Jetsettersblog

A new river boat called Zambezi Queen is offering two- and three-night voyages on the Chobe River, through Chobe National Park in Botswana.

The area teems with wildlife, including approximately 120,000 elephants and over 400 species of birds. Prides of leopard and lion, huge groups of buffalo, waterbuck, roan, eland, sable, giraffe and the rare puku can also be seen. The river itself is home to hippos and crocodiles.

The 135-foot-long boat made its inaugural journey a few weeks ago in Botswana.

The contemporary, three-story Zambezi Queen has 14 suites furnished with a double or two single beds and private balconies.

The vessel also boasts a library with books on the fauna, flora and history of the area, games, a DVD player with wildlife documentaries, and computer facilities with Internet access. Pete Goff-Wood, one of South Africa’s top chefs, oversees the dining room on the third level. Also on the third level is a bar and lounge area with a wood-burning fireplace. The top deck offers shaded spaces and a pool.

The Zambezi Queen does not use conventional propellers but a jet propulsion system that reduces damage to the river bed and enables the boat to operate in very shallow water.

At night it switches to a low-emission power system for lighting, refrigerators and other equipment.

This system also allows guests to enjoy the sounds of the bush.

Heat for water is provided by solar panels, which transfer the sun’s heat to storage boilers. Taps and showers incorporate the water-saving designs, and all wastewater is stored in holding tanks to prevent discharging into the river.

Zambezi Queen is owned by business partners Tony Stern and Brett McDonald.

For more information, visit www.zambeziqueen.com

The first phase of a new ambitious underwater project in Cancun, Mexico, is now complete, with the second phase under way.

The National Park located on the West Coast of Isla Mujeres, Punta Cancun and Punta Nizuc, which welcomes approximately 750,000 annual tourists, will feature more than 400 concrete sculptures making it the world’s largest underwater museum, located in the waters facing Cancun and Isla Mujeres.

At a cost of more than $350,000, the project has been put into place to help conserve natural reefs.

The Marine National Park has stepped up to the challenge of diverting tourists away from natural habitats along the natural coral reef units, without losing their visitors and the $36 million they bring into the area each year.

Since Nov. 14 of last year, Phase 1 of the project included the sinking of three sculptures under the supervision of prominent artist and underwater sculptor Jason de Caires Taylor, including sculptures such as “Dream Collector,” “Man on Fire” and “The Gardener of Hope.”

The second phase of the project is well under way, with the hopes that it will eventually become the largest underwater museum in the world with more than 400 life-sized sculptures placed on the sand, as well as sunk to a variety of depths throughout the national park.

These sculptures will be placed near natural reefs and marine life in order to create an artificial habitat.

Once this stage is completed, additional artists will be invited to display their sculptures and contribute to the museum.

Each individual work of art will be life-sized and will be mounted on a base of four square meters and will consist of themed galleries such as “The Quiet Evolution.” Taylor has accepted the title as artistic director of the museum. Jaime Gonzalez, the national park’s director, estimates that by April 2010, there should be nearly 250 sculptures in the underwater museum.

For more information, visit www.underwatersculpture.com  www.cancun.travel

With access to 600 miles of snowmobile trails out its front door, and three feet of snow in the past week, Togwotee Mountain Lodge is the perfect starting point for participating in exhilarating snow sports, as well as exploring the numerous winter activities available in the vicinity.

Togwotee Mountain Lodge invites guests to some of the best snowmobiling in the country with some great powder, fun events and discounts.

On Friday – Saturday, March 19-20, 2010, Togwotee Mountain Lodge will be hosting the 3rd Annual Wyoming Snow Run in conjunction with the Pink Ribbon Riders.

A non-profit organization consisting of snowmobile and motorsports enthusiasts, the Pink Ribbon Riders volunteer their time and effort to put on events and helps men and women diagnosed with breast cancer. Celebrity riders including Dan Adams, HMK Kirk Zack and Klim USA John Summers will participate in the Snow Run.

The two-day event will include organized activities:

• Friday Night Welcome Party with contests, silent auction, music and more

• Saturday Event Ride and Dinner Party with awards and recognitions

• Snow Run limited edition event collectors patch and gift for all participants

Every year almost 10,000 spectators flock to Jackson, Wyo. for the unforgettable 35th Annual World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb.

This annual event, which will take place Thursday – Sunday, March 25-28, 2010, challenges snowmobilers to race up 1,500 vertical feet on the steepest slope Snow King Mountain has to offer.

