Jetsettersblog

The Gansevoort Hotel Group, known for pioneering the rooftop pool, will open its fourth and most upscale property this summer, with the opening of Gansevoort Park at the corner of Park Avenue and 29th Street in Manhattan.

The 249-room urban resort is being built from the ground up on what had formerly been Marathon bank.

The hotel will feature rooms and suites, many with balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows; a heated indoor-outdoor pool; six distinctive event spaces; unobstructed views of the Empire State Building; four fireplaces; Exhale spa including a yoga and core studio; fitness room; sauna; ballroom; Asellina, an Italian trattoria and an infusion liquor bar operated by the One Group; a duplex corner retail space and Cutler Salon.

The three-story lobby, guestrooms, penthouse suite and pool area are being designed by architect Stephen Jacobs and interior designer Andi Pepper (the team responsible for Gansevoort Meatpacking). Manhattan-based ICrave is designing Asellina and the infusion bar. Photographer Deborah Anderson’s art will be integrated throughout the hotel on walls, table tops and in guest rooms.

The rates at Gansevoort Park will start at $495 per night.

For more information or reservations, call 877-426-7386 or visit www.gansevoorthotelgroup.com

Most developers are keeping ambitious plans on ice right now. The climate doesn’t feel right for spending – unless you’re Gibraltar’s Ocean Village that is. Several hundred thousand pounds is currently being pumped into this award-winning marina to initially create an additional 50 premier berths to accommodate yachts of up to 90 metres. But why now?

Brian Stevendale, Sales & Marketing Director for Ocean Village, explains, “For us it’s quite simple, we have a pent-up demand for oversized berths and we must deliver them.

Gibraltar’s marinas are constantly busy and can turn away upwards of 100 boats a day in peak season.

In particular we’re seeing an increased frequency of large superyachts wanting to use the Rock not just for fuel but also as a base.

At Ocean Village we’re responding by growing from 225 to 323 berths and most of them will be over 25 metres in length. While economic conditions may be less than rosy across the border, Gibraltar continues to grow.”

Committing to this degree of investment in the midst of a global crisis isn’t as absurd as it appears. There is always a sector of the population that remains largely unaffected by recession and owners of megayachts fall nicely into that category.

This luxury industry is far from sinking but instead struggling to keep up with orders as the world’s billionaires compete amongst themselves on size and all manner of features from swimming pools to helipads.

Brian continues, “But even billionaires face problems and right now that’s a lack of berths large and deep enough to accommodate this ever-growing fleet of megayachts. And, they don’t just want a patch of water, they want the lifestyle that goes with it. Gibraltar has obvious appeal to yacht owners on a number of levels, from a strategic geographic location to cut-price fuel, not to mention a favourable system of taxation, and people are choosing the Rock over-and-above marinas in Spain.

At Ocean Village we’re privileged to have an array of dining and drinking establishments, Gibraltar’s only casino, fashion boutiques and a balmy southern Mediterranean climate conducive to outdoor living. And, with low daily berth rental rates, we make financial sense versus the more obvious marinas in the Mediterranean.”

Daily rates for Ocean Village’s new berths with secure, gated and coded entry, start from as little as £15.50 for a 15 metre berth rising to £450 per day for vessels above 75 metres (low season).

A 20% discount is available for annual bookings when paid in advance in full. Demand is high and waiting lists exist for certain LOA.

For further information on berths at Ocean Village contact Ocean Village’s Sales & Marketing Director Brian Stevendale on brian.stevendale@oceanvillage.gi  telephone 00 350 200 40048 or visit www.oceanvillage.gi

From simple sites in stunning wilderness locations to glampsite chic complete with chandeliers, the new Rough Guide to Camping in Britain brings you the best campsites from across the country.

With over 300 tried and tested sites, you’re sure to find inspiration, whether you’re a camping novice or a seasoned tent-rigger. As well as covering unique and quirky campsites – fancy sharing your porch with a llama? – this guide doesn’t forget classic family sites in beautiful locations.

This full-colour book covers every corner of Britain plus includes features such as ‘the best kit, adventure sports, the top festivals and where to head for a spot of wild camping.

The Rough Guide to Camping in Britain is above all, a practical guide – ensuring you find your perfect pitch and leaving you free to make the most of the great outdoors.

Britain’s Best Campsites for Food and Drink

Abbey Home Farm – Gloucestershire’s organic wonderland even has a resident cheesemaker.

Dennis Cove – Set on a beautiful estuary ten minutes from Padstow, with Rick Stein, a fish market and a vineyard on its doorstop.

