Jetsettersblog

Brings Riverside Conventions To Life

The return of the Grand Ballroom of Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok last 05 November after a major 5-month renovation heralds the completion of a major phase of the Hotel’s US$60-million redelopment program.

Designed by U.S.-based Bilkey Llinas Design, the new Ballroom is taken from its previous conventional image to a vibrant 1,360 square meters of pillarless space, in a palette of yellow-cream and turquoise rich in Thai touches, paying respectful homage to the grace and beauty of Thai heritage.

The new Grand Ballroom brings riverside conferences, banquets and gala events back to life with a foyer boasting unobstructed views of the iconic teak pavilions of Salathip, lush tropical gardens, a shimmering pool and the passing parade of river life on the Chao Phraya.

Wilson & Associates, one of the top interior design firms, has chosen “flower” as the theme of the ballroom carpet.

Flower petals are used because they have a significant relationship to the Thai people in different occasions. Beside serving as gifts or presents, flowers are used in cooking, making garlands and decorations for temples and houses.

Thai people produce great flower arrangements on the Loy Krathong Festival. Lanterns made of banana leaves and colourful flowers are paraded at night.

The colourful flowers paraded during this festival further inspired the placement of the flower petals pattern within the ballroom just like those in the river — where the petals are more concentrated at one spot and more spaced out where they flow naturally to their desired spot.

Naturally, the background colour of the ballroom carpet represents the colour of the river with gradient shades of blue and green. The flower petals in the carpet are a golden yellow colour, representing the vibrant canclelight flowing on the river.

Silk paintings of lotus flowers complement turquoise green carpeting sprinkled with yellow petals, drawing the verdant gardens outside the ballroom into the interior space. Green is the colour of nature, fertility and life, and soothes the eyes. Meanwhile, yellow brings clarity and awareness, and inspires creativity and intellectual energy.

The pillar-free ballroom provides uninterrupted space focused on flexibility and functionality. Highlights include new technology, including a high-tech handy AMX Touch Panel that can reliably manage a complete audiovisual system at one touch.

This AMX Touch Panel allows convenient adjustment of audiovisual controls for both overhead and projector screens, microphones, sounds, and background music, lighting and the LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights. A key advantage to organisers of large conferences is the ballroom’s capacity to activate wireless high-speed Internet sufficient to support up to 700 simultaneous users, at no extra cost to their delegates.

Another new feature is the high quality LED lighting system, bringing the ceiling to life with coloured lighting moods customised to clients’ preferences. A range of effects from static and subtle or rich and dynamic can be programmed using 12 patterns of individual colours and effects. Moreover, the system allows individual control of each ballroom section, enabling functionality without affecting neigboring events.

An imporatant complement to the new Grand Ballroom are the Garden Rooms, a seamless flow of versatile Event Suites introduced recently at the Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok. Exuding the feel of a contemporary riverside villa, the Garden Rooms comprise 7 stylish areas which may be used independently or collectively. With modern technology and the timelessness of Shangri-La’s hospitality, these are sought-after venues for meetings, celebrations and important life events.

For enquires about and bookings for meetings, conferences and gala events, please call Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok’s Events Management department at (66 2) 236 7777, facsimile (66 2) 236 8570 or email slbk@shangri-la.com

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and/or manages 65 hotels under the Shangri-La and Traders brands with a rooms inventory of over 28,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services. Shangri-La hotels are located in Australia, Canada, mainland China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Philippines, Singapore, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. The group has over 40 projects under development in Austria, Canada, mainland China, France, India, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Qatar, Seychelles, United Kingdom and the United States. For more information or reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announces the opening of The Westin Pune Koregaon Park – the first of six new Westin Hotels to open in India over the next three years and the brand’s 25th Hotel in Asia Pacific.

The hotel is illustrative of Starwood’s overall growth in India with 24 existing hotels and plans to grow its footprint by 60 percent by 2012.

“As home to the world’s fastest growing population, India represents a significant opportunity for Starwood and our development partners,” said Frits van Paasschen, President and CEO for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

India makes up 21 percent of the world’s incremental growth, and by 2016, its population is expected to be larger than that of Europe, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Canada and the United States combined.

