Jetsettersblog

Essential Italy are delighted to add this fantastic villa – with amazing grotto – in Puglia to their portfolio for 2010.

Villa San Michele / Ceglie Messapica / Puglia
http://www.essentialitaly.co.uk/villa-san-michele.php
Sleeps 8, 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms

Villa San Michele’s original building dates back to 1300 and has been newly renovated in a fabulous mix of antique and contemporary furnishings which gives a very special feel throughout the property.

This Masseria sits in an impressive five acres of land with the grounds planted with indigenous trees providing wonderful harvests of almonds, olives, walnuts, mulberries, figs and lemons.

The swimming pool is approximately 40 meters from the house along with sunbeds and an external shower – the perfect place to while away the day in the warm Pugliese sunshine.

Hidden in the extensive grounds is a large natural limestone grotto, which is an impressive 52 metres deep. There is some evidence that the cave has been occupied by humans since neolithic times and it is known that the cave was inhabited from the 7th century AD by Byzantine monks who had escaped persecution in Constantinople.

Descending into the first part of the stalactite covered grotto is a large altar hewn out of the solid rock complete with a fresco of the Virgin, which studies have shown to be the oldest in the province of Brindisi, dating from the 8th century AD.

Directly above the altar is a well-preserved fresco of Christ and another of San Michele, both of which date from the 11th century.

Throughout the Villa San Michele, the original stonewalls have been carefully exposed giving a wonderfully organic atmosphere.

Entry is into a large hallway with a beautiful vaulted ceiling and an open fireplace. A spacious and comfortable sitting room with a truly impressive double-height vaulted ceiling provides ample space to relax! Leading off the lounge is a large vaulted ‘Cantina’ – originally used as a store room but now an open plan dining area and kitchen with outside doors leading to the al fresco dining area with a wood burning oven and barbeque.

Price: £2440 – £4270 per week

Location: nearest beach ‘Diana Marina’ 21kms, Ostuni 11kms, Martina Franca 19km, Alberbello 34km, Bari airport 94kms, Brindisi airport 42kms

Hullett House – Heritage meets luxury

Rediscover old Hong Kong this Christmas at the luxurious, newly opened Hullett House.

Situated in the colonial white-stucco former Marine Police Headquarters, the 10-room Hullett House is Heritage listed and the city’s first authentic boutique hotel.

Five restaurants and bars, luxury retail outlets and a performance area for traditional and modern celebrations guarantee a memorable stay.

Address: 2A Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 3988 0000
www.hulletthouse.com
Hyatt Regency Hong Kong opens in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui

October 2009 saw the re-opening of Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui re-energized in a new location but retaining the spirit and qualities of the much-loved former hotel.

By updating nostalgic favourites and veritable Hong Kong institutions like Hugo’s, the Chin Chin Bar and The Chinese Restaurant, the hotel continues the legacy of the former Hyatt Regency Hong Kong.

The opening of Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui completes the trio of Hyatt properties in Hong Kong, joining the legendary Grand Hyatt Hong Kong in Wan Chai and the Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Sha Tin, which opened earlier in 2009.

Address: 18 Hanoi Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: + 852 2311 1234 Email: hongkong.tsimshatsui@hyatt.com
www.hyatt.com

PAMPERING

Fish pedicure – Let Doctor Fish revitalise those aching feet

Experience a relaxing Doctor Fish exfoliation treatment for your feet. Originating in the Middle East, the Doctor Fish treatments are renowned for their ability to find and feed on dead or damaged areas of the skin surface, leaving the skin of your feet feeling softer and smoother after the treatment.

Address: 6/F, On Lee Commercial Building, 37 Cameron Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Tel: (852) 2316 7999
www.kisskissfishspa.com.hk

Special spa treatment and helicopter package – Pamper yourself this festive season

Pamper yourself this festive season and revitalise your body, mind and spirit with a luxurious facial or body treatment at The Peninsula Spa by ESPA before climbing aboard The Peninsula helicopter and soaring above the city to get a bird’s eye view of Hong Kong dressed in magnificent Christmas lights.

