Jetsettersblog

Following upgrades and investments in recent years, including enhancements to guestrooms and suites, meeting space and public areas, Hyatt Regency Istanbul announced its conversion to Grand Hyatt Istanbul from December 1, 2009.

The brand change aligns the property with the other 34 Grand Hyatt hotels around the world, recognised by international travellers as leading properties in major gateway cities and international resort destinations.

Grand Hyatt hotels worldwide are grand in scale and service. Known for their dramatic architecture, innovative dining options, state-of-the-art technology, spa and fitness centres, and comprehensive business and meeting facilities, Grand Hyatt hotels are places to enjoy, socialize and entertain.

Customers of Grand Hyatt are experienced individual business and leisure travellers.

“Our property in Istanbul reflects all the elements of a Grand Hyatt hotel, based on its luxurious setting, excellent service and dining, and its renowned Hyatt Pure™ Gaia Spa,” said Gebhard Rainer, managing director of Hyatt Hotels & Resorts – Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

“As expansion of the hotel continues into 2011 with the restaurant slated for renovation,” Rainer added, “Grand Hyatt Istanbul will prove to be similar in its scope and services to our Grand Hyatt properties around the world.”

Mr. Jiri Kobos, general manager of Grand Hyatt Istanbul, said that the hotel’s new status will create a fresh emphasis on employee training to ensure the delivery of customer service with precision.

“Above all,” said Kobos, “I believe that providing authentic hospitality is what makes a Grand Hyatt worthy of its name. We are known for extensive training and we will place even greater emphasis on protocol and perfection with our new products and services.”

Airfarewatchdog, which researches airfare deals, is telling travelers to consider travel insurance and be aware of unforeseen snafus that could potentially force them to re-purchase their original tickets and shell out even more cash when needing a hotel room for an unexpected layover. Scenarios to consider include strikes, a flat tire on the way to the airport, or being detained by the TSA. Airfarewatchdog names insurance policies that cover such unforeseen events, which could cause you to miss a flight. The full guide includes the three largest U.S. travel insurance providers.

For more information, visit www.airfarewatchdog.com

Zagat and Zorn—Two Milestones In Uniworld’s Culinary Program

Uniworld Brings Master Chef Bernhard Zorn Onboard

ZAGAT Ranks Uniworld Tops in Dining

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises proudly announces two milestones in their Culinary Program. Uniworld hired a new Culinary Director, Bernhard Zorn, who holds the prestigious honors from the “World Association of Chefs Societies” as a Global Master Chef. With over 30 years of culinary experience, including creating culinary delights for passengers from six around-the-world cruises such MS Marco Polo, Crystal Harmony, Silver Cloud, MS Deutschland and Berlin, Chef Zorn will continue to evolve Uniworld’s Food and Beverage program to an even higher standard.

Uniworld has certainly set this standard high for Chef Zorn as Zagat, the world’s most trusted source for information about where to eat, drink, stay, and play around the globe, and as such has become a symbol of quality, just released the results of their first Cruise Line survey.

The survey, conducted on www.ZAGAT.com, covers 22 major cruise lines as voted on by 2,379 regular cruise-goers who had taken 9.5 trips, each averaging nine days. All told the surveyors had taken a total of 22,700 separate cruises.

Each line was then rated on Zagat’s signature 30-point scale for five aspects of its performance: (1) Cabins, (2) Service, (3) Dining, (4) Facilities, and (5) Shipboard Activities, with an “Overall Score” based on an average of the five separate ratings.

Uniworld was the only river cruise company to be ranked on the entire Zagat Cruise Survey, and received honors in the categories of dining and cabins, and as such, shares these honors with some of the premiere ocean cruise companies in the world, such as Silverseas, Crystal, Cunard, Seaborn, and Windstar.

“Uniworld is absolutely delighted to have been recognized by Zagat. The shared opinions of thousands of consumers who have taken more than one cruise reflects more realtisitic opinions than just one or two critics, and all of this is testament to where Uniworld continues to take the company,” states Guy Young, President of Uniworld.

