Jetsettersblog

Hot-air expeditions begin over the heart of the emirate’s pristine desert

One of the world’s most experienced hot-air balloon companies has begun operations in Abu Dhabi, offering expeditions over the heart of the emirate’s pristine desert.

Balloon Adventures Emirates, which also operates in Germany, New Zealand and Hungary, says its ‘magic carpet ride’ expeditions gives passengers a unique view of a landscape which includes the huge red sand dunes and the emerald green oases of Al Ain, the emirate’s second city and heritage capital. Passengers also have the chance to spot Arabian gazelles and wandering camels in their natural habitat.

Beginning at around 5.30am from various pick-up points around Abu Dhabi city, the flights launch from an area just north of Al Ain – around an hour’s drive from the UAE capital.

“Rising early for a sunrise flight is a minor inconvenience when compared to the breathtaking views and incredible desertscapes to be seen,” says Peter Kollar, director of Balloon Adventures Emirates. “It is also the best time for flying, as the cool and serene ambience adds to the experience.”

The expeditions are fully approved by Abu Dhabi’s General Civil Aviation Authority and GHQ. Balloons Adventures Emirates operates a fleet of six balloons in the country. In addition to its regular itinerary, which lasts around five hours, the company offers exclusive balloon charter and four-wheel drive transfers.

The hot-air balloon service will operate from the end of September to the end of May.

Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), which manages, helps develop and promote the emirate’s tourism industry, has welcomed the company’s arrival.

“This is another exciting addition to Abu Dhabi’s steadily expanding tourism offering and is a great fit with our target visitor profile,” says Ahmed Hussein, ADTA’s deputy director general. “We seek to attract people who wish to engage with the emirate and its people, and get close to it, and this offering fulfils this criteria.”

For more information visit www.ballooning.ae

It’s one of the most anticipated hotel openings of 2010 but the new Vdara Hotel holds a special place for Martin Heierling. A favourite on the Kiwi culinary scene, Vdara’s new executive chef is at the helm of one of the hottest restaurants in the new $9.2 billion dollar CityCenter complex on the famous Las Vegas strip.

Heierling has amassed an impressive culinary resume on his path to Vdara Hotel & Spa. Silk Road, inspired by its ancient trade route namesake, and Bar Vdara, a hip lobby lounge, bring culture and flair into Heierling’s first endeavor as executive chef of a hotel food and beverage program.

After a three-year apprenticeship in Germany, Heierling joined the team at the renowned Michelin Two-Star restaurant, Schwarzer Adler, performing an array of kitchen duties.

Then it was off to Switzerland and the kitchens of Zurich’s acclaimed seafood restaurant Hummer & Austerbar. As the Chef Tournant, Heierling learned his way around the kitchen, including the ever-enticing pastry department.

In 1993 at the age of 23, Heierling joined the Sheraton Hotel group in Auckland, followed by a position at the venerable Badrutt’s Palace in St. Moritz. From there he set sail, literally, as one of the chief cooks on the opulent Royal Yacht Lady Moura, at the time the largest private yacht in the world. More of a landlubber,

Heierling returned to Auckland as sous chef in the fine dining room, Partington’s, at the Sheraton Hotel Towers.

After eyeing a brochure describing Lespinasse as the ultimate in four-star New York City dining, Heierling contacted Executive Chef Gray Kunz, who not only hired the young cook, but would become Heierling’s greatest culinary mentor. The lessons learned in this well-run kitchen would stay with Heierling forever.

Heierling’s love of New Zealand beckoned and Heierling returned to the warm embrace of his family as well as the country’s food and culture. He took a position at the critically acclaimed Restaurant Essence, Auckland’s Best New Restaurant for 1998, where Heierling worked under New Zealand’s best-known chef, Michael James.

But the bright lights of Las Vegas beckoned and the European-born-and-trained Heierling accepted a position at Las Vegas’ most famous and beloved resorts – Bellagio.