Address: The Peninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: (852) 2366 4251
www.peninsula.com

Celebrity Chef, Jamie Oliver is planning to open his first Italian family-style restaurant in Hong Kong early next year! Watch this space for more updates…

Launch of the 2nd Edition of the Michelin Guide Hong Kong – Macau 2010
The new 2010 edition features 245 Hong Kong restaurants, including:
3 stars – 2 restaurants
2 stars – 8 restaurants
1 star – 32 restaurants

The Four Seasons Hong Kong excelled particularly scoring the highest with newcomer to the 2010 edition this year, Caprice joining Lung King Heen in the 3 star category!

Wooloomooloo – Enjoy views that will take your breath away!

Located on the 31st floor rooftop of The Hennessy, in Wanchai, the Wooloomooloo Steakhouse offers a 270-degree panoramic view of the harbour, Happy Valley racecourse and Hong Kong’s magical Christmas lights.

Treat yourself to a sumptuous festive meal at Christmas or on New Year’s Eve and take home memories that will last a lifetime!

Address: 31/F The Hennessy, 256 Hennessy Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2893 6960
www.wooloo-mooloo.com

Le 188° Restaurant & Lounge – View Hong Kong as the angels do!

Floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides offer a 188-degree harbour view from the top of the Harbour Grand Hong Kong. Savour modern European and seafood delights in a romantic, intimate setting. Enjoy high tea while viewing sunset over Hong Kong’s stunning skyline.

Le 188° Restaurant & Lounge is also the ideal location to view Hong Kong’s dazzling Christmas lights and New Year’s Eve pyrotechnic displays.

Address: 23 Oil Street, North Point, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2121 2688
www.harbour-grand.com/en/hong-kong/fine-dining/le188.html

Bistecca – Hong Kong’s First Authentic Italian Steakhouse

Hong Kong’s first authentic Italian steakhouse, modeled after an old-fashioned butcher shop, has opened in the heart of Lan Kwai Fong in Central. Bistecca, Italian Steak House oozes rustic charm in a unique atmosphere for serious steak and wine lovers with dangling meat hooks, carving tables and a custom-built fridge displaying sides of prime beef. Drawing the rustic steakhouse traditions of Northern Italy, Bistecca’s specialty is house-cut and dry aged Porterhouse steaks, a feature of the world’s best steakhouses, prominently displayed in the open kitchen and authentically char-grilled over a wood fire.

The menu is complemented by classic antipasti, fresh pastas, seasonal salads, sumptuous seafood, a selection of grilled specialties and indulgent desserts.

With its sophisticated design, exquisite cuisine and cellar brimming with delicious Italian wines, Bistecca sets the standard for classic dining in Lan Kwai Fong – Italian style.

To make reservations at Bistecca, please contact:
Tel: (852) 2525 1308
Email: info@diningconcepts.com.hk  or on www.diningconcepts.com.hk

Bistecca, Italian Steak House is located at 2/F Grand Progress Building, 15-16 Lan Kwai Fong, Central, Hong Kong.

Taku – New Japanese opens on Elgin street, Soho
Taku, meaning ‘home’ in Japanese is a small, yet cosy boutique Japanese eatery, reminiscent of a traditional shop-house found in the small alley-ways and older neighbourhoods of Osaka and Kyoto.

