Jetsettersblog

Hotel Solo – a new contemporary boutique hotel concept is set for its debut in Bangkok, Thailand. Hotel Solo is contemporary boutique hotel that marks the beginning of a brand new city escape. A retreat in the heart of all the action makes it the perfect base to escape and revive.

The nearby Skytrain station links Hotel Solo Sukhumvit 2 to Bangkok’s business and financial districts as well as the city’s famed shopping and nightlife areas.

The first Hotel Solo is conveniently located on Soi 2 of Sukhumvit Road in the heart of Bangkok.

LOCATED IN THE HEART OF BANGKOK

Hotel Solo is conveniently located on Soi 2 of Sukhumvit Road. The Skytrain Ploenchit station allows convenient and fast access to all key destinations in downtown Bangkok. Convenient road access to the expressway system also provides an easy reach of Don Mueng and Suvarnarbhumi airports, and other provinces.

For leisure pursuits, the expressways provide long scenic drives to top seaside destinations like Hua Hin and Pattaya

REFRESHING ACCOMMODATION CONCEPT

Contemporary in design and amenities, the rooms provide many exciting features to meet the needs of demanding travellers and offer all the comfort of home.

Rooms at Hotel Solo are designed with the guests’ comfort and needs in mind, to ensure that they enjoy a great sleep experience, with customised mattress and high quality bedding, an invigorating shower, and an integrated workstation with easy-to-access data ports, wireless Internet access as well as interactive LCD flat screen TV. Room types include:

Solo Superior (28 sqm.) – comfortable and convenience for an active lifestyle; Solo Deluxe (36sqm.) – perfect for the well-seasoned traveler; and Solo Suite (42 sqm.) – located at the top of the hotel, this spacious suite offers great city views for the discerning traveler.

SLEEK CHECK-IN EXPERIENCE THROUGH A BAR

Hotel SOLO offers you a refreshing new hotel experience. Your sense of arrival is characterized by multi-fashion elements that can be felt right away from the facade, the entrance, the contemporary art and sculptures, and the sleek orange tone of the surrounds.

Once you arrive, you are ushered into a lobby bar, where a bartender serves you your stylised welcome drink even before you receive your key card!

YOUR OWN ESPRESSO MACHINE IN-ROOM

Another unique feature of Hotel Solo is that all rooms are provided with its own Espresso Machine with quality coffee product for the guests’ enjoyment. Complimentary computer notebooks can be used and borrowed and internet access is available throughout the hotel including all guestrooms. As a service for our guests a complimentary shuttle service is available by our very own ‘ Tuk Tuk’ to and from the corner of Sukhumvit road or the Skytrain station from 07:00 to 22:00.

DINING AT CLOUD 9 AND SALA DI SOLO

At Cloud 9, guests can enjoy a relaxing drink under the sky of the ‘City of Angels’ in style, or take a refreshing dip in our outdoor swimming pool.

Its friendly bar staff is on hand to serve with a fine selection of cocktails, specialty coffees, after dinner drinks and choices from the cigar humidor.

Cloud 9 is the perfect venue for a romantic evening under the stars or to celebrate a special occasion.

Sala Di Solo is a warm and inviting all-day dining venue where guests can choose to be seated in either the cool indoor section or dine al fresco on the adjoining terrace.

Sala di Solo offers a well-balanced breakfast, and delectable fusion dishes throughout the day.

Serving a selection of Western & Asian specialties along with great cocktails and superior wines, this culinary experience is not to be missed.

For inquiries or reservations, please contact Telephone (66-2) 656 7850 Fax (66-2) 656 7840 Email: rsvn.bkk2@solohotelsresorts.com  or through HotelCorp Ltd. at Telephone (66-2) 266 7316 Fax (66-2) 266 7315 Email: sm.bkk2@solohotelsresorts.com  or visit www.solohotelsresorts.com  for more information.

On Alpine Terrain and Cherry Blossoms

Continuing its mission to expand its collection of high profile, luxury properties, YTL Hotels announced today its acquisition of several operating assets plus 462-hectares in Niseko Village including the lease of an additional 155-hectare ski mountain in Hokkaido, Japan.

A prime winter and summer destination resort, the purchase includes the 506-room Hilton Niseko Village, the 200-room Green Leaf Hotel, two 18-hole championship golf courses – one of which was designed by Arnold Palmer, a 23-court tennis complex, the Niseko Village Ski Resort and ski school, and an equestrian center. Set at the foot of Mt. Niseko Annupur, the resort is the perfect base for skiers and snowboarders to access the mountain’s powdery slopes, regarded as some of the finest alpine terrain in the world.

