Jetsettersblog

Blue Chip Vacations, which has over 170 pet-friendly properties across the South West of England, has released its top ten dog-friendly holiday homes close to year round pro-hound beaches.

1. Out of the door, into the sea
Hounds can have a merry time at Marina, taking early morning dips and walks along the year-round pro-hound Kingsand beach on the South East coast of Cornwall.

Marina is a 5 bedroom converted Courthouse with breathtaking views across Plymouth Sound and out to sea from the decking, living area and bedrooms. Set over 3 floors, this impressive house has direct access to the rocks and sea below.

Situated on the Rame Peninsula, the historic villages of Kingsand and Cawsand, which are unspoilt by time and still retain their colour-washed cottages, narrow streets and traditional pubs, are only a stone’s throw away. There are a good number of restaurants and shops, galleries and a delicatessen too.

Kingsand and Cawsand lie within the boundaries of Mount Edgcumbe Country Park – one of four designated Country Parks in Cornwall. Swimming, fishing, windsurfing and water skiing are all available on the beaches close by. The coast path runs through the village and the Mount Edgecumbe estate to Cremyll. In the other direction the coast path takes you round the headland to the glorious sandy and dog-friendly beach of Whitsand Bay.

Marina sleeps ten and can be booked from £949 for seven nights (£95 per head). A small charge of £23 is made to allow for the extra cleaning that is typically required after a pet’s stay.
http://www.bluechipvacations.com/holiday-cottages/kingsand-cawsand/marina.html

2. Bow wow Wow!

Wow is a stunning contemporary two bedroom coastal apartment, which overlooks the glorious golden sands of Westward Ho! Beach. While dog access is restricted close to the town, only a mile or so up the coast pets can roam free at the far end of the beach. The stunning Saunton and Braunton beaches are also just a short drive up the coast, where over three miles of golden sands and sand dunes can be found to explore.

Wow possesses one of the most spectacular views in the South West, accentuated by a full length balcony that runs the length of the apartment, making the most of this exclusive location.

Inside, the living room has ceiling to floor glass windows, while both double bedrooms have amazing sea views and access to the balcony. The kitchen has granite work tops, designer cabinet draws, doors, and integrated appliances. And, as an added bonus, a cool bag is provided with all the bits and pieces for a picnic on the beach, along with four beach towels and four beach chairs.

Wow sleeps four and can be booked for a seven night stay from £589. A three night short-break can be booked from £418. A small charge of £23 is made to allow for the extra cleaning that is typically required after a pet’s stay.
http://www.bluechipvacations.com/holiday-cottages/westward-ho/wow-nassau-court.html

Bookings can be made by calling Blue Chip Vacations on 0844 5612001 or by visiting www.bluechipvacations.com

3. Treat Rover to a right royal visit
Stay in one of Queen Victoria’s favourite holiday locations and get a right royal reception for your dog.

Set at the bottom of a steep and winding road, the secluded Beach House, Shell and Pebble holiday apartments each look out over the idyllic Devon coast, taking in Oddicombe Beach, Torquay and Exmouth in the distance. Described by Queen Victoria as: “A beautiful spot…with red cliffs and rocks, and wooded hills like Italy, reminding one of a ballet or play where nymphs appear…,” this enchanting location remains a firm favourite among dog owners looking for an extra-special stay.

Visiting dogs get their very own courtesy bed, bowl and treat thrown in, and they have access to the year-round dog-friendly Babbacombe beach below, which isonly a stick’s throw away. Other local year-round pro-hound beaches along the English Riviera coast include Livermead, St Mary’s Bay, Churston Cove, Elberry Cove, Maidencombe and Watcombe.

The properties each come with access to The Cary Arms Hotel, one of the country’s top-10 beach-side hotels. This gives guests access to a free-range of facilities, which include a private resident’s sitting room, access to a wood-panelled pool/billiard room, and use of the hotel’s all-weather outdoor orb, where you can dine or drink under the stars.

A half-hour spa session is thrown in for guests along with a 20% discount on any additional treatments taken during the break. Little ones get their very own named bucket and spade, and each cottage gets its own canvas beach bag as well as a welcome hamper stacked with local goodies.

