic Offers, New Tours And New Hotels In Qantas Holidays’ 2010/11 Australia And New Zealand Brochure

Qantas Holidays (www.qantasholidays.co.uk Tel 020 8222 9124) has introduced a whole raft of special offers, new tours and new hotels to their 2010/11 Australia & New Zealand brochure, offering travellers more choices than ever before, as well as greater value for money.

- Early Bird and other offers include: Stay 4 Nights, Pay for 3 at the Crowne Plaza Darling Harbour, Sydney

- New itineraries and tours include small group tours of South Australia’s hotspots in the Barossa Valley, Flinders Ranges and Kangaroo Island as well as a new 20 day escorted tour of New Zealand

- New resorts and hotels include the brand new Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, an ideal stopover destination

- Improvements include distance charts on car hire pages

Highlights of the 2010/11 Australia & New Zealand brochure include:

EARLY BIRD OFFERS

£150 off, per couple, when booking ‘premier’ APT tours of 12 days and over, before 28 February 10.

The discount is available on all Premier and Premier Escorted tours of 12 days or longer. Prices from £1910 per person based on two adults sharing on the ‘Wonderland’ tour.

YEAR ROUND OFFERS

• From £212 per person based on five nights for the price of four at the Mercure Port Douglas Treetops

• Four nights for the price of three at the Crowne Plaza, Darling Harbour, Sydney

• A complimentary bottle of Pinot Noir and a cruise on Lake Wakatipu when staying three nights at the Remarkables Lodge in Queenstown, New Zealand.

NEW ITINERARIES AND TOURS

One of the new small group tours takes in South Australian highlights including the Barossa Valley, Flinders Ranges and Kangaroo Island. From £1,324 per person based on two adults sharing.

The new 20-day ‘Royal New Zealand’ tour, including all the must do sightseeing, costs from £2,940 per person based on two adults sharing valid in standard accommodation from 1st July – 30th Sept 2010.

Each regional section now includes a ‘Highlights’ package with 3- and 4-star accommodation options. The ‘Highlights of Melbourne’ package costs from £233 per person based on two adults sharing valid 1st Apr – 31st Aug 2010.

NEW RESORTS AND HOTELS

• From £77 per person based on two adults staying at the Bolton Hotel in Wellington. Other great value offers are available for stays up to three nights

• Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa – this luxury five-star resort, located on one of mainland’s best beaches and only 40 minutes from the airport, makes it the perfect stopover option

• Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa – this five-star property is located three hours north west of Sydney

IMPROVEMENTS

This brochure includes average drive times on self drive itineraries, as well as driving distance charts on car hire pages. Self drive itineraries can be found throughout the brochure.

Qantas Holidays, one of the world’s largest tour operators, has over 30 years experience in organising holidays to Australia and New Zealand. In practical terms this means the company has greater negotiating and buying power which for customers translates into great discounts, extensive choice and value for money.

Specialists In Wildlife And Natural History On South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula

There is no better way to discover the Eyre Peninsula’s abundant wildlife and pristine landscape than with Gawler Ranges Wilderness Safaris (www.gawlerrangessafaris.com ).

Run by a passionate team of South Australians who have lived in the Outback most of their lives, Gawler Ranges Wilderness Safaris has specialised in customised wildlife and natural history tours for over two decades. Based 600 kms north west of Adelaide on the Eyre Peninsula, itself the size of Tasmania, they focus predominantly on the Gawler Ranges and the immediate coastline.

Their base camp, located at Kangaluna near Wudinna, is set in a beautiful bush location on the edge of Gawler Ranges National Park and is itself the ideal spot for wildlife spotting and nature viewing, not to mention star gazing and planet spotting. With cloudless, pollution-free skies it is easy to be overawed with the night sky vistas.

Accommodation at Kangaluna Camp is provided in large 7×5-metre luxury tents, each with two rooms, a queen and two single beds, private shower and toilet facilities. The curved roof collects rainwater and circulates a cooling breeze. Dinner is taken as a group in the open dining room and, for those who wish to enjoy a real Outback experience, sleeping under the stars in swags can also be arranged.

Gawler Ranges Wilderness Safaris adheres to the‘ leave only footprints, take only photos and memories’ philosophy, so tour groups are small, between two and six people travel in luxury four wheel drive, air-conditioned vehicles.

The diverse terrain of the Ranges comprises arid, semi-desert and volcanic landscapes complete with spectacular gorges and rocky outcrops, gibber plains, vast salt lakes, dunes and Aboriginal rock art.

It is transformed into a blanket of wild flowers in the spring and boasts over 100 species of birds, plus an abundance of kangaroo (three species), emu and wombat populations.

Each tour has numerous highlights – in the Ranges it is possible to see southern hairy nosed wombats between March and October, whilst at Baird Bay sea lion pups are happy to play freely and spontaneously with swimming visitors.

Dolphins are also known to spend up to an hour frolicking with humans in the balmy waters.

Other highlights include vast Lake Gairdner with its glistening white salt pan set in the red landscape; the chance to watch endangered southern right whales from the top of spectacular Bunda Cliffs at the Head of the Great Australian Bight; going in search of wedge tailed eagles or rare yellow foot rock wallabies; and visiting unusual volcanic rock formations dating back 1,500 million years.