In all seasons, rigorous activity is often followed in the evening by a soak in one of the resort’s several natural onsen hot springs and a traditional Japanese massage.

According to James W. McBride, President of YTL Hotels and Properties, the company’s master plan for the resort is to create a sophisticated village atmosphere teemed with private houses, ski in ski out estates, onsen
spas and a retail and restaurant center inspired by chic destinations like Vail in Colorado, Whistler in British Columbia, and St Moritz – the sister city of Niseko. ‘Along with the development of the MUSE Hotel De Luxe in the French resort town of Saint-Tropez, both these resorts will be highly complementary assets to YTL’s growing, international portfolio’ says McBride.

To enhance the extraordinary summer season in Niseko, the company is already formulating plans for it to have an appeal beyond just the powder and greens crowd.

‘We want to launch an International Food Festival that will attract chefs and gourmands from around the world, with the Pacific Ocean only 30 minutes away, offering some of the world’s best seafood and given Hokkaido’s reputation for being the bread basket of Japan’ says Sarah Cairns, YTL’s Executive Vice President for Marketing and Communications.

We are excited and very enthusiastic with our expansion plans. As a company with a very strong financial position, YTL Hotels took advantage of the economic downturn investing in the company’s future growth’ says McBride.

‘The locations of these new hotels and resorts were thoughtfully chosen, so we could integrate the local environment and culture seamlessly into our existing collection of
properties, bringing out the best of each destination.’

In addition to the Hilton Niseko and the MUSE Hotel De Luxe in Saint-Tropez, YTL has expanded significantly in the last year – truly bringing to life its vision of creating treasured places and treasured moments with the addition of the Swatch Art Peace Hotel in Shanghai, China; The Chedi in Phuket, Thailand; and both Pulau Gaya and Pulau Tiga in Borneo.
The former is a deluxe rainforest family resort near Mount Kinabalu while Pulau Tiga, is about 48 miles down south. Opening in 2011, both are great destinations for adventure, nature and water enthusiasts.

The Siam Kempinski Bangkok Hotel has appointed Roberto Conrad as Executive Chef and Mario Hofmann as Executive Sous Chef. Both chefs are on board and preparing for the hotel opening in June.

Executive Chef Roberto Conrad (43), a Swiss national, who speaks Italian, German, French and English, has been working in leading five-star international luxury hotels in China, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Thailand and Malaysia since 1994.

Prior to that, he had 10 years’ experience in hotels in Switzerland and worked in Alain Chapel’s three-star Michelin restaurant in Mionnay, France (Chapel was the renowned mentor of Alain Ducasse).

Chef Roberto will be supported by Executive Sous Chef Mario Hofmann (32), a German national, who has worked with Kempinski hotels for 12 years in Germany, including, most recently, the iconic Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin.

At the Adlon he was Head Chef for Banqueting and Catering, in charge of many large events of historic significance, such as state banquets, events for visiting presidents, celebrities and royal delegations.

“Between them, Roberto and Mario have the perfect combination of passion, culinary experience and human relations skills to lead the Siam Kempinski kitchen team,” said Mr Thomas Klippstein, General Manager.

At the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, Chef Roberto and Chef Mario will be responsible for the culinary performance of all food and beverage outlets, including the Brasserie Europa, the T Lounge, the Bistro, the Rotunda pool restaurant and the 1897 lobby & cigar bar, as well as room service and a large banqueting operation.

Chef Roberto, commenting on the hotel’s main restaurant, said: “Our Brasserie Europa will serve classic European dishes presented with flair and a modern touch. Signature dishes from all the major cuisines of Europe will be served for the delight of our guests, and on Sundays we will offer an abundant and stylish family Sunday lunch.”

Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok

991/9 Rama I Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
Tel: +66 2 162 9000
Fax: +66 2 162 9009
Email: reservations.siambangkok@kempinski.com
Website: www.kempinski.com

The latest treatment to evolve from Chuan Spa – Rediscover Your Source – promises a slice of day-time ecstasy – well three hours to be more precise.

Rediscover Your Source offers two options – one for the Day Dreamer and one for the Day Star. Both will see you rejuvenated with two-hours of oriental pampering and refueled with a high-boost health meal.

This seductive little day-time treat costs just HK$1,288 and is available 9:00am – 5:00pm, Monday – Friday.

