Jetsettersblog

Mountain Exposure, Zermatt’s luxury chalet specialist, has expanded its portfolio into the neighbouring village of Saas Fee.

The addition of Chalet Chloe, a five-bedroom property set in an exclusive hill near a forest, marks Mountain Exposure’s coming of age with its 21st chalet and the company’s first property outside the famous resort of Zermatt.

“Chalet Chloe represents a new phase in our business plan,” says Donald Scott, co-director at Mountain Exposure.

“Its stylish furnishings and unique exterior gel with the rest of our portfolio and we’re excited to extend our passion for good skiing and great accommodation to another area of Switzerland.

“Saas Fee is under an hour from Zermatt, meaning we are able to ensure Chalet Chloe is run to the high levels of service our clientele expect from their holidays with Mountain Exposure. The village is a smaller version of Zermatt and ideal for those who prefer cosiness to grandness. It’s young and family friendly, with large snow parks popular with teenagers. Importantly, it also one of the few resorts with a several glaciers which guarantee fresh snow skiing at all times.”

Just finished, the luxurious and family friendly Chalet Chloe is set on the exclusive Lengi Muru hill near a wooded forest with stunning views, yet only 3 minutes from the village centre.

Guests will receive a champagne welcome from their chalet host, who will also be on call to recommend and book activities throughout the stay. An experienced chef will prepare a full cooked breakfast and afternoon tea daily, with a three course meal six of the seven nights, accompanied by a carefully selected wine menu. Guests will also enjoy an open bar throughout their stay.

Sleeping between eight and ten guests, Chalet Chloe has extensive facilities, guaranteed to make guests feel cosy and relaxed. A large south-facing terrace with parasol, tables and chairs is a fabulous place to take afternoon tea during one of the many days of sunshine the ‘snow sure’ resort of Saas Fe offers. Inside, get your ski boots ready with heated boot racks, or unwind after a day on the slope with a sit in the private sauna.

The three-storey chalet combines contemporary design with traditional materials including Alpine larch on the walls, unburnished Norwegian slate for the floors, and translucent mosaics in the bathrooms and sauna.

The second floor drawing room is furnished with two large comfortable Roche Bobois sofas, a Dominic Imbert rotating black iron fireplace and digital TV with a selection of English channels.

The guide price for Chalet Chloe is 1,490 CHF (approximately £889) per person per week, based on a party of eight, including full catering, open bar and a dedicated experienced chef and chalet host.

Week long breaks at Christmas (week commencing 20 December 2009; from £840 per person) and New Year’s (week commencing 27 December 2009; from £1,230 per person) are now available.

To make your reservation in a Mountain Exposure chalet, call 0845 425 2001, visit www.mountainexposure.com  or email bookings@mountainexposure.com

Raison d’Etre, one of the world’s leading spa development and management consultancies, has opened the doors to its first own branded spa this month at the landmark Grand Hôtel Stockholm in Sweden.

Raison d’Etre Spa at The Grand Hôtel Stockholm is the first flagship spa under the Raison d’Etre name.

The Nordic-inspired Raison d’Etre spa celebrates the history and landscape of the Swedish archipelagos and expertly blends Swedish materials, design traditions and natural resources with a contemporary design. Stunning features include waterfalls and the use of slate in the swimming pool to create the sense of Swedish waters, heated lime stone floors and ash-clad walls (ash was the World Tree in Nordic Mythology) and beautiful mosaic walls with pictures of the Swedish archipelago, one which forms a backdrop to the cold water plunge pool.

Every possible detail is organic, fair trade and sustainable from the use of FSC native wood, recycled glass, low emission paint, energy saving filters, all the towels and linen and so much more.

Spread over two floors in the Burmanska Palace wing of the hotel, the 1400m² spa features eight treatment rooms and uses organic and natural treatment products, many custom-made and sourced from the local forest such as birch, blueberry, buckthorn and lingonberry. There are three main treatments known as Our Own Experiences – Be Rested, Be Balanced and Be Renewed.