Geoff Scholz, founder, owner, chief guide and head chef, is himself an accomplished photographer and as such is particularly experienced at helping photographers and film makers get the best shots, whether it be a wildlife portrait or a stunning sunrise or sunset landscape shot.

The best time to travel with Gawler Ranges Wilderness Safaris is between October and May.

For further information on South Australia

(www.southaustralia.com)

Nine-time world surfing champion Kelly Slater comes to IMAX and other giant-screen theaters in early February with the premiere of “The Ultimate Wave Tahiti,” shown in both 3D and 2D formats.

For those hoping to get an early look at the action and Tahiti’s beauty in director Stephen Low’s film, the distributor has launched a new website, www.ultimatewavetahiti.com , as well as releasing the trailer and poster art for the upcoming feature.

According to Mark Kresser of K2 Communications, Inc., the website includes an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the two-year production and provides an insight to the many challenges faced by the crew.

It also paints a personal picture of the relationship that developed between Slater and his Tahitian surfing partner, Raimana Van Bastolaer, as they tackled Teahupo’o, considered one of the most difficult waves in the world. “So much of the film is a human interest story as the local Tahitian community plays host to Kelly’s quest for the perfect wave,” said Kresser.

At the core of the film is wave-formation science that helps the viewer understand the genesis and growth of waves like Teahupo’o that deliver the highest energy density of any renewable resource.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provided scientific consultation for the film and will be creating film-related outreach activities to communicate messages related to the care and protection of the world’s oceans.

“The Ultimate Wave Tahiti,” which will premiere Feb. 8 at the Los Angeles Science Center IMAX Theater, is produced by The Stephen Low Company in association with K2 Communications and havoc Television. Underwriting and marketing for the film was provided by Suzuki, Tahiti Tourisme, and Quiksilver.

For more information, visit www.tahiti-tourisme.com

Sonoma County on Jan. 1 will debut new self-guided vineyard tours, allowing visitors to experience one of the world’s premier wine regions in an educational way.

Developed by the Sonoma County Winegrape Commission (SCWC), the new Sonoma Vineyard Adventures are currently being offered at four wineries including Mantanzas Creek Winery, Paradise Ridge Winery, Balletto Vineyards and Mauritson Winery.

Visitors will gain an in-depth understanding of the grape-growing process by exploring the vineyards and tasting the wine cultivated there.

Each tour, less than a mile in length, is designed for all ages.

Guests will receive a detailed guide of each vineyard with points of interest that are clearly marked along the route.

Sonoma Vineyard Adventures are free and available year-round.

Tasting fees may apply.

The 2010 pilot program will gradually expand to include additional wineries in the coming years.

For more information, visit www.SonomaVineyardAdventures.com

After a construction period of 19 months, the Royal Spa Kitzbühel Hotel opened as the only hotel in Tyrol to have been accepted into the Leading Hotels of the World.

The five-star luxury hotel features 144 rooms and suites and offers direct piste access to the Kitzbühel Alps ski area.

The Mountain Health Spa’s natural environs determine the treatment sequence. Project developer and owner of the hotel is a subsidiary of PORR Solutions Immobilien und Infrastrukturprojekte GmbH and Ambo GesmbH, which invested 70 million euros ($102 million) in the construction.

“The Royal Spa Kitzbühel Hotel is opening just in time for the start of the winter season in one of the most famous ski regions in the Alps. The direct access at Jochberg near Kitzbühel to the linked ski region speaks for the excellent location of the new hotel,” said Rudolf Tucek, CEO of Vienna International Hotelmanagement AG.

The skiing begins directly in front of the hotel, with no ski-shuttle necessary and no need to carry skis.

The 100 miles of piste and 54 modern lift facilities offer a varied skiing experience for skiers and snowboarders of all skills.

In the summer, guests can play a round of golf on one of the many golf courses in direct proximity to the hotel.

The hotel has its own driving range or, in the event that the weather doesn’t cooperate, in the in-house real-image golf simulator.

The hotel features 123 deluxe rooms and 20 spacious suites, as well as a Presidential Suite, all with views of the surrounding mountains.

The architecture stands out for its modern elements in combination with traditional Tyrolean style.

For seminars and events, the Royal Spa Kitzbühel Hotel offers six conference rooms with a green sun terrace and enough space for up to 420 people.

For more information,

call 011-43-1-333 7373 35

or visit

www.kitzbuehelroyalspa.com/en

Hard Rock International and Palace Resorts plans to open the Dominican Republic’s first Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Punta Cana.

Opening in spring 2010, the 1,800-room property will combine Hard Rock’s distinctive atmosphere with the guest experience of the five-star Moon Palace Resort.

Set on 121 acres, the property will combine Hard Rock’s signature “Rock Star” suites with Moon Palace Resort’s luxurious accommodations, complete with double Jacuzzis and double showers.

The re-branded property will be fully equipped and able to handle large-scale music performances, while providing an intimate experience for small shows. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana will feature more than 65,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space and come fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

Guests will also be able to enjoy 11 expansive pools, four swim-up bars, and a kid’s pool and lazy river.