“Coinciding with its population boom is the rise of India’s middle class, which is driving domestic tourism growth. In this decade, disposable income in India has grown about 10 percent annually, and much of that is being spent on travel,” added van Paasschen. “By working to further establish relationships with travelers in this critical, high-growth market today, we are ensuring the success of Starwood tomorrow.”

In 2009, Starwood made meaningful gains in India with the debut of the Four Points by Sheraton brand in Mumbai and Jaipur. And looking ahead to 2010, Starwood will launch its Aloft brand in India, opening the first three of its six hotels in the pipeline.

“India’s dynamic and resilient economy makes it a highly attractive choice for further hotel development,” said Miguel Ko, Chairman and President of Starwood Asia Pacific. “India has a strong GDP growth rate, an established role as global hub for the outsourcing industry and the infrastructure to support travel to and within the country.

And with our plans to grow our footprint by 60 percent in the next three years, Starwood is well positioned to meet the pent-up demand for our lifestyle brands throughout India.”

While India is a growth powerhouse in and of itself, when combined with China, the implications for Starwood are even farther reaching.

“The potential numbers of new international travelers from India and China are staggering,” said Simon Turner, President of Global Development for Starwood.

“When you take a look at India and China, you have 40 percent of the world’s population, and between them, they are averaging 8 percent growth in GDP. Furthermore, by 2015, 400 million Chinese and Indians will have sufficient incomes to travel abroad – as a point of perspective that is seven times the number of international travelers who visited the United States last year.”

Westin Brand Fueling Growth in India

The opening of The Westin Pune Koregaon Park is the second Westin in India and follows The Westin Sohna Gurgaon Resort and Spa that opened in December 2007.

“These six new brand enhancing hotels will provide guests with the signature Westin experience they have come to expect at our 163 existing Hotels around the world,” said Don Elliot, Regional Vice President for Starwood’s India, Bangladesh and the Maldives region. “We look forward to continuing to grow throughout India and beyond to help ensure that Westin hotels are everywhere our guests want to be.”

The Westin Pune Koregaon Park

The Westin Pune Koregaon Park will offer 277 guest rooms and suites as well as the Westin Executive Club where guests have access to an open-air terrace. There are eight meeting rooms with 11,302 square feet of meeting and function space with state-of-the-art facilities.

The hotel features three restaurants including Seasonal Tastes, the all-day dining restaurant, and two specialty restaurant offering Italian and Indian cuisine. The hotel also features a WestinWORKOUT® fitness centre, an outdoor pool and the Heavenly Spa by Westin™.

The Westin Mumbai Garden City

The 269 room Westin Mumbai Garden City is located on the Western Express Highway, minutes from the Mumbai International Airport and the Film City. Overlooking the Goregaon Reserve, it provides a renewed perspective for business as well as leisure.

The hotel features Westin’s signature Heavenly Spa®, WestinWORKOUT® fitness centre and an outdoor pool. It has many distinctive culinary experiences, including an all-day- dining, Seasonal Tastes, a lounge bar, a poolside bar and restaurant, an Indian specialty restaurant and an Italian restaurant. With more than 9,688 square feet of refined meeting and function space and nine meeting rooms, the hotel provides for flexibility and choice with state-of-the-art facilities.

The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace

The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace is located in Raheja Mindspace IT Park, which is the new central business district also known as “Cyberabad” or “Silicon Valley” of India. The hotel features 428 guest rooms and suites, with three specialty restaurants offering all-day dinging, Indian and Italian cuisines. There is also a deli featuring Daily Treats and an on-site lounge and bar.

Along with WestinWORKOUT® fitness centre, outdoor pool and Heavenly Spa by Westin™, there is also a 14,000 square feet of refined space for energized meetings, conferences, weddings or gala social events.

The Westin New Delhi, Gurgaon

The Westin New Delhi, Gurgaon Hotel will feature 300 rooms, five restaurants, 17,500 square feet of meeting space, a 16,000 square foot health and spa centre, as well as upscale retail outlets.

