Jetsettersblog

Alila Diwa Goa’s opening this month brings an exquisite new resort experience to Majorda Beach in South Goa.

Alila Diwa Goa’s opening marks the debut of the much-loved luxury boutique Alila Hotels and Resorts brand in India. In line with Alila’s practice of constantly seeking meaningful channels to give back to the local community, Alila Diwa Goa will donate INR 3,000 to the Fr. Basilio Andrade Memorial Higher Secondary School in Majorda for every booking of any of its three “Gift to Share” opening specials packages – Invigorate, Indulge and Involve.

The Invigorate package includes a three night accommodation, daily breakfast and return airport transfers.

The Indulge package is in addition designed for a romantic interlude with a champagne welcome, a candlelight dinner and a private beach picnic during your three nights’ stay.

The Involve package will be delightful for a family holiday as it provides complimentary use of the resort’s Kids Club, daily family cook-in session and a 3-hour babysitting service.

The Gift to Share packages are valid for bookings from 3 January to 30 April 2010.

This initiative by Alila Diwa Goa has been thoughtfully created with the hope of providing better education and training in hospitality, and ultimately bringing about employment opportunities to the students in the locality.

Fr. Basilio Andrade Memorial Higher Secondary School is an arts and commerce school which was started in 1990 by the Diocesan Society of Education.

It includes a vocational catering and restaurant management stream that provides training opportunities for disadvantaged youth from Majorda and surrounding villages.

Alila Diwa Goa’s donations will contribute desperately needed funds for improving the school’s standard of education as well as its infrastructure and facilities such as training kitchens.

To make a reservation, please email diwagoa@alilahotels.com  or phone +91 832 2746800.

About Alila Diwa Goa

Alila Diwa Goa is sited in South Goa along the coast of the beautiful Majorda Beach with panoramic views of vast verdant paddy fields leading out to the Arabian Sea. The resort is also perfectly located just 20 minutes from Goa Dabolim International Airport.

Alila Diwa Goa blends contemporary Goan architecture with the magic of Goa’s cultural richness to create a stylish and relaxing environment that remains true to the destination.

At the heart of the resort is an endless infinity pool that extends out into the paddy terraces. Its rooms and suites are designed for quiet indulgence with an amazing bath experience, luxury bedding and a private terrace to take in the picturesque setting.

The resort is complemented with a family entertainment zone that includes a theatre and children’s activity centre, and a comprehensive event centre which is equipped with a ballroom, meeting rooms and a large outdoor lawn that can accommodate up to 300 persons.

About Alila Hotels and Resorts

Alila Hotels and Resorts offers a stylish, relaxing environment with a new level of guest experience continuously redefined by the latest developments in design and living. Alila fashions uniquely different lifestyle concepts in creating luxurious destination experiences for its guests.

The Alila Experiences are centered on building unique “emotional moments” between the guest, the hotel and destination.

Alila Villas are luxurious yet sustainable developments in some of the most naturally spectacular locations, offering an unprecedented level of private space, contemporary design and architecture, personalized hospitality and lifestyle journeys inspired by respect for the local destination. Please visit www.alilahotels.com for more information about our current hotels and resorts.

Currently, Alila is continuing to develop exciting new hotels and resorts in China, India, Laos, Oman, Thailand and Vietnam.

Get the price of a pint in virtually any country, with the help of travel specialists Round the World Experts. Whether it’s a knees-up in New Zealand or a Thailand tipple, you’ll need to know the cost of that crucial resource – beer.

Now you can, with the Global Beerometer on BEER at this link.

Just enter the country of your chosen session, and instantly see in £ Pounds how much it will cost.

The Global Beerometer can be used to help plan a stag do or for the real lager lovers – a beers of the world global tour!

Using information from the Beerometer, Round the World Experts can reveal the cheapest beer destinations. These are:

1. Delhi: 0.50p a pint
2. Siem Reap: Cambodia: 0.69p a pint
3. Rio De Janerio: 0.75p a pint
4. Phanom Penh: 0.76p a pint
5. Buenos Aires: 0.84p a pint

In London the average pint will cost you £3.20, while in Dubai a pint will set you back an eye-watering £4.18.