Hidden Spring – Relaxed Sussex vineyard offering strong cider and its own wine.

Talton Lodge – Home-grown food, pasta-making courses and breakfast boxes at a tipi site near Stratford.

The Rough Guide to Camping in Britain includes:

•Search by area with chapters divided by region.

•Maps and lists arranged by category for simple navigation.

•Find sites for outdoor pursuits, groups, caravans, families, foodies, or peace and quiet.

•Produced by campers for campers with substantial reviews of all sites.

•Full-colour photos bring the sites to life.

Whatever the time of year, the county of Cornwall has something of interest to offer visitors: from gardens brimming with new life in the spring, shows and water sports in the summer, to food festivals in the autumn and cosy escapes during the winter.

And, with the continued rapid expansion of www.cornwallscottages.co.uk , specialists in high quality self-catering accommodation, there is also a good range of character properties in which to stay during each one of the seasons. The following is a selection of brand new accommodation for 2010.

SPRINGTIME brings a revival of the many gardens in and around the Roseland Peninsula, among them Caerhays Castle gardens with their magnificent displays of tree magnolias, rhododendrons and camellias (open Feb 15 to May 31).

And, of course, there’s the magical Lost Gardens of Heligan and The Eden Project, with its million plus bulbs coming into bloom, as well as a magnificent display of tulips in March in the Mediterranean Biome.

An excellent base from which to visit all of these attractions, is Carvinack Cottage, near St Just in Roseland, which is often said to have the prettiest church in the country.

The tastefully converted Cornish stone barn overlooks a picturesque valley and is surrounded by organic farmland, yet is only a short drive from St Mawes, Portscatho and the King Harry Ferry.

Spring prices start from £379, based on one week’s accommodation in March. Sleeps six.

SUMMER hails a raft of entertainment, including the County’s biggest annual event, The Royal Cornwall Show (10-12 June 2010).

Complete with agricultural competitions, farm animal shows, parachute displays, show jumping, a traditional steam fair, live music, singing and dancing, and even a human cannonball, to name but a few of the hundreds of attractions, it has something that will appeal to every country loving visitor.

What’s more, within walking distance of the show ground is Burrow Cottage, a ‘chocolate box’ pretty 16th century property packed with charming features such as original beams, slate flagstones and an inglenook fireplace.

Prices range from £399 to £699 during the summer months – £499 during the show – for one week’s accommodation for four people.

The cottage is also just 15 minutes’ drive from Padstow and the glorious beaches along the North Cornwall coast.

Alternatively, Merrose Barn near the peaceful waterside village of Portscatho, is a good choice of accommodation during the summer for lovers of water sports. The comfortable barn conversion, which sleeps up to six guests in a double bedroom, a bunk room and on a futon in the lounge, belongs to the owner’s of Roseland Paddle & Sail.

They offer guests who are staying in the cottage a year-round discount of 15% on equipment such as wetsuits, kayaks, windsurfs and sail boats. Prices in the summer range from £499 to £899 for a week.

AUTUMN highlights an abundance of fresh produce and everything that’s good about the food and drink of Cornwall, beginning with the Cornwall Food and Drink Festival in Truro (24-26 September) and including the Falmouth Oyster Festival (14-17 October), which celebrates the start of the oyster dredging season. Both events give visitors the chance to appreciate the skill of master chefs in action, marvel at the extent of Cornwall’s produce and savour some of it at a series of popular tasting sessions.

An ideal base for these culinary events, is a small cluster of new barn conversions, situated outside Truro. Lighthouse Cottage, Sunlight Cottage and Moonlight Cottage have all been converted from traditional agricultural buildings into first-class, comfortable, modern holiday accommodation.

Prices range from £259 for a week in October in Moonlight, which sleeps two people, to £369 for Sunlight, which sleeps four.

WINTER is a time to savour rugged landscapes, take pleasure in deserted beaches, revel in attractions with no queues and take advantage of celebrity restaurants with availability.

And it’s a time to snuggle up in cosy hideaways to enjoy the company of loved ones. Bethel Cottage is one such retreat, brand new for 2010, located in a remote corner of the Tregothnan Estate, home to the UK’s only tea plantation, but still within easy reach of the shops, restaurants and nightlife of Truro.

Overlooking a tidal creek in a peaceful conservation area, and complete with wood burning stove for chilly winter evenings, this recently renovated cottage is a perfect base to return to for a warming cup of English Estate tea, after exploring the many footpaths nearby and perhaps spotting herons, cormorants and other wildlife along the way. Prices for seven nights in December range from £319 to £699 for the Christmas week.