Enjoy the freshest Sashimi and Sushi, Yakimono and Tempura, and be sure to try the home-made Tofu.
http://www.taku.com.hk/
35 Elgin Street, SoHo, Central, Hong Kong
T. 2545 9966 F. 2545 9977
soho@taku.com.hk
Open Daily
12:00pm – 11:00pm

Watermark – Hong Kong’s premier waterfront dining location
Located at Central’s Star Ferry Pier and providing a 270-degree view of Hong Kong’s leading attraction, Victoria Harbour, the Watermark offers an international menu, including dry-aged beef and seafood selections, set amidst an elegant indoor setting comprised of teak, marble and glass, plus a spacious outdoor deck, for your dining and viewing pleasure.
Address: Central Pier 7, Top Level, Star Ferry, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2167 7251
www.igors.com

Initiatives introduced to help fund conservation of unique whale shark habitat

Luxury resort Diva Maldives has become a flagship supporter of the recently designated FenMaaDhiguRan, the Maldives’ first fully regulated, and largest, Marine Protected Area (MPA) – home to a globally significant population of whale sharks, not to mention some of the world’s finest dive sites. The first resort located within the MPA to commit to backing the pioneering conservation project with fundraising initiatives, Diva Maldives has introduced a voluntary gratuity charge scheme enabling guests to actively contribute to the conservation of the whale sharks and their habitat.

A tropical paradise on one of the archipelago’s largest and most beautiful natural islands, with four kilometres of pristine white sand and lush tropical greenery flanked by a crystal clear lagoon, Diva Maldives enhances the picture postcard Maldivian idyll with the elusive luxury of space, and the liberty of choice.

The introduction of the voluntary gratuity charge scheme underlines Diva’s commitment to protecting the whale sharks and their habitats, while helping the new MPA to generate improved business, education and employment opportunities for the local community.

Established following successful lobbying by the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme conservation charity, the MPA was officially designated by the Republic of Maldives government in July 2009.

The MPA is 42km in length and, through proper regulation and educational community initiatives, will protect important habitats and species in this area from threats including overfishing, unregulated tourism and pollution, and help the local community to protect their natural resources for future generations.

Following the announcement that Japan’s capital Tokyo has now leapt ahead as the ‘world’s best place to eat’ with eleven Michelin three-star restaurants, diners heading to Japan’s old capital Kyoto, will equally not be disappointed when they dine in the ancient city as Hotel Okura Kyoto has proudly announced that In the Michelin Guide 2010, Hotel Okura Kyoto and its restaurant Awata Sanso were both awarded honours in their respective categories.

Hotel Okura Kyoto was awarded 4 out of 5 Red Pavilions, making it the highest-ranked hotel in Kyoto, whilst Awata Sanso, a restaurant in a different part of the city but under the same management as the hotel, which specialises in Kyoto kaiseki cuisine (traditional Japanese multi-course dinner) and was awarded 1 Michelin star.

Hotel Okura Kyoto is conveniently located in the heart of Kyoto and is suited for both business and leisure travellers. It provides a tranquil setting within an urban environment, dedicated to its guest comfort and relaxation.

Okura Hotels and Resorts was founded in 1978 and today has 22 hotels, 17 in Japan and five worldwide, with the Hotel Okura Amsterdam the group’s only European property. www.okura.com/hotels/kyoto

The latest news round up from Tourism Western Australia includes information on fantastic new tours, including an underground adventure tour and an indigenous look at Perth plus upcoming events in Western Australia.

New Swan River Dreaming tour launched
Rottnest Express and Indigenous Tours WA has launched a new Indigenous experience, Swan River Dreaming, allowing guests to experience Perth’s Swan River and King’s Park through the eyes of traditional landowners. On board the Eco-Express, guests are taken back thousands of years to a time in the Dreaming when giant serpents owned the blue seas and gods walked the red earth. The boat trip is followed by a walking tour of King’s Park, which includes practical bush skills and botanical medicine knowledge, for a unique insight into the traditions and spirituality of Aboriginal people. Prices from $50 adult, $25 for children. www.rottnestexpress.com.au/swan-river-tours/

Join the biggest Australia Day celebrations
26 January
Perth hosts the biggest Australia Day celebration in the country, with between 300,000 and 400,000 people flocking to the city river foreshores and vantage points to enjoy the stunning views of the Skyshow, a spectacular musical firework display which explodes over the Perth cityscape. The foreshore in South Perth and leafy Kings Park are two of the best vantage points.