At Bellagio, Las Vegas’ first AAA Five-Diamond resort and casino, Heierling opened Sensi, which offers four complementary cuisines: Italian, Asian, American Grill and seafood specialties, in which quality, purity and freshness prevail in every creation. Sensi received a 2007 AAA Four-Diamond Award and a 2007 Gayot.com 16-point rating out of a possible 20.

Heierling has now expanded his culinary creations across cultures as Executive Chef of Vdara. Silk Road, Vdara’s signature restaurant, inspired by the ancient trade route spanning from Venice to the Far East, utilizes subtle spices and exotic ingredients to create a recognizable and unique Mediterranean fusion cuisine. Bar Vdara, the eclectic lobby lounge located in the center of Vdara, offers small appetizers and radiates sophistication and surprise with whimsical touches like outdoor swings, light-enhancing sculptural screens and a curved reflecting pool.

Heierling is thrilled with the path his career has taken and credits his willingness to take culinary risks that brought him to where he is today.

For more information visit www.visitlasvegas.com.au

and www.citycenter.com  

or to order a Las Vegas Visitors Guide

call +61 (02) 9356 2266 or email

lasvegas@marketingspirit.com.au

in UK and Ireland

Hong Kong – Sofitel Luxury Hotels is delighted to announce that Sofitel London St James was awarded the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence for the Most Excellent Spa in UK & Ireland.

The 2010 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence took place in London on the 9th November 2009 at the Jumeirah Carlton in Knightsbridge. The event takes place annually and awards are given to exceptional hotels worldwide that represent the finest standards and best value for money in luxury and independent accommodation.

Sofitel launched So SPA by Sofitel in July of this year. Located at Sofitel London St James, So SPA by Sofitel is a three floor sanctuary with five treatment rooms, a deep relaxation zone, traditional Turkish Hammam, Astornia hydro bath, Dornbracht aromatherapy infused rain sky showers and a communal Tea Bar. Sofitel’s Spa Butlers are also on hand to help personalise your service even further, from the choice of music, to in-room aromatherapy oils and post-treatment teas, to your choice of wool, angora or chenille from the blanket menu.

In keeping with Sofitel’s French heritage, So SPA by Sofitel has teamed up with French brands Cinq Mondes (the first spa in the UK to use these products) and Carita to provide a selection of specialised skin-care treatments.

Sofitel London St James holds one of the most prestigious hotel addresses in London, with close proximity to a number of the capital’s landmarks, including Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square.

This historical building, formerly the Cox & Kings bank, was delicately renovated by Pierre-Yves Rochon, preserving many of its original features. Each of the 186 bedrooms is decorated in muted tones, creating a comfortable and warm atmosphere.

More airline and resort fees and body scans at the airport are trends travelers can expect next year, according to several online surveys and information from Tom Parsons of Bestfares.com and Rich Seaney of www.Farecompete.com.

What to expect:

• Airlines will continue to hammer customers with more fees not only for checking bags but also seat selection and even switching to earlier flights.

• Hotels and resorts are also cashing in on fees. Resort fees already can add up to $15 a day for newspapers and mini-bars, whether or not guests use them.

• New technology and the Christmas Day terrorist incident in Detroit will lead to greater use of body scans, a trend that has already started.

• Meeting planners are expected to step up use of video conferencing in ongoing efforts to cut travel expenses.

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Brittany Ferries is adding a cruise-ferry to its fleet to provide an additional two return sailings a week between Portsmouth and Santander.

There will be a total of four Brittany Ferries’ passenger services a week between the UK and Spain from March – three from Portsmouth and one from Plymouth.

The new vessel – as yet unnamed – will complement the existing Spanish services operated by company flagship Pont Aven. It will enter service a year after the route was launched.

The ten year old vessel, which has been operated by Superfast Ferries of the Attica Group in Greece, has 244 cabins, can accommodate up to 1,500 passengers and can operate at a maximum speed of 27.6 knots.

The high cruising speed will enable the crossing from Portsmouth to be made in 24 hours.

On days when it does not operate the Spanish route, the as yet unnamed vessel will provide additional crossings between Portsmouth and Cherbourg.

Bookings for the new service will open on the week commencing January 11

Company managing director David Longden said: “Despite the recession, demand for the new Spanish route has exceeded our expectations and forward bookings for 2010 are strong.