”These recognitions we receive are only reinforcement for us to continue raise the bar on everything we do as evident with hiring Master Chef, Bernard Zorn, as Uniworld’s Culinary Director.

“There were many reasons for hiring Chef Zorn, and among those is his shared philosophy for passion and excellence in delivering a world-class product to our guests,” furthers Young.

Chef Zorn concurs and is delighted to be part of Uniworld and the direction the company is heading, “I do share Uniworld’s philosophy and passion.

“My goal is simple: When you bring passion to what you do and you pair that with great quality ingredients, you’ll always create the ultimate culinary experience.”

About Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Los Angeles-based Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, the premier river cruise company, was named to Travel+Leisure’s World’s Best Top 10 Small Cruise Lines; Condé Nast Traveler’s 2009 Gold List, their Readers’ Poll for Top 50 Small Ships, and their Readers’ Choice Awards for World’s Top 10 Small Ship Cruise Lines; and Cruise Critics Editor’s Pick 2009 for Best River Cruise Line, and Best New River Cruise Ship, River Beatrice.

Uniworld features intimate, elegant boutique, hotel-style cruise ships with an average capacity of 134 guests, an award-winning staff with a ratio of one staff member for every three guests, world-class cuisine, and expertly planned itineraries with custom-blended shore excursions. The company offers over 500 departures on more than 30 itineraries sailing on 11 rivers in over 20 countries throughout Europe, Egypt, and China.

For more information, please contact your Preferred Travel Professional. Call Uniworld at 800-733-7820 or visit www.uniworld.com

John and Kathleen Colless, owners of the 1,618 hectare Wetherby Station in Mount Molloy in Tropical North Queensland, have built a specially-designed arena to cater for visitors hungry to learn about the beef industry.

A working cattle station, Wetherby Station breeds high grade commercial Droughtmaster beef cattle.

The station’s show arena is often the first time many tourists have seen cattle up close and offers a glimpse at the modern day beef industry.

The history of Wetherby Station dates back to 1878, when it was one of the first properties to be founded in the Mount Molloy.

This genuine Outback experience offers guests the opportunity to learn about the property’s history, the Droughtmaster breed and cattle in general.

Groups from 10 to 400 can be catered for, with the station offering a magnificent location for a dinner on the lawns or on the homestead verandahs, a casual Australian-style barbeque or a rollicking bush dance.

www.wetherbystation.com

Australian independent publishing company Wild Discovery Guides (WDG) today launches an online magazine dedicated to nature-based travel and issues. It can be found at www.wilddiscoveryguides.com

DG founder Len Zell says the new website will have the same aim as their books – to stimulate readers imaginations, rather than satisfy their curiosity.

“As Wild Discovery’s motto, I believe it describes the aim of our books and our approach to travel, and to learning about this amazing planet we live on,” he says.

Zell established WDG to publish quality travel guides aimed at travellers with a keen interest in learning more about the natural world in the destinations they visit. Each guide contains detailed information on the geology, habitats, history, natural features and a guide to flora and fauna of the region covered.

Wild Discovery Guides magazine will carry news and feature stories relating to the natural world, including environmental and conservation issues. Travel journalist and author Lee Mylne is the site’s online editor.

Drawing on his 35 years of experience as a marine biologist and naturalist, Zell will write a regular opinion column with the aim of fostering debate about issues affecting the state of the world.

In his first, he likens climate change denial to a fast-moving ship – “unstoppable, long-running and loaded with most of the people of planet Earth”.

‘I have had the privilege of diving on coral reefs throughout the Pacific during the last 35 years and have seen the decline of diversity of up to 40 per cent on parts of the Great Barrier Reef and close to 100 per cent on others and it has shocked me,’’ says Zell, who is also the author of the Lonely Planet’s Diving & Snorkeling Great Barrier Reef.