Located strategically in Gurgaon, the emerging central business district of New Delhi, the hotel will provide travellers easy access to key convention and commercial offices.

The Westin Jaipur Infotech City

The Westin Jaipur Infotech City is located in the capital of Rajasthan – one of India’s most beautiful and popular destinations.

The hotel is part of the 320 hectare Vatika Infotech City development, featuring a retail mall, residential area, I.T. park and recreation centre. The hotel features 292 inviting guest rooms or villa suites, a full service business centre, wireless internet in all meeting rooms and public areas, nine flexible function rooms and more than 19,000 square feet of meetings space.

The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat

The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat is located in the capital of West Bengal, less than a kilometer from the proposed International Convention Centre. The 323-room hotel will feature three signature restaurants, an all-day-dining venue, and lounge bar and sports bar.

The hotel will also feature over 6,500 square feet of meeting space and WestinWORKOUT® fitness centre.

‘Glasgow’s Glamorous New Golden Girl’

“Scotland’s biggest city has shaken off its shroud of industrial soot and shimmied into a sparkling new designer gown” Lonely Planet Guide 2009

The former Royal Scottish Automobile Club, one of Glasgow’s most iconic buildings has been transformed into a luxurious five star hotel. Blythswood Square has opened its doors to the public this week.

The £25 million redevelopment of the landmark property has been carried out by Scotland’s stylish luxury boutique hotel group, The Town House Collection. Peter Taylor, Chairman of the group, said: “Our aim was to capture the glamour of a bygone era whilst showcasing the latest in designer styling as befits this vibrant and sociable city. We are absolutely delighted with the outcome.

“It has been our privilege to have the opportunity to restore this landmark Glasgow property into a contemporary hotel, retaining the unique features and personality for which it became famous.

“Like all projects of this nature the plan tends to change and evolve once it gets started. We are opening around 12 months later than originally planned with the first of a three phase opening which will run into the New Year.

“Since first taking ownership of the building we have enjoyed the support of many individuals and organisations in Glasgow including Scott Taylor and his team at the Glasgow City Marketing Bureau and Cllr Steve Purcell and his colleagues on the Planning Committee in addition to retail outlets and other hoteliers.

‘It’s a magnificent building and we look forward to welcoming our first guests.”

Blythswood Square overlooks one of Glasgow’s only remaining green spaces. The hotel will boast 100 bedrooms including six spacious suites and an enticing top floor penthouse complete with rooftop hot tub. It will also house Glasgow’s first luxury spa offering indigenous Scottish treatments, a restaurant, bars, a private screening room and event facilities.

Blythswood Square is, without doubt, one of Scotland’s most environmentally-friendly hotels through the incorporation of renewable energy technologies to achieve reduced carbon emissions.

Scottish-based Chard Construction has been working closely with the design team – Ron Galloway Associates. Philip Thomson Associates and Dunwoody Associates – to deliver this landmark project.

The hotel interior, created by Jim Hamilton of Glasgow-based Graven Images, retains its fine architectural features whilst sporting contemporary bespoke furniture by modus, flooring and textiles.

This includes the use of Harris Tweed which will be used across chairs, curtains and light fittings. This is the first time this textile has been used for interiors since the QE2 was commissioned.

Formerly the Royal Scottish Automobile Club’s ballroom, the hotel’s main 120-cover restaurant and cocktail bar is impressive with its high ceilings and grand dimensions.

However, the atmosphere will be fun and relaxed, a place to enjoy delicious seasonally chosen and locally sourced food and inventive cocktails with friends under the attention of award winning Executive Head Chef, Dan Hall.

The Spa at Blythswood Square will open early in 2010 and will champion the latest in cutting edge design offering a number of unique facilities and treatments specially created for the spa.

Guests can indulge in bespoke natural treatments using Scotch Thistle extract, Scottish seaweed and a selection of treatments from the luxurious Anne Semonin and ila brands.