These have been developed over a course of three years and Raison d’Etre Spa is the only place in the world where these can be experienced.

Each one is unlike any other treatment you will find from the combination of techniques, products and healing touches to the particular effect each treatment has on the body and soul. Lasting a blissful two hours, the therapist treats every guest like an individual, adapting the massage to the guest’s need rather than simply following a formula.

In addition, guests can enjoy Nordic Bathing which is both cleansing and invigorating with the use of extreme temperatures through the tradition of saunas and cold baths.

Other features include a stunning swimming pool, state-of-the-art and functional training fitness centre, a yoga studio and several dry and wet areas to either relax on your own or socialise with friends.

The treatment menu is extensive and offers everything from a Classic Swedish Massage, to ‘The Honeymoon’ where couples can give each other a luxurious cranberry scrub, and enjoy a bottle of champagne in the double bath overlooking the Royal Castle in the 70m² suite; and even ‘The Complete Works’ in which you have 6.5 hours of pure indulgence for £860 – this is pampering at its very best. Special weekend spa packages are available and start from approximately £260 for a one night stay for two in a double room.

Raison d’Etre Spa is the result of Raison d’Etre’s ten-year search for the right partner and location. Raison d’Etre has entered into a partnership with this historic hotel to offer guests unparalleled spa experiences.

With the highest standards of service, a truly committed and sustainable approach, highly trained and gifted staff, together with innovative design and architecture as well as bespoke treatments,

Raison d’Etre’s spa is undoubtedly the most exciting spa opening of the year.

For more information on the new Raison d’Etre Spa, please visit www.raisondetrespa.se

For more information on The Grand Hôtel Stockholm, please visit www.grandhotel.se

Zighy Bay, Oman – Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay in Oman has been voted the ‘World’s Leading New Resort’ at the Grand Final of the World Travel Awards – also known as the travel industry’s ‘Oscars’.

In a worldwide survey conducted by the World Travel Awards, amongst professionals in the travel and tourism industry, Zighy Bay came out top to scoop the much coveted award for best resort newcomer.

The resort received the award at a presentation ceremony which was held in London coinciding with World Travel Market – one of the world’s largest travel exhibitions . Zighy Bay triumphed over a number of worldwide luxury resorts to win this illustrious accolade.

Zighy Bay General Manager Rochelle Kilgariff, who was in London to collect the award, expressed her delight that travel industry peers recognised the resort for its five star accommodation, outstanding customer service and luxurious setting.

“Winning this award means so much to all of us here at Zighy Bay and is real tribute to the resort’s wonderful, accommodating and professional staff.

We are extremely proud of our achievements to date and will ensure that we continue to fulfill our ongoing commitment to our guests. We will also make sure that we carry on living up to our current title of ‘World’s Leading New Resort’ with a view to being in the running for future World Travel Awards as we become more established.”

“My heartfelt thanks go out to everyone at the resort for all their hard work, commitment and dedication in making Zighy Bay the best resort in the world.”

Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay, which is located on the northern Musandam Peninsula in the Sultanate of Oman, offers indigenous village style accommodation situated between spectacular mountains on one side and a beautiful sandy beach on the other.

High res images can be downloaded via the following link www.worldtravelawards.com/photo?i=10200&t=t&r=116&p=1

Early next year, Amanresorts will launch its 24th property, Amanfayun. Named for a Tang Dynasty village which once inhabited the site, Amanfayun will offer guests a unique rural retreat on the outskirts of the historic Chinese city of Hangzhou, just a 20-minute drive from the city centre.

Famed for its poetic beauty, Hangzhou is one of the seven ancient capitals of China, founded 2,200 years ago during the Qin Dynasty. Described by Marco Polo as “the city of heaven”, today Hangzhou is still regarded as the most beautiful city in China due to its picturesque West Lake, countless pagodas, historic temples, botanical gardens, vast wetland areas and famous Longjing Tea plantations. The lively city itself retains the historic and cultural heritage for which it is renowned – its silk and tea as sought after today as they were in centuries past.