There are four titles in the Wild Discovery Guides series. All are lavishly illustrated full colour guides. Two – Wild Discovery Guides Kimberley Coast, by Len Zell, and Wild Discovery Guides Shark Bay-Ningaloo Coast & Outback Pathways, by Len Zell and Susie Bedford – cover some of Western Australia’s most stunning regions.

Another is the award-winning Australia’s Great Desert Tracks Atlas and Guide, by Ian Glover and Len Zell, published as a joint venture by WDG with Hema Maps.

The line up also includes Wild Discovery Guides Australian Wildlife Roadkill, by Len Zell, which takes a quirky but very factual look at how to avoid, deal with and identify roadkill. It was shortlisted for a Whitley Award for a significant contribution to Australian zoology

More titles are currently in development for release in 2010.

Best Western International announced its debut in mobile offerings with the unveiling of its free iPhone application, titled “Best Western to Go.” Find and book reservations at more than 4,000 Best Western hotels in over 80 countries worldwide.

Create an itinerary and input addresses of attractions and restaurants. Once these have been entered, users can easily find their location using the app’s GPS-enabled map.

Capture and categorize favorite locations in specific destinations. Travelers can also upload photos and descriptions to remember the locale.

Stay connected with family and friends by sharing an experience, such as a lunch at a kitschy diner or a souvenir purchase.

Travelers can push this information directly from the app to their Facebook page, email or to other iPhone users. The “Best Western to Go” iPhone application marks a first for the World’s Largest Hotel Chain, which plans to launch applications for multiple mobile platforms in 2010 that cater to the growing number of travelers staying connected via smart phones.

Best Western plans to unveil multiple upgrades to its iPhone application throughout 2010, as well as introduce applications for other mobile platforms including Blackberry and Android.

The hotel chain will work closely with application users to incorporate helpful features that best meet their travel needs.

The free “Best Western to Go” iPhone application can be downloaded at either www.bestwestern.com/iphone  or www.itunes.com/app/bestwesterninternational

BTOA Offers Packages to Untouched Island Paradise

FERNANDO DE NORONHA, Brazil– Miles and miles of deserted white powdery sand beaches, exceptionally clear waters and pristine marine life draw visitors to one of the last untouched paradises in South America.

Some 200 miles off Brazil’s northeast coast lies the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, an ecological sanctuary for divers and ecotourists. Brazilian super models and movie stars flock here for New Year’s (Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem were sighted in August) when it’s best to book six months in advance.

But North American eco-travelers and dive enthusiasts can head here any time of the year.

To preserve this natural treasure 70 percent of the seven-square-mile volcanic island was declared a Marine National Park in 1998. Tourism is strictly controlled on this UNESCO Natural Heritage site to maintain the ecological balance and only about 500 visitors at a time can dive in its pristine waters, kayak with dolphins and snorkel with turtles.

For birders, Fernando has the largest concentration of tropical sea birds in the Western Atlantic.

Several of Brazil’s top beaches are among the 17 on Fernando de Noronha including Baía do Sancho, Baía dos Porcos, Praia do Leão and Conceição.

With 80-degree sea temperatures, underwater visibility of more than 150 feet and more than 200 species of fish, the island is Brazil’s top dive destination.

Three dive shops offer cave and free diving as well as expert instruction certified by all major diving agencies.

Visitor can stay in some 120 pousadas ranging from basic to charmingly rustic and boutique luxury – several with pools and many with stunning views of the sea. And everywhere – in the beach bars, on the catamarans and in the local clubs – is the infectious beat of the local forró music.

Members of the Brazil Tour Operators Association are happy to package Fernando de Noronha with other destinations in Pernambuco.

Lying on two miles of white sand beach, the state’s capital, Recife, has a laidback vibe that recalls the Miami Beach of yesteryear – and boasts some of the best restaurants in the country.

