Jetsettersblog

Al Diar Hotels started of the year 2010 with an exceptional achievement. The Ministry of Culture and Youth has awarded Al Diar Regency Hotel the Golden Award, proving to be the best three star property within U.A.E.

The Ministry of Culture and Youth conducted a competition within U.A.E hand picking and awarding the best hotels and commercial retails in the country.

The competition was followed in finest five star, four star, three star and commercial retail categories.
Al Diar Hotels is proud to announce that one of their hotels’ – Al Diar Regency was nominated and awarded the first position in three star category.

Richard Riley, CEO of Abu Dhabi National Hotels Company said, “As the region and most importantly Abu Dhabi continues to rise as an international destination for tourists, holiday-makers and business travellers, it is imperative that our standards are not only maintained but rise above expectations.

Awards like these ensure that everyone is appreciated for their hard work.

“We are extremely proud of our colleagues and thankful to the Ministry of Culture and Youth for bestowing us with this award.”

Zighi Bay, Oman– This month Six Senses Hideaway Zighi Bay is celebrating reaching its second anniversary.

Hosts from the luxury resort located in the beautiful Sultanate of Oman, gathered together to celebrate all the impressive achievements that Zighi Bay has had since it first opened in January 2008.

With two highly successful years of operation, the Zighi Bay team had a lot to celebrate. A birthday cake was presented by General Manager, Rochelle Kilgariff, to assembled hosts who all joined together to blow out the candles.

In its short history, Zighy Bay has been showered with awards and accolades and has wowed guests and the industry alike with its many remarkable accomplishments.

Commenting on Zighi Bay reaching the end of its second year, resort General Manager, Rochelle Kilgariff said: “We are all so proud to be celebrating Zighi Bay’s second anniversary this month. We have so many wonderful memories from the last two years, and we are really looking forward to welcoming many more guests from all over the world to Zighi Bay!”

‘This is a time for every single person who has worked at Zighi Bay over the course of the last two years to give themselves a huge pat on the back. The team are so enthusiastic and have played a huge part in making Zighi Bay what it is today.’

Guests staying at the luxurious Zighi Bay can take advantage of a special stay two nights but pay for only one offer.

The list of awards won by Zighi Bay since it opened is extensive, please see the list below:

• Winner : World Travel Awards 2009 (London) – World’s Leading New Resort
• Finalist : Luxury Travel Advisor Awards of Excellence 2009 (Las Vegas, USA) –
• Best Luxury Hotel/Resort in the Middle East (Listed in Top 3)
• Wine Spectator Award (USA) – Sense on the Edge – 2009
• Arabia Corporate Social Responsibility Award – Middle East Runner Up – October 2009
• Virtuoso – Best of Best Awards – Most Innovative Guest Experience Award 2009
• Best Environmental Hotel – Gold Award – Best of Best MENA Travel Awards 2009
• Best Fine Dining Restaurant “Sense on the Edge” – Silver Award – Best of Best MENA Travel Awards 2009
• AHIC Development Awards 2009 – Finalist – Best New Hotel in Middle East
• ‘Best Spa Design’ Award – Travel + Leisure USA 2009
• ‘12 Most Amazing Pools in the World’ – BootsnAll Travel 2009
• Grand Award for Enchanting Resorts 2009 : Special Mention’ & ‘Best Spa Award’ –
• Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report 2009
• Estidama Sustainability Award First Place – Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council 2008
• Condé Nast Traveler Hot List Hotels 2008 – Condé Nast Traveler USA
• ‘Number One in Amazing Arrival Experiences’ – Travel + Leisure 2008

Luxurious chalk coloured leather premium seating, deep ink colours and mood lighting in all cabins of Air New Zealand’s new Boeing 777-300ER cabins will provide an interiors look more akin to a private jet than a commercial jetliner.

On demand food and beverage options, an extensive new inflight entertainment system and even wine tasting and destination seminars will set the new benchmark for long haul travel.