Other celebrations include a free concert featuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists performing music across a range of genres including hip-hop, soul, contemporary, funk and traditional Aboriginal dance in Perth’s Supreme Court Gardens. Free. www.ausdaywa.com.au

Shark Bay World Heritage  Drive

Shark Bay on Australia’s Coral Coast, is ranked alongside the Galápagos Islands and the Great Barrier Reef as one of the few places on earth which satisfies all four of the natural criteria for World Heritage listing. A new 130 kilometre drive has been created which links all of Shark Bay’s highlights which have earned the region its world heritage status into one easy self-drive tour. These include the Hamelin Pool stromatolites, the world’s oldest living organisms, Shell Beach, made entirely of tiny white shells, Monkey Mia, famous for its wild dolphins which visit the beach every morning as well as Eagle Bluff where you can spot dugongs, manta rays and turtles in clear turquoise waters. www.sharkbayworldheritagedrive.com.au

Explore Australia’s underbelly

A new underground adventure tour has been launched in Kalgoorlie, in Australia’s Golden Outback, which takes you 72 metres underground into a pitch black mine shaft. Experience firsthand the nail biting working conditions of a 19th century miner through one of Kalgoorlie’s oldest gold mines. With only a tiny light on your helmet crawl through what is still considered to be the richest vein of gold ore in the world. $50 adult, $30 children. www.mininghall.com

The new Indiana on Cottesloe Beach unveiled

The Indiana Tea Rooms set on the edge of the sand at iconic Cottesloe Beach has undergone a makeover, emerging as the Indiana, a ‘beach house’ bistro.

A new casual-beachwear-cafe area on the northern side, complements the bistro environment in Indiana’s other dining areas. Both offer unrivalled views of the sun setting into the Indian Ocean. www.indiana.com.au

Cow parade comes to Margaret River
1 March to 30 June

In 2010 the Margaret River region will become the very first region to host the famous art event. One hundred artists will transform life-sized fibreglass cows into ‘moo’ving’ pieces of art, which will be exhibited around the wineries, forests, beaches and seaside towns of the Margaret River region, known for its creative flare. Since its inception in 1997 over 50 cities across six continents have hosted the CowParade bovines, including London, Paris, Moscow, Cape Town and Tokyo.

CowParade is the world’s largest and foremost public art event, capturing the hearts and imaginations of hundreds of millions of people around the world over the past 10 years.

It is predicted to lead to a 15% increase in visitors and a boost of AUD$ 25 million to the local economy. www.margaretriver.com/pages/cowparade-2010

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Hyundai Hopman Cup, Perth
2-9 January 2010

Discover one of the biggest tennis events on the international circuit – the Hyundai Hopman Cup. Held in Perth at the Burswood Dome, this unique and attracts the world’s best male and female tennis players. In 22 years, the tournament has attracted 21 world number one players.

Taste Great Southern
25 February – 1 March 2010

Indulge your taste buds with the bounty of food and wine from Western Australia’s Great Southern region including Albany, Denmark and Mt Barker. Foodies will love the master classes, tasting events, long table luncheons, and farmers’ markets.

Sculpture by the Sea in Cottesloe
4-23 March 2010

Cottesloe Beach will once again be transformed into a sculptural wonderland for the annual Sculpture by the Sea. The free outdoor art exhibition will include over 60 works of art from a host of local, national and international artists placed amongst the sand, sea and grass terraces of Perth’s most popular beach.

Channel 7 Crab Fest Mandurah
6-7 March

Held on the Mandurah foreshore, this two day event celebrates the area’s gastronomic delights and features live cooking demonstrations, local produce stalls, a water carnival and free concerts, culminating with a firework spectacular in Mandjar Bay.

