Jetsettersblog

Grupo Mariana Family of Resorts and Wyndham Worldwide Hotels & Resorts have established an important strategic alliance that will result in the development of a $30 million, 330-room Wyndham Mariana Resort & Casino that will be one of the key centerpieces of the Seaside Mariana Spa & Golf Resort.

Located on Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast, Seaside Mariana is situated on 923 acres with over one mile of beachfront, and features condominiums, golf and oceanfront villas, casitas, home sites, equestrian center, town center, oceanfront destination club, and Nicaragua’s first Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. With the crucial infrastructure phase at Seaside Mariana already in motion, the addition of the Wyndham Alliance provides multiple avenues for putting further capital into the exciting Central American property market. For more information, visit the banner below.

The Governors’ Camp Collection of lodges in Kenya and Rwanda put a customs and immigration station in place at Mfangano Island on Lake Victoria, which allows the country to organize direct flights between Mwanza in Eastern Tanzania and Mfangano Island in Western Kenya.

The new facility makes it possible to save travel time when combining a Masai Mara safari and a Tanzania/Rwanda safari with a short break at Mfangano Island Camp.

Governors’ Camp has a Cessna 206 based in the Masai Mara and also has access to a Cessna Caravan owned by Coastal Aviation and based in Mwanza.

The company can arrange for clients to clear customs and immigration at Mfangano Island before flying them on to Mwanza to connect with the Coastal Aviation flight which flies daily to many destinations across Tanzania, even going as far as Zanzibar and Kigali in Rwanda.

The routing makes for a much faster trip for clients travelling between Kenya and Tanzania and Rwanda.

This safari is also available in reverse Tanzania/Rwanda-Mfangano Island Camp-Masai Mara.

For more information, visit

www.governorscamp.com

Istanbul, TURKEY – This summer, W Istanbul connects two continents with an experience of a lifetime at Suada, Istanbul’s unique island located between Europe and Asia, which perfectly balances the glamour of city living with a relaxed beach vibe and the finest international cuisine.

Running through to August 31, 2010, the W Istanbul’s summer package includes a Wonderful Room, which features soaring ceilings and tall arched wooden frame windows in an airy living space, giving a welcomed retreat from the buzz of the city. A daily breakfast from the W kitchen serving a wide range of buffet items or choose from the A La Carte menu.

The package also includes a relaxing boat ride to Suada along with free entrance and a discount on all food and beverages on the island. The experience on Suada offers guests a world-class salt water swimming pool, cabanas and a 360 degree, panoramic view of Bosphorus, an area connecting the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara.

W Istanbul

W Istanbul’s 136 luxurious guest rooms include suites and duplex suites of diverse categories, many having their own private gardens, terraces and cabanas, making it a unique destination within the destination.

Each room offers a variety of decoration and light concepts creating a stylish blend of modern and Turkish design in perfect harmony.

Creative in approach and innovative in design, W Istanbul promises to engage, energize and entertain the senses.

W Istanbul is the ultimate insider’s destination, welcoming a variety of leisure guests, celebrities, fashionistas, business executives and leisure travelers who desire access to the latest in technology, dining, fashion, art and entertainment. The hotel offers a sensory multiplex of contemporary design and comfort, while embracing the heritage and culture of the historic building and magical destination of Istanbul.

• Officially launched and service commences from Alexandria to Amman, Beirut, Khartoum and Kuwait

• Carrier to expand operations to more airports across Middle East Africa and Europe

• Air Arabia’s third hub after UAE and Morocco provides travelers increased low-cost options, connectivity and international reach

Cairo, Egypt – Air Arabia ‘Egypt,’ an Alexandria-based Air Arabia Group company and Egypt’s new low cost carrier (LCC) held an official ceremony today in Cairo to mark the carrier’s launch. The event was attended by officials from Egypt and UAE along with members of public and trade sector.

Based at Burj Al Arab International Airport in Alexandria, the Air Arabia ‘Egypt’ first commercial flight took to the skies on June 1, 2010 to Khartoum, and will be followed by flights to Kuwait, Amman and Beirut.