Amanfayun lies hidden in a valley to the west of West Lake – an historic site surrounded by fields, temples, groves of bamboo and densely forested hills. The property today consists of a remaining 47 stone courtyard dwellings that once housed villagers who tended the surrounding tea plantations. While the villagers have long since left, the fields still yield some of the finest green tea in China. Amanfayun lies within a pilgrimage circuit of five significant Buddhist temples, currently under review by UNESCO as both a cultural and religious heritage site.

Access to Amanfayun is by a narrow road which winds through the countryside. A pathway leads to the arrival building which in turn leads to the guest accommodations.

Some village dwellings date back more than a century and have been constructed using traditional methods. Roofs are clay tile, whilst walls are constructed of brick, earth and lighter timber structures. Interior floors are stone tiles whilst aged stone pathways connect the lodgings. Running the full extent of the property is the Fayun Pathway.

This is the village’s main thoroughfare – a stone pedestrian path that extends 600 metres. Most village accommodation, eateries, shops and public houses making up Amanfayun front the Fayun Pathway, which is open to the public and will be the atmospheric setting for vibrant seasonal festivals such as Spring Festival, Lantern Festival and the West Lake Pilgrimage Fair.

Amanfayun offers 42 rooms, suites and villas, of which sixteen are Village Rooms, nine are Village Suites, 12 are Deluxe Village Suites, four are Village Villas (featuring a duplex configuration with private double massage treatment rooms), and one is the Amanfayun Villa (comprising two king-size bedrooms, a courtyard and a private massage treatment room).

Due to the unique nature of the structures, no two rooms are identical. Whilst respecting the integrity of the original village dwellings, all accommodations enjoy the comforts of radiant under-floor heating, air conditioning and Wi-Fi internet connections. All accommodations feature natural finishes, open-grain elm wood furniture including daybeds and dining suites, and dark wood Chinese lattice screens which separate the various living spaces.

Fine calligraphy art pieces decorate the walls and a sound system with iPod option is available in all rooms (televisions are available on request). Most accommodation units open onto private or semi-private courtyards with informal outdoor dining and lounge areas.

The Restaurant is tucked away behind a grove of evergreens above the Fayun Pathway. This is the resort’s main dining facility and the only outlet which serves Western cuisine.

The menu features a number of classic international dishes, in essence offering guests comfort food. The Restaurant also houses The Bar – suitable for informal dining. Located directly above The Restaurant is The Meeting Room.

Featuring the latest audio visual equipment, it also offers two external terraces with sweeping views of the forest surrounding the village. This space can also be used as a private dining venue.

The resort offers two more eateries set in dwellings fronting the Fayun Pathway. Adding a village ambience, these eateries are open to the public and offer traditional fare in simple, picturesque surrounds.

The Village Eatery focuses on local Hangzhou specialties, and features an open kitchen and a terrace for al fresco dining. Further along the Fayun Pathway lies a homely Tea House, providing traditional tea service along with a variety of handmade sweet and savoury snacks. Amanfayun’s very own Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea, grown in the surrounding tea fields, is also served.

Continue reading Amanfayun welcoming guests to Hangzhou…

The Novotel Brisbane Airport hotel opens its doors this month to become Brisbane’s first dedicated airport hotel.

The hotel can be accessed via road or AirTrain utilising a complimentary bus transfer loop running between the domestic and international terminals and hotel.

It is opposite the Airport Village Complex and a short walk from the DFO retail hub which houses over 120 leading Australian and international brands.

The four-and-a-half star property offers accommodation in 157 rooms located over six levels. It includes conference facilities, a restaurant and bar, gymnasium, sauna and rooftop lap pool. A ‘web corner’ in the lobby is designed to allow guests to access the internet to print out boarding passes prior to departure.

Bunyip Bike Tours are bringing a touch of Europe to the Gold Coast with the first bike tour of its kind around Tamborine Mountain.