Not every snowmobiler makes it to the top and many tumble back down, but half the fun is cheering them on anyway! The event also draws snowmobile companies from around North America, serving as a venue to showcase the latest in snowmobile technology.

Guests to either event can take advantage of Togwotee’s “Legendary Snow Returns Promotion,” a 25 percent discount on all lodging and snowmobiling, available through March 27, 2010.

The discount is also valid on Togwotee’s all-inclusive winter packages, which include a one-night stay, transportation to and from Jackson or the airport, social hour, dinner, breakfast and guide service. Use promo code: LEGENDARY.

Togwotee Mountain Lodge has earned its reputation as the world’s leading snowmobile resort for winter vacations.

Togwotee has been rated as SnoWest’s #1 riding area, and the lodge has added 30 new powder sleds from Arctic Cat and Polaris.

For information on the Togwotee Mountain Lodge, please visit www.togwoteelodge.com details on the Snow Run and World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb 2010, check out www.pinkribbonriders.com  and http://www.snowdevils.org

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The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art (BGFA) has debuted docent tours, which are offered Wednesday through Sunday on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The tours are limited to the first 20 attendees, and each tour begins promptly at 3:30 p.m. and lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Docent tours are complimentary with the purchase of any BGFA admission, which is $15 general; $12 for Nevada residents and seniors age 65 and older; $10 for students, teachers and military with valid ID; and free for children ages 12 and younger.

For more information, call 877-957-9777 or visit www.bellagio.com

A Picture-perfect Backdrop, Authentically Warm Hospitality and Characteristically Mexican Charm Distinguish Puerto Vallarta’s Favored All-inclusive Resort

Fairfax, VA – A longtime favorite for travelers seeking to explore lush, tropical scenery and the magical charm of Mexico’s Pacific Coast, the AAA Four Diamond, all-inclusive, all-suite Barceló La Jolla de Mismaloya has recently undergone a multi-million dollar renovation, further enhancing the guest experience.

Just completed in 2009, the project included full renovation of the resort’s 317 one- and two-bedroom suites, decorated in a soft-contemporary palette of neutral tones, accented with tropical colors.

Each suite opens onto a large balcony with panoramic bay vistas or views of the peaceful, surrounding gardens. Guests can select the room that most meets their needs, from a family vacation in a spacious family suite to a romantic getaway in the fully-equipped grand master suite.

And for love birds, few other locations could offer such an ideal backdrop for popping the big question, exchanging vows or escaping on a tropical honeymoon.

Additional renovations included an upgrade to the resort’s sparkling swimming pools and contemporary lounge as well as the addition of a new restaurant, Capri. The hotelier also invested in a comprehensive beach rejuvenation program, enhancing one of Puerto Vallarta’s most enchanting beach coves.

As one of the resort’s main draws, the beautiful Mismaloya Bay has drawn travelers from all over the globe, even Hollywood producers and celebrities. The bay served as the backdrop to blockbuster hits Night of the Iguana and Predator.

But the resort offers much more than a beautiful stretch of sand. Guests can enjoy an authentic, meaningful travel experience without even having to leave the property. Like other Barceló all-inclusive resorts, Barceló La Jolla de Mismaloya infuses the unique characteristics of Puerto Vallarta and Pacific Mexico into its architecture, style and amenities, offering a more authentic travel experience at an all-inclusive value that cannot be beat.

And once guests are inspired to journey into downtown Puerto Vallarta, the picturesque historic district is just minutes away, offering boutiques of locally made silver products, crafts and ceramics as well as extensive galleries of local Mexican artists.

For guests with an interest in local wares, the hotel features several boutiques with a variety of Mexican items, including a fine jewelry store, where intricately designed silver pieces can be purchased.

Back at the resort, travelers can enjoy a variety of culinary treats and indulgences. The resort’s new Capri restaurant received the distinctive H Award, bestowed upon leading hotel restaurants by Mexico’s Tourism Ministry.

This newest culinary offering adds authentic Italian cuisine to the assortment of international fine dining options available at the resort.

The all-inclusive offerings extend far beyond world-class dining. Guest can also enjoy unlimited use of non-motorized water sports on tranquil Mismaloya Bay; four outdoor swimming pools, complete with waterfalls, Jacuzzis and a children’s slide; an on-site shopping promenade; a state-of-the-art spa and fitness center; an adult-supervised kids’ club that includes seasonal activities such as snorkeling and whale tours; a pulsating nightclub; numerous bars and lounges; and a convention center with meeting facilities for groups of all sizes.

