Jetsettersblog

There is something new under the Las Vegas sun — Zumanity, by Cirque du Soleil, at New York-New York Hotel and Casino.

Zumanity has been artfully staged for several years, but the creative producers have revamped and literally vamped up the show to make it more contemporary, with new acts and actors and humorous storylines.

Zumanity is still the most sensual of all the Cirque shows in Vegas, filled with provocative cabaret-style sexual twists. On the cutting edge of trendy Las Vegas entertainment, the adult-themed 90-minute production blends playful innuendo with daring eroticism in the intimate Zumanity Theatre.

Read the entire feature about Zumanity with full color photos at this link.

With a ‘soft opening’ on 12 April 2010, Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel promises to be one of the finest luxury resorts in Europe. The resort is situated in a stunning position on Martinhal Beach, surrounded by a protected national park, near to the small fishing port of Sagres on the Western Algarve coast, just over an hour’s drive from Faro airport.

Sagres has long been a favourite destination for nature lovers, surfers and scuba divers who all appreciate its unspoiled environment. Martinhal will now bring a 5 star luxury resort to the area for the first time, creating a new destination where eco-conscious couples and families with children of all ages can relax with one of the Algarve’s most beautiful beaches literally on their doorstep.

The resort is set on a 25 hectare site and has been created by Roman and Chitra Stern in partnership with UK hoteliers, Nigel Chapman and Nicholas Dickinson, who are best known as the founders of Luxury Family Hotels (Fowey Hall, Woolley Grange, Moonfleet Manor and Ickworth) and Alias Hotels. Bringing together their combined expertise, the essence of the resort is one of affordable, understated ‘barefoot luxury’ and genuine hospitality that will offer outstanding value for money and a stylish and contemporary alternative to the more traditional European beach resorts.

The Design

The resort has been master planned by Conran&Partners and features the five star 38 bedroom boutique Hotel Martinhal as well as a wide selection of spacious Village Houses, and an exclusive collection of privately-owned villas and townhouses with private pools, set in large gardens, that are perfect for families.

In the hotel and in each house, there is a strong emphasis on thoughtful contemporary design and architecture, with the concept of the resort layout and the houses having been designed by award winning London architect Matthew Wood of Conran&Partners. He has taken an environmentally sensitive approach with a series of low-rise buildings that merge into the landscape of the resort’s pristine beach location and the Costa Vicentina National Park.

The classic, modern, furniture and interiors have been designed by London based designer, Michael Sodeau. This is his first Portuguese project and he has taken inspiration from the dramatic beauty of the Western Algarve and architectural simplicity of the resort to create a series of pieces unique to Martinhal in a clean and bold design. He has also sought to capture a sophisticated yet low key, intimate and artistic mood through the use of muted tones and local natural materials, such as cork and wicker, making the interiors elegant, modern and timeless, with comfort and quality as central themes.

Hotel Martinhal

As the first phase of the launch on 12 April 2010, Hotel Martinhal opens it doors with 10 Terrace Rooms in the main hotel building opening onto the spacious hotel gardens, where a further 26 stylish wooden-clad one and two bedroom ‘Cabanas’ are located. Each Cabana has its own private balcony or terrace, offering luxurious accommodation for ‘grown-ups’ with spectacular sea views. On the upper level of Hotel Martinhal the chic gourmet ‘O Terraco’ restaurant offers spectacular views of Martinhal Bay, with a menu of light but sophisticated dishes, and an exciting range of Portuguese wines.