Robyn Simper, Marketing Manager, Round the World Experts said: “Sometimes the simple things on holiday can make a real difference. Knowing how much you are likely to spend in each destination on a round the world trip is an important part of the pre-trip planning.

Our Beerometer is a simple tool that can help travellers budget in advance and head for the places that offer the best value for money.”

Round the World Experts www.roundtheworldexperts.co.uk

 provides personal advice and recommendations on all aspects of a round the world trip, from flights and insurance, to hostels, hotels adventurous excursions, and now, beer. The Round The World Experts consultants are widely travelled and have a wealth of knowledge and are dedicated to finding the best travel deal for any destination on any budget.

The Sunshine Coast’s newest waterfront holiday precinct comes alive this summer offering the perfect place to stay, play and dine.

Bulcock Beach enjoys stunning scenery overlooking the northern tip of Bribie Island and Pumicestone Passage with the jagged Glasshouse Mountains as a natural scenic backdrop.

The esplanade area has enjoyed an $8.5 million makeover that complements a seaside promenade, boardwalk, parklands, landscaped gardens, stunning resorts and alfresco dining.

All with picturesque views and within walking distance of the Caloundra central business area.

Known as “The Waterfront – Caloundra’s Boardwalk”, the precinct includes nearly a dozen choices to tempt the palate including English-style pub and restaurant The Penefathings Inn, Italian restaurant La Dolce Vita, Hog’s Breath Cafe and The Coffee Club Cafe Bar Restaurant. And for popular dining favourites Tides Waterfront Dining, Mooo Char + Bar and Wung Nam Thai Water Palace their scenic outlook is now better than ever.

Adding to the contemporary flavour is the recently opened $90 million Rumba Beach Resort & Spa, designed to achieve a five star rating. Situated directly opposite the white sands and tranquil waters of Bulcock Beach, Rumba sits in one of the most desirable positions in all of the Sunshine Coast.

The Waterfront Caloundra is also set to become a twilight zone for all the family with the staging of special Friday evening markets during  January.

The twilight markets will be located along the Bulcock Beach Esplanade from 4-9pm between Otranto Avenue and Minchinton Street on Friday, December 18 and Friday January 8 and 15.

The markets offer the opportunity to combine seeing the natural beauty of the location with the chance to browse among a diverse range of art and craft stalls, abundant choice of high-quality, locally-sourced produce, and gourmet foods while listening to some great music.

The Waterfront Caloundra is certainly the place to be these holidays.

For great deals on where to stay and what to see and do visit www.caloundratourism.com.au  or phone 1800 700 899 to speak to a local.

Hamilton Island Yacht Club has opened its doors to visitors and members. Designed by renowned Australian architect, Walter Barda, alongside famed yachtsman, Iain Murray, it is already being dubbed the ‘Opera House of Queensland’.

Its iconic architectural design is a result of Bob Oatley’s vision to create a building of world-class significance on the island that he has owned since 2003. Housed under a billowing sail-shaped copper roof, the venue promises to be a centre for lifestyle as well as yachting, with first-class dining and leisure facilities.

Walter’s use of timber and smooth lines continue the yachting theme throughout the building, even down to the beautifully carved hull-shaped door handles in the Bommie Restaurant, the Yacht Club’s signature restaurant.

Open to the public and with sweeping views of the marina and Dent Passage, this restaurant hosts a menu featuring contemporary Australian cuisine created from fresh local ingredients and serves dinner, lunch and brunch.*

It takes its name from the shallow, isolated and colourful reef patches found in the waters surrounding Hamilton Island.

Short for the Australian Aboriginal word ‘bombora’, these bommies provide a haven for tropical fish to feed and play, but also present a challenge to yachtsman, who must remain vigilant to their presence.

Walter took his inspiration for the long deck extending from the Yacht Club from the Horn of Plenty.

The Bommie Bar at the end of the deck is open every day, providing light snacks and drinks and is an especially magical spot from which to view the famous Whitsunday sunsets. The neighbouring flag deck hosts a flag mast with an extraordinary history.