For more information or reservations on Barceló La Jolla de Mismaloya, please contact your travel agent, call 1-800-BARCELÓ or visit us online at http://www.barcelolajollademismaloya.com

The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail Named one of the 2010 Dozen Distinctive Destinations by National Trust for Historic Preservation
-First Year That Public Will Vote Online for Fan Favorite Destination-

Washington, D.C. —The National Trust for Historic Preservation has named The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail one of its 2010 Dozen Distinctive Destinations. The Crooked Road was selected for blending eco-tourism and small town charm with the Appalachian region’s musical heritage, providing visitors with a unique cultural experience that spans 300 miles across 19 towns. In the month of February,

The Crooked Road will be participating in the first-ever public online voting contest for the 2010 Dozen Distinctive Destinations Fan Favorite.

For 10 years the National Trust for Historic Preservation has annually selected communities across America that offer cultural and recreational experiences different from those found at the typical vacation destination.

From dynamic downtowns and stunning architecture to cultural diversity and a commitment to historic preservation, sustainability and revitalization, the selected destinations boast a richness of character and exude an authentic sense of place.

“The Crooked Road pays homage to a rich Appalachian heritage,” said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “The trail weaves together unique historic districts that share a past steeped in a rare and uniquely American music culture.”

Celebrating and preserving the Appalachian region’s cultural heritage, The Crooked Road encourages visitors to experience authentic mountain music in the region where it was born.

The trail highlights eight music venues, including the Ralph Stanley Museum & Traditional Music Center, Carter Family Fold, Norton Country Cabin, Bristol, the Rex Theater & Old Fiddler’s Convention and the Blue Ridge Music Center.

The Floyd Country Store is home to the world-famous Friday Night Jamboree, a long-running music series featuring local Old Time, Bluegrass and Gospel music.

Nineteen towns dot the 300-mile route and offer historic and cultural programs, artisan crafts, museums and outdoor recreational activities.

Other highlights include:

Along the trail, wayside kiosks provide information and FM radio broadcasts featuring musical excerpts and narration about the scenic attractions and cultural offerings

Often called the Grand Canyon of the South, Breaks Interstate Park is a 4,600-acre park that borders Kentucky and Virginia and features campsites, hiking, a lodge and spectacular views
Chateau Morrisette in Patrick County is a family-run winery featuring an award-winning chef, a jazz festival and popular wine tastings

“Farm to fork” cuisine can be enjoyed at The Harvest Table Restaurant in Meadowview, which celebrates local produce on menus that change weekly based on harvest

Downtown historic districts in Abingdon and Bristol offer eclectic shopping experiences

For the first time, the public will determine which of the 12 destinations will be the 2010 Fan Favorite. From February 3 to February 28, any legal resident of the U.S., 18 years of age or older, can vote as often as they like for their favorite city or town on this year’s list.

The winner of the popular vote will be announced on March 1, 2010. Voters are automatically entered to win a complimentary two night stay at any Historic Hotel of America.

No purchase necessary. Offer void where prohibited.

Visit www.PreservationNation.org/ddd  for official rules, information about Historic Hotels of America, to learn more about this year’s destinations and to begin voting!

The title of Distinctive Destination is presented to cities and towns that offer an authentic visitor experience by combining dynamic downtowns, cultural diversity, attractive architecture, cultural landscapes and a strong commitment to historic preservation, sustainability and revitalization. In each community, residents have taken forceful action to protect their town’s character and sense of place.

The Crooked Road joins Lexington, Charlottesville and Staunton as Virginia destinations to have received this honor.

For more information on The Crooked Road and for trip planning resources, visit www.Virginia.org  or call 1-800-VISITVA to request a free, Virginia is for Lovers travel guide.

Award-Winning Tour Co Launches Annual Park Conservation Program with 2010 Spotlight on Glacier National Park; Exceptional Trips Yield Education, Funds for Conservation

Austin-Lehman Adventures (ALA), a leader in active vacations in the Americas, Europe and Africa, has selected Glacier National Park and the Glacier National Park Fund, as the beneficiary of its first annual “Preserve a Park” program for 2010, the year of the Park’s celebrated 100th anniversary.

“Preserve a Park” is the platform for ALA’s newly established conservation and educational initiative, an ongoing program that will be aligned with a different national park each year.

The company will provide financial contributions to an organization that best supports that designated park, while featuring an educational experience for guests who book one of the tour company’s “Preserve a Park” trips.