A joint venture between Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa, and the Travco Group, the Middle East’s largest travel and hospitality group, Air Arabia ‘Egypt’ will shortly plans to expand further its range of destinations from Alexandria Burj Al Arab Airport to key cities across the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region.

Adel Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia said:

“We are extremely pleased to announce the launch of operations of Air Arabia ‘Egypt,’ the newest member of the rapidly growing Air Arabia family of companies. Complementing our existing operations in the United Arab Emirates and Morocco, this new low-cost carrier will provide the same consistently high level of service, operational reliability and value-for-money fares that have become the hallmark of Air Arabia.

We thank the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority and the management of Burj Al Arab International Airport as well as all our strategic partners for marking the launch of Air Arabia ‘Egypt’”.

He continued: “Working together with the Travco Group, with whom we share a vision of facilitating the economic growth and positive contribution to the Egyptian tourism sector, we remain committed to creating further opportunities for affordable and reliable travel across this young and vibrant region.”

“Today represents a milestone in the history of the travel and hospitality industry here in Egypt – and for all of us at the Travco Group and Air Arabia,” said Hamed El Chiaty, Chairman and CEO of the Travco Group. “For more than three decades, we have focused on fostering the development of an umbrella of brands that contribute to the diversification of the domestic tourism industry, which is so vital to the Egyptian economy.

“With the launch of Air Arabia ‘Egypt,’ we further expand the opportunities for travelers from across the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region to visit the Arab world’s most-populous nation, whether for business, leisure or personal reasons, while also increasing opportunities for Egypt-based individuals and companies to reach out across the markets we serve,” he said. “Together with Air Arabia, we look forward to further expanding the range of destinations and services provided by Air Arabia ‘Egypt’ in the months and years to come.”

Building upon Air Arabia’s existing service to 60 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, Air Arabia ‘Egypt’ is now contributing to the ongoing development of the Egyptian travel and tourism sector, while also offering a larger base of customers the best value-for-money air travel options.

Fairmont Zimbali Resort opens the doors for fans of the 2010 FIFA World Cup

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the opening of Fairmont Zimbali Resort, an exclusive and elegant 154-room property, located along the sublime eastern coast of South Africa. Fairmont Zimbali Resort joins the Fairmont Zimbali Lodge, a 76-room property set nearby along the beach.
“Zimbali” is the Zulu word for “Valley of Flowers”. Nestled between the pristine beauty of a 700-hectare forest reserve and the shimmering beaches of Kwa-Zulu Natal’s Dolphin Coast on the Indian Ocean, Fairmont Zimbali Resort is an oasis of unspoiled beauty.

The resort is just 15 minutes from the brand new King Shaka International Airport (KSIA). Soccer fans will appreciate being just a short drive away from Durban, one of the nine host cities of the 2010 FIFA World Cup that kicks off in mid-June.

Spectacular ocean views, tasteful architectural design and a plethora of dining options are the trademarks of Fairmont Zimbali Resort.

With sweeping private verandas and luxurious soaking tubs, guest rooms are styled with stone, wood and the natural materials of the African environment.

The range of dining rooms and lounges offer something for every palate, including an elegant steakhouse serving South Africa’s finest grain fed beef and seafood, a beach club offering wood-fired pizza and barbecue, a sensual wine and tapas bar, pool and beach side cocktail bars and a relaxing tea and coffee lounge featuring strong African roasts and Fairmont teas.
With ample space to relax and play and a stunning ballroom that can accommodate 180 guests, the resort is ideal for entertaining conferences, weddings and galas.

Those planning to say “I do” have the option of taking their vows in a chapel among the birds and butterflies of the tropical forest, or at the edge of the Indian Ocean on one of the most exquisite beaches in the world.

The site is surrounded by an abundance of recreational sites and activities. Game-viewing expeditions, safari outings, animal and crocodile farm tours, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, surfing, micro-light flying, boating, fishing, shark and dolphin tours are all within easy access.