Drug Aware Margaret River Pro
15-21 March

The big surf of Margaret River has attracted the world’s best surfers to compete in this WQS 6-star prime rated men’s and women’s event held at Surfers Point. Check out surfing’s elite Mick Fanning, Joel Parkinson and Taj Burrows to name a few during the day, and dance the night away at the Pro’s MASS (Music Arts Surf Style) Festival each night.

Abu Dhabi – Rotana the leading hotel management company in the Middle East and North Africa announced the opening of Park Rotana Abu Dhabi, the luxurious 5-star hotel which has entered the Abu Dhabi hospitality market and recently welcomed its first guests.

Park Rotana Abu Dhabi is one of key elements of Park Rotana Complex – a multi-use business and residential development being a joint venture between Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), a master developer of major tourism destinations in Abu Dahbi, and Al Mada Tourism Investment Company.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Omer Z. Kaddouri, Senior Vice President –Operations UAE of Rotana said: “We are very proud to be managing this superb complex, which will be a true landmark in the area and a key component in the exciting development plan that the Government of Abu Dhabi has for this new neighbourhood. The future expansion of Abu Dhabi is simply stunning and Rotana’s plan is to be a key player in supporting the Government’s drive”.

Adjacent to the hotel is Park Arjaan by Rotana representing fully serviced hotel apartments due to open by the end of 2009. It is the first project for Rotana in Abu Dhabi where the group’s two brands are joined together under one address and the properties being set within the multi-use complex.

“It is great to see our partnership with Al Mada Tourism Investment Company brought to life through the launch of Park Rotana Complex Abu Dhabi.

This accomplishment is a testament to the strength of our relationship with Rotana and we look forward to a long-term partnership.

TDIC has undertaken a number of high profile joint ventures with leading institutes and hotel chains from across the globe, all of which support the goal of realising Abu Dhabi’s full tourism potential,” explained Lee Tabler, Chief Executive Officer of TDIC.

Exhibiting colourful and vibrant exteriors, Park Rotana and Park Arjaan by Rotana Abu Dhabi are the city’s new trendsetters for contemporary luxury.

Their strategic location in the Eastern part of the city and proximity to its entrance gate is the key. Both properties are conveniently nestled around major capital’s landmarks and are on crossroads to Abu Dhabi city centre, Dubai and Al Ain.

The Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre is 10 minutes away while Abu Dhabi International Airport is only 20 minutes drive. They are also just a stone throw from Khalifa Park embracing its calm and tranquillity.

Mr. Sascha Bartz, General Manager of Park Rotana & Park Arjaan said:

“Park Rotana Complex will appeal to business and leisure travelers alike from the local and international markets.

With its key location coupled with outstanding facilities and services I am confident that the complex will be well received in Abu Dhabi and the region in general. At Rotana, we pride ourselves on our level of service and quality and we hope the opening of this landmark property will continue building on the group’s already strong reputation in the region”.

About Park Rotana Complex

Park Rotana Abu Dhabi is an ideal address for business travellers and city breaks. Its deluxe accommodation comprises of 318 luxurious rooms and suites with some of them offering stunning views over Khalifa Park.

The diverse culinary experiences are represented by world class dining venues including Teatro – signature restaurants & bar; Cooper’s – a traditional gastro pub; Ginger All Day Dining; ParKafe Lobby Lounge and opening in 2010 Amador – a restaurant brought by 3-Michelin stars German Chef Juan Amador.

The needs and requirements of discerning business travellers are met with specially designed Club Rotana concept offering personalized and attentive service.

Conference & events facilities of Park Rotana Abu Dhabi consist of 6 meeting rooms and spacious ballroom with day light access and outdoor terrace. The property can accommodate various types of functions from small company meetings of 20 people to gala dinners of 500 guests.

Opening by the end of 2009 Park Arjaan by Rotana Abu Dhabi brings a new edge of contemporary living. Its “home away from home” concept perfectly meets the demands of both long-term guests and families.