Next door is Olinda, a UNESCO World Heritage site with dozens of beautiful 16th and 17th century churches. Lining the town’s cobble stone streets are art galleries, restaurants, bars, boutiques and charming pousadas housed in centuries-old mansions.

Just down the coast, the warm crystalline waters of Porto de Galinhas draw surfers, divers and kite surfers.

This winter the members of the Brazil Tour Operators Association are offering some great packages to the island paradise of Fernando de Noronha.

“Ideal Fernando de Noronha,” a seven-day, six-night package to Recife and Fernando de Noronha offered by Just Brazil Vacations by Hotur includes airfare from Miami to Recife on American Airlines and from Recife to Fernando de Noronha on Varig or Trip, four nights at the attractive Pousada Zé Marina in Fernando de Noronha, two nights in Recife at the four-star Atlante Plaza, a cruise around the island, sightseeing tour of Olinda, full Brazilian breakfast daily, roundtrip airport transfers and hotel taxes.

Good  to March 30, the package starts at $2,898 per person, double occupancy. Contact: 1-877-468-8707 or go to www.justbrazil.com

VIP Tour Brazil has the “Luxury Honeymoon to Brazil’s Best Beaches and Bungalows,” package available to Fernando de Noronha and Porto de Galinhas from March 1 to July 1 for $4,300 per person, double occupancy. The nine-day, eight night package includes: four nights on the island at the boutique luxury Pousada Maravilha in an ocean-front bungalow and four nights in a Master Bungalow at the Nannai Resort in Porto de Galinhas, daily breakfast, four dinners, a half-day tour of Olinda, a half-day dune buggy tour of Porto de Galinhas and hotel taxes.

Call: 1-800-772-9188 or go to www.viptourbrazil.com

The “Divers’ Real Treasure” package, offered by Borello Travel & Tours’ provides five nights’ accommodations at Pousada Beco de Noronha in Fernando de Noronha with daily Brazilian breakfast, roundtrip airport transfers, two days of diving with a total of four dives including local transportation, ecological presentation and hotel taxes.

The six-day, five-night package is $925 per person, double occupancy and is available from January 1 to June 30, 2010. Call: 1-800-405-3072 or go to www.borellotravel.com

PanAmerican Travel Services is offering “Brazil’s Fantasy Island” a six-day, five-night package starting at $2,548 per person in a standard double. The package includes: air from Recife to Fernando de Noronha including taxes, five nights at the Pousada Ze’ Marina, daily buffet breakfast, a full-day diving excursion including snacks, roundtrip airport transfers and hotel taxes.

Available on select dates between February 1 and June 3 with prices from January 2 to 31 higher. Call: 1-800-364-4359 or go to www.panam-tours.com

These packages do not include the daily environmental tax which averages about $20 per person per day and must be paid on the island. And all packages are subject to availability with prices higher during holidays and Carnival.

The Brazil Tour Operators Association aims to raise awareness of its active members as Brazil travel experts and heighten visibility among North American travelers for all the destinations in Brazil.

BTOA’s 24 active members are: AAT American Adventure Tours; Abreu; Air Projects; American Express Vacations; Avanti Destinations; Borello Travel and Tours; Brazil Nuts Tours; Brazilian Vacation Center; BROL/Brazil Online Travel; Chanteclair; Cox & Kings USA; Discover Brazil Tours; Dumonde Travel, 4 Star South America Tours & Travel; Fredson Travel; Globus; HOTUR – Just Brazil Vacations; Marnella Tours; Pan American Travel Services; SITA World Tours; Skyline Travel Specialists; SouthAmerica.Travel; Tourlite International; Travel Impressions; VIP Tour Group, and Visit Brazil Tours.

Americans traveling to Brazil do need visas, and agents can learn more from the Brazil Tour Operators Association.