Bath robes are provided for the week along with complimentary Temple Spa bathroom products. Fishing rods are provided free of charge. To cap things off staff will happily arrange day trips including golf excursions, boat trips, snorkelling and coastal path walks.

Shell sleeps two guests and is available from £770 per week. Pebble sleeps four guests and is available from £970 for a seven night stay. Beach House sleeps eight guests and is available from £1,520 per week. A small charge of £23 is made to allow for the extra cleaning that is typically required after a pet’s stay. http://www.bluechipvacations.com/holiday-cottages/torquay/the-cary-arms-shell.html

Continue reading Year Round UK Dog Friendly Beaches…

Fans of Tim Burton’s latest blockbuster, Alice in Wonderland, can bag two great self-catering deals with Blue Chip Vacations, staying in period properties on the beautiful Rame Peninsula close to Anthony House, where many of the scenes were filmed.

Throughout March and April the National Trust’s Anthony House, near Torpoint, will be putting on a range of Alice inspired adventures. On weekends and bank holidays a series of Mad Hatter’s tea parties will take place, and on 16 March visitors can discover the rooms featured in the film, including Alice’s bedroom.

And to cap – or should that be top hat – things off, from Friday 02 April to Thursday 09 April children can explore an elusive White Rabbit Easter trail around Anthony Garden where they’ll be enchanted by a larger than life caterpillar, a clock and even Alice herself; and where they can discover the natural beauty of a huge Cork Oak tree decorated with potion bottles, and a fantastic yew cone where they might even see the cunning Cheshire Cat – so don’t be late!

Alice in Wonderland goes on general release from 05 March.

Blue Monkey and Lyndale Cottage, just six miles away from Anthony House, are offering week-long stays until 27 March at a 20 per cent and 10 per cent discount, respectively. Both are set in the pretty and historic Rame Peninsula fishing villages of Cawsand and Kingsand known for their colour-washed cottages, narrow streets, friendly pubs, restaurants and shops.

1. Stay in the house where Lord Nelson danced his nights away – 20 per cent off
Blue Monkey is a beautiful Grade II 18th century house that has been lovingly refurbished to provide a luxurious stay for families, pets and holiday makers looking for a peaceful retreat.

Blue Monkey was formerly the village pub known as “The Blue Anchor” and was regularly visited by Lord Nelson who could often be seen dancing the night away up in the first floor front room. Its name derives partially from this period, but also from the time when the house was used as the cannon ball store supplying the fort; “Monkey” was the name given to the triangular formation made by the cannon balls when they were stacked, hence Blue Monkey.

Awarded the 4 Star-Visit Britain status, Blue Monkey comprises four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a pretty sun-trap garden (with BBQ) and a delightful open plan living/dining area with exposed stone walls, and a roaring open log fire. As well as a complimentary bottle of wine on arrival, guests have free use of two kayaks, and the beach is only 30 metres away.

Blue Monkey sleeps eight and is available for a short break from 08-11 March, and for seven night stays from 14-27 March at the discounted rate. A three night stay can be booked from £481 and for seven nights from £547 (saving £132, including discount), or £68.50 per person.
http://www.bluechipvacations.com/holiday-cottages/kingsand-cawsand/blue-monkey.html

2. Kingsand cottage built from a shipwreck – 10 per cent off

Lyndale Cottage is a delightful Grade II listed cottage that is full of character and is situated on the beautiful and romantic Rame Peninsula, in the historic village of Kingsand.

The cottage is the second oldest in the village and was built from parts of a ship that had been wrecked on the Eddy Stone Rock. It even has an original ship’s door in the house.

Inside, Lyndale has a cosy living area with a lovely wood burning stove and a second living area with access to a fabulous sun terrace and courtyard garden. The traditional cottage kitchen is full of character with a beamed ceiling and its very own an Aga-style cooker. Upstairs are three bedrooms, one of which has a feature four-poster bed that is set within a stunning beamed bedroom.

