Jetsettersblog

Styled after the famous Potala Palace in Lhasa, the iconic Tibet Hotel Chengdu has become the first hotel in South West China to join WORLDHOTELS as a First Class Collection affiliate.

The 276-room hotel in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, is located just a short stroll away the famous Wenshu Monastry, the largest temple in Chengdu and just 30 minutes driving distance from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport.

Guest rooms are fully equipped with complimentary internet connection and the upper floors command panoramic views over the city.

Tibet Hotel Chengdu features five choices of restaurants and bars of which a highlight is the Tibet Banquet Hall, a traditional Tibetan culinary experience offering an extensive range of traditional dishes from the Tibet region.

The Pearl Star Restaurant serves a taste of Sichuan cuisine with local recipes, fresh ingredients and exotic spices in the main dining hall or any of the private rooms in the restaurant.

Conference facilities accommodate up to 300 for receptions or theatre style with banqueting for up 180.

Recreation and wellness facilities include beauty salon, bowling alley, a fitness room incorporating a rock-climbing wall, massage and sauna. Excursion options include the nearby Giant Panda sanctuary and the famous Giant Buddah at Leshan.

Ms. Shizhen Tang, General Manager of Tibet Hotel Chengdu said: “WORLDHOTELS’ global marketing and distribution network is an invaluable shop window to the world for Tibet Hotel Chengdu as business booms in Chengdu – a hub of economic business, transportation and communication in southwestern China.”

“Chengdu has been recognized as one of China’s top ten cities to invest in out of a total of 280 other urban centres,” he said.

Mr. Roland Jegge, Vice President for WORLDHOTELS Asia Pacific, said: “Chengdu is an up-and-coming destination for both economic development and tourism, and a gateway to the mountainous southwest and Tibet. Tibet Hotel Chengdu is already popular with both business and leisure travelers and we look forward to further increasing its global business.”

The Maldives is synonymous with luxury resorts offering world-class cuisine and accommodation, pristine palm-fringed beaches, sensational diving and snorkelling and sumptuous spa facilities.

For those who are happy to ditch the deckchair, the Maldives also has an exciting cultural heritage, rarely seen by many visitors and waiting to be explored.

Guests staying at Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort and Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort can swap sunbathing for sightseeing and discover more about the Maldives’ traditions, local island way of life and its capital Malé.

Cultural excursions at Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort, located in the South Male Atoll, include:

Malé Experience: Few people take the time to see Malé, the smallest capital city in the world, but it offers a great insight in to the history and foundation of this wonderful country.

Amidst the densely crowded streets is a pleasant, quirky city with an incredible array of shops and lively markets where traditional items can be bought including handcrafted wooden lacquer ware, plates and woven mats made out of dried reeds.

There’s a guided tour to the Islamic Centre and Grand Friday Mosque to see the golden dome which dominates Malé‘s skyline. Visitors can then enjoy the lovely gardens at Sultan’s Park, visit the National Museum and for a real flavour of the Maldives, wander the fish and local markets. Available twice per week from US$ 75 per person.

Sunset Fishing & Beach BBQ: A chance to learn or enhance fishing skills whilst watching the sun go down. This trip culminates on a desert island with a BBQ dinner under the stars, including some delicious, freshly caught fish! Available on Tuesdays from US$ 75 per person.

Local Island Half Day: See the local way of life on Guraidhoo and Maafushi islands and their traditional houses built out of coral stones, mosques and schools. Available four times per week from US $45 per person.

Excursions at Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort, located in the South Nilandhe Atoll, include:

Half Day Island Discovery: Visit the local fishing villages at Meedhoo and Bandidhoo in the Dhaalu Atoll to experience the Maldivian way of life. Meedhoo is a tiny island, which was severely hit by the 2004 tsunami.

Visit its mosque, primary school, power house and health centre erected under the aid of UNICEF. Bandidhoo has significant landmarks in the form of a 300-year-old mosque and an old Banyan Tree. Home to many Dhoni or traditional boat builders, it also has its own indigenous doctors for which the island is renowned for. Available twice per week from US$ 45 per person.

Full Day Island Hopping: An extension to the Half Day Island Discovery, this tour incorporates a visit to a third uninhabited desert island, Faandhoo picnic island to enjoy snorkelling, swimming and sunbathing. After exploring the virgin island and surrounding waters, enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch under the shade of palm trees. Available twice per week from US$ 62 per person.

For more information regarding Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort visit www.olhuveli.com  and Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort visit www.vilureef.com

Destinology (www.destinology.co.uk / 0800 072 2227) offers seven nights for the price of six on a half-board basis at Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort from £1,289 per person (a total saving of £130 per couple).