For more information on Fernando de Noronha go to www.noronha.pe.gov.br  and for more information on BTOA, go to www.braziltouroperators.org  or email admin@braziltouroperators.org

Rezidor Hotel Group announces the opening of its latest hotel in Egypt, the Radisson Blu Hotel Cairo Heliopolis

Rezidor Hotel Group has announced the opening of one of its most eagerly awaited flagship hotels, in the Egyptian capital, Cairo.

The new Radisson Blu Hotel, Cairo Heliopolis, is the company’s very first in this amazing city and signals the groups continued strategic expansion into emerging markets. This opening takes Rezidor Hotel Group’s operating portfolio in the Middle East & Africa up to 36 hotels and 9,000 rooms.

The new Radisson Blu hotel is situated in the elite district of Heliopolis, which is often referred to as Cairo’s “city of luxury and leisure”. Dating back to late 19th Century, this suburb was created for Cairo’s rich and famous, boasting a wide variety of highly sought after private and recreational clubs.

Located just 10 kilometres from Cairo’s teeming city centre, Heliopolis is a mere 2 kms from the international airport making the new Radisson Blu luxury hotel an ultra convenient base and an oasis of a destination in its own right.

Heliopolis was built at the end of the nineteenth century, when Cairo’s massive population explosion created a huge demand for luxurious accommodation within easy reach of the city.

Modern visitors flock to enjoy the fantastic range of restaurants, leisure facilities and nightlife – plus the cool and stylish ambiance – which seems a million miles removed from Cairo’s mayhem, noise and bustle.

A mix of modern development is lightly superimposed on a dense and impressive bed of history.

The Radisson Blu Hotel, Cairo Heliopolis is one of the most exclusive addresses in this most exclusive of districts.

Heliopolis is the home of Egyptian President and his impressive palace.

It is also home to many of Egypt’s most desirable, up-market leisure and sporting establishments, including the luxurious Heliopolis Club, which dates back to 1905.

This new addition to the Radisson Blu portfolio has 427 stylish guest rooms and 60 luxurious suites, with all the modern amenities expected of a world-class hotel.

The hotel has 7 stylish meeting rooms, featuring a large and elegant Ballroom – spanning 416 msq; two ultra modern breakout rooms, of 64 msq and 51 msq, along with an excellent range of facilities and equipment, making it the ideal location to host events.

There is also the award winning Italian restaurant and bar FILINI, glamorous 1122 Lobby Bar, all-day MIX restaurant with its fusion of Oriental and European cuisine, and the panoramic Nine Pool Bar.

Hotel guests and locals can expect the very best of all culinary experiences in Cairo.

About The Rezidor Hotel Group

The Rezidor Hotel Group is one of the fastest growing hotel companies in the world.

The group features a portfolio of more than 380 hotels in operation and under development with 81,700 rooms in almost 60 countries including luxury hotels in London, Luxury Hotels in Dublin and Luxury Hotels in Rome.

Manhattan is best explored on foot, stopping in a unique clothing store, checking out the menu of a restaurant, and going in a local bakery and smelling their wonderful desserts.

Bruce Scher is a native New Yorker and founder of Walking Tours Manhattan. He personally leads local food tours in the city’s most unique neighborhoods.

Enhance your traveling experience with visiting Zagat-rated shops and favorite essential restaurants New Yorkers frequent in Greenwich Village, Lower East Side, and SoHo/Little Italy/Chinatown.

And when your not busy eating, Bruce shows you the neighborhood’s must-see landmarks. A sampling of their 3 foods tours are below.

Greenwich Village Food Tour

Tour participants will visit the original Magnolia Bakery, the most famous cupcake bakery in the city. Hudson Bagel an independently owned New York institution for 7 years, with only 1 location, making a fresh, hand-rolled bagel with cream cheese. Surya Indian Restaurant on Bleecker Street broadens the international scope of the Village’s restaurants offerings with delicious vegetable rolls, a highly-rated Zagat choice. Joe’s Pizza, an institution on Carmine Street since 1974, always drawing big crowds ensuring the freshest slice in town.