“We believe this is because Portsmouth is very easy to get to by road, especially from the Home Counties.

“With fares for travel in spring starting at only £227 each way for two people, a car and cabin on board, this is a great value alternative way to travel to Spain.”

The schedule to/from Spain will be:

New cruise-ferry

• departs Portsmouth at 11.15 on Friday and Tuesday arriving Santander at 12.15 Saturday and Wednesday
• departs Santander at 15.15 on Saturday and Wednesday arriving Portsmouth at 14.15 on Sunday and Thursday
Pont Aven cruise-ferry
• departs Plymouth at 16.30 on Sunday arriving Santander at 13.00 on Monday
• departs Portsmouth at 11.00 on Wednesday arriving Santander at 12.00 on Thursday
• departs Santander at 16.30 on Monday arriving Portsmouth at 17.00 on Tuesday and at 15.00 on Thursday arriving Plymouth at 09.30 on Friday

• The new vessel will operate day crossings from Portsmouth to Cherbourg every Sunday, Monday and Thursday with returns overnight.

Music buffs could find a rare record or two at Vinilmania in Milan.

Whether they like sounds from the swinging 60s, 70s disco hits or some classic rock and roll, music lovers may want to book Milan hotels and head over to Italy for one event.

Vinilmania gives record buffs and collectors the chance to browse through a huge collection of vinyls and meet like-minded people with a similar passion for music.

The event has become increasingly popular and it is now held three times a year. People come from all over the world to get their hands on rare EPs and cult 45s.

Taking place at the Parco Esposizioni Novegro, the fair is held on February 6th and 7th, so fans have more than one opportunity to browse the music on offer.

According to the organisers, there will be about 300 exhibitors showing their wares and visitors will also be able to listen to presentations and meet authors in the Libraccio area of the event.

It is open from 10:00 until 18:00 local time and costs EUR7.20 (GBP6.45) to enter.

As well as picking up some of their favourite tunes to listen to when they get home, those staying in Milan could also enjoy a night out, as Time Out Milan says that the city’s Corso Como area offers a vibrant nightlife.

To make the most of Vinilmania – you should consider booking your hotel Milano to avoid disappointment.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Hyatt Hotels & Resorts announced today that Hyatt Regency Oubaai Golf Resort and Spa, located on Herolds Bay in George, South Africa, has opened. The resort is the second Hyatt property in South Africa, joining Hyatt Regency Johannesburg, which opened as a Hyatt hotel in October 1995.

The 100-room Hyatt Regency Oubaai Golf Resort and Spa is part of the 263-hectare Oubaai Golf Resort, an upscale residential and golf development overlooking the Indian Ocean on Herolds Bay. Located on the Garden Route, which extends along the Western Cape from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, the development also features the country’s first Ernie Els championship golf course.

Located five minutes from George Airport in an area renowned for its pristine beaches, indigenous forests and nature reserves, the hotel’s position between the ocean and the majestic Outeniqua Mountains naturally lent itself to the development of an exclusive resort.

In addition to the Hyatt Regency, the property will also consist of residential villas and apartments, and an upscale shopping centre.

“Hyatt Regency Oubaai Golf Resort and Spa will offer guests a complete holiday experience by blending Hyatt’s authentic hospitality with exceptional facilities and an unmatched natural landscape,” said Gebhard Rainer, managing director, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts – Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

“The hotel’s opening will not only build our presence in Africa, but also will add to our long history and reputation of international, world-class hotel offerings,” added Rainer.

Accommodation and Design
Leading firms, including QTS – Quadtrisir Architects and LLP – Design, were selected to handle the interior design of Hyatt Regency Oubaai Golf Resort and Spa. The hotel offers 100 stylish guestrooms and suites equipped with the latest in communication and entertainment technology, all featuring spacious bathrooms with glass-enclosed showers and separate baths.

The Presidential Suite, two Executive Suites and six Junior Suites are designed and furnished to accommodate the requirements of a discerning traveller.