The Houses

During the second opening phase, from 1 July 2010, a selection of Village Houses will become available. These are set in various distinct locations around a central village square and are all a short stroll from the beach. They comprise 55 two and three bedroom Ocean Houses that are perched on the highest point of the resort with breathtaking views over the sea. In addition, 28 very spacious two and three bedroom Bay Houses enjoy a quiet location on the eastern border of the resort, overlooking a wooded valley, with uninterrupted views of the Costa Vicentina National Park to the east and the Ocean, to the south. In the heart of the resort 39 one, two and three bedroom Garden Houses are arranged around a large walled, natural garden, with a large children’s freeform ‘Oasis’ pool, along with a snack bar where families can relax all day. The semi-detached villas are joined by a continuous high Algarvian garden wall, to provide both privacy and a carefree environment for families with younger children. Completing the development, 10 individual Pinewood Houses are set apart in their own ‘close’ each with their own small private swimming pool.

The Lifestyle

The lifestyle at Martinhal can be as relaxing or as active as guests want, with an unparalleled range of activities to choose from. For those seeking tranquillity, the Finisterra Spa is set in its own grounds within the resort and comprises six wooden-clad treatment rooms, with picture windows looking out to the spa’s own private garden, where treatments will be offered using Martinhal’s range of organic products that are guaranteed to soothe the senses. A sauna and steam room are also available as well as a relaxation area with light refreshments served in the spa lounge.

For a more energetic experience Club 98 is the lively, sporty meeting point for guests with its own swimming pool, bar, three tennis courts and two glass sided paddle tennis courts. It’s also the place where guests come to book lessons for a range of sports, including surfing, windsurfing and kite surfing, mountain biking, horse riding, snorkelling and scuba diving. In addition Martinhal offers five swimming pools including a large ‘indoor/outdoor pool’ and a state of the art gym.

Appealing to families with children of various ages the resort features two distinct children’s areas. A fully staffed children’s crèche called ‘Raposinhos’ (‘Little Foxes’) for the youngest guests and the ‘Blue Room’ for pre-teens and teens to hang out together and play a range of games from table tennis and table football to computer games on Wii’s and Play Stations.

Just above Martinhal beach the Beach Club area offers a huge elevated sunbathing deck, and large swimming pool, with drinks and food served all day from the poolside bar.

In the Praca Central (village square), a variety of other facilities include the ‘Mercado’, the village store where guests can purchase high quality deli items including locally sourced fresh fish, meats, cheese and wines as well as freshly prepared bread and pastries. In addition the Hair & Nails Salon will also keep guests looking their best with manicure and pedicure treatments as well as a hairdressing service. An informal café / bistro ‘Os Gambozinos’ also occupies the north end of the square and will provide a buzzy venue from breakfast through to late supper with good quality a la carte menus and a wood fired pizza oven.

The Food at Martinhal

Martinhal is a Portuguese resort looking after a wide range of international guests. The resort will offer some of the best fish in the world, caught locally, often by line, and artisan grown and prepared meats, vegetables and fruit, all from the undiscovered ‘treasure chest’ of Portugal.

The restaurants offer a range of food and wines, from a delicious ‘Pastel de Nata’ and ‘bica’ first thing, to a true gourmet dinner ‘a deux’ in O Terraco, at the other end of the day.

For those who wish to chill out at home and watch a movie with the kids – guests can order from the Home Delivery service – home made Indian and Chinese dishes, pizza’s, whole barbequed chicken etc – all brought to their door.

Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel is easily accessible via scheduled flights to either Faro or Lisbon. From the airports, guests can either hire a car or take a private transfer organised by the resort. Flying time from the UK: 2 hours and 40 minutes.

From 12 April to 20 May a three night stay in a Terrace Room at Hotel Martinhal costs from £428 per room based on two adults sharing (including breakfast).

From 1 July – 31 August 2010 a seven night stay in a two bedroom Grand Deluxe Ocean House costs from £1,525 per house excluding breakfast. Based on up to four people sharing, when booked before 31 March 2010. Cost also includes use of all the resort facilities but excludes spa treatments, the Raposinhos crèche and payable sports activities.

To book call Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel 00351 282 620 026 or email res@martinhal.com www.martinhal.com

Imagine flying over Uluru and Kata Tjuta in a helicopter watching the sunrise one of the most memorable experineces and seeing the words “Will you marry me?”