Once the mast of maxi yacht, Bumblebee IV, line-honours winner of the 1979 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, it was recovered from the bottom of Sydney Harbour after a particularly challenging race.

Since then, it has rested peacefully in the warehouse of well-known skipper, Sid Fisher, and owes it’s revival to Murray, who thought it a fitting addition to the racing start line of the new club, of which he is Commodore.

Yacht Club members have access to an exclusive level of the building, hosting a private restaurant and library. In addition, there is a members’ health club which includes a lap pool running along the lower length of the Horn of Plenty deck.

The building also houses extensive conference, function and wedding facilities.

A collection of 35 luxury villas have been built adjacent to the Club as part of the development. Barda’s vision for these four-bedroomed villas was to capture an informal ambience and beauty that makes the most of the unique setting of the Dent Passage waterfront.

A handful of villas remain for sale with prices starting from $2.8 million. Each villa owner will be granted a Founding Membership to the Yacht Club.

Sandy Oatley, Chairman of Hamilton Island, commented, ‘The Oatley family was originally drawn to Hamilton Island through our passion for sailing and it seems fitting to recognise the Whitsundays’ reputation as one of the World’s great sailing regions with the building of this Yacht Club. We expect the creation of the Yacht Club to further cement Hamilton Island’s status as a centre of international boating excellence.’

The Yacht Club was ceremonially opened by Queensland Premier, Anna Bligh, during Audi Hamilton Race Week in August. This occasion also marked the opening of the Hamilton Island Golf Club on neighboring Dent Island.

This 18-hole championship course is the only course on its own island in Australia and is already proving popular with guests. The development of the Yacht Club, Golf Club and Villas are part of the Oatley family’s ongoing investment in the island since their purchase in 2003. During this time, over $300 million has been spent enhancing the island’s infrastructure and facilities.

For more information about the Yacht Club visit www.hamiltonislandyachtclub.com.au

for the Yacht Club Villas visit www.hamiltonislandyachtclubvillas.com.au

and for the Golf Club visit www.hamiltonislandgolfclub.com.au

*Dinner is served from Wednesday to Sunday, lunch from Wednesday to Friday and brunch on Saturday and Sunday

latest in Luxury Conference and Incentive Venues

Château Élan is set to be Australia’s finest golf and spa resort located just 90 minutes by car from Sydney in the heart of the Hunter Valley.

On 12 February 2010 the resort will open as the most luxurious conference and incentive venue yet, encompassing five flexible conference rooms,n premium dining, lavish accommodation for up to 200 guests and a Greg Norman designed golf course.

The five conference rooms will offer state-of-the-art spaces in which to do business for groups from 3 to 330, as well as the sort of ‘wow factor’ that can only come from a luxury resort in prestige wine country.

Of these, the new Carriage House will be unique. Constructed from sandstone cut by convicts in 1834, this striking venue featuring gables and gothic windows will offer an exclusive facility for executive retreats and strategy planning meetings.

And be spoilt for choice with accommodation ranging from Spa Suites, Spa Kings and One-Bedroom Spa Villas.

Air access is also possible with flights from Queensland and Melbourne into Newcastle Airport, an easy 50 minute drive from the Resort. Or sweeten the incentive by flying your group by helicopter, landing directly onto the Vintage’s private helipad.

Château Élan is offering a great value introductory accommodation and conference rate to celebrate its launch:

• Stay in a Spa King from $227 per room mid-week including breakfast
• Conference day delegate package for $75 per person
Valid from 12 February 2010 to 31 May 2010. All rates quoted are GST inclusive.

A range of team building activities are also available to complement your conference or incentive:

1) Wine Blending – $35 per person

So you think you know your wines…but do you know how to make great tasting wine? May the best team win! In this Wine Country inspired team-building event you will compete with your colleagues to blend the best wine!

2) Play 18-holes of golf for $75 or 9 holes for $45 mid-week

Château Élan’s Greg Norman designed course, home to the NSW Open, is a Par 71 course 6,310 metres in length and featuring signature bunkers and water traps – designed to challenge even the best. *Hire of clubs are additional

3) Treat yourself to a luxurious massage for $139 Experience Château Élan’s 60 minute massage in the destination treatment spa

According to CEO Erik Stuebe, “I believe there won’t be anything to rival the conference experience at Château Élan at The Vintage. We’re bringing together cutting-edge spaces together with a luxury resort destination and the beauty of the Hunter Valley.