This year, ALA will donate $100 per guest from each Glacier trip to the Glacier National Park Fund (www.glacierfund.org), a 501 (c)(3)organization that supports the ongoing and future preservation of Glacier National Park’s natural beauty and cultural heritage by fostering public awareness and encouraging private philanthropy For 2010,

ALA offers three, six-day / five-night trips to Glacier during its Centennial year as a national park: August 1-6, August 8-13, and August 15-20; price per person is $2498.

Collaborating with the Glacier National Park Fund and local experts on such topics as glacier activity, history and wildlife, the ALA Glacier National Park Centennial trips will feature an educational element woven throughout the week, including an afternoon or evening with the experts from Glacier National Park Fund to enrich the trip experience.

In 1850, Glacier National Park had 150 glaciers spread over its acreage and today only 26 survive. Guests will learn from active travelers and local experts, intimately familiar with the Park’s challenges and rewards and can offer special insights.

A UNESCO World Heritage site and, coupled with Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada, the worlds’ first Peace Park, Glacier National Park is an adventurer’s paradise known to Native Americans as the “Backbone of the World”.

It preserves over one million acres of glacier-carved terrain that encompasses old growth forest, alpine lakes, rugged mountains and sweeping meadows of wildflowers. Travelers bike, hike and raft through the Park’s less traveled trails and most famous routes, including the celebrated Going-to-the-Sun Road (one of North America’s most scenic roads and an 11-year building feat), and savor an up-close look at the Park’s wildlife, natural wonders and awe-inspiring yet threatened glaciers.

According to Dan Austin, co-founder of Austin-Lehman Adventures,

“Our national park programs have been our most popular, and they also represent opportunities to express our support for safeguarding our great parks.

We chose Glacier National Park to acknowledge its Centennial and we are delighted to name the Glacier National Park Fund as the recipient of our donation.”

For further information on Austin-Lehman Adventures’ “Preserve a Park” program, or to book the Glacier National Park trip, contact Austin-Lehman Adventures at 1-800-575-1540 or visit www.austinlehman.com

KOTA BHARU – Tune Hotels.com – the limited service hotel brand providing a “5-star sleeping experience at a 1-star price”, is set to open Tune Hotels.com – KB Sentral, Kota Bharu by the end of this year.

The company today held a Groundbreaking Ceremony officiated by the Deputy Menteri Besar of Kelantan, YB Dato’ Haji Ahmad bin Ya’kob.

The Tune Hotels.com – KB Sentral hotel will be built under a partnership agreement between Tune Hotels.com and HLK Group, which has set up a special purpose vehicle company HLK Ventures Sdn Bhd to undertake the development and operation of the hotel.

Located in the heart of Kota Bharu next to the state capital’s popular landmark the KB Mall, the new Tune Hotels.com will offer 150 rooms with attached bathrooms comprising 104 double rooms, 45 twin rooms and 1 wheelchair-friendly room.

Guests will find the hotel’s location very strategic and convenient as it is within close proximity of established shopping outlets and will allow visitors to experience the rich food and cultural heritage of Kelantan.

Tune Hotels.com – KB Sentral, Kota Bharu is one of five new hotels that the company expects to open in Malaysia this year. Tune Hotels.com hotels in Danga Bay, Johor Bahru; Kota Damansara, Selangor; Miri and Bintulu in Sarawak are also scheduled for opening within 2010. Its existing hotels are located in Kuala Lumpur, KLIA-LCCT, Penang, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching. Tune Hotels.com has also recently opened its first two hotels outside Malaysia in Bali, Indonesia located at Kuta and Double Six, Legian.

Tune Hotels.com’s aggressive regional expansion plans include their recent strategic partnership with Evolution Capital Public Company Limited to franchise a roll-out of 44 Tune Hotels.com hotels across Thailand, China, Bangladesh, the Philippines & Indonesia and Apodis Hospitality Group to invest in, develop and operate 20 Tune Hotels.com hotels across India by 2012.Together with its expansion plan within Malaysia, Tune Hotels.com expects to have 100 hotels operational by 2013.

Mark Lankester, Group CEO of Tune Hotels.com said, “With more people travelling due to the proliferation of low cost carriers such as AirAsia, travellers are challenged by full service hotels that charge high rates for accommodation when they arrive.

Our guests are savvy, active travellers who are out and about for most of the day; either enjoying leisure attractions or conducting business outside the hotel. We are delighted to be in the heart of Kota Bharu,Kelantan and we are hoping to make Kota Bharu a major destination for travellers which will be beneficial for Kota Bharu and Kelantan as a whole.”