Well this happened to Rebecca O’Reilly of Turramurra, NSW when her now fiancé Michael Griffiths popped the question with the help of Ayers Rock Scenic Flights.

Scenic Flight Pilot, Max Power took the passengers on a 30 minute private charter flight passing over the Ayers Rock Community Oval. As they approached the oval they made a slow pass on Rebecca’s side of the helicopter.

Michael then popped the question “Will you marry me?” there was silence; glancing down at the oval where 80 crisp white sheets provided courtesy of Voyages Ayers Rock Resort were used to form the words “Rebecca, will you marry me?” Rebecca was in shock she couldn’t believe it, then answered “Yes of course I will marry you”.

Rebecca and Michael savoured the moment and celebrated the occasion with champagne on ice which was waiting for them back at the hotel.

The newly engaged couple stayed at Voyages five-star Sails in the Desert Hotel where you can sit back and relax under the magnificent white sails.

The Hotel features the acclaimed Mulgara Gallery, the award winning signature restaurant of Voyages Ayers Rock Resort, Kuniya Restaurant, and the beautiful Red Ochre Spa for the ultimate in comfort and relaxation.

After the proposal comes the wedding and Voyages Hotels & Resorts has wedding packages for 2010/2011 on offer for couples wishing to walk down the aisle in the spectacular Red Centre staying at Ayers Rock Resort which provides a variety of accommodation options for every possible taste and budget – award winning Desert Gardens Hotel, self contained Emu Walk Apartments, the modern Lost Camel Hotel, the authentic Outback Pioneer Hotel and Lodge and the ultimate luxury wilderness camp of Longitude 131°.

Photos of the proposal can be found at

www.voyages.com.au/corporate/images

For further information on Voyages’ exclusive range of wedding packages, tours or Ayers Rock Resort accommodation follow the links on our website www.voyages.com.au,  or contact:

Phone: +61 2 8296 8010 or 1300 134 044 (Australia only)
Fax: +61 9299 2103

Email: travel@voyages.com.au

CHI, The Spa – Shangri-La’s signature spa brand – officially opened in Australia at Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney on.

The opening ceremony commenced with a ribbon cutting by Ken Corbett, chairman of Tourism Industry Council New South Wales, followed by a lion dance. Having garnered numerous awards since its launch in 2004, CHI draws inspiration from the origins of the Shangri-La legend, a place of inner peace, enchantment and well-being.

“We are excited to bring CHI to Australia, offering guests a unique spa concept inspired by Asian principles of harmony and balance to complement the legendary Shangri-La hospitality. CHI perfectly complements the hotel’s newly refurbished health club, equipped with a state of the art gymnasium and an indoor swimming pool,” said Franz Donhauser, general manager of Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney.

The CHI spa features six luxurious private spa suites and offers guests more than 24 treatments based on authentic natural healing methods found in traditional well-being practices by many Asian cultures.

A spectrum of Asian wellness massages, body therapies, facials and CHI journeys are available to guests like CHI Balance, Du Mai Back Therapy and CHI Healing Stone Massage. Another unique feature is the Sense of Place experiences featuring indigenous treatments inspired by Australia’s natural ingredients such as lemon myrtle and eucalyptus.

With roots set in the Chinese theory of the Five Elements of metal, water, wood, fire and earth to harmonise the body’s energy, the treatment oils used in all therapies are customised to each guest’s element sign, which is expressed by personal preferences in tastes, colours and daily living.

In traditional Chinese philosophy, chi or qi is the universal life force that governs well being and personal vitality. For people to maintain good health, it is believed that chi must flow freely within the body and, when blocked, “dis-ease” and illness follows.

Body massage, exercise, stretching, hydrotherapy, and movement of the mind through relaxation and meditation combine to assist the body’s natural renewal and form the basis of the CHI spa philosophy.