Ecstasy Option 1: Rediscover Your Source – Day Dreamer
- Chuan Pearl Polish (30 minutes)
- Chuan Harmony Signature Massage (60 minutes)
- Chuan Hand and Foot Recovery (30 minutes)
- Chuan Cuisine high-boost health meal

Ecstasy Option 2: Rediscover Your Source – Day Star
- Instant Eye Recovery (30 minutes)
- The Parisian Facial (60 minutes)
- Heavenly Scalp Massage (30 minutes)
- Chuan Cuisine high-boost health meal

All treatments include complimentary valet parking and full access to Chuan Spa’s health and wellbeing facilities including Pulse fitness studio, Plunge rooftop pool and the private Tri-Bathing Ritual areas with oriental hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms and onsen showers.

Decide whether you’re a Day Dreamer or a Day Star and make your reservation.

Phone 3552 3510 or email hkg.lph.info@chuanspa.com

Also available in the form of a gift certificate, Rediscover Your Source is available until 31 December 2010.

For more information on Chuan Spa and Langham Place, Mongkok, Hong Kong visit:
www.chuanspa.com

http://hongkong.langhamplacehotels.com

Hong Kong – Wynn Resorts continues to raise the standard for luxury resorts in Macau with the opening of Encore, its all-suites boutique hotel. The new property is adjacent to its sister resort, Wynn Macau.

Encore opened in April 2010. Reservations may be made by calling (853) 8986 9966.

Encore is an intimate hotel with a keen sense of elegance and playfulness.

The repertoire of suites, innovative culinary offerings, opulent spa and exciting retail will cater to the most exclusive and discriminating clientele. Among the highlights will be 414 finely furnished luxury suites and villas, two new restaurants and a bar, three retail outlets offering over 3,000 square feet of superbly designed retail space and The Spa at Encore – an extraordinary oasis offering an exquisite experience with bespoke treatments in luxurious private therapy suites.

Guests at Encore will enjoy the remarkable environment of its sister resort – Wynn Macau, which, as one of the most sought after luxury travel experiences in Asia, attracts the world’s elite travelers.

As the first Las Vegas style blended luxury resort in Asia, Wynn Macau offers a unique experience to guests: entertainment combined with designer shops, a tranquil spa, a dramatic Performance Lake, the iconic Tree of Prosperity, the Dragon of Fortune and gourmet cuisine at the four signature restaurants – Golden Flower (Tan Chinese), Okada (Japanese), Ristorante il Teatro (Italian) and Wing Lei (Chinese). Other casual dining and drinks venues include Café Esplanada, Red 8, Cinnebar, and Wing Lei Lounge.

Wynn Macau Room Reservations

Tel: (853) 8986 9966

Toll Free – Hong Kong: 800 966 963

Toll Free – Northern China: 108 00853 0062

Toll Free – Southern China: 108 00153 0062

Celebrating its 18th birthday this year, The Sukhothai Bangkok has unveiled the first phase of renovations to 40 of the hotel’s superior rooms, with all 100 rooms of this type to be completely refurbished by July 2010.

Set within six acres of tranquil, beautifully landscaped gardens in the heart of Bangkok, this iconic hotel combines traditional refinement with immaculate contemporary style and has long been a favourite with design-savvy visitors to Thailand’s bustling capital.

The current refurbishment has been undertaken by internationally-renowned interior designer Edward Tuttle, who masterminded the original interior designs for the property and has a long association with some of the world’s finest luxury hotels and resorts.

The rooms have been given a new softness thanks to the use of subtle but rich chenille canvas wall fabrics by Jim Thompson, which balance the exotic teak wood, pradou cabinetry and signature detailing that has always defined the architectural and interior style of The Sukhothai.

Amenities have been upgraded to include integrated bars and new flat screen televisions discreetly installed behind grey mirrors to blend seamlessly with the room when switched off. In the bathroom, guests will find compartmental shower and toilet areas remodeled in classic Sukhothai black granite and mirrored cabinets to create a depth of space.

Tuttle explains: “Keeping the classical image of The Sukhothai was a major concern when remodeling the existing bedrooms. Subtle touches such as the new teak wood floor throughout the bedroom and bathroom, give the entire space another level of unity and luxury.”

Born in Seattle, but based in Paris for the last 30 years, Tuttle is known for his elegant and creative use of space. He has been involved with some of the most luxurious hotel and resort developments worldwide, including Aman Resorts internationally, The Chedi Phuket and Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme.

Preferred Hotels® & Resorts, a brand of Preferred Hotel Group™, is pleased to announce the opening of its first hotel in Shanghai – Les Suites Orient, Bund Shanghai. The Preferred Hotels & Resorts collection features more than 200 of the world’s most desirable destinations and newly discovered havens.