Valid for travel on selected dates from 1 May to 30 July, the price includes return flights from Gatwick with British Airways, resort speedboat transfers, taxes and surcharges. Nestled amidst tropical vegetation and surrounded by a vast sandy, award-winning beach and crystal clear lagoon, facilities include a selection of restaurants and bars, two large pools and an excellent watersports centre with one of the only registered kite-surfing schools in the Maldives.

South Australia (www.southaustralia.com ) boasts many memorable experiences, the Top Ten list of which is:

1. SWIM WITH SEA LIONS AND DOLPHINS ON THE EYRE PENINSULA

Baird Bay is the perfect location to swim with sea lions and dolphins, whilst for those who prefer to stay dry, Point Labbatt offers excellent views of sea lions playing in off shore waters. To see larger mammals, June to October offers exceptional whalewatching opportunities off the Great Australian Bight.

2. ESCAPE TO THE ULTIMATE WILDERNESS LODGE ON KANGAROO ISLAND

Stay in the ultimate luxury wilderness lodge on Kangaroo Island. Southern Ocean Lodge floats atop a secluded cliff on a rugged stretch of coast, commanding peerless views of the wild Southern Ocean. Luxurious accommodation, gourmet food and peerless service is complemented by a wide range of daily tour options allowing guests to immerse themselves in the island’s abundant wildlife and scenic beauty.

3. BLEND YOUR OWN WINE IN THE BAROSSA VALLEY

A Make your Own Blend tour at Penfolds culminates in a visit to the winemakers’ laboratory where visitors can sample the wines as well as create their own blend. On completion visitors can take home their personally labelled bottles or alternatively they can ask the chef at Appellation, one of the Barossa’s signature restaurants, to customise a menu to suit their newly created wine. Appellation is located within The Louise, a luxurious award winning vineyard retreat.

4. WAKE UP IN A FIRE STATION IN ADELAIDE

The Fire Station Inn is a classic former Victorian bluestone fire station located in historic North Adelaide. Restored in 1998, this property is now a unique place to rest one’s head – facilities include an open plan living room and bedroom, spa bathroom, the original fireman’s pole and fire truck.

5. GET BACK TO NATURE IN THE GAWLER RANGES ON THE EYRE PENINSULA

The Gawler Ranges offers one of Australia’s best Outback experiences. Visitors can camp out in style with Gawler Ranges Wilderness Safaris, and see some of South Australia’s finest scenery, not to mention a large selection of free roaming wildlife. Staying in five-star permanent tents at Kangaluna Camp, the company offers an eco-friendly, comfortable way of getting back to nature and off the beaten track.

6. GO SHOPPING WITH A MASTER CHEF IN ADELAIDE

Take a tour of the southern hemisphere’s largest fresh produce market with master chef and foodie, Mark Gleeson. Mark takes visitors on a morning tour of the Adelaide Central Market to meet local food makers, butchers and fishmongers, the highlight of which is to sample their organic fresh produce.

7. SLEEP LIKE A PRINCESS IN A TOWER ON KANGAROO ISLAND

One of the bedrooms at Lifetime Private Retreats’ “Cliff House” on Kangaroo Island is located within a circular tower perched on a cliff overlooking Snelling’s Beach.

Cliff House also offers panoramic sea views, whilst other perks include a private chef and personal yoga classes.

8. EXPLORE THE FLINDERS RANGES & SLEEP IN A SWAG

Wilpena Pound, located in the heart of the Flinders Ranges, is a prehistoric natural amphitheatre.

The Pound can be explored on foot by joining a walking safari or by air on an unforgettable scenic flight, whilst the range of accommodation options in the area has never been better. Options include newly refurbished Wilpena Pound Resort, Rawnsley Park Station with its award winning eco villas and Arkaba Homestead which offers a task of Outback station life as well as the opportunity to undertake a walking safari that includes sleeping under the stars in swags.

9. MINE FOR OPALS AT COOBER PEDY AND STAY IN A UNDERGROUND HOTEL

Coober Pedy’s four-hour Down ‘N’ Dirty tour replicates the thrill of opal mining and includes a visit to a working opal mine field along with entry to the Quest Mine, where visitors are supplied with a hard hat, torch and handpick to go fossicking for their own opals.

The town’s other highlight is the Desert Cave Hotel offering guests the opportunity to stay in an underground room.

10. SWIM AND HAND FEED TUNA ON THE EYRE PENINSULA

Adventure Bay Charters in Port Lincoln gets visitors up close with the mighty bluefin tuna, one of the ocean’s fastest fish. Guests can hand-feed the tuna, view them from an underwater glass tunnel or slip into the water for a swim with them.