Inspired by Asian principles of harmony and balance, the spa interiors are designed to give guests the utmost privacy and a sense of detachment from the outside world. A rich tapestry of Asian artefacts, warm woods and specially designed ambient lighting bathe the space in a calming yet mystical glow.

Each of the six suites is a “spa within a spa” to enable guests to indulge in the luxury of personal space, and providing guests with their own private changing area and an aroma steam shower to enjoy before treatments.

Three of the suites, overlooking the world-famous Sydney harbour, feature infinity edge spa tubs for relaxing soaks.

For enquiries and reservations, please contact Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney on (61 2) 9250 6000,

e-mail chispa.slsn@shangri-la.com  or visit www.shangri-la.com/sydney

The mighty Indian Pacific celebrates its 40th Anniversary .

A train acclaimed not only as an Australian icon but as one of the worlds greatest train journeys.

History was made when the Indian Pacific departed Sydney Central Station on the first direct rail journey across the continent, forty years ago. Tens of thousands of people lined the track to witness what was said to be a symbol of nationhood; the first solid connection between the cities of the east and the isolated west coast.

More than 55,000 people now experience the vastness and beauty of the Australian outback on board the Indian Pacific each year. The train has earned its place as one of Australia’s most precious tourism entities.

“The Indian Pacific is so much more than a mode of transport,” said Commercial Director of Great Southern Rail, Russell Westmoreland.

“It is a journey of a lifetime as guests experience some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery, make new friends and enjoy fine dining in the comfort of an iconic train,” he said.

The Indian Pacific provides a rare window into the outback of Australia. From the stunning Blue Mountains with lush tree canopies and spectacular valley views the train winds through the Great Dividing Range, the salt lakes and sand dunes of South Australia and over the longest straight stretch of rail track in the world as it crosses the Nullarbor Plain.

“Australia is the only continent in the world that can be crossed coast-to-coast by train.

The wedge-tailed eagle is the symbol of the Indian Pacific – its massive two metre wingspan symbolises the epic journey of an adventure that spans a continent,” said Russell.

There is no better time to travel on the Indian Pacific than during its historic 40th year.

To celebrate the occasion, Great Southern Rail has a special package available throughout March, for travel before 31 August.

Guests booking a journey on the Indian Pacific in Red Sleeper Service, with two nights accommodation and one day of touring, will be entitled to a free upgrade to Gold Service.

The free upgrade equates to a discount of up to $661 per person and cabins are selling quickly.

To avoid missing out on this fantastic offer, contact Great Southern Rail on 13 21 47 or www.gsr.com.au or contact your licensed travel agent.

The Indian Pacific departs from both Sydney and Perth twice a week during the high season.

During low season the journey is limited to one return service each week.

This new year sees a new partnership between Spa Life, Australia’s leading spa travel and lifestyle magazine and the newly launched www.dayspaguide.com.au

The partnership provides readers with a glossy magazine four times a year as well as a comprehensive online resource.

Advertisers can now reach this targeted readership with an integrated campaign utilising display print advertisements, advertorial and directory listings in the magazines as well as banners, listings, e-newsletter adverto

Ihg Appointed Manager Of Landmark Vanuatu Resort.

Hotel to become Australasia’s first Holiday Inn resort after major refurbishment. South West Pacific Investments Ltd has appointed IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) to assume management of its 155-room hotel currently trading as Le Meridian Port Vila, Vanuatu, signing a 15-year agreement commencing 1 March 2010.

IHG will manage the property as Palms Resort & Casino Vanuatu while it undergoes a major refurbishment, due for completion in late 2010. It will then rebrand as Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu, becoming Australasia’s first Holiday Inn resort and joining an expanding international network of leisure destinations represented by the world’s largest and most popular mid-scale hotel brand.

Every aspect of the resort is currently being considered for refurbishment to bring it up to Holiday Inn resort standards and create a more compelling offering for the families, couples and conferencing and incentive groups it typically attracts. Upon its reinstatement as Vanuatu’s only resort with a major globally-recognised brand, its owners are confident it will be the best leisure and conferencing destination the popular destination has to offer.