Room sizes range from 45 to 54 sq m (440 to 530 sq ft) for standard rooms. Junior Suites begin at 96 sq m (870 sq ft to 1,080 sq ft), the Executive Suites are 120 sq m (1,300 sq ft) and the Presidential Suite is an impressive 191 sq m (1,700 sq ft).

For guests who desire an extra level of personalised service, the hotel offers Regency ClubTM accommodation. Regency Club guests may utilize the services of a dedicated concierge, and enjoy a private lounge for complimentary continental breakfast, evening canapés and cocktails. Regency Club guests will also receive complimentary airport lounge access.

Resort Services and Facilities

Freesia Spa at Hyatt Regency Oubaai is a new addition to the collection of Hyatt PureTM spas around the world, which are all designed to embrace the local culture and provide an authentic indigenous experience. Returning to the true definition of spa, “sanitas per aquas”, which is Latin for “healing by waters”, treatments and services promote wellness and renewal. The hotel also features a state-of-the-art fitness facility.

Hyatt Regency Oubaai Golf Resort and Spa offers guests a range of first-class services, including airport transfers on request, concierge assistance, babysitting by prior arrangement, 24-hour room service, a business centre, wireless Internet access in public areas, and a dedicated retail centre.

Food and Beverage

Guests of the hotel will have a choice of three restaurants, each offering a distinctive and personal dining experience. The hotel’s Cucina Restaurant, featuring picturesque floor-to-ceiling windows, a show kitchen, and outdoor seating, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. A large wine wall accents the private dining room and a fireplace lounge, adjacent to the restaurant, offers seating and cocktails.

Located in the village of the resort, the Waterside Bar and Grill serves afternoon snacks as well as drinks and dinner. The bustling atmosphere here covers an extensive outdoor seating area, a show kitchen, and an oyster bar counter. A lounge adjacent to the seafood restaurant will offer cosy seating arrangements, an outdoor terrace and a unique bar, with service available from indoors and out.

The Visitors’ Clubhouse provides a scenic dining option for breakfast and lunch, with windows providing stunning views over the mountains and the driving range.

Convention and Meeting Facilities

The hotel offers more than 1,200 sq m (12,900 sq ft) of conference and banqueting space with a ballroom divisible into two sections, four meeting rooms, and a spacious boardroom. There are indoor and outdoor pre-function areas as well as multimedia facilities with WiFi connectivity available in all meeting rooms.

A unique feature of Hyatt Regency Oubaai Golf Resort and Spa is a wedding chapel for guests who seek a perfect, picturesque location in which to be married.

Recreation and Relaxation
Oubaai is a naturally undisturbed site nestled in the heart of South Africa’s Garden Route. Once the site of a prehistoric settlement, it is bordered on one side by a river valley, on one side by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, and on its two other sides by woodland and natural vegetation.

Guests can take advantage of the hotel’s location by surfing and fishing in the crystal clear waters of Herolds Bay Beach and exploring the Oubaai Heritage trail, which offers more than 8 km of hiking trails.

The resort also features an outdoor swimming pool, a separate children’s wading pool and access to the Lifestyle Centre, which includes a tennis court, two outdoor swimming pools, including a heated lap pool, a squash court, and an exercise facility and studio for group classes.

Other activities to enjoy include bird watching, dolphin and whale watching from the on-site deck, and tours to nearby wineries.

The development features the first Ernie Els signature golf course in South Africa. The 7,126 yd (6,516 m) 18-hole links-style golf course was completed four years ago and is full operational.

In the design, the three-time winner of major championships, Ernie Els, and his team have taken full advantage of the spectacular landscape.

Furthermore, they had the full support of Nicklaus Design, the privately held company of golf legend Jack Nicklaus and family, which served as technical advisor on the project.

Special opening rates and packages for the new Hyatt Regency Oubaai Golf Resort and Spa are available by calling the hotel or a Hyatt Worldwide Reservations click the girl at right.

Resort Address and Contact Information
Hyatt Regency Oubaai Golf Resort and Spa
406 Herolds Bay Road
George, 6530
South Africa
Telephone: +27 44 851 1234
Website: www.oubaai.regency.hyatt.com