Deputy Menteri Besar of Kelantan, YB Dato’ Haji Ahmad bin Ya’kob applauded Tune Hotels.com’s initiatives to support the state’s focus on development and growth.

He welcomed the limited service brand’s arrival in Kota Bharu, saying “Tune Hotels.com’s innovative concept is exciting in that it is expanding all over the world and it is great to be a part of Tune Hotels.com’s network of cities and shows how Kota Bharu is increasingly becoming a major destination.

Tune Hotels.com has always been smart about its choices in location and this bodes well for Kota Bharu with them opening here. Kota Bharu is developing and will continue to grow as a business and leisure destination.”

The partner for Tune Hotels.com – KB Sentral, Kota Bharu, HLK Group, is a construction company that has diversified into the consumer electronic appliance business in recent years via its HLK Chain stores now numbering over 20 outlets nationwide. HLK Ventures Sdn Bhd is a special purpose vehicle company setup to undertake the development and operation of Tune Hotels.com

- KB Sentral, Kota Bharu. Under the terms of the partnership agreement, the Tune Hotels.com in KB Sentral is targeted to be operational by the 4th quarter of 2010.

TS Ting, Managing Director of HLK Ventures Sdn Bhd said, “The Tune Hotels.com’s business model clicked well with us. The concept is relevant with today’s lifestyle and travel mode. Their product provides value for money and will help to boost tourism and business activities in Kelantan with guests who are perceived as smart rather than thrifty travellers.

TuneHotels.com is an extremely exciting hospitality model and we are delighted to be rolling out this new experience across the region.”

Kelantan that has been actively promoting itself as an Islamic tourism destination offers tourists and visitors a lot of attractions. The Kelantan Cultural Centre in Kota Bharu is where visitors can try their hands at traditional games, watch ‘wayang kulit’ shows and try kite flying.

The daily open air night market at Wakaf Che Yeh offers visitors a wide variety of crafts, silverware, jewellery, batik and songket products at bargain prices. For history buffs, they can check out Kota Bharu’s various historical sites while the many riverside cafes along the Kelantan River offer an ideal spot to catch the scenic sunset. Pantai Cahaya Bulan just out of Kota Bharu is a popular beach while Rantau Panjang, about 40 km from Kota Bharu is a shopping heaven bordering Thailand.

On Tune Hotels.com’s model, Mark Lankester adds, “We receive comments from our guests saying that Tune Hotels.com gives them far greater right over the management of their resources, not just financially but also environmentally. With the spread of environmental conscientiousness there is a corresponding interest in ecologically-responsible consumption and our pay-as-you-use system for air-conditioning, laundered towels, and other energy-consuming amenities allows travelers to opt in or out of services which have an impact on the environment. These add-ons are available for a small fee, and should guests choose not to take these options, not only do they save money but also contribute to preserving earth’s resources.

This directly encourages a less wasteful and a more conscientious lifestyle, which an increasing number of travelers and consumers are keen to adopt.”
Savvy consumer, Mr. Jeffrey O’Neill from Australia said, “To me it seems fair that the guests who use the most power pay the most”.

Similar to low-cost carrier airlines, Tune Hotels.com employs a self-service online bookingsystem that encourages guests to book as far in advance as possible on www.tunehotels.com  to enjoy exceptionally low prices.

Tune Hotels.com’s rates are kept low by employing a ‘limited service’ concept where underutilised hotel-operated facilities like swimming pools and gyms are omitted and cost savings are passed on to the guest.

All Tune Hotels.com hotels feature space-efficient, streamlined rooms focusing on high-quality basics: 5-star beds and powerful hotshowers.

Though minimally priced, the strategically located hotels still provide daily housekeeping services, electronic keycard access into rooms, 24-hour CCTV and manned security, and no access into the main lobby without a keycard past midnight.

Through Tune Hotels.com’s ‘Less Waste, More Earth’ pay-as-you-use system of add-ons for air-conditioning, laundered towels and other energy-consuming facilities and amenities, Tune Hotels.com aims to help guests conserve both their funds as well as the earth’s resources.

Tune Hotels.com continuously offers promotional prices and is currently offering rooms from RM15 onwards for their Kuching, Penang & Kota Kinabalu hotels.

Tune Hotels.com has recently launched 2 new hotels in Bali, Indonesia and rooms are available from approximately RM35 (Rp98,000) onwards for their Double Six, Legian, Bali hotel. All promotional prices are applicable for the stay period from 2 February to 30 April 2010.