For further information about these and other cottages available for short breaks and longer holidays, whatever the season, visit www.cornwallscottages.co.uk  or telephone: 01872 264441.

Moroccon hotel operator, Kenzi Hotels Group, are driving forward their expansion and repositioning themselves as key players in the luxury market with the launch of the new ‘Premium Signature’ range.

Recent openings include Kenzi Menara Palace, Marrakech, part of Summit Hotels & Resorts and the Kenzi Tower Hotel, Casablanca, part of Preferred Hotel Group.

2009 was a busy year with the launch of Kenzi Menara Palace, Marrakech, the latest 5 star resort and spa in the Kenzi Group. Opened in March, The Kenzi Menara Palace offers 236 luxury rooms including a Royal Suite in 12 acres of landscaped gardens and is situated in the Red City.

Just 2 miles from Marrakech International Airport, it overlooks the Atlas Mountains in a peaceful location from which to visit Marrakech’s major attractions including the atmospheric Jamaa El Fna Square, the colonial quarter of Gueliz and several renowned golf courses.

“Thanks to its rich cultural history and well adapted tourist infrastructures, this large oasis is one of the most visited Moroccan tourist destinations.

Marrakech is the most sought after holiday destination in Morocco and we aim to make every stay unique, be it business or pleasure” Says Abdellatif Kabbaj, president of Kenzi Hotels Group.

The hotel has spacious facilities for international conferences to accommodate up to 300 delegates.

It also offers a range of both invigorating and relaxing activities including a full tennis court, badminton court and volleyball court as well as both indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools.

The Spa by TERRAKÉ offers guests a pampering experience by fully qualified, skilled therapists to rejuvenate and revitalize.

French celebrity chefs, the Pourcel brothers have worked alongside the head chef to create the hotel’s menus in their two restaurants and the hotel also boasts a Pool Bar and a Piano Lounge.

For those clients wishing to sample the world renowned night life, the hotel is adjacent to Pacha, the largest night club in Africa. VIP passes and access to the guest list can be arranged with the hotel where guests can party with internationally recognised DJ’s.

Located in the heart of Casablanca, the Kenzi Tower Hotel stands on the 28th storey of one of the buildings of the twin center and offers an overwhelming view over the city, the ocean, the Hassan II Mosque and the port. Designed by architect Ricardo Bofil, the Kenzi Tower Hotel offers a city centre experience with the opportunity to relax in the Clarins O-Spa located in the heart of the Maârif.

Only a 3.5 hour flight from the UK it is the perfect place for a short winter break.

Edinburgh Townhouse Receives Travel Award

Edinburgh townhouse The Chester Residence has been named as one of the top hotels in Europe by the leading global travel website Trip Advisor.

The luxurious collection of four 5-star Georgian townhouses was nominated as one of the ‘Top 25 Hotels in Europe’ based on impressive reviews from exacting and seasoned world travellers.

The Chester Residence, in the heart of the city’s West End, joins a prestigious list of top class European hotels including The Four Seasons in Paris, Hotel Montecarlo in Barcelona, and Welrome Hotel in Rome.

Owner Graham Wood puts their success down to both the high level of personal service they provide and the stunning atmosphere they have created, having employed a townhouse restoration company to restore the building and a member of the British Design Institute to carry out the interior design.

He says: “The Chester Residence provides chic designer suites, attention to detail and a level of personalised service that ensures guests enjoy the highest possible standards of comfort and enjoyment throughout their stay with us, so of course we are delighted that this has been recognised.”

“Being a small, family run business we can spend time with our guests, getting to know them and their requirements even before they have arrived so that we can tailor make each guest’s experience.

“My wife Gillian and I researched the UK market and visited many other apartment style hotels in order to gain a fuller understanding of what was missing in the Scottish marketplace. That research coupled with experience of the many 5 star hotels we had both stayed in over the years gave us a direct eye for the design we envisaged.”

One reviewer on the Trip Advisor website says of The Chester Residence:

“We have stayed in 5 star accommodation all over the world and this is by far one of the best in terms of thought, value and service.”

Each spacious suite at The Chester Residence is individually designed and comes complete with all the benefits of a luxury hotel, with in-room dining and a full reception and concierge service.