Imagine bike riding through vineyards, sampling local wines and enjoying morning tea under a shady tree.

Owner Cody Francis guides the bike tours around a 10km circuit of the mountain, with a visit to a local vineyard, picturesque waterfall and to the underground Glow Worm caves. Participants learn about the region’s wine making, and enjoy a tasting direct from the cellar door during their leisurely exploration of some of the Gold Coast’s finest natural wonders.

The tour includes morning tea. www.bunyipbiketours.com.au

Portland Bay Holiday Park is home to one of Australia’s native animals, the koala. There is an abundance of our “cute, furry friends”, as the park is filled with their natural habitat, the eucalyptus tree, reports the Park Managers – Bruce & Antonella Webbstock.

It is not uncommon to see the family scurry across the lawn in search of another tree.

The mother, father and baby on the back quickly find another tree to make home. They can then be seen eating, sleeping and scratching. A good time to get out the camera and take some shots!

Many of our guests, especially the overseas travelers, have not seen a koala in a natural habitat and are always excited to see one. One of our guests from Germany said, “They are so cute, it is great to be able to see them here in the park”. Quite often guests come and ask what the deep grunting sound you hear at night is; this is the sound a male koala uses to signify its social and physical position, and also part of their mating ritual.

Portland Bay Holiday Park is located on a cliff top above Portland’s Harbour.

It is set on 10 acres of lush native gum trees. The park is only a short walk to the town, beach and fishing spots.

Portland Bay Holiday Park is a leased Park with Australian Tourist Park Management (ATPM). ATPM provides a wide range of services to the caravan park industry and has successfully operated under a multiple facilities model for 13 years. ATPM has grown from its first management contract of 9 holiday parks to currently managing 28 parks throughout QLD, NSW, VIC & SA. Over this time frame, ATPM has developed expertise in all facets of tourist park management.

Presents Three Michelin Star Chef Michel Roux (Snr)

Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney invites guests to experience the gastronomic delights of guest Chef Michel Roux (Snr) from The Waterside Inn, which is one of just three restaurants in Britain with three Michelin stars.

The event will be held at Altitude Restaurant from 18 to 23 January 2010, and is part of Cuisine NOW, a celebration of contemporary cuisine devised by legendary chef and restaurateur Tony Bilson.

Chef Michel Roux (Snr), maestro of French haute cuisine and Altitude Restaurant’s Chef de Cuisine Steven Krasicki will collaborate to create a world-class culinary experience for the first time ever served against the backdrop of spectacular Sydney Harbour. Menu highlights include Roasted Duck with a Lemon and Thyme Jus, Potato and Garlic Mousseline; Flaked Cornish Crab with Melon and Fresh Almonds, served with a Marinated Prawn; Roasted Loin of Lamb stuffed with Aubergine Confit and Grilled Pine Kernels, “Gateau” of Moussaka and a Light Saffron Flavoured Jus; and Lemon Dessert on a Crisp Biscuit Base with Sweet Basil Sorbet.

This world-class culinary experience is priced from A$150 for a five-course set lunch menu and A$195 for an eight-course set dinner menu. For more information and bookings, please call (02) 9250 6123 or e-mail dine.slsn@shangri-la.com

Michel Roux (Snr) and his brother Albert are considered the founding fathers of modern British cuisine.

The pair opened Le Gavroche in 1971, which became the first restaurant in the country to be awarded a Michelin star, then two and in 1984, three Michelin stars. Since then, Chef Michel Roux (Snr) has opened The Waterside Inn and trained more than 800 chefs around the world.

‘Sheraton Incheon Hotel’ located in Songdo, Incheon, was officially designated as a five-star deluxe hotel by Korea Hotel Association on November 5th.

The Korea Hotel Association evaluates Korean hotels according to the criteria of hotel lounge, lobby, hall, room, restaurants and kitchen, facility management, service, parking lot, consumer satisfaction and building facilities. Besides, extra 90 points can be added and 30 points can be deducted on the evaluation.