The Royal Mulu Resort in Malaysia will be reflagged the 118-room Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa in 2011 following a comprehensive refurbishment program involving all guest rooms and public space, under a management agreement between Marriott International Inc. and Borsarmulu Resort Sdn. Bhd.

Located along the banks of the Melinau River in Sarawak, Malaysia, the Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa will be a five-minute drive from the Gunung Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with equatorial rainforests, ecological flora and animal life and some of the world’s most amazing cave systems dating back more than 40 million years.

The resort will be the only full-service property in the area.

Fiji’s Dive Tropex Tokoriki was awarded an Asia Pacific Environmental Achievement Award for operating in an environmentally responsible manner and demonstrating a commitment to conserving underwater environments through education, advocacy and action by the Project AWARE Foundation.

The organization honors dive operators around the world who display commitment and excellence in their efforts to protect underwater environments within business operations and their community.

It is the third year in a row that Dive Tropex has been recognized for their commitment to conserving the environment having collected a Project AWARE Environmental Achievement Award in 2007 and 2008.

Their work in regenerating the Giant Clam population around Tokoriki, participating in Project AWARE Dive into Earth clean ups on a yearly basis and various other environmental projects contributing to their recognition as a leading environmental crusader in Fiji.

Dive Tropex operates a PADI Gold Palm five-star certified dive facility at Tokoriki Island Resort, offering guests the chance to experience everything from an introductory dive to Dive Master Certification.

For more information, visit

www.tokorikidiving.com

2nd – 16th September 2010

Explore the hidden depths of China on this behind-the-scenes tour offering privileged access into Pit no.1 at The Terracotta Warrior excavation and the Great Mosque, one of the wonders of the Xian region.

The journey continues with an exploration of the often-overlooked Han Yangling excavation with the site’s Director, Professor Wang Baoping, and concludes with an private tour of the Forbidden City of Beijing. This view of China highlights the stark contrasts between ancient and modern, country and city, primitive and luxury.

Highlights include:

• Access to the two closed caves in Dunhuang Magao Caves, built by monks and pilgrims in 366 as a garrison against attacks on China

• The Han Yangling excavation with Professor Wang Baoping, expert archaeologist and director, who will guide you through these labyrinthine ruins

• The three pits of Xian, with access to Pit No.1 to view the single greatest archaeological find of the 20th Century: the Terracotta Warriors

• The Dunhuang Labrang Monastery, which has more than 2,000 monks still in residence, absorbing the religious history of regional China from the beautiful Tibetan Sangke Grasslands
• The Forbidden City in Beijing, centre of the Chinese world for nearly 500 years and home to the Imperial Palace.

Travellers will be accompanied by expert guides with special access to some of China’s unknown treasures and will have the privilege of being immersed into local culture through visits to both Tibetan and Ulghur families.

The trip will conclude in the cultural and historic heart of modern China: Beijing, emphasising the contrast between the ancient and the modern in a city that has retained its imperial past despite its growing population of 13 million.

Prices are from £4,885 per person including accommodation, transfers, guided excursions, most meals and domestic flights.

Group size is based on minimum of eight passengers.

This spring Abercrombie & Kent is launching a series of tailor-made group trips aimed at exploring some of the world’s best kept secrets and most fascinating sites including:

• Northern Peru followed by the Inca heartland where Alfredo Mormontoy, Machu Pichu’s resident archaeologist, will explain Hiram Bingham’s century old discovery

• Tibet and the enigmatic city of Lhasa with professional photographer Jon Nicholson

• The central Asia gem of Kyrgyzstan, one of the best kept secrets in travel

• Libya, a country full of treasures which have barely been scratched by archaeologists or time

• An Iranian journey, uncovering the delights of Persepolis, one of the most important sites of the Ancient World

Each itinerary will include the presence of an Abercrombie & Kent expert guide. A&K’s objective with these group tours is to break down barriers, change perceptions and prejudices and highlight the kind and gentle people of these fascinating and culturally diverse destinations.

Each trip is also designed to showcase the highlights of a country with an adventurous and informative itinerary offering excellent value for money.

The Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa has unveiled its Ali’i Boardroom, designed for executive meetings.

Fully equipped with audio and visual technology, the Ali’i Boardroom is in a central location at the resort.

The meeting space measures approximately 12 feet by 28 feet and can seat up to 11 people.

Executive touches include writing tablets and eco-biodegradable pens with an executive blotter and leather ergonomic chairs.

Among the technological amenities are integrated data and voice jacks in the table;

dedicated wired and wireless Internet connectivity; stereo surround sound;

a 52-inch HD TV with VGA connectivity integrated in the conference table;

a DVD player; iPod connectivity; and HD IP video conferencing.