The luxurious accommodation is represented by 172 furnished and serviced hotel apartments including studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom suites with living spaces ranging from 45 to 170 sqm. All units are equipped with up-to-date technology & facilities. The residents of Park Arjaan can benefit from a full access to the dining, meeting, banqueting and recreational facilities of adjacent Park Rotana Hotel for a complete living experience.

The guests of Park Rotana and Park Arjaan Abu Dhabi can stay fit and relax with modern recreational facilities including fully equipped gym; temperature controlled outdoor swimming pool; 6 spacious treatment rooms; steam & sauna; a floodlit tennis court.

World Travel Guide –

the inspirational information website for independent travellers – has published its newly designed ski guides in time for the winter season.

This comprehensive collection of 84 ski guides has been expanded to include everything the avid skier needs to know before hitting the slopes.

New features includes: up-to-the-minute weather and five day forecasts, the latest snow reports, details on the number of runs for beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers, ski lifts information, and resort facts.

Inspirational content provides an insight into each resort, from what to expect on the slopes, piste maps, après ski hotspots, accommodation suggestions, transport information and activities to enjoy beyond the slopes – perfect for planning your next ski holiday.

World Travel Guide’s Ski Guide Editor, Caroline Cullern, says:

“With our newly improved design, our comprehensive ski guides offer all the facts any skier or boarder could need in a snapshot, as well as inspirational tips to help plan the perfect ski holiday.”

http://www.worldtravelguide.net

Up on Level 5 of Meritus Mandarin, regarded as the ‘heart’ of the hotel, guests have been sighted expressing their wonder at the art installation that suspends above the lobby. Some stop in their tracks. Others point and stare. Many walk around it in circles, mouths agape and eyes alit with amazement.

Panoramic Matrix 2009

Specially designed by Singaporean-born artist, Dr. Suzann Victor, for the hotel, the installation is made up of 90,000 carefully positioned crystals.

Its western-sounding name – Panoramic Matrix 2009 – masks the fact that the installation actually portrays a traditional Chinese landscape.

Mountains reminiscent of those in Huangshan (a mountain range in the southern region of the Anhui province in eastern China), intersperse with a Chinese pavilion, cranes in flight and groves of bamboo.

Such scenes are typically presented using the medium of Chinese ink painting. But rather than a two-dimensional piece of art, Dr. Victor decided to inject a unique twist and bring it to three-dimensional life.

Using just four different coloured crystals – clear gold, silver shadow and champagne – strung onto more than 3,000 strands of monofilaments, and with the help of computing software, she created the double-layer, elliptical-shaped Panoramic Matrix 2009.

Clear crystals make up 70% of the installation, while the remaining three colours each make up 10%. The crystals are crimped into place, fixing them at exact locations in the installation.

What results is an exquisite, ethereal composition, lending an aura of tranquil sophistication to the ambience of the lobby.

Lit by spotlights, the entire installation scintillates and sparkles to provide a spectrum of rainbow colours.

Panoramic Matrix 2009 offers a contemporary interpretation of the Chinese hand scroll. While this classical art form is traditionally unrolled by hand for close viewing, one section at a time, the elliptical shape of the installation presents a seamless Chinese landscape already “unrolled” in all its splendour.

It is suspended 2.75m above ground and has an oval configuration, thus providing a sensuous form in the otherwise geometric lobby space.

In the tradition of Asian art

Meritus Mandarin has always placed an important emphasis on its Asian heritage.

Since its inception, it has displayed art pieces rich in Asian flavour. Sensitive to the hotel’s tradition, Dr. Victor thus decided to create a piece that was aligned with this, albeit with a modern twist to it. In doing so, it would also serve to complement the contemporary design of the lobby.

Unique features

Panoramic Matrix 2009 is a first in a new series of works that will be included in a major retrospective show at the Singapore Art Museum, planned for 2011. Its unique features include:

 Cyclical experience: Because of its elliptical shape, it lends a sense of never-ending continuity, taking the viewer through a cyclical experience of space and time.