“For three years a dedicated group of Air New Zealanders, with the assistance of leading industrial designers, international design company IDEO, some of our top kiwi boat builders, Boeing and seat manufacturers, have been focused on creating a new experience that will influence cabin design for the next decade,” says Air New Zealand Group General Manager International Airline Ed Sims.

“Our ultimate goal, after extensive customer research, is to give passengers what they want, which is to give them back choice and control of their journey. While our current long haul product is already considered world class, we weren’t prepared to settle for off the shelf equipment as it wasn’t going to deliver what we wanted for our customers.

“As a result, we’ve created a range of new interior design items not seen before on aircraft. This includes large items like the new Economy Skycouch which was designed by Air New Zealanders, as is the Premium Economy Spaceseat.

Both have been licensed to manufacturers Recaro and Contour respectively and have the potential to generate significant license fees for Air New Zealand in the future.”

Mr Sims says Air New Zealand’s design ideas also extend to small but significant comfort innovations. A slip on pillow will go over the winged headrest in Economy to eliminate the nuisance of pillows always falling down and removing the need for neck cushions.

“We’ve even created a new foot bean bag style cushion affectionately called Otto. It enables Premium Economy passengers to create their own position for sleeping rather than being restrained by an uncomfortable, stiff leg rest.”

As well as the new seating and hardware, Air New Zealand has completely overhauled its inflight service.

Critical to the service improvements is the Panasonic eX2 inflight entertainment touch screen system the airline has chosen, the same as it uses in its Boeing 767 and Airbus A320 fleets.

“However, we’ve broken the mould here too, and in an industry first we’ve created our own suite of interactive products to help deliver the experience we’re looking for,” says Mr Sims.

“This includes the ability for passengers to order food and beverage items when they want outside of main meal times.”

To deliver the new food experience, new oven technology will be installed in the five galleys throughout the aircraft.

“It means we will be able to offer previously unheard of meal options inflight – real crispy bacon and eggs or a steak cooked anyway you like it in Business Premier, a pizza or tapas to share with your companion in Premium Economy or even a classic Kiwi toasted sandwich!”

Other technical developments include the ability to synchronise your viewing and listening IFE content to those you’re travelling with, and Flight Planner – a visual guide on the IFE that lets you know when meals will be served, when snacks and drinks will be available for order and timings for when the lights will be dimmed and other activity is timed to take place.

The new interior colour scheme includes chalk covered leather seats in the premium cabins, a colour normally reserved for private jets.

“The colour scheme is very luxurious and together with our new-look uniforms will add the finishing touch to a sensational inflight experience,” says Mr Sims.

“Areas like galleys and bathrooms have long been neglected in aircraft refurbishments. We want customers to realise we have thought about bringing the fun back into these areas too, with design themes including a library, glitzy chandeliers and two bathrooms will even include a window so you can admire the view!”

Air New Zealand is predicting dramatic growth in premium travel, specifically Premium Economy, with its new fleet of Boeing 777-300 aircraft to have 39 per cent more seats in this class than on its 777-200 aircraft and 28 per cent more than on its 747-400 fleet.

“Our Premium Economy cabin has shown itself to be recession proof, with demand continuing to rise since its introduction in 2005,” says Air New Zealand Group General Manager International Airline Ed Sims.

“While the nature of our long haul sectors has leant itself to selling the added space and service of Premium Economy, none of this has come at the expense of Business Premier, which offers one of the longest beds in the sky.”

Air New Zealand’s new ‘Spaceseat’ is a totally new concept for Premium Economy in the airline industry, providing flexibility and privacy through the angle of the seats. They will be configured in a 2-2-2 layout, compared to the industry standard 3-3-3 in 777-200s.

“There was no Premium Economy seat available in the market that delivered the exclusive style of customer experience we were looking for. The only answer was to design our own,” says Mr Sims.

“Contour of Wales will manufacture the seat under license, providing us with a new and lucrative revenue stream when other airlines want to buy the ‘best in class’ seat.