Mamoun’s Middle Eastern Restaurant has been in business for over 30 years and knows the receipe for the best falafel served with a light and flavorful yogurt sauce. And saving the best for last, all the locals rush to Rocco’s for dessert, and their hand-piped cannoli.

In addition to the shops and restaurants above, you’ll visit New York University, Washington Square Park, Blue Hill Restaurant, where the Obama’s had dinner, and the Jefferson Courthouse.

SoHo/Little Italy/Chinatown Food Tour

Have a full lunch from 6 unique food places in 3 neighborhoods. Starting with Grandaisy’s made on premises zucchini pizza focaccia, Baltazar’s french style chocolate chip cookie, DiPalo’s fresh cheeses, plus soppresata, an Italian salami, and Ferara’s cannoli.

Then we’ll have Fried Dumplings, and Fay Da’s egg custard. SoHo is known for its high-end designer shops, Little Italy’s abundance of restaurants and Chinatown for discount shopping. 6 course lunch included in tour cost.

Lower East Side Food Tour

Have a full lunch from 6 authentic New York originals; a hot dog from Katz’s Delicatessen, Yonah Schimmel’s potato knish, Pickle Guys’ sour pickle, Kossar’s bialys, Sugar Sweet Sunshine’s cupcakes plus Doughnut Plant’s gourmet blackout with chocolate glaze.

This historic neighborhood chronicles the beginnings of immigration. Visit the still operational Streit’s Matzo Factory, Lower East Side Tenement Museum and more. 6 course lunch included in tour cost.

For additional information please visit; http://walkingtoursmanhattan.com

Map Link now offers EARTH, the most comprehensive – and largest – atlas ever produced.

EARTH is the ultimate statement of the planet as we know it. Weighing a massive 63 pounds with its leather-bound cover, gilded silver pages and silk-lined slipcase, EARTH combines spectacular photography, authoritative text, and detailed maps of every corner of the world. Only 2,000 copies will ever be produced, each of them signed and numbered.

Bill Hunt, Map Link’s President, noted that it is particularly gratifying to be able to offer this unique volume as the nations of the world debate the future of the earth in Copenhagen.

“This atlas is the result of thousands of hours of work by the foremost international cartographers and geographers.

They have produced the definitive snapshot of the world today in text, photos and maps.” EARTH has garnered top awards from two of the most prestigious international map and geography societies for its size content and design.

The enormous size of the atlas makes it possible to have extraordinary detail in the 576-page book.

It contains over 800 photos from the world’s best photographers, including four gatefolds that extend out nearly six feet.

Over 110,000 features are indexed. Measuring 18 by 24 inches and weighing 40 pounds, EARTH is a magnificent, gargantuan volume which only one person in 3.3 million will be able to own.

The printing plates have been destroyed for this luxury, limited-edition tome. Each book is delivered directly to its new owner, gently nestled inside a silk-lined leather-covered hardwood slipcase with a signed, numbered Certificate of Authenticity. And the price is equally extraordinary: $4,800 until next year, when the price increases to $5,800. The price includes shipping direct to each customer.

A select group of libraries, including The British Museum, the Library of Congress, HarvardUniversity and the University of California at Berkeley, ordered the atlas prior to publication. “We keep Earth displayed on a stand so the public can view it. It gets rave reviews,” reported Ed Redmond from the Library of Congress.

EARTH had been the long-held dream of publisher Gordon Cheers. He created Millennium House to produce this exceptional atlas and fought against those who thought that his vision of the ultimate atlas was impossible to achieve. International awards and public approval proved him right, however, as soon as the book was produced.

EARTH’s arrival in America today is timely as climate change accelerates and public increasingly turns to understand the world around us.

Map Link is North America’s leading distributor of maps and atlases. Stocking and selling tens of thousands of unique maps and atlases in its Santa Barbara warehouse, Map Link purchases the highest quality cartographic products from around the world and provides them to academics, retailers and the general public.

To find out more, please visit www.maplink.com.