The spa will be home to Glasgow’s only Seaweed Bath chamber filled with healing organic seaweed sourced from the Hebrides. The marble Heat Suite will offer a range of hot and cold experiences including a large hydrotherapy pool. The 11m relaxation pool will lead to the decadent Dark Pool where guests can float under a crystal chandelier.

This outstanding spa will also house a Rasul, relaxation rooms, 9 spacious treatment rooms including a double suite, all offering the highest level of comfort and warmth.

Additional highlights within Blythswood Square include the stunning marble bathrooms from Italy by IQ Quadro of Livorno, a 35 metre Salon featuring two original fire places, columns and cornicing with stunning views over Blythswood Square and a private Screening Room, the first in a Scottish hotel, which will be furnished in over 40 different designs of Harris Tweed.

There is also the RSAC’s original ‘Rally Bar’ named after the Monte Carlo Rally which started from Blythswood Square in 1955. Over the years many high profile racing drivers frequented the bar and it grew a wide reaching and auspicious reputation. The Rally Bar is being restored to its former glory and is available to guests booking the hotel’s event suites.

Scott Taylor, Chief Executive – Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: “We are delighted to welcome home one of Scotland most celebrated and modest entrepreneurs, who has helped shape the hotel industry beyond recognition.

“Peter Taylor’s decision to invest in Scotland’s largest and most vibrant city speaks volumes about where Glasgow is heading, and its competitive position on the global stage.

Blythswood Square is unique and will become a landmark trophy hotel for Glasgow, and one of the city’s newest style icons.”

Blythswood Square is owned by The Town House Collection, owner of four of the finest boutique hotels in Edinburgh – The Bonham, Channings, The Howard and The Edinburgh Residence.

For further information on Blythswood Square visit www.blythswoodsquare.com  or The Town House Collection visit www.thetownhousecollection.com

Ends

Overdone the eggnog? Battered and bruised from the last-minute Christmas shopping? Tired of making yet another trip to the supermarket?

And then there’s the weather; the cold, sleet and snow, all topped off in what seems to be no more than 5 hours of daylight per day. Love this time of year, don’t you?

Why not transport yourself off to an oasis of luxury, where the sun strokes your skin and the sea matches the temperature of your bathwater. And why not go one step further and pamper yourself silly? Mud or clay treatments, a medley of massages, or perhaps a manicure or pedicure to get you ship-shape

. Travel search engine www.nowfly.co.uk  has access to a huge number of flights and airlines to airports all over the Caribbean and has also put together it’s top five Caribbean resorts and spas on the website. The below are edited versions, but for full

www.nowfly.co.uk/ZipIt/52-Caribbean-Spa-Resorts.aspx

Cotton Bay Village, Saint Lucia

If you’re looking for an exclusive enclave of stylish suites and villas offering the ultimate in laid-back elegance, Cotton Bay Village certainly hits the mark. Situated on the serene Eastern coast of Saint Lucia, in a wide crescent of golden sand, the Village is lapped by the gently rolling turquoise of the Atlantic Ocean. Reborn and revitalised under new management, Cotton Bay Village is an oasis of peace with world class dining and a fantastic spa called ‘heaven’.
www.cottonbayvillage.com

For flights to Cotton Bay Village, fly to Saint Lucia:
www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-Saint-Lucia.aspx

Fern Tree, the Spa at Half Moon, Jamaica

Tucked away in the exclusive Rose Hall enclave of Montego Bay, Fern Tree, the Spa at Half Moon is a natural paradise and nurturing refuge with services, treatments and facilities that harness healing powers unique to the Caribbean.

Half Moon converted its signature villa, Fern Tree House, into Fern Tree, the Spa at Half Moon, a 68,000 square foot indoor/outdoor sanctuary for the mind and body. Drawing from the local lush landscape and centuries-old healing traditions as inspiration, the spa moulds modern-day techniques with Jamaica’s ancient healing remedies of native herbs, fruits and botanicals.
www.halfmoon.com

For flights to Fern Tree, fly to Jamaica:
www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-Montego-Bay.aspx

Marley Resort and Spa, Bahamas

Formerly a private vacation home for Bob and Rita Marley and their family, Marley Resort and Spa is now a run and managed by their daughter Stephanie. The influence of the family is evident throughout, with Rita Marley playing a pivotal role in remodeling the home into a resort for all to enjoy.