It’s the ultimate place in which to do business, forge relationships and relax.”

To book your next function or conference contact:

Rachel Michael, Events Manager on P 02 4998 2219 or E rmichael@thevintage.com.au

On 11 November, the new website dedicated to Château Élan at The Vintage went live. We invite you to visit www.chateauelan.com.au for full details on Australia’s finest golf and spa resort, located in the beautiful Hunter Valley. Both the website and the resort are under development: check for updates and images as we get closer to the grand opening in February.

About Château Élan at The Vintage, Hunter Valley, NSW

Château Élan at The Vintage is Australia’s finest golf and spa resort. It is located in the heart of the Hunter Valley.

Offering a luxury escape for up to 200 guests, the resort comprises a spa with 18 treatment rooms, 20 super-luxury spa suites and a series of private lifestyle villas.

The $30m development, just two hours north of Sydney, will open in February 2010.

It has been co-conceived by the group behind Château Élan in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Vintage is the Hunter Valley’s premier residential lifestyle community.

At its heart is a Greg Norman-designed course which is ranked #2 in New South Wales and host of the NSW Open.

The Vintage has bar, conference and full dining and catering facilities; the Clubhouse is home to the renowned Legends Grill restaurant.

For more details, visit:

www.chateauelan.com.au

Korea’s Seoul Palace Hotel, will join WORLDHOTELS as a First Class Collection affiliate from 1 January 2010.

The upscale 4-star hotel has a prime location near the COEX, a world-class exhibition and convention venue in Gangnam, Seoul’s business and financial hub.

It overlooks the Han River and is conveniently located next to the Express Bus Station and subway station.

Seoul Palace Hotel opened in 1982 and has remained competitive through continuous renovation and outstanding service, including a recent contemporary design renovation of all public areas, restaurants and ballrooms.

It features 280 elegant rooms and suites, which are all being refurbished from next year to 2012, including a traditional “Ondol” suite.

Dining and entertainment includes two signature restaurants – the authentic Kyoto-style Ta Bong Japanese restaurant and Suh Goong Chinese Restaurant, specialising in spicy Sichuan cuisine – plus international buffet The Goong, lounge style bar TWOTONE and a bakery-CozyBox.

Eleven private dining rooms and banquet halls accommodate from 10 to 1,000 guests for all leisure and business needs.

Extensive leisure facilities include a health club, Finland-style sauna, sports massage center, indoor golf driving range and outdoor jogging track around the hotel.

“As the hotel business motto implies, Seoul Palace takes meticulous care in service, treating guests and welcoming back regular customers like family,” said Roland Jegge, Vice President for WORLDHOTELS Asia Pacific.

“Rates are highly competitive and banqueting facilities for the MICE market are extremely flexible and impressive.”

Seoul Palace General Manager Mr. Jhong-Bae Lee added “We consider our personal service and convenient location our greatest assets. We look forward to extending our hospitality worldwide through our partnership with WORLDHOTELS’ state-of-the-art distribution and global marketing network.”

Seoul Palace Hotel’s address: 63-1, Banpo-Dong, Seocho-Gu, 137-804 Seoul

Get a taste for the high life with a stay at the Four Seasons Fairways, an exclusive private members club in Portugal’s elegant golfing haven, Quinta Do Lago.

Golfers, nature lovers, water sports fans and sun seekers flock to this exclusive hideaway in the Algarve, just twenty minutes drive from Faro airport. Synonymous with privacy and elegance, Quinta Do Lago spans 2,000 acres bordering the Atlantic Ocean and the beautiful Ria Formosa Natural Park.

The streets are lined with million pound mansions, many of which are home to famous residents.