The rich heritage of KwaZulu-Natal is a cultural wonderland for learning and exploration, with historical Zulu battlefields and two UNESCO World Heritage sites nearby: the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the uKhahlamba/Drakensburg Park.

For guests who prefer not to stray from the Resort, the Willow Stream Spa offers a perfect place to escape, with eight treatment and steam rooms.

There are also five outdoor swimming pools onsite, including a freshwater pool and saltwater pools overlooking the Indian Ocean.

For golf aficionados, an 18-hole golf course is currently under construction, designed by golf champion, Gary Player. At the nearby Zimbali Country Club, the Tom Weiskopf-designed course, one of the finest courses in South Africa, is already in play.
The property is equipped with high-speed Internet access and video-on-demand, ensuring that even along this unspoiled shoreline, guests never need be out of touch with the latest news, movies and games.

Dubai, U.A.E – Underlining their relentless commitment to offering the best inflight entertainment in the air, Emirates has won the ‘World’s Best Airline Inflight Entertainment’ award for the sixth year running at the 2010 Skytrax World Airline Awards.

Emirates faced stiff competition from other leading airlines to win the accolade at the 2010 Skytrax World Airline Awards which took place in Hamburg on 20th May, 2010.

In an extremely competitive marketplace where many airlines are spending significant sums in their inflight entertainment (IFE) products, Emirates has maintained its leadership position by concentrating on technical innovation and quality content. Since developing ice (information, communications and entertainment), its ground-breaking audio and video-on-demand system, in late 2003, Emirates has continually improved and expanded its IFE offering and has become the benchmark for all other airlines.

Patrick Brannelly, Emirates’ Vice President Corporate Communications (Product, Publishing, Digital & Events), who received the award, said: “When we won this prestigious award for the fifth time in a row last year we knew that we could not rest on our laurels, and we immediately focused on improving ice even further. We’re thrilled that so many Emirates passengers have recognised this by voting for us.”

ice, which is available on over 80 per cent of the Emirates fleet, offers a staggering choice of up to 1200 channels of entertainment including 230 movies from around the world.

In 2009-2010 Emirates selected movies from over 15 countries that were available in over 20 languages, as well as many with the option to choose Closed Captions for the hard of hearing, still a first in the airline industry.

Since becoming the first airline in the world to install TVs on every seat, on every aircraft in 1992,

Emirates has made significant investments to offer the widest range of entertainment to passengers.

Edward Plaisted, Skytrax Chairman said: “Emirates continues to excel in this category, and yet again are a repeat winner of the Best Airline Inflight Entertainment Award.

This aspect of the travel experience gains in importance each year as customers become more demanding, and Emirates are clearly matching these expectations to have been voted the world’s best by passengers.”

The awards follow a 10 month survey between July 2009 and April 2010 of 17.9 million air travellers from over 100 different nationalities.

The survey measures over 38 different items of customer satisfaction for each airline’s product and service standards.

Luxury Oman Property Adds Two Prestigious Awards to its Portfolio

Muscat, Oman – Grand Hyatt Muscat is setting new standards in world-class authentic hospitality after receiving two more prestigious international hospitality awards.

After receiving the “Leading Hotel in Oman 2010” award from the World Travel Awards recently, Grand Hyatt Muscat has been recognised once again with two more awards. The “Rubin Business Hotel” award 2010, and the “Best Foreign Cuisine in Oman” were presented to Grand Hyatt Muscat’s Italian restaurant Tuscany by the prestigious German publishing house, Berliner Tageszeitung.

“Grand Hyatt Muscat’s portfolio of prominent awards is a true testament to the property’s ongoing effort to offer guests authentic hospitality in a truly luxurious setting.

It is a great achievement, not just for Hyatt, but for Oman, as the Grand Hyatt Muscat is now a global player in the world map of top hotels,” said Thierry Bertin, Vice-President Sales & Marketing, Hyatt International – South West Asia, Limited.

In the past year, Grand Hyatt Muscat has received four major awards from some of the world’s leading influencers in hospitality including:

• Berliner Tageszeitung – Best Business Hotel 