Her passion for mind, body and soul preservation gave birth to the Natural Mystic Spa and its focus on holistic renewal.
www.marleyresort.com

For flights to Marley Resort and Spa, fly to Bahamas:
www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-Nassau.aspx

Sugar Ridge, Antigua

Located on a natural hillside bordered with sugar cane and beautiful indigenous flora, this provides a wonderful backdrop for Sugar Ridge.

Looking forward, you can enjoy breathtaking views of stunning palm fringed beaches, with the Caribbean Sea gently lapping the sand. One of the signature treatments ‘Sugar Bliss’ is 5 hours of ‘sheer bliss’ designed to the individual.

Guests will enjoy an elemental manicure, pedicure and massage, followed by a two-course lunch with a glass of bubbly.
www.sugarridgeantigua.com/hotel

For flights to Sugar Ridge, fly to Antigu a:
www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-Antigua.aspx

Mount Hartman Bay Estate, Grenada

Okay, not strictly a spa resort, but one worthy of inclusion in our top picks. If you can’t relax and unwind here, nowhere will do.

A spectacular waterfront retreat within the chic resort of Lance-aux-Epines on the southernmost coast of Grenada, Mount Hartman Bay Estate is an exclusive private hideaway; an incredible piece of innovative design built into the hillside on a private peninsula, with its own beach and stunning views across a beautiful bay. www.mounthartmanbay.com

For flights to Mount Hartman Bay Estate, fly to Grenada:
www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-Grenada.aspx

With the introduction of British Airways (BA) scheduled twice weekly service from London Gatwick to Punta Cana on a Monday and Thursday October 2009, it has never been easier to get to the Dominican Republic and enjoy what this paradise has to offer.

The country features a stunning array of sandy beaches, dazzling green landscapes, mountains studded with waterfalls, exotic cuisine and a remarkable variety of arts and entertainment options that attract international travellers, sport stars and celebrities alike.

The destination offers something for everyone and can fulfil the holiday dreams of those seeking sophisticated luxury, eco-adventure, arts and culture or simple lazy days on white sandy beaches.

Year-round sports, effervescent nightlife, distinctive shopping, relaxing resorts, designer golf courses and magnificent national parks make for a fun-filled vacation to-do list.

Among the Dominican Republic breathtaking surroundings are an extraordinary variety of the hottest and newest hotels ranging from luxury resorts to family-friendly hotels to boutique properties.

The Dominican Republic offers an abundance of accommodations to satisfy every style and budget. And with eight international airports and numerous seaports and marinas, paradise has never been easier to explore.

With the pulse-pounding thrill of the merengue, intriguing relics from centuries past and upscale resorts and marinas, the Dominican Republic is both an exciting and sophisticated country that will delight even the most experienced traveller.

Top 5 Things to do in the Dominican Republic

1. Tour to Cayo Levantado, Samana

Located at the entrance of the Samana Bay, Cayo Levantado is an island of just one square kilometre of tropical Caribbean. It is a perfect place to escape one day and contemplate and enjoy its beautiful turquoise waters, two beaches of white sand, as well as being ideal for swimming or snorkelling practice.

The tour to Cayo Levantado is offered by boats from Samana and several points along the coast. Once on the island, the natives offer typical food, beverages and water activities accompanied by music from the region.

The island is also known as Bacardi Island because there are palm trees that appear in advertisements for the well-known brand of rum.

Move through Cayo Levantado from end to end take only fifteen minutes and contemplate the beautiful vegetation and stunning scenery that since there you can see make it a favourite place for visitors.

2. Monster Truck Safari

Experience the carefree Dominican Republic way of life on board the tallest trucks on the island!

These guided tours depart daily from Puerto Plata and Punta Cana Resorts through Dominican Republic country side, a full day out with professional guides. You’ll be on top of the world, 15 feet high, discovering the unspoiled Dominican Republic country side in these fantastic 8X8 all terrain trucks made especially for your comfort and safety. Visit small colourful villages and explore local Dominican Republic farms.