For more information, visit www.hardrockhotels.com

Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) recently launched a new mobile website, which stands out as one of the most comprehensive ski mobile sites on the web.

The new site, www.m.ColoradoSki.com , contains a up-to-date and breaking information on each of CSCUSA’s 22 member ski areas, and quick access to Twitter and Facebook postings from CSCUSA and its member resorts.

Mobile users will find snow totals that can be sorted by resort, road conditions specific to the Colorado roads connecting to ski areas, and information on special events and deals at resorts. Contact information for each ski area’s information desk, lift ticket office, rental shop, and ski school is also available, as well as parking instructions for each resort.

Users will be automatically re-routed to the site when accessing Colorado Ski Country’s main website from a mobile device.

Integration of social media to the site is perhaps the most unique attribute of www.mColoradoSki.com.

Site users can click on a Twitter link that instantaneously displays the four most-recently posted tweets from Colorado Ski Country USA.

Other links to Twitter feeds directly from CSCUSA member resorts can give users up-to-the-minute information on whichever resort they may be visiting.

The site also contains links to each resort’s Facebook page, allowing guests to become “Facebook friends” with the resort they are visiting as they ride the lift. CSCUSA partnered with web-design and marketing firm Internet Honey to create the site.

For more information, visit www.ColoradoSki.com

Sailport Waterfront Suites, Tampa’s first all suite select service hotel, unveiled a new multimillion-dollar renovation that includes an expanded sand recreation area, which includes sand volleyball court, tetherball, a horseshoe pit, and ring games area; Adirondack chairs, tiki umbrellas and BBQ grill.

The property also has a pier, large heated pool, white sand sunning beach and the Sunset Deck, perfect for larger social gatherings. Located on Rocky Point Island, near Tampa International Airport and the Westshore Business District, the hotel has new one-bedroom “Business Suites” featuring office workspace and ergonomic amenities.

As with all of Sailport’s units, they feature living, kitchen and dining areas.

Besides the Business Suites, the hotel offers one-bedroom and two-bedroom/two-bath suites along with Family Suites featuring bunk beds for small children. Renovations just completed also include the addition of flat-screen televisions in select units, luxury beds and bedding, modern cabinetry and appliances, new furnishings, tile flooring and bright textured walls.

Another enhancement of particular benefit to business travelers is the free high-speed wireless Internet access in all rooms and throughout the property’s public areas and grounds.

Sailport features additional amenities that are well-suited to accommodate longer stay guest, including a well-stocked 24-hour Ships Store where food, sundries and other items can be purchased; on site laundry facility; and complimentary covered parking.

The hotel also provides guests with complimentary transportation to and from Tampa International Airport, International Plaza Mall, Westshore Plaza Mall and area restaurants. Sailport offers daily, weekly and monthly rates.

For more information and reservations, call 800-255-9599

or visit www.sailport.com

The Riu Enotel is set to receive guests in Porto de Galinhas in April 2010. Riu Hotels & Resorts will open the property as its first entry in the Brazil market.

The new five-star Riu hotel is 2.5 kilometers from Porto de Galinhas on the country’s northeast coast, 60 kilometers from Recife Airport, and will receive guests as of April 2010.

Located on the beachfront and ringed by tropical gardens, the hotel has two outdoor swimming pools, a children’s play area and a mini-club for the family’s youngest members.

The hotel will have 348 spacious rooms that include double rooms, junior suites, superior junior suites and suites.

They will be equipped with a mini-bar, satellite TV, an electronic safety deposit box and wireless Internet connection.

The hotel’s culinary offerings are complemented by 24-hour all-inclusive service.

Guests will be able to enjoy a main restaurant with a terrace and several theme restaurants featuring Brazilian, Italian, Portuguese and Asian specialities.

Guests can relax and sample Riu cocktails in the lobby bar, poolside bar, swim-up bar, snack bar and barbecue bar on the beach. Riu’s cuisine will include varied buffets with live cooking and special evenings with theme buffets.

Snacks and drinks will be available round the clock.

Guests can enjoy a spa with a wide array of treatments, sauna, massages, indoor swimming pool, hydromassage bath, beauty salon and hairdresser, as well as a gym.

The Riu Enotel will be offering a wide range of activities and entertainment programs.

An activities program for children ages 4 to 12 will be offered every day and there will be another program for adults. Guests will be able to enjoy shows and live music several times a week.

As for sport, guests will have at their disposal two tennis courts, table tennis and beach volleyball.

Furthermore, guests can enjoy scuba diving, surfing and other water sports in the vicinity of the hotel.

The resort’s facilities will also include a shop, computers with Internet access and wireless Internet in the lobby.

The 4,000-square-meter Riu Enotel will also boast a convention center with 12 conference halls that can hold up to 1,500 people.

Porto de Galinhas is a very popular tourist destination thanks to its scenery, crystal-clear waters, fine sand, palm groves and sunshine all year round. Furthermore, it is the ideal place for unwinding and enjoying water sports such as surfing and scuba diving.