“This is a game changing product for Premium Economy which will have our competitors playing catch up for several years. Already Boeing has indicated they’re interested in the seats as a Business Class option for their 737 range.”

The seats feature hard back shells so a passenger in front cannot recline into the personal space of the person behind, with seat recline created by a base that slides forward and angles up.

The centre seats angle outwards from each other, providing ultimate privacy or the space can be combined so couples can snuggle together or even dine at a common table. The sets of two window seats are angled so as to offer the ultimate privacy for individual passengers.

“With our focus on providing customer choice, we’ve created seating options with our ‘Inner Space’ and ‘Outer Space’ seats, which will offer very different propositions for couples or single travellers,” says Mr Sims.

The 340 seat 777-300 aircraft will be configured with 246 in Economy (including 66 seats creating 22 Skycouch combinations), 50 in Premium Economy and 44 in Business Premier.

The current 777-200 aircraft seat 304 passengers with 242 in economy, 36 in Premium Economy and 26 in Business Premier. The 747-400 aircraft seat 379 with 294 in Economy, 39 in Premium Economy and 46 in Business Premier.

The airline first introduced Premium Economy in 2005 on its 747-400 aircraft and within two years had increased the number of seats from 23 to 39, and mid last year doubled the number of seats on its 777-200 aircraft from 18 to 36.

Premium Economy will be priced similar to today’s Premium Economy airfares, starting from a third more than standard Economy fares.

Full airfare details will be announced when it goes on sale from late April.

Air New Zealand will transform international air travel later this year when it introduces revolutionary, Kiwi designed lie-flat economy and ground breaking premium economy seats, together with enhanced comforts for those wanting the ultimate in luxurious Business Premier travel.

The airline today revealed its prototype designs in a full-scale Boeing 777-300 cabin inside its design innovation centre in Auckland’s CBD, just a few hundred metres from its head office.

Chief Executive Officer Rob Fyfe says when the airline takes delivery of its first new Boeing 777-300 ER in November this year it will redefine the long haul travel experience and set a benchmark for competitors to follow.

“Air New Zealand is putting the magic and romance back into flying. For the past three years we have been designing a new long haul experience that will reignite the passion of today’s travellers,” Mr Fyfe says.

“For those who choose, the days of sitting in economy and yearning to lie down and sleep are gone. The dream is now a reality, one that you can even share with a travelling companion – just keep your clothes on thanks!”

The ‘Skycouch’, a specially designed row of three seats, has been engineered to create a lie-flat, flexible space all the way to the seat-back in front, providing a place for the kids to play, or the holy grail of economy travel – a flat surface for adults to relax and sleep.

Twenty-two sets of Skycouch seats will be available, being the first 11 window rows in the Economy Class cabin.

For two adults travelling, purchasing the Skycouch will be based on buying two seats at standard prices with the third seat at approximately half price.

Full airfare details will be announced when it goes on sale from late April.

Air New Zealand’s Premium Economy cabin has also had a dramatic makeover.

“Most airlines’ Premium Economy offering leaves travellers with economy-style food and service. By complete contrast, our new Premium Economy cabin with uniquely Kiwi designed Spaceseats will offer unparalleled comfort and legroom with new shared-meal experiences more familiar in tapas restaurants or bistros than at 35,000 feet,” says Mr Fyfe.

Air New Zealand’s award winning Business Premier cabin has also been enhanced with complete on-demand food and beverage service more akin to premium dining and an enhanced sleep experience to ensure travellers really do feel they’ve snuggled into their own bed.

The new interior design scheme includes a move away from traditional blues and greens to a more luxurious blend of chalk and deep ink colours.

Mr Fyfe says each of the three zones in Air New Zealand’s long haul aircraft of the future will be a step ahead of competitors from a comfort perspective and the experience will be further underpinned by the world’s most innovative food and beverage service and state-of-the-art entertainment system.