In this tour you can actually mingle with the local people. Enjoy an all inclusive, all you can eat hot buffet, with an open bar and free flowing drinks. Recharge while taking a refreshing swim in a secluded breathtaking river. Experience the Dominican Republic lifestyle.

The Dominican people are so kind and friendly, they’ll invite you right into their homes, where you’ll meet the families…….let their simplicity surprise you! A visit to a “rum shack” is also part of the tour you can buy cigars, rum, souvenirs and other items for helping fund schools and orphanages.

You can reserve online in their website http://www.monstertrucksafari.com

3. Cabarete (Puerto Plata)

Caberete’s nightlife is legendary. Great restaurants, bars, clubs, shops, cafés and lounges are everywhere, and most of them are right on the beach, which really is the only way to live.

Click this link.

4. Santo Domingo

Follow Columbus’ footsteps down the cobblestone streets of the oldest city in the “New World.” Visit the famous palace, the first cathedral, the first hospital and, when you’re ready, settle into one of the fantastic restaurants and sit back to watch this city of three million go about its business.

Click this link.

5. Whale watching in Samana

From December to early March, the North Atlantic population of humpback whales migrates into the Bay of Samana to calve or mate.

There are many tours to go out and be with the whales but please make sure to choose a tour guide who follows the guidelines put in place to protect the whales.

Dubai – Rotana, the leading hotel management company in the Middle East and North Africa is in its final stage to open one of Dubai forthcoming landmarks, Rose Rayhaan by Rotana in mid December 2009.

Commenting on the announcement, Omer Z. Kaddouri, Senior Vice President UAE of Rotana said: “We are very proud to be managing this landmark property.

Rose Rayhaan by Rotana team, headed by the General Manager Daniel Mathew, has been working hand in hand with Rotana Corporate Office to ensure all areas of the opening are perfected for the operation of this scenic property”.

Rose Rayhaan by Rotana, a soaring 72 floor tower structure, 333 metres high is set to be a dramatic addition to the scenery on the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Road and the world’s tallest hotel. Located in the happening heart of Dubai, the hotel is 5 minutes away from the stunning Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment centre and is surrounded by the Dubai nightlife scene.

Dubai Airport is 10 minutes away, whilst Media City and Internet City are 15 and 20 minutes away respectively.

“Rose Rayhaan by Rotana is the second property to open under Rotana’s brand “Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts by Rotana”, which is uniquely designed to cater to the diverse needs of our guests.

This alcohol-free option reflects our respect for the culture and beliefs of our guests and our dedication to fostering a new Arabia in today’s world”, comments Daniel Mathew, General Manager of Rose Rayhaan by Rotana.

This landmark hotel offers 481 rooms, suites and penthouses with their modern designs complementing the values of Arabian culture. Each of the rooms, suites and penthouses will have their own kitchenette, high-speed internet connection and a variety of amenities and facilities.

Rose Rayhaan by Rotana features a wide choice of food and beverage venues, the most up to date technology in its 8 meeting rooms, all offering daylight, business facilities, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool, and sauna and steam rooms.

“Rotana currently operates more hotels in Dubai than any other single operator and the scheduled openings of Rose Rayhaan by Rotana will only increase the company’s stronghold further”, concluded Kaddouri.

Seoul, South Korea– InterContinental Alpensia Pyeongchang Resort opens today in Alpensia village. This is South Korea’s newest mountainside resort in the Taebaek mountains, which is a two and a half hour drive from Seoul.

The 238-room InterContinental Alpensia Pyeongchang Resort offers a retreat that combines contemporary amenities with classic European alpine design. Guests can enjoy spectacular countryside views within the heart of the Taebaek mountains from the resort.

InterContinental Alpensia Pyeongchang Resort offers instant proximity to a wealth of world-class leisure facilities, including an Olympic-class ski park, a 27-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and the Ocean 700 water-park.