Since the brand was first launched in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2007, more than 500,000 guests have stayed at a Tune Hotels.com hotel, and it was recently named as one of ‘7 Compact Hotels Big on Style’ in a global list by Fast Company, a publication that focuses on innovative companies sparking change in the marketplace.

For more information and bookings visit www.tunehotels.com  or email enquiry@tunehotels.com

Trisara, in Sanskrit meaning the “Third Garden in Heaven” is South East Asia’s most intimate and exclusive resort & spa. Trisara offers a unique collection of stunning 1 to 5 bedroom pool villas, suites and residences. All accommodations embrace beautiful seaviews from the private pool decks.

Nestling in a private bay on Phuket’s quiet and unspoilt north-western coast, and only 15 minutes from Phuket International Airport, Trisara is small, intimate and supremely luxurious.

A sanctuary of privacy, space and simple good taste with service provided by a team of warm, caring people who regard hospitality as a joy.

The 2 – 5 bedroom residences also include kitchens and dedicated full time cooks and maids, who offer seamless service to families or groups of friends.

Villa Package Offer!

For a limited time, the Trisara villa packages include daily breakfast, airport transfers and a 90 min massage for 2. With rates starting as low as USD$690++ for an Ocean view pool room, availability will not last. Terms & Conditions do apply

To find out more about the Trisara please visit the Trisara Elite Resort page, to find out more details of these packages and booking periods visit this link or to book directly click here and quote Trisara Elite Resorts of Asia Pacific Villa Packages!

About Elite Resorts Of Asia Pacific
Elite Resorts of Asia Pacific is a showcase of only the best and unique resorts and experiences of the Asia Pacific region.

Visit www.eliteresortsofasiapacific.com  now to view the Elite Episodes, Featured Resorts and the world of Elite Resorts of Asia Pacific.

For more information on the Elite Resorts of Asia Pacific
contact information@eliteresortsofasiapacific.com

The little black books of travel are black no more. To celebrate our 5th anniversary and 21st title, Hg2 has undergone a little cosmetic surgery; we’re still committed to excellence, but our nips and tucks will keep us fresh, fun and fabulous for 2010 and beyond.

Out goes the heavy black cover; in comes a clean, coloured and lightweight flexicover with a subtle snakeskin leather-effect finish and discreet title. Cool, chic and oh-so collectible, our books are as at home on the coffee table as they are in the silk-lined pockets of a designer carry-on.

The makeover is more than skin deep, though; inside, big really is beautiful with a clearer layout and larger photos illustrating every venue. Indeed, thumbing through our gorgeously glossy pages for spot-on recommendations has never been so easy.

Some things don’t change, however, so the spirit of the ‘little black book’ still infuses the guides.

We’ve kept the same meticulously researched, high-end content we’ve become known for, with reviews that are packed with insider knowledge and a voice that is irreverent, inspired, and, above all, intelligent.

We’re not about the most expensive shops, bars, restaurants and hotels – we’re about a city at its eclectic best.

21 at last

The first title in the new livery, Hg2’s 21st guide, is Hg2 Dubai (available on www.Hg2.com and in bookshops price £12 / $18).

Rising from the champagne-coloured dunes like a shimmering mirage, the world’s first truly 21st century city is breathtaking in its modernity and creative energy.

Researched and written by Hallie Campbell (award-winning travel and lifestyle writer and author of DubaiChic) and Collette Lyons (Deputy Editor of Grazia Middle East), Hg2 Dubai goes beyond glistening marble façades to find the true heart of the city, discovering a real character and Middle Eastern flavour alongside world-class hotels, restaurants and shopping.

Hallie and Collette say: “Dubai is an almost surreal experience. Snorkel in the morning, ski in the afternoon, balloon over the desert at sunset, dine in splendour and then dance ‘til dawn.

Like a story out of 1001 Nights, her kaleidoscopic mix of experience is an adrenaline rush to the senses.”

The guide is split into clear chapters, allowing the reader to dip in and out of each section at will, whether they are looking to SLEEP, EAT, DRINK, SNACK, PARTY, PLAY take in the CULTURE or SHOP.

Hot on the heels of Hg2 Dubai is Hg2 New York 2nd edition. Written by the ultimate New York insider, Andrew Stone, Hg2 New York is an indispensable companion to this most fast-paced of cities.

A Hedonist’s Guide to Life – Opining on topics as varied as drag queens and poker, cannabis and gambling, these 75 short essays on the decadent side of life make a deliciously naughty gift for anyone tired of the straight and narrow. 30 color illustrations.