“Being able to order a steak, medium rare in Business Premier, a pizza for two in Premium Economy or a late night snack in Economy, whenever you want, will be a very cool experience.

New oven technology that will cook food from scratch rather than simply reheating and a new digital in-seat ordering service will make this truly the first time real food has been served at 35,000 feet.

“Coupled with some of the world’s best wines like gold-medal winning sauvignon blancs from Marlborough, pinot noirs from Central Otago and cabernet merlots and syrahs from Hawke’s Bay, we will be serving an incredible dining experience!”

The 340 seat 777-300 aircraft will be configured with 246 in Economy (including 66 seats creating 22 Skycouch combinations), 50 in Premium Economy and 44 in Business Premier.

The first routes to offer travellers the next generation of long haul travel will be on selected NZ5 and NZ6 services between Auckland and Los Angeles followed by dedicated return services on NZ1 and NZ2 between Auckland and Los Angeles and through to London from April 2011.

Air New Zealand expects to also refit its fleet of eight Boeing 777-200 aircraft from mid next year, with all Asian, North American and UK services to have the new product by around 2012.

If you really want to get under the skin of India, forget hotels. Try homestays.

Across India, families are throwing open their charming homes and inviting tourists to stay.

From as little as £20 per day (inc breakfast), travellers can choose from over 150 locations, ranging from downtown Delhi to rural homes in the Himalayas.

Each home has been selected to deliver the highest standards of comfort and cleanliness, as well as safety and authenticity.

To book, simply browse www.mahindrahomestays.com – an easy to use site which allows you to choose by location, price or activity (such as yoga or cookery classes). You can explore India by map and read more about each homestay, and the lives of the owners, whether it be a Maharaja’s palace, or on a coffee plantation.

‘It’s not just a holiday, it’s a cultural exchange – and from £20 b&b a night per person, it’s totally affordable for everyone’ says Japa Ghosh, Head of Marketing, Mahindra Homestays.

For help with planning or travel arrangements, call the reservations centre on 0203 140 8422. The friendly team will be able to guide you to the ideal homestay, and provide expert travel advice – they are based in India.

To BOOK: www.mahindrahomestays.com , or telephone 0203 140 8422.
Follow our blog: www.blog.mahindrahomestay.com

Travellers looking for an unusual wildlife experience in a new destination should consider Reef & Rainforest Tours’ (Tel 01803 866965 www.reefandrainforest.co.uk ) wildlife safari to Sri Lanka.

Their new 11-day safari gives wildlife lovers the rare opportunity to spot both leopards and blue whales on an adventure that includes both land and sea activities – an option previously unavailable in Sri Lanka.

The journey begins with a special safari experience at Yala National Park, one of the best leopard spotting locations in Asia, not to mention wild elephants, boar, buffalo, macaque monkey and a host of birds.

Here, helping guests spot the elusive leopard , will be avid conservationist and one Sir Lanka’s best known wildlife photographers, Chitral Jayatilake. Chitral received his first award in photography from the Duke of Edinburgh aged just 17 and has since held several exhibitions and published two wildlife books.

The second part of the trip is spent at the stunning coastal resort of Mandara in Weligama with the opportunity of whale watching, seeing not only the magnificent blue whale, but dolphins and other marine life.

Finally, there is the chance to experience the sights and sounds of the capital, Colombo, staying at the Cinnamon Grand.

The next two departure dates are set for 24th March and 5th April 2010.

The price for this very special adventure is £2,986 per person which includes:
•return economy flights with Sri Lankan Airlines
•two-nights bed and breakfast accommodation at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel
•four-nights at Yala Village on a half board basis
•three-nights at Mandara Resort on a half board basis
•10 safaris in Yala National Park
•two whale and dolphin watching cruises
•guides
•airport transfers
•transportation within Sri Lanka
•price is based on two people sharing a double room

Tropical Villa Vacations, a Maui-based company specializing in luxury home and villa rentals, has added three new properties to its collection, including two luxury villas in South Maui and a Kihei beach house.