More than 900 out of a thousand points are necessary to be designated as a five-star hotel.

According to the law, the Korea Hotel Association rates every hotel in Korea using a 5-level grading system. And it reviews hotels every 3 years to check if they meet their rating standard.

The Korea Hotel Association established in March, 1996, has rated 655 hotels in total until 2008.

The Sheraton Incheon Hotel was designated as a 5-star deluxe hotel in 23 evaluations (including reviews) conducted by Korea Hotel Association until 2009. This is the first 5-star hotel in Songdo International Business District and the second 5-star hotel after Ramada Plaza Suwon in its first evaluation this year.

The Sheraton Incheon Hotel could gain domestic and international recognition of its superior services as well as facilities through the 5-star rating by Korea Hotel Association.

“We’re trying to develop tourism in Songdo and lead high-class hotel service. And we’ll make great contributions to the economic development of Songo by taking aggressive measures to encourage MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Convention and Exhibition) business and attract foreign tourists such as shuttle service to and from the airport,” said a general manager of Sheraton Incheon Hotel, Alain Rigodin.

As a family hotel of Starwood bringing together the world’s best names in hotels and resorts, Sheraton Incheon Hotel with 22 stories above ground and 2 underground levels has 319 environmentally-friendly rooms and suites.

And it is also the first fully non-smoking hotel in Korea. A variety of conferences, weddings and parties are held in 9 hotel ballrooms on the 3rd and 4th floor. Fitness Center on the sixth floor and Link@Sheraton with complimentary High Speed Internet Access, PC workstations and TV, an exclusive area adjacent to lobby, provide busy businessmen with convenience and comfort.

Sheraton Incheon Hotel offers a tempting array of culinary choices at unique and elegant restaurants and two bars. You can enjoy a sumptuous a la carte and buffet menu at FEAST, dim sum bar and seven opulent private rooms at Chinese restaurant YUE, Japanese cuisine at MIYABI with Sake bar and delicious and authentic Italian cuisine with family, friends and business partners at BENE. Besides, you can enjoy your favorite cocktail with live entertainment at lobby lounge bar CONNEXIONS and B Flat (B♭) bar.

Sheraton Incheon Hotel located in Songdo- a hub city of Northeast business-is adjacent to a wide range of residential, business, cultural and retail facilities, the new Songdo Convention Center and Central Park. And the opening of Incheon Great Bridge shortens the travel time to Incheon International Airport to less than 20 minutes, which makes visitors enjoy a variety of cultural and recreational attractions as well as business.

After a stunning makeover, Oak’s Embassy is set to unveil a stylish new look in mid-march 2010 that will re-set the benchmark for quality, affordable Adelaide accommodation. A favorite with corporate and consumer travelers, Oaks Embassy’s modern-chic serviced apartments will engage the “wow” factor to ensure guests continue to rate Oaks Embassy’s spacious apartments, friendly service and premium leisure facilities amongst the best there is on offer in the cosmopolitan hub of Adelaide’s North Terrace.

The transformation consists of vast changes and a complete rejuvenation to floors, walls, ceilings, timber work, bathrooms, laundry, furnishings and window treatments.

The vast scope of these upgrades which will include brand new installations and a fresh modern ambience that will appeal to both short and long term corporate, government and leisure travelers who demand quality accommodation at a reasonable price within close proximity to Adelaide’s major attractions.

Guests will have a choice of one, two or three bedroom deluxe apartments or the popular executive apartments that also include a rejuvenating spa bath. Resort style leisure facilities include heated pool, spa, and the newly refurbished Mirage bar and restaurant offering the finest choice in contemporary Adelaide cuisine.

Explore the beauty of Adelaide from a perfect central base or conduct business in style with Oaks Embassy positioned opposite the Adelaide Convention Centre and close to the lively Adelaide CBD.

For an affordable luxurious getaway or a stylish Adelaide business address, the new look Oaks Embassy has something for everyone at rates that everyone can afford.