The daily rental fee is $2,000 and comes with two options. Option 1 includes room rental, continental breakfast or break for 11 people and Internet access for everyone. Option 2 includes room rental and an oceanview suite for the high-ranking executive.

In total, the Wailea Beach Marriott now offers 27,130 square feet of indoor meeting space and 86,740 square feet of outdoor function areas.

For more information, call 800-228-9290 or visit www.waileamarriott.com

InterContinental Hotels Group announced the opening of the Crowne Plaza San Salvador, the first of its brand in El Salvador.

This is IHG’s 15th Crowne Plaza throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, and its 22nd overall property in Central America.

The 194-room Crowne Plaza San Salvador is a conversion of the former Hotel El Salvador. Located in the high-end business district of Colonia Escalón at 89 Ave. Norte y 11 calle Poniente, the hotel underwent significant renovations in order to meet the Crowne Plaza brand standards.

Boasting 23 meetings rooms of premium event space, including the largest ballroom in the country, with capacity for 3,000 people, the property is interconnected to the World Trade Center’s Torre Futura.

Recently inaugurated and designed as a ‘smart’ building, Torre Futura yields 19 stories of prime commercial office space along with a retail component.

At Crowne Plaza, guests can enjoy 24-hour business service and wireless high-speed Internet access as well as a comprehensive meetings program that ensures a seamless planning process consisting of three key components: a Two-Hour Response Guarantee, Crowne Meetings Director and a Daily Meetings Debrief.

Beyond the hotel’s meeting and banquet space, dining and recreation is also a centerpiece of the Crowne Plaza San Salvador.

The property offers a variety of amenities including a Club Lounge, a business center, two restaurants and a bar, a fully-equipped fitness center and a semi-Olympic outdoor swimming pool.

Grupo AGRISAL, which began its relationship with IHG in 2006, also owns the Holiday Inn San Salvador and the under-construction Holiday Inn Express Zona Rosa San Salvador, both located in El Salvador. Grupo AGRISAL is also in the process of developing four additional properties, including the Holiday Inn Escazú in San José, Costa Rica, slated to open November 2010.

For more information, call 877-2-CROWNE or visit www.ichotelsgroup.com

MSC Cruises recently launched its Black Card, the newest membership level for its loyalty program.

The Black Card membership benefits include 20 percent discount on cruise bookings and shore excursions, preferential disembarkation for shore excursions, complimentary bottle of champagne with strawberries and chocolate in the stateroom, complimentary bath robe and slippers (adults only), 20 percent discount on MSC Logo Shop items, dinner with the captain (based upon availability), 20 percent discount on onboard photography purchases and preferential disembarkation.

To qualify for these benefits, guests must have accrued at least 100 loyalty points since 2006.

These benefits are in addition to those already offered to MSC Gold Card Club Members, ranging from a free welcome cocktail to complimentary casino chips, a regularly replenished basket of fresh fruit in the stateroom, complimentary access to the thermal suite including sauna and Turkish bath, and 30 percent discount on Internet usage.

Other MSC Club levels are Classic (1 to 21 points), Silver (22 to 42 points), and Gold (43 to 99 points).

Points are earned for every night spent onboard an MSC Cruises ship.

Crystal Cruises is the only luxury cruise line this year to sail roundtrip from Los Angeles to Western Mexico with its November-December Mexican Riviera series.

Beginning with a seven-day Thanksgiving cruise, the four voyages aboard the Crystal Symphony will visit Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta; a 10-day itinerary also calls in La Paz, Loreto, and a maiden call to Topolobampo. The seven-day options begin and end on Sunday.

The cruises have “Experiences of Discovery” themes.

The seven-day Nov. 21 Thanksgiving cruise will feature seasonal selections like butternut squash soup drizzled with pumpkin seed oil, roasted turkey with apple sage dressing, sweet potato praline, cider giblet gravy and traditional pumpkin and pecan pies, as well as creative vegetarian entrees.

The seven-day Nov. 28 voyage has a “Science & Technology” theme and will feature NASA astronauts and other speakers.

The seven-day Dec. 5 “Mind, Body & Spirit” cruise focuses on wellness through guided classes in tai chi, yoga, Pilates and healthful presentations from guest experts.

The 10-day Dec. 12 “Wine & Food” voyage will offer guest chefs, wine and tequila experts for classes and tastes of the destination.

Per person, promotional two-for-one cruise fares start at $2,165, double occupancy, and include $500-per-person shipboard credit. Guests booking a deluxe stateroom with verandah byJuly 31 will save an additional $500 per person. Crystal’s Family Memories program offers groups and families a host of perks, including a complimentary berth for every 10 full-fare guests.