Lyndale Cottage sleeps up to six and can be booked for three nights from £390. Seven nights can be booked from £496 or £83 per person (saving £53, including discount). Available from 06 March-20 March at discounted rate.
http://www.bluechipvacations.com/holiday-cottages/kingsand-cawsand/lyndale-cottage.html

Other Blue Chip Vacations properties in Kingsand that have availability in March include the lovely Moonfleet:

Continue reading Stay In Alice’s Westcountry Wonderland…

A new website promoting tours by coach www.findacoachholiday.com launches this week. It’s a simple, user friendly guide to finding an excursion, short break or escorted coach holiday to anywhere in the UK, Europe or beyond.

It’s the most comprehensive guide to coach tours featuring more than a hundred UK coach tour operators who are members of the Coach Tourism Council (CTC), which promotes travel and tourism by coach.

Operators featured range from national companies such as Shearings, Collette, Cosmos, Leger, Alfa and Grand UK to medium size and smaller independent regional operators. While not a booking site there are quick and easy web links – and telephone numbers – for all the operators featured. It’s the easiest way to find a coach tour departing either from individual homes or from local pick up points, reducing the need to make long transfer journeys.

Coach tourism is one of the UK’s biggest travel sectors. Nearly seven million people took a coach tour in the UK in 2009 with more than 1.5 million going on an escorted tour to Europe, or a fly coach tour to a long-haul destination.

“Coach operators expect the staycation boom of 2009 to continue through 2010 while the demand for escorted tours at affordable prices will see renewed demand for tours to the Continent,” said CTC chairman Sean Taggart. “Coach tours have helped drive the resurgence in theatre trips while tours to speciality events such as historic festivals, garden shows, horse race meetings and Grand Prix motor racing are also increasing in popularity.”

One of the biggest events this year is the Oberammergau 2010 Passion play, presented by villagers every ten years in the Bavarian Alps in southern Germany. With presentations throughout the summer, it is a huge coach tourist attraction.

The days of the seaside charabanc are long gone. New coaches now cost upwards of £250,000 and feature reclining seats, air conditioning, double glazed windows and on board facilities. Unseen elements are quiet cabins and a smooth ride. Many operators now have coaches that cost much more and feature club class style leather seats with extra legroom, drop down DVD screens, toilet facilities and even kitchens. Premiership football clubs and international sports teams now travel to matches on special coaches run by CTC operators.

Note: The Coach Tourism Council was set up 21 years ago to promote travel and tourism by coach. Its members include 140 coach tour operators from across the UK – most of whom also offer coaches for private hire and group bookings – as well as 140 industry suppliers and supporters including national and regional tourist offices, major hotel groups, ferry operators, attractions and destinations.

With the sun setting on a tranquil day at the beach, cash in on the outstanding exchange rates and take advantage of North Cyprus’ glamorous gambling scene.

Likened to a mini Las Vegas, appealing to professionals and novices alike, guests can enjoy the exclusive allure of one of the island’s 25 casinos, complete with entertainment from established singers and top-class cabaret.

So, whether you have a penchant for poker or relish roulette, a trip to North Cyprus is a dead cert to offer holidaymakers an experience they will remember forever.

For more information or to book visit www.goNorthCyprus.com.

THE MALPAS HOTEL & CASINO, CATALKOY, EAST KYRENIA – SEVEN NIGHTS FROM ONLY £378
Situated in the heart of Catalkoy village, The Malpas Hotel & Casino’s 177 exquisitely designed rooms, complete with private balconies, offer stunning views of the Kyrenia Mountain Range rising above the shimmering Mediterranean Sea.

Home to a luxury casino, guests are invited to spend the night playing a plethora of table, chance and card games that are sure to entertain. Complete with outdoor swimming pools, luxury spa, jazz bar and private beach with sea front restaurants, guests can while away the days in a state of pure indulgence as they enjoy some much needed R&R.

Prices start at £378 per person, based on two people sharing on a half-board basis, for seven-nights from 20 March 2010 at The Malpas Hotel & Casino. Round trip flights from London Stansted to Ercan start at £165 per person. For more information or to book visit www.goNorthCyprus.com.