Extensive concierge services at the resort provide personalised recommendations on leisure activities, and the Club InterContinental Lounge is available for guests who desire greater exclusivity. Other facilities include the Planet Trekkers kids’ club, spa, state-of-the-art conference centre, and an open-air concert hall. Guests will experience adventure, relaxation, personal and family time amidst stunning alpine surroundings without having to leave the resort.

An extensive range of food and beverage options catering to different tastes and price points is available at the resort. These include Flavours, an Italian/Korean-inspired all-day dining restaurant with an open show kitchen that allows direct interaction with the chef, outdoor barbeque during warmer months, and a lounge with an outdoor fire-pit.

“True to its brand heritage, we are proud to open an InterContinental property in yet another world-class destination.

InterContinental Alpensia Pyeongchang Resort combines a unique location and fantastic facilities to provide a truly authentic experience for our guests. This resort is an ideal destination for travellers who desire a luxury alpine resort experience with a range of activities year round,” says Adam Riley, General Manager at the resort.

Shanghai, China / Singapore – The Waterhouse at South Bund, Shanghai’s first cutting-edge design hotel scheduled to open in early 2010, announced the appointment of veteran hotelier Xavier Lim as General Manager. Armed with more than 15 years of hospitality management experience, Lim aims to raise the boutique hotel stakes in Shanghai with refreshing lifestyle concept.

“With innovative design and exciting culinary offerings, The Waterhouse at South Bund will leave a lasting impression on travellers who are in search of a unique hospitality experience,” said Lim. “We will play a significant role in the re-emergence of South Bund and Shiliupu, which was the focal point for shipping and trading activities in Shanghai in the 1800s.” Lim most recently served as the Executive Assistant Manager at Millennium Hongqiao Hotel in Shanghai. Prior to Millennium Hongqiao, Lim was the Director of Catering and Conference Services at The Portman Ritz Carlton, Shanghai and held managerial positions at some of the finest properties in Asia, including The Regent Shanghai, Shangri-la Hotel Singapore, Grand Hyatt Singapore, Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, Singapore and Tung Lok Group

A new pocket-sized guide to the world’s largest ski area – France’s Les Trois Vallées – is published today by ski specialists Snowfinder.

Written by expert skiers and snowboarders selected for their exhaustive knowledge of each resort, Snowfinder Les Trois Vallées is designed for use on the mountain.

Weighing less than 40 grams and just 4mm thick, the 72 page book combines full colour piste maps with descriptions of each run to help skiers plan their day on the slopes.

The team of writers, who include Olympic medallist Alain Baxter and world mogul champion Eric Berthon, add insider’s tips on where to find the best powder, mountain restaurants and après ski.

Snowfinder publisher Nick Rink said: “I’ve lost count of the times I’ve seen people sitting on a chairlift trying to unfold a soggy piste map only to have the wind tear it to ribbons, and that’s where the Snowfinder concept was born.

“Our focus has always been on the piste, so what you get with our Snowfinder ski guides is a comprehensive summary of all the marked runs at a resort. Our books are so small you won’t even know you’ve got them in your pocket, and they don’t rely on battery power or a 3G signal to give you the information you need on the mountain.”

The Trois Vallées ski area comprises the resorts of Courchevel, La Tania, Méribel, Brides-Les-Bains, Les Menuires-Saint Martin, Val Thorens and Orelle.

Together, the largest ski area in the world extends to 600 kilometres of interconnected slopes accessed by 180 ski lifts.

Snowfinder Les Trois Vallées
Publisher: Wavefinder Ltd

Contributors: Alain Baxter, Pat Sharples, Eric Berthon, Sean Langmuir.

ISBN: 978-0-9775569-7-7
On sale: now
Size: 8.5cm x 12cm x 4mm thick
Pages: 72
Graphics: 12 full colour piste maps covering the entire ski area
Format: Paperback, perfect bound.

Category: Sports, Ski, Snowboard.