The company now offers 25 homes and villas on Maui.

The three new properties include Turquoise Cove at Makena Surf, a four-bedroom, five-bath villa in South Maui measuring over 3,500 square feet, including an oversized great room and three separate lanais.

Amenities include complimentary wireless Internet access, a gourmet kitchen, a gas barbecue grill, a laundry room, indoor and outdoor dining for eight guests, and electronics such as flat-panel televisions with CD/DVD players, including one with HD DVR capabilities. The resort offers free tennis courts, free parking, two heated swimming pools, two hot tubs, and onsite security staff. Rates for Turquoise Cove start at $850 per night from April 11 through June 11.

Sandy Surf at the Wailea Beach Villas is a contemporary, four-bedroom, three-bath penthouse with over 3,300 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space. It features a gourmet kitchen, a laundry room, a large outdoor lanai with a stainless Viking gas grill, a 60-inch HD television, digital cable, an iPod dock with a surround-sound speaker system and an HD DVR, among other perks.

The gated resort features manicured gardens, two heated swimming pools, two outdoor whirlpool spas, a fitness center, an activity room, a business center, beach services, pool attendants and 24-hour security.

Nightly rates start at $1,395 from April 11 through June 11.

The recently renovated Indo Lotus House is a beach house on Kamaole Beach in Kihei. The single-level home features four bedrooms, two bathrooms, central air conditioning, an alarm system and a private hot tub. The living room includes a new HD television with HD digital DVR, an iPod dock, a BluRay CD/DVD player and a CD stereo. Additional features include a full kitchen, a beachfront patio with a portable Weber gas grill, coolers, beach chairs, beach towels, beach umbrellas, volleyball/badminton, croquet, and an oversized washer/dryer. Nightly rates from April 11 through June 11 start at $950.

For more information, call 888-875-2818, ext. 206, or visit www.tropicalvillavacations.com

Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc. (SVO), the fractional and vacation ownership division of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., opened the first phase of The Westin Desert Willow Villas in Palm Desert, Calif.

The resort is the second Starwood Vacation Ownership resort in California.

The company also operates The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Villas in nearby Rancho Mirage, Calif.

The first phase of The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert consists of five three-story buildings, a clubhouse, teen activity room, family activity room, Westin Kids Club, tennis courts, three swimming pools, a waterslide, barbecue grill areas, multiple outdoor whirlpool spas, a WestinWorkOut fitness facility, a steam room and a sauna.

This phase includes 74 two-bedroom lock-off villas with luxurious features and amenities, including separate living and dining areas, private balconies, flat-panel televisions, DVD players, stereos, high-speed wireless Internet, full kitchens, and the signature Westin Heavenly Bed and Westin Heavenly Bath.

Upon completion, the resort will have a total of 300 two-bedroom lock-off villas.

The Oberoi Group announced its new Exotic Family Vacations, available from April 2 to Sept. 30, 2010.

The package allows guests to stay for six nights or more and enjoy a complimentary room for children.

The special package includes accommodation and daily breakfast for two people, a complimentary second room for two children up to 15 years old, roundtrip car transfers between the local airport or railway station and hotel, a 25 percent reduction on spa therapies, a daily yoga session and taxes.

Special amenities for children at the hotels include welcome story books and mini-toy boxes;

bubble bath, baby shampoo and bath toys;

nursery rhyme and story DVDs; and chess and checkers boards.

In addition, a carefully created program of children’s activities is available at the hotels that include kite making and flying classes, traditional Rajasthani folk dance lessons, cooking classes specializing in Indian cuisine, a Rajasthani Treasure Hunt and the opportunity to adopt a tree and plant it to commemorate the visit.

For further details, including prices and U.S. reservations, call 800-562-3764 or email reservations@oberoigroup.com  For more information on the hotels, visit www.oberoigroup.com