MERIT CRYSTAL COVE HOTEL, KYRENIA – SEVEN NIGHTS FROM ONLY £560
As the setting for last year’s World Poker Tour, The Merit Crystal Cove boasts one of the finest casinos in Northern Cyprus. Attracting professional poker players from around the world, for the “Merit Texas Hold’ em Poker Club” tournaments, the casino is set amid the hotel’s lavish surroundings within the 32 acres of landscaped gardens.

Featuring five star service and an array of on-site amenities, guests can enjoy the dramatic views from the hotels unique cliff-top location, as the backdrop of rugged mountains and panoramic sea views create a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere resonating throughout the resort.

Prices start at £560 per person, based on two people sharing, for a seven-night stay from 20 March 2010 at The Merit Crystal Cove Hotel, Kyrenia on an all inclusive basis. Round trip flights from London Stansted to Ercan start at £165 per person. For more information or to book visit www.goNorthCyprus.com

Visit Greenland With Hurtigruten’s New Itineraries And Special Savings Of 25%

Fancy visiting the high polar regions of Greenland and travel in the wake of great polar explorers? Want to journey to untouched lands that are only accessible by ship? Niche cruise specialist, Hurtigruten has three new trips in 2010 and is currently offering 25% off!

Each voyage is on board MS Fram, the cruiseline’s newest ship build specifically for sailing in polar waters. Each journey is complimented by informative lectures, landings and shore excursions and offers the chance to get close to culture, wildlife and communities of Greenland’s remote areas.

PEAKS, RUINS AND ERIC THE RED – 12 days – now from £2488pp, saving £829
A journey from Greenland to Iceland taking in the south and eastern region before sailing across the Denmark Strait to Iceland. From ancient Viking settlements to the beautiful setting of Evighedsfjorden, this voyage offers the chance to discover something of Greenland’s vast array of natural and historic treasures before ending in Iceland. Highlights include a visit to Qassiarsuk – the small community where the Viking Erik the Red settled in 982 when he was exiled from Iceland.

Here guests can visit the reconstructed longhouse and farm as well as the church Erik’s wife made him build. There is also the chance to visit Greenland’s oldest town Nuuk, enjoy the scenery of Skjoldungen Island and see the large tabular icebergs calving into the sea before heading off to Isafjördur in Iceland and ending in Reykjavik. Voyage departs 2 September 2010 and is full board. Flight from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq is included. Flight packages including Heathrow – Copenhagen and Reykjavik to Heathrow cost from £415pp.

GREENLAND’S REMOTE AND WILD COAST – 11 Days – now from £3268pp saving £1089pp. Exploring the isolated communities around North East Greenland this voyage offers the chance to visit Scoesby Sund – the largest Fjord in the world and home to some huge icebergs. This voyage explorers the remote areas including Ittoqqortoormiit, an isolated community where people still depend on hunting for their livelihood. The voyage features a visit to the North East Greenland National Park is a rarely visited area of outstanding beauty. Beginning and ending in Reykjavik, Iceland the trip also includes a visit to Iceland’s western fjords. . Voyage departs 13 September 2010 and is full board, cruise only. Flight packages including Heathrow – Copenhagen and Reykjavik to Heathrow cost from £415pp.

IN THE WAKE OF THE VIKINGS – 14 days – now from £2911pp saving £970pp
Following in the footsteps of the Norsemen of old this voyage travels from Iceland to southern Greenland and then onto Labrador and Newfoundland. This incredible adventure encompasses some of the most spectacular natural and historical landscapes that Greenland and eastern Canada has to offer. Highlights include a visit to Koge Bugt, where the Greenland ice tip reaches the sea, Umivik the place where Nansen went ashore and started his epic traverse of the Ice Cap and Qassiarsuk where Erik the Red was exiled before heading across the Labrador Sea in the footsteps of the Vikings. Once in Newfoundland the ship will journey south to Halifax via St Anthony, Bonne Bay and Baddeck in Nova Scotia. Voyage departs 26 September 2010 and is full board, cruise only.
To book call Hurtigruten 0844 448 7601 www.hurtigruten.co.uk

Anthology has entered into a partnership with Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) to add a new premium experience to their “Traveller’s Collection” – Wildman Wilderness Lodge.