Opening its doors in April, Les Suites Orient is situated on the historic Bund with breathtaking views of the Huangpu River and the Pudong skyline.

It is also conveniently located near the famed Yu Gardens, the tunnel that connects to the Pudong financial district, and the Shanghai World Expo area.

The boutique hotel has 168 elegantly designed rooms in Art Deco style with an Eastern charm.

All guestrooms are equipped with the latest technology and entertainment hardware such as wireless Internet access, iPod® dock, stereo system, DVD player, and thoughtful details such as an Illy espresso machine and weather display panel on the bathroom mirror.

Two other impressive technology features are the room key card, which also serves as an instant electronic transportation card with a credit amount for use in taxis, buses, and metro, and Les Suites Mobile Life, which provides guests with a mobile phone to be used out of the hotel for local and international calls and direct access to the hotel’s help desk for directions and translation needs.

The lounge offers complimentary breakfast for one guest per room, all day refreshments, use of PC and Mac computers, and complimentary wireless Internet throughout the hotel. The laid-back cigar bar offers cigar, fine wines, and cognac, while the library offers a quiet retreat. There is also a fitness center complemented by a Zen space for yoga and meditation.

“This partnership further reinforces the Preferred Hotels & Resorts brand presence in China, and Les Suites Orient is a stunning representation of the brand with its unrivalled location and exceptional hardware and services,” said Mark Simmons, area managing director – Asia, Preferred Hotel Group.

“Entering the China market for the first time, the partnership with Preferred Hotels & Resorts illustrates the premium standard of this Les Suites boutique property and showcases the brand globally,” said John Liu, general manager of Les Suites Orient, Bund Shanghai.

About Preferred Hotels & Resorts

A member of the Preferred Hotel Group family of brands, Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ legendary commitment to quality ensures an unparalleled guest experience.

All Preferred Hotels & Resorts embrace the award-winning Standards of Excellence™, an extensive 1,600 item annual quality assurance program that has been honored with the “Best Practices Champion Award” by Cornell University.

Membership in this distinguished brand allows hotels to maintain their individuality and distinctive methodology while benefiting from the sales, marketing, and technology support that Preferred Hotel Group consistently delivers to its members.

Preferred Hotels & Resorts is a member of the Preferred Hotel Group family of brands, which also includes Preferred Boutique, Summit Hotels & Resorts, Sterling Hotels, and Historic Hotels of America. For reservations and a complete description of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts collection, please visit www.PreferredHotels.com.

Exotissimo offers a handpicked selection of villas for rental in Phuket, Koh Samui and Hoi An.

Bangkok, Thailand (30 March 2010) – Exotissimo Travel, Southeast Asia’s leading destination management company, recently launched a new villa collection to offer travelers more accommodation choices when touring the region.

Exotissimo has gathered a premium collection of villas, penthouses and apartments in the popular destinations of Phuket, Koh Samui and Hoi An. Each of these properties has been selected by the company’s management team to ensure that its operation, maintenance and service standards match Exotissimo’s expectations.

Ranging from two- to five-bedroom properties, Exotissimo villas are suitable for all types of travelers from honeymooners to families to groups of friends. They are situated in highly sought-after beachfront or hillside locations with stunning views of the surroundings. Most of them are located away from the hustle and bustle of urban living but boast easy accessibility to local shopping, dining and entertainment areas.

Upholding the same standards of five-star hotels and resorts, all Exotissimo villas boast stylish architecture with extensive amenities.

Most properties come with expansive living and dining areas, fully equipped kitchens and private swimming pools.

Housekeeping services and round-the-clock security ensures a safe and stress-free stay. Everything from personal chefs, in-villa spa treatments, car rentals and tours can be arranged to suit every guest’s preferences and desires.

Extolling the advantages of staying in a villa, Louise Nathan, Group Product Manager of Exotissimo, says,

“A villa offers great value for money with ultimate privacy akin to that of a private home but with the high-quality, personalized service of a luxury hotel. In short, you have the freedom to enjoy a very independent vacation that unfolds at your own pace.”

For 2010, Exotissimo will continue to expand its villa collection and travelers can expect an even greater variety of properties in current and new locations in Southeast Asia.

Exotissimo’s villa collection can be viewed at:

http://www.exotissimo.com/luxury/villa

About Exotissimo Travel

Exotissimo Travel is a premier destination management company that specializes in tailor made tours in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Indonesia.

Established in 1993, the company is now a network of 17 locally-based offices staffing over 500 travel professionals, with sales offices in San Francisco, Paris, Berlin, Barcelona and Sydney.