But you don’t have to be a millionaire to sample the lifestyle. With a unique blend of hospitality and privacy,

Four Seasons Fairways provides an accessible private villa ownership experience with understated luxury; a safe, trusted and accessible base from which to explore the privileged area of Quinta Do Lago and all of its attractions:

• Outdoor activities: Many activities are on offer in the region including horse riding, sailing, windsurfing, tennis, wine tasting (visitors can even try Sir Cliff’s grape) but the area is most famed for its first class golf courses which have attracted both the Portuguese Open and many international tournaments.

• World class Golf courses and facilities: Holding a privileged position on the Top 25 rated golf courses in Europe; the golf courses of Quinta Do Lago are maintained to the highest standards, each offering a golf academy, putting greens, club houses and driving ranges dotted with lakes, water features and colourful manicured gardens.

Four Seasons Fairways can advise on the best golf course to suit a guests needs, arrange lessons and organise transport.

Four Seasons Fairways guests are entitled to reduced green-fees for the majority of the courses, discounts varying between 15%-52% off the rack rate.

• Ria Formosa Natural Park: The tidal inlet area of the Natural Park has been recognized as a habitat for rare and endangered species of migrating and nesting birds. Ria Formosa is also home to a wide variety flora and fauna with two nature trails perfect for walkers and bird watchers to soak up the natural beauty of the area.

Located at the heart of Quinta Do Lago, Four Seasons Fairways is a collection of luxury villas and apartments nestled into the lush green manicured gardens.

Each villa and apartment offers a real ‘home from home’ experience with private pool or jacuzzi, fully-equipped kitchen and dining room, spacious living room with wi-fi connection and up to three bedrooms.

The Fairways Club House is also on hand providing 24/7 service, a golf office, gymnasium with personal training and golf power training, indoor and outdoor swimming, tennis, spa, salon and on-site restaurant.

Welcoming guests of all ages and nationalities, the resort offers a selection of membership options including short term holiday stays for weekends or weeks, club shares and flexi-time shares for those that fall in love with the area and want to invest in a private villa experience.

For further information on Fairways Four Seasons visit www.fourseasonsfairways.com

With the recent opening of Hotel Hermitage, Casares, a new boutique hotel concept is born as the first in a series of three hotels planned to embody the same idea of Luxury in Nature.

Opened in November 2009, the Hotel Hermitage, Casares offers a taste of luxury along with 21st century creature comforts in an unspoiled corner of blissful Andalusian countryside.

Commanding magnificent birds eye views across wooded countryside to the Mediterranean, the Rock of Gibraltar and the exotic outline of Morocco’s Atlas mountains beyond, visitors to Hotel Hermitage Casares can enjoy a taste of rustic charm with all the style and service expected of a modern, boutique hotel establishment.

5-Star Service, 3-Star Price Tag

No expense has been spared on the decoration of the recently opened Hotel Hermitage.

Respecting the environment, the hotel occupies three buildings, designed around existing trees, the hotel has an ample swimming pool and plenty of places of natural beauty in which to kick back and relax.

With its elegant rustic salons, simply oozing style, an attractive, champagne hued restaurant with panoramic views to the Med, a bijou bodega, and adjacent meeting room – for business coaching or company incentives, Hotel Hermitage offers a range of hotel facilities way beyond those expected of a 3-star establishment.

15 Stylish Suites & Rooms with a View

Behind the discreet, rustic wooden doors are eight suites and seven double rooms, – whose names take inspiration from local species of tree, including the alcornoque, olive and pinsapo – offer comfort and style.

The attractive rooms and suites are unique variations on a unified design theme featuring sumptuous beds, with luxurious monogrammed linens and comfortable sofas and armchairs. Facilities include a built-in safe and well-stocked mini bar with premium brands.

Five of the suites have their own romantic fireplace, and several rooms lead directly out to a small private garden.

Flat screen TV screens, quality furniture and bathrooms befitting 5-star hotels –with branded bathrobes, toiletries and slippers, the rooms at Hotel Hermitage Casares offer exceptional value. Take the Presidential Suite, for example.

With two separate bedrooms, a huge terrace and large lounge with fireplace, this top-of-the-range-suite sleeps up to 4 adults and one child at an affordable 295€/night including breakfast.

One of the key features of Hotel Hermitage are the special terraces enjoyed by each and every one of the rooms and suiites.