This new addition will extend the company’s footprint in Australia – this time into the Northern Territory – adding to the four experiential destinations currently in the portfolio located in Tasmania and South Australia. Wildman Wilderness Lodge will be situated on the beautiful Mary River Wetlands – around half way between Darwin and Kakadu – and will offer travellers the opportunity to explore this amazing region while staying in a choice of stylish eco lodge and safari tent accommodation.

Grant Hunt, CEO of Anthology is no stranger to this region. “I am absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to add Wildman to our collection. I have been keen to develop this site for a number of years and I am grateful to now have that opportunity in association with local Indigenous interests. Anthology will also market and manage the business”.

The goal for Anthology since it launched in 2008 was to build a portfolio which would cater to the growing demand by travellers for premium quality experiential tourism – each experience having its own distinctive personality and style.

This is evidenced in the current properties in the portfolio – the award winning Bay of Fires and Cradle Huts Walks and the recently restored Quamby heritage homestead – all located in the stunningly beautiful and remote north eastern area of Tasmania; and Wilpena Pound Resort in the iconic Flinders Ranges region of South Australia.

Anthology is also about having a passion to do the right thing by the communities and environments in which it operates. Wildman Wilderness Lodge is no exception. Recycling an entire Resort – an Australian first Probably the greatest example of recycling in Australian tourism, the core buildings for the new resort property were once better known as Wrotham Park Station Lodge in Central Far North Queensland.

In early November, 2009, following the sale of the resort by GPT to IBA, a team of builders moved onto that site and took 28 days to dismantle the entire resort infrastructure down to all the fixtures and fittings. The cabin verandas and awnings were removed and the cabin structures lifted onto the back of semi trailers. The central bar and restaurant facility was dismantled piece by piece – with around 70% of it saved for the move. Two staff accommodation units were also packed up. Power generators, the water treatment system and the sewage treatment system along with key electrical infrastructure were also dismantled and readied for the journey. Water tanks have been sold to local station owners with new tanks being purchased for Wildman.

18 triple road trains transported the entirely dismantled infrastructure 2800km across country to a warehouse in Darwin where it currently sits under tarpaulins waiting for the last of the wet season to finish, so that construction can commence in earnest.

Something old, Something New When it is completed Wildman Wilderness Lodge will offer two distinct styles of accommodation. There will be 15 air conditioned cabins, ten from Wrotham and five newly built replicas. These are free standing, fully air conditioned structures with all the amenities expected in a luxury lodge including premium quality furnishings, king size beds and ensuite bathrooms. 15 new spacious safari tents have been custom designed for the site to complete the accommodation. Each is fan cooled with a private bathroom and luxurious bedding. Five tents will be configured for families and will sleep up to four people.

Hunt has worked with Justin Long Designs, the original architect behind Wrotham Park, and renowned Australian design firm, Pike Withers, and has taken his inspiration for the Lodge from the time he has spent travelling in Africa. Stylish interiors will be found throughout with natural colours from the region providing a sense of place, in the form of a resort in harmony with its surroundings.

The main lodge – also from Wrotham – will be expanded to house the bar and restaurant which will engender a low key but stylish place to relax for breakfast right throughout the day to after dinner drinks.

Out and About A range of experiences including tours, cruises and safaris will allow numerous opportunities for guests to explore this amazing wilderness area. These will include the signature tour – the Home Billabong sunset cruise – where guests can spot the numerous crocodiles slowly sliding through the waterway while sipping on chilled Gin and Tonics. In addition there will be full day wetland tours to view the amazing wildlife in its natural environment, overland wetland safaris, and quad bike safari tours for the more adventurous. Anthology and IBA are also in discussions around the provision of Aboriginal cultural touring and content in the area. Guests can also register their special interest and have guides plan tailor-made trips around fishing, landscape and wildlife photography and bird watching.

Wildman Wilderness Lodge is expected to be complete by the end of 2010. It will be open 1 March to 30 November each year and close for the wet season.

Further details can be found at www.wildmanwildernesslodge.com.au  and enquiries and bookings can be made via sales@wildman.com.au  or on +61 2 9922 4443.