For more information, please visit www.exotissimo.com

Japan Airlines (JAL) will begin offering a newly-enhanced menu to its passengers traveling on JAL’s Executive Class Seasons – the airline’s international business-class, on routes to select Southeast Asian cities.

The latest menu line up will highlight regional Japanese cuisines that use distinct ingredients and methods of preparation, a popular “casual western diner” -concept meal that seeks to evoke a sense of nostalgia, as well as a flavorful “Contemporary French” menu.

Business class travelers on flights from Japan to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Jakarta, Bali and New Delhi, favoring a taste of Japan, can look forward to savoring dishes unique to the Kagoshima, Miyazaki, Kumamoto and Kyushu regions of Japan during the months to June, 2010.

Replacing the Kaiseki-style of course-by-course meal-service, JAL will start offering the “Samurai Zen”-inspired Japanese meal comprising a main dish, freshly-cooked rice and 6 to 9 accompanying side dishes that can be best enjoyed with a class of complementing sake or wine.

Alternatively, passengers can opt for the delectable Western meals, having a choice of the Japanese-influenced western meal with mains like hamburger steak or beef stew made from 100% Japan-bred beef, along with 6 to 9 side dishes, or the elegant French meal served with small sides such as snow crab with avocado salad and beef pie alongside a main dish which will go perfectly with a glass of fine wine from our comprehensive onboard cellar.

Springing from a genuine hospitality, Japan Airlines will continue in its efforts to raise customer satisfaction and to enhance their overall onboard experience through implementing such improvements to service quality and variety.

The above meal service is planned to be introduced onto other medium-haul routes in the near future.

The ‘Signature Events’ enable well-heeled golfers to play the world’s finest courses and enjoy unique experiences while staying at extraordinary, one-of-a-kind hotels.

They are being launched by Leading Golf (www.lhwgolf.com ), a one-stop shop for one-of-a-kind golf vacations at the world’s most prestigious courses.

The golfing calendar is launched on August 10-14 at The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa in St. Andrews, Scotland.

Located adjacent to the legendary 17th “Road Hole” of Hotel offers classically elegant and contemporary interiors and service in the finest traditions of Scottish hospitality.

Golfers play the world famous Old Course, as well as nearby Kingsbarns, the Duke’s Course and the Castle Course.

In between rounds of golf, the four-day itinerary includes wine tastings, a Champagne reception, lunches and two dinners. The package is priced at US$4,995, and US$3,295 for non-golfers, based on double occupancy.

From September 26-29, the second ‘Signature Event’ is at The Gleneagles Hotel, in the Perthshire countryside.

Rounds are at Gleneagles’ PGA Centenary Course, which hosts the 40th Ryder Cup in 2014, as well as the King’s Course and Kingsbarns, a modern interpretation of classic Scottish links golf. Tour cost for golfers is US$2,850 or US$2,150 for non-golfers.

Guests can also extend their stay to include this year’s Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor in Wales.

From November 3-7, the package tour calendar switches to the premier course in the Caribbean, the Tortuga Bay enclave of the Puntacana Resort & Club in the Dominican Republic, playing the La Cana and Corales courses.

The P.B Dye-designed La Cana boasts 14 ocean-view holes, and is often compared to Pebble Beach. Corales is a new Tom Fazio design skirting the Caribbean Sea on six holes. Tortuga Bay also features an award-winning Six Senses Spa, one of the world’s premier spa and wellness centres.

All tour costs are exclusive of airfare, meals and beverages other than those specified, caddie fees and gratuities.

“These ‘Signature Events’ offer the best of golf travel complemented by the highest standards of style and service,” said Claudia Kozma Kaplan, senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications, The Leading Hotels of the World.

The new online portal Leading Golf is a comprehensive, multi-platform initiative inaugurated by the international luxury hotel brand in collaboration with leading golf travel expert PerryGolf.

Designed as a premier planning and booking service for the global luxury traveler – it incorporates ‘Signature Events’ with single destination ‘Stay-and-Play’ packages and multiple-stop Custom Touring, where players can select a destination and book tee-times in advance.

The extension of The Leading Hotels of the World website www.lhw.com enables players to browse destinations, make reservations online and even access The Golf Butler for concierge style assistance securing tee times and other arrangements.

Destinations extend from Asia/Pacific to North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Caribbean.

For more information or to make a Leading Golf reservation, visit

www.lhwgolf.com

For more details and pricing information for the inaugural event at The Old Course at St. Andrews, please visit

www.lhw.com/leadersclubstandrews

ONLINE PLATFORM FOR GOLF HOLIDAYS AT WWW.LHWGOLF.COM