Retail price: £4.99

Buy online: www.wave-finder.com

France’s CMA CGM Group took delivery last week in South Korea of the largest passenger-carrying cargo ship in the world, in its new 148,000 gross ton flagship, the CMA CGM CHRISTOPHE COLOMB. Registered in Marseilles and carrying up to 13,300 twenty-foot equivalent containers and ten passengers, the new flagship is one of the largest container ships in the world. Its dimensions of 1,198 feet in length by 168 feet width, and draft of over 50 feet, exceed Royal Caribbean’s giant new 6,400-passenger OASIS OF THE SEAS (1,181 x 154 feet and 30 foot draft), also delivered this month.

“It is interesting that just as the huge cruise ship OASIS OF THE SEAS is delivered to her new owners CMA CGM should be taking delivery of this even bigger giant.” said Kevin Griffin, Managing Director of The Cruise People Ltd, who act as passenger agents for CMA CGM container ships in London.

“But rather than 6,400 passengers this ship will carry only ten, in great comfort and away from the madding crowds.”

Operating in the Europe/Asia trade, CMA CGM CHRISTOPHE COLOMB will run in the French Asia Line 7, a 69-day round voyage that is run in conjunction with Maersk Line.

Her ten passengers are carried in four double-bedded and one twin cabin and she features a dedicated passenger lounge, library and an outside terrace off the passenger lounge, as well as a swimming pool and a gym to allow passengers to keep fit.

The CHRISTOPHE COLOMB is the first of eight “Explorer” class sister ships, with subsequent vessels to be named after Marco Polo, Vasco de Gama, Amerigo Vespucci, Corte Real, La Pérouse, Magellan and Zheng.

The CMA CGM CHRISTOPHE COLOMB also sets itself apart with the position of its superstructure, just forward of amidships, which maximizes space utilization, guarantees better visibility from the bridge and reinforces the ship’s hull.

She is also the line’s first vessel to be fitted with a pre-swirl stator, an ingenious new device that, together with a twisted leading-edge rudder, maximizes propulsion efficiency and optimizes vessel hydrodynamics, in turn leading to reductions in fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of 2 to 4 %

. An electronically controlled engine also reduces oil and fuel consumption by 25 and 3% respectively.

The new engine also allows this vessel, capable of speeds up to 25 knots, to be operated at a “super eco-speed” of 14 to 15 knots if required.

She began her maiden voyage in Shanghai on 11 November, proceeding thence to Ningbo, Xiamen, Hong Kong, Yantian and is due at Algeciras on 3 December before arriving at Rotterdam on the 7th and Bremerhaven on the 9th. On her return voyage she will call at Algeciras again and then Yantian and Hong Kong en route to Shanghai.

Although CMA CGM is the third largest container line in the world, in commemoration of the line’s illustrious maritime history, that once included great ocean liners such as the PARIS, ILE DE FRANCE, NORMANDIE, LIBERTE and FRANCE, chairman Jacques Saadé decided some years ago that new cargo ships would continue this tradition by being outfitted to carry passengers on their voyages worldwide, a tradition the company is now holding true to.

In addition to its new flagship, CMA CGM is due to take delivery of eight more giants in 2009. The CMA CGM HYDRA, MUSCA and THALASSA carry up to 11,000 twenty-foot containers, while five more, the CMA CGM ANDROMEDA, AQUILA, LEO, LIBRA and LYRA, are capable of 11,400. All will carry ten passengers except the HYDRA, MUSCA and THALASSA, with eight. Of these, the CMA CGM ANDROMEDA has been registered in the UK with CMA CGM (UK) Ltd and at 131,332 gross tons, is the second largest vessel under British registry after the 148,528-ton QUEEN MARY 2.

Passengers who travel with CMA CGM are accommodated in outside cabins, many with windows that open, and take breakfast in their own lounge, while lunch and dinner, which include complimentary French table wine, Chateau Paquebot, are served in the officers mess.

The fare for a full 69-day Far East round voyage from Southampton or Rotterdam, is €6,900 (about £6,275) per person double or €7,179 (about £6,525) for sole use of a double stateroom, but one-way and part voyages are also available.

For further information and availability for CMA CGM sailings please contact The Cruise People’s Dessy Sajewicz at 020 7723 2450, Freephone 0800 526 313 or dessy@cruisepeople.co.uk  or visit their web site at www.cruisepeople.co.uk