Excellent track record and close working relations with Iraqi aviation authorities makes Royal Jet carrier of choice

Abu Dhabi 10 February, 2010: Royal Jet – the international luxury executive flight services company based in Abu Dhabi and chaired by His Excellency Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan – is proving to be the carrier of choice for businesses seeking safe and secure air transport to Iraq.

Royal Jet has completed over 100 successful flights to this region providing both VIP air charter services as well as emergency medical evacuation with Royal Jet Medical Evacuation Services. These are made possible through Royal Jet’s thorough security procedures and excellent working relations with Iraqi aviation authorities. As such, Royal Jet has established an excellent track record of experience and expertise that enables it to continue providing private air services to corporations and business executives wanting and needing to do business in Iraq.

“Royal Jet supports the UAE’s close trade and commerce ties with Iraq, having served the Iraq market for a number of years,” said Shane O’Hare, President and CEO of Royal Jet. “Following the 2003 conflict, Royal Jet became the first commercial flight provider to enter the market. Throughout this time, Royal Jet has worked closely with Iraqi authorities including the Iraq Civil Aviation Authority who are responsible for airspace policy, flight permissions, and safety and economic regulations.

“Whether to assist in the re-construction of the market, re-vitalize key industry sectors or help in the re-establishment of key government segments, Corporations now have the confidence to fly to Iraq with Royal Jet because of on-ground security and careful attention to details that we provide,” he continued.

Royal Jet has a team of highly qualified security officers working with specialised and highly-skilled security consultants on-the-ground in Baghdad and Basra. A comprehensive risk and threat analysis is provided and each case individually assessed by Royal Jet’s Head of Security. Supported by real time updates and intelligence information, security evaluations are then constantly conducted throughout the entire journey.

Reliability and discretion are the key components that Royal Jet focuses on, supported by the luxurious service which is the hallmark of every Royal Jet flight. In addition, aircraft can be configured to customers’ precise requirements, providing meeting rooms, dining areas or a private stateroom, for instance.

“Royal Jet’s well-established reliability, expertise and unparalleled service provide a distinct advantage when compared with competitors who are only now entering the market. It is these aspects that give meaning to the accolades, recognition and support Royal Jet has received over the years from the industry at large, government authorities and our corporate customers,” said O’Hare. “And in travelling and doing business in Iraq, a reliable, secure and at the same time unparalleled luxurious air travel via Royal Jet would be the most sensible investment that corporations should make.”

A Recipe for Success – The Datai’s Rainforest Restaurant ‘The Gulai House’ Wins Award for Innovation at Malaysian Tourism Awards

The Datai in Langkawi, part of the GHM collection of luxury hotels and resorts, was recently awarded ‘Best Innovative Restaurant’ in the Malay category for its rainforest themed ‘The Gulai House’ at the 16th Malaysia Tourism Awards.

The bi-annual Malaysia Tourism Awards held in Kuala Lumpur were hosted by the Minister of Tourism Dato’ Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen and The Deputy Prime Minister Y.A.B. Tan Sri Dato’ Haji Muhyiddin bin Mohd. Yassin and rewarded companies or individuals for outstanding contributions to the Malaysian tourism industry.

When it originally opened in autumn 1993, The Datai was the first GHM property and it quickly became one of the world’s most sought-after and award-winning luxury hideaway resorts. The accolade for the resort’s restaurant is the latest in a long list of travel and lifestyle awards from many of the world’s most influential media and travel organizations.

The Gulai House is located in the heart of the rainforest just a short stroll from the resort and serves traditional Malaysian curries and Indian specialties in an open-air “Kampung Style” setting. The Gulai House’s award recognises its outstanding concept and design, authentic Malay cuisine and unique ambience.

When it comes to cuisine, visitors to The Datai are spoilt for choice. As well as The Gulai House, The Dining Room opens for breakfast, lunch and dinner serving a selection of Malaysian and Western specialties; The Pavilion focuses on authentic Thai cuisine in a magical al fresco setting in the canopy of the rainforest; The Beach Club provides an idyllic setting for beach side dining and The Lobby Lounge serves cocktails and light snacks.