Located on the shores of Erakor Lagoon outside the Vanuatu capital Port Vila, the resort will join IHG’s expanding presence in the South Pacific. This includes four InterContinental resorts in French Polynesia, a new InterContinental resort and a long-standing Holiday Inn hotel in Fiji, and Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn hotels in Papua New Guinea.

South West Pacific Investments Ltd is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Singapore-listed company Hotel Properties Ltd (HPL), which also owns the recently-opened Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma in the Maldives.

“In selecting IHG to manage this resort and contribute to the direction of its refurbishment, we were attracted to the strength of the Holiday Inn brand and its expanding resort offering; the effectiveness of its international sales and marketing resources; and the quality and experience of its people. Ultimately, IHG has demonstrated an ability to deliver consistently high returns on our assets,” said HPL Hotels director, Tim Stableforth.

With this deal, the resort has come full circle from its opening in 1975 as an InterContinental hotel. South West Pacific Investments Ltd purchased the property in 1993, when it operated as the Royal Palms Resort.

“This is an exciting opportunity for IHG, to enter a new market in collaboration with an existing business partner and work on a project of such high potential. We’re especially looking forward to introducing Australasia’s first Holiday Inn resort as this exceptional collection of upper mid-scale leisure and conferencing properties continues to expand worldwide,” said IHG chief operating officer Australasia, Bruce McKenzie.

“As market sentiment continues to pick up in Vanuatu’s key source markets, the timing of this deal and upgrade project couldn’t be better.”

IHG will contribute to the direction of the redesign and scope of works undertaken in the upgrade of the resort, which draws the majority of its visitors from Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia.

Luxury spa operator East Day Spa today announced the Melbourne opening of its unique Eastern-influenced day spa at the city’s grandest heritage hotel, InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto.

“We’ve established a strong reputation at our spas in Bali, Auckland and Wellington for our authentic Eastern-style massages and luxury beauty treatments.

We are excited to be bringing our unique blend of ancient healing therapies and modern spa treatments to Melbourne. We felt this was an ideal fit for us as we continue to expand in the Asia-Pacific region,” said Ina Bajaj, East Day Spa co-director.

East Day Spa clients will be able to choose from a diverse range of treatments, including the luxurious Ultimate East Experiences and a broad selection of massage options based on both ancient and modern Eastern techniques. The spa also offers regular beauty treatments including facials, manicures and pedicures.

East Day Spa caters specifically for men with its East Man menu, and also offers specialist treatments to help clients de-stress and look and feel their absolute best.

“Stress manifests itself in so many ways, affecting all aspects of our lives, from our relationships to how we perform at work to our general health.

The aim of East Day Spa is to establish an environment of calm and serenity where people can take time out for both their physical and mental well-being,” Ina said.

InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto general manager, Manrique Rodriguez said the staff and management of the hotel have been eagerly awaiting the opening of East Day Spa. “With the recent arrival of East Day Spa we are delighted to be able to offer our guests a luxury spa and beauty experience as a compliment to the superior service and outstanding facilities that InterContinental hotels are famous for,” Mr Rodriguez said.

The East Day Spa space has been designed as a haven from the hustle and bustle of the city within the hotel, for both InterContinental guests and Melbourne residents. East Day Spa uses Elemis skincare products, the most successful professional spa and anti-ageing skincare range in the world.

”We offer our guests the ultimate spa experience, relaxing the body, calming the soul and clearing the mind. Our highly skilled staff are trained to understand each client’s specific needs and to tailor treatments to suit.

They ensure every customer leaves East Day Spa with a new sense of rejuvenation and inner calm,” said Ina.

To learn more about the East Day Spa approach, or to review the full range of treatments on offer at East Day Spa and book online, visit www.eastdayspa.com

Book a stay at InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto from AU$295.00 per room, per night by visiting www.intercontinental.com/melbourne  or call 1800 221 335.