From petite and cosy to spacious and grand, each terrace offers guests a private and peaceful haven from which to appreciate the extraordinary views and tranquil ambience. Sit back with a good novel and enjoy a chilled fino and a few slivers of jamón, or a full-blown dinner for two. Room service is at your beck and call.

Gourmet’s Delight

The Celima restaurant at Hotel Hermitage is a gastronomic gem.

The establishment has secured the services of Gonzalo Gutierrez, a top executive chef whose impressive career has seen him head up the kitchens of the Meliá Hotel group in the Caribbean, as well as the prestigious Casino de Aranjuez.

Gutierrez has devised a tantalizing repertoire of dishes based on the freshest local Mediterranean produce, including fruits, vegetables and herbs from the hotel’s own kitchen garden, and local game specialities. Gourmet evenings, such as the  8-course gala dinner, wine tastings and special seasonal menus are sure to be a key attraction of this chic, country hideaway.

A superb three-course lunch menu is available every day, Monday to Friday for just 14€ per head, including VAT.

Complete with a cosy lounge bar with an open fireplace, a TV room, and all the latest travellers’ must-haves including complimentary wi-fi, and parking and 24- hour room service, the Hotel Hermitage Casares is already winning over clients with its personalized, bespoke approach.

Catering to All Tastes

Visitors seeking an authentic Andalusian experience can revel in walks and hikes through the unspoiled Casares countryside, go horseback riding or jump on a mountain bike and explore the quaint nearby town, one of the region’s legendary “white villages.”

Beach lovers will find the coast just 12 kilometres away, while golfers have a handful of the best courses in Europe within a few miles’ radius of the Hermitage – Finca Cortesin, new home of the Volvo World Matchplay is just 4 kilometres away, while Sotogrande, Manilva and Casares courses are all close at hand.

The delights of the international resort of Marbella are within a twenty-minute drive from the hotel.

Introductory welcome offers include a double room, including a complimentary bottle of cava and breakfast for two for just 85 euros, VAT included.

Hotel Hermitage Casares, Paraje de la Celima s/n, Ctra de Casares MA8300, km 10, Casares, Spain. Tel: 952 895639

www.hotelhermitage.es

Star Ferry cruise – Immerse yourself in Hong Kong’s festive atmosphere
Iconic, economical and enjoyable, a cruise on the Star Ferry is the best way to enjoy Hong Kong with all its lights.

Enjoy the wind in your hair as you view the lights from both the Kowloon and Island sides of the spectacular Victoria Harbour, before venturing to the city’s big shopping malls to enjoy the giant decorations, shopping and dining.

www.starferry.com.hk

Introducing the recently opened Chalet Balthazar, Villars, offering luxury chalet- style accommodation with personal five star concierge.

Based on site, the bi-lingual English owners are on hand to provide essential advice and make any necessary arrangements to ensure a stress free ski-break.

From organising logistics of ski hire, passes and lessons to arranging skidoo rides to mountain refuges, from arranging a baby sitter, masseur or private chef, nothing is too much trouble. What’s more, their wealth of insider knowledge will help guests get the best out of their holiday.

Situated in pole position, in the heart of Villars ski resort, Chalet Balthazar is only a two minute walk to the ski train (so early risers can be first on the slopes) and just a stone’s throw from nearby shops, bars and restaurants.

It offers mountain lovers a luxurious, but affordable holiday in the ultimate home-from-home environment. Comfortably furnished in chalet chic style featuring rustic wood interiors and real log fires, there are spacious balconies to enjoy the stunning mountain views and underfloor heating throughout. The ensuite bathrooms feature deep baths and power showers, designed to soothe aching muscles, while Superkingsize beds and goose feather bedding guarantee a good night’s sleep. After a hard day’s skiing, guests can relax with the latest audio visual entertainment, including 40” flat screen TVs, DVDs, Sky+, Wii, iPod docking stations and free wifi service.

Available for weekly, monthly, seasonal or yearly rental, Chalet Balthazar’s prices are very competitive and start at £1,500 per week for the larger apartments and £450 per week for smaller apartments.