• Double-sided surface: The installation has no right or wrong perspective. Whether the viewer is viewing a section of the installation from within the hollow of the ellipse, or outside of it, it remains intact with each side a mirror image of the other. This is reminiscent of the famous double-sided embroidery from Suzhou, China.

• Manipulating perspective: Unlike the single focal point perspective of Western painting, there is no one position to view the installation.

Due to gaps in the composition, the synthesis of space and time allows different parts of the landscape to be visually available at the same time.

• Frame and narrative: The installation is designed with two tiers of crystals place 10cm apart.

The outer tier is composed solely of bamboo groves and clusters, while the inner tier contains the rest of the landscape. The desired effect is one of peering through the foliage to discover the sweeping scenery.

• Parallax effect: As the viewer moves towards or away from the artwork, the two tiers of crystals appear to part or intersect.

• Kinetic element: Thanks to the open spaces between each monofilament of crystals, and the spacing between each crystal, it allows for air to pass through it creating a kinetic movement of ripples and waves.

• Craft technology: The installation makes use of craft and computation to bring the original concept into fruition. Using computer software, Dr. Victor was then able to position each crystal at a precise location therefore creating the landscape as it is seen.

• Dots: The employment of dots in Art is something that is a recurrent theme throughout its history. By creating a landscape using crystals, which act as three-dimensional dots, the installation creates a tension between the sculptural and the traditional two-dimensional pictorial medium that dots are portrayed in.

The Mira Hong Kong is proud to receive the China travel industry accolade “Best New Business Hotel” at the Travel Weekly China Travel & Meeting Industry Awards 2009. Recently launching after spending US$65 million on its transformation,

The Mira Hong Kong is now fully geared to provide superb hospitality services to both business and leisure travellers alike.

The Travel & Meeting Industry Awards is organised by Travel Weekly China, a leading trade publication in the Chinese travel industry published by the Reed Business Information Asia.

The Awards have enjoyed wide recognition among industry peers since its debut in 2002.

The Awards are given to winners who received votes from the panel judges as well as online industry votes. More than 800,000 readers of Travel Weekly China, as well as travel buyers, participated in the poll in addition to a distinguished panel of judges which included 20 top industry specialists from every segment of the travel and tourism industry.

“Congratulations to The Mira Hong Kong, which has been awarded ‘Best New Business Hotel’ at the Travel Weekly China Travel & Meeting Industry Awards 2009.

There was keen competition this year and The Mira Hong Kong was able to win over all of the other new business hotel candidates, showcasing its strength is such a competitive segment. May I congratulate you once again upon your success on behalf of the Travel Weekly China.” said Group Publisher of Reed Business Information Asia, Liz Lee.

“On behalf of The Mira Hong Kong, it is a great honour to be widely recognised for our new establishment and the high levels of service and hospitality to which we are committed. We are delighted that The Mira Hong Kong is seen as the best new business hotel choice for corporate Chinese travellers.” said Dirk Dalichau, General Manager of The Mira Hong Kong.

About The Mira Hong Kong

“Mira” signifies a giant, red star in the constellation of Cetus.

It means “foresight” in Spanish and “perfection, peaceful and prosperous” in Latin. With such a directional name, it is anticipated that The Mira Hong Kong will soar, prosper and shine.

Centrally located on Nathan Road in Tsimshatsui, The Mira Hong Kong is situated in the heart of Hong Kong’s commercial, shopping, dining and entertainment district. Located close to the local Mass Transit Railway (MTR), railway stations and the Star Ferry, the hotel connects easily to all parts of Hong Kong. Adjacent to The Mira Hong Kong are a retail promenade of branded boutiques, large-scale shopping malls, bargain outlets and upscale eateries.

MiraSpa, set to be opened in November, will be a 21st century new spa concept managed by the hotel. Complemented by the indoor infinity-edge pool and fitness centre, the spa will encompass 18,000 square-feet of total fitness, beauty and wellness.

www.themirahotel.com