Hilton Brisbane is set to sizzle this March with the hotel playing host to three of Australia’s most renowned chefs who will take part to launch the Hilton Brisbane Masterclass Weekend 2010 program.

The event Three Good Reasons to Lunch will feature the culinary prowess of Manu Feildel from Channel 7’s My Kitchen Rules, Matt Golinski and Alastair McLeod, all of whom have featured on Channel 10’s Ready, Steady, Cook.

The three boys will showcase their creativity and will present their distinctive styles of food. All chefs will demonstrate each course before it is presented for you to enjoy, and guests will hear their stories and learn what inspires them.

Bookings are essential for this exclusive event so phone your friends, neighbours and family, mark your diary and get set for a fun event.

The cost is $120 per person or $1100 for a table of 10, including cooking demonstrations performed by Manu Feildel, Matt Golinski and Alastair McLeod, three course lunch, glass of sparkling on arrival, beer, wine and soft drink and gift bag with recipes to take away.

Bookings essential, please phone the Hilton Events Office on 07 3231 3231 or email: events.brisbane@hilton.com

THREE GOOD REASONS TO LUNCH
When: Monday 29 March 2010
Time: 12:00pm for 12:30pm
Where: Grand Ballroom, Hilton Brisbane, Level 5, 190 Elizabeth St, Brisbane

Ticket price: $120 per person or $1100 for a table of 10, including cooking demonstrations performed by Manu Feildel, Matt Golinski and Alastair McLeod, three course lunch, glass of sparkling on arrival, beer, wine and soft drink and gift bag to take away.

To be the first in the know, follow Hilton Brisbane Masterclass Weekend 2010 on Facebook and Twitter.

Families are choosing to book ‘pet friendly holidays’ rather than leaving the beloved family friend at home. Scotts Head Holiday Park is thrilled to announce that it will become a Dog Friendly Holiday Park from the 1st February 2010 so that all of the family members can now enjoy a memorable beachside getaway.

Scotts Head Holiday Park is historically a family friendly destination, appealing to those who prefer the secluded village type atmosphere and charisma that the laid back local surfing community provides.

Scotts Head is a picturesque 12 kilometre drive from the Pacific Highway just over an hour South of Coffs Harbour and is now under the management of North Coast Holiday Parks.

Although Scotts Head is small in size and quaint by nature, there are a number of activities and events held throughout the year that keep the local economy thriving and visitors returning annually.

Surfing is prominent in the area, with perfect crystal clear waters and protected beaches which cater for almost any wind and weather conditions.

Surf schools, tennis courts, bowls and bush walking are within an immediate vicinity to the Holiday Park along with the facilities and services of the village centre a short 2 minute walk from the park.

The Loggerheads Surfing Classic held in August is an annual surfing event that entices competitors and visitors from as far South as Victoria and Queensland in the North. The SLSC hosts a major event in November that displays the best of Australia’s surf lifesaving talents and the Scotts Head Bowling Club adjacent to the park is great family value year round.

Scotts Head Holiday Park provides cabin accommodation along with flat and generously sized sites for both tents and caravans with ample shade and direct access to the beach.

Also a member of the Top Tourist Group, Scotts Head Holiday Park is becoming renown as an ideal surfing holiday destination and is soon to be recognized as an appealing ‘Dog Friendly’ destination also.

The introduction of dogs to Scotts Head Holiday Park now brings the NCHP’s group dog friendly total to five parks with Ferry Reserve, Corindi Beach, Moonee Beach and North Beach also permitting dogs. *Conditions apply.

To avoid the crowds and enjoy the simple things, book your stay at Scotts Head Holiday Park and see the Mid North Coast’s best kept secret. Take advantage of the Weekly package stay 7 pay for 6 OR Midweekly package stay 4 pay for 3 *Conditions apply

To book visit www.scottshd.com.au
Free Call 1800821545