Located on the north western tip of the lush tropical island of Langkawi off the coast of West Malaysia, The Datai is truly an oasis of relaxation and tranquility surrounded by centuries-old virgin rainforest with a private footpath leading to a white sand beach, swimming pool and spa, and nearby golf course.

The Datai’s 40 villas, 16 suites and 54 rooms are all set within the rainforest with their own private veranda and views of the lush tropical landscape and turquoise Andaman Sea beyond.

To enquire about a reservations, please contact The Datai on:
Tel: (06 4) 959 2500
Fax: (06 4) 959 2600
E-mail: datai@ghmhotels.com
Website: www.ghmhotels.com

Designed to prepare guests for their flight needs, Plateau’s newest Pampering Pre-Flight Experience, available early March, includes a relaxing retreat in a designated room where guests can enjoy Plateau tea and soft music.

In addition to the in-room relaxation, guests can choose between a Pre-flight Hydrating Facial for HK$1,650 or an Anti-stress Pre-flight Massage for HK$1,550,

Plateau’s pampering pre-flight experience will be available from early March 2010 onwards.

About the treatments:
Pre-flight Hydrating Facial
Customised to prepare guests for flight, this deeply hydrating facial nourishes and energizes the skin, leaving it supple and refreshed. 90 minutes

Anti-Stress Pre-flight Massage
Using calming massage techniques to ease the drying effects resulting from the aircraft air-conditioning, this massage relieves stressed muscles and relaxes the mind and body before boarding. 90 minutes

For reservations, please call Plateau at +852 2584 7650 or email to plateau.hkggh@hyatt.com

Plateau Residential Spa is located on the 11th floor at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong.

BANGKOK, THAILAND — Khiri Travel has launched a “Tribes and Rivers of Northern Laos” tour. The luxury seven-day tour is part of the company’s Khiri Gold collection of travel experiences. Khiri Gold tours are designed for discerning top-end travellers who require authentic travel without compromising comfort levels.

The tour explores the northern Laos UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang and its surrounding areas for two days. Then the focus moves to the exotic array of hilltribe minorities available from the Muang La luxury boutique resort in Udom Xay province. The area is deep in the mountains of northern Laos on the way to the Chinese border.

From Muang La Resort, there are trips by 4WD and gentle hikes on foot to visit an Akha village perched on a 3,000 foot mountain top. In the village the women folk wear colourful headdresses adorned with silver coins. Guests also explore Hmong, Lao Loum and Khmu tribal villages.

Khiri Gold’s “Tribes and Rivers of Northern Laos” trip includes five hours on a comfortable riverboat cruising on the Nam Ou River. Guests enjoy a picnic lunch on a secluded river beach amid some of the most dramatic scenery in Southeast Asia.

“We are confident that discerning guests will love the Muang La boutique resort,” said Marc Albert, the Country Manager of Khiri Travel Laos. “The resort is surrounded by forests, rice fields, and hot water springs that are thousands of years old. A Buddhist temple on the valley sides adds spirituality to a place that has changed very little down the years.”

Muang La resort consists of three wooden villas of ethnic design. Local Laotian art in the rooms add to the experience. A unique feature of the resort is its candle-lit Lao sauna, where steam is scented with natural herbs and grasses to create a truly relaxing experience. There is a large spa plunge pool for guests to luxuriate in.

At the resort guests can select where they would like their dining table placed in the gardens, which are lit by torchlight and candles in the evening. The Muang La resort serves a good selection of wines and champagne.

Guests also spend over two and a half days exploring the attractions of Luang Prabang and the surrounding area. Highlights include walking tours and visits to textile galleries, weaving centres, museums and temples. Early risers can witness the moving sight of long lines of bare-foot monks on their silent morning alms rounds.

Visitors also get to inspect the Pac Ou caves which contain up to 3,000 Buddha images, many of them inlaid with semi-precious stones.

According to Willem Niemeijer, co-founder of Khiri Travel, guests can now explore many culturally-rich corners of Indochina without compromising comfort levels, service standards or food and beverage options. “Khiri Gold itineraries open a new world of possibilities to top-end travellers. It’s a growth trend we see continuing, especially in source markets such as Europe, North America, Australia and among expatriates in Asia.”