Suites come with a selection of luxurious Jo Malone toiletries and robes, and the latest in room technology (including direct-dial telephone, voice mail, wide-screen multi-channel TV, DVD, CD player, and iPod docking station) is provided plus a selection of DVDs and complimentary Wi-Fi.

SATA/Azores Express, Portugal’s second-largest airline, is adding to its service from Boston’s Logan International Airport to Portugal.

This summer Azores Express, SATA’s U.S. tour operator, will offer the only direct flights to Lisbon, as well as expanded service to the Azores and the city of Porto.

SATA/Azores Express will offer two new direct flights to Lisbon each week and daily direct flights to the Azores connecting on to Lisbon or Porto. SATA/Azores Express will also offer one flight each week to the Azores former capital, the island of Terceira.

This expanded service includes a once-a-week flight to Terceira from Oakland, Calif. Non-stop service to Lisbon will be on Wednesdays starting June 9 and Sundays starting July 25. Service to Lisbon with one stop in the Azores will be available Tuesday through Saturday by the end of June.

Service from Boston to Porto with one stop in the Azores will be offered every Wednesday starting June 23.

To kick off the new flight to Ponte Delgada, SATA/Azores Express is offering special roundtrip pricing set at $462 plus tax. And of the new daily Lisbon service, introduction fares start at just $578 plus tax roundtrip.

Passengers can upgrade to Business Class for less than $1,000.

SATA/Azores Express business class passengers have access to first class lounges in Boston, Ponta Delgada, Lisbon, Porto, and Funchal. SATA business class service includes a reclining extra wide seat with lots of leg room and a foot rest, special catered meals, a selection of Portuguese wines, in-flight entertainment, priority boarding and baggage handling, an amenities kit, and more.

For more information, call 800-762-9995 or visit www.SATA.pt

United Airlines has announced the schedule for the airline’s first-ever nonstop service to the African continent, with once-daily service linking Washington with Accra, the capital of Ghana, beginning June 20.

To promote the new service, United is offering special fares for travel between June 20 and Aug. 29.

Sample discounted fares to Accra are each-way based on a required roundtrip purchase and tickets must be purchased no later than March 22, 2010. Additional taxes and fees apply.

Sample fares are Washington Dulles, $706; San Francisco/Los Angeles, $879; Denver, $865; and Chicago, $738.

“Art + Travel Europe” is a new guide book from Museyon Guides. “Art + Travel Europe” is the first book to feature detailed walking tours of the five cities where Vincent Van Gogh, Edvard Munch, Johannes Vermeer, Caravaggio and Francisco Goya lived and labored, plus a biography of each painter.

Readers will discover the stories behind such iconic works as “Starry Night” and “The Scream,” retrace the steps of Caravaggio in exile, and much more.

“Art + Travel Europe: Step Into the Lives of Five Famous Painters” ($17.95, 208 pages) blends the traditional travel guide with a crash-course in art appreciation and a globetrotter’s guide to fine food, drink, and lodging along the way.

For more information, visit www.museyon.com

The Caribe Hilton, the largest resort in San Juan, Puerto Rico, opened 96 new units at the Condado Lagoon Villas.

Caribe Hilton is now home to 910 rooms, and is welcoming guests with a special offer.

Travelers can stay in the villas with special rates starting at $241 per night based on double occupancy and a fourth night free, a savings of 25 percent.

The package includes one-bedroom villa accommodation, fourth night free with three paid nights, buffet breakfast for two adults and two kids, casino match-play coupon and 20 percent off on spa treatments.

The offer can be booked March 15 through April 30 for travel April 12 through June 30.

Request the Spring Escapes offer or reservation code P2.

The Condado Lagoon Villas features 264 villa units.

This latest addition of 96 units completes the Condado Lagoon Villas project.

The 1,560-square-foot villas have a master bedroom with a marble bathroom, featuring shower and oversized bathtub.

Some units offer a living room, dining room and a fully equipped kitchen complete with refrigerator, stove and microwave.

The large villas can also be divided into three separate units — a studio with a bedroom with two queen size beds, full bathroom and kitchenette; two-bedroom unit; and one-bedroom unit.

All villas have modern tropical furnishings, private balcony with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Condado Lagoon, or San Geronimo Fort, and a full array of luxurious amenities.

Guests of the Condado Lagoon Villas are welcomed by a separate lobby with exclusive check-in, and enjoy a secluded pool area with Jacuzzi, gazebo and the Garden Terrace, serving breakfast and light fare daily.

For more information, call 877-GO-HILTON or visit www.condadolagoonvillas.com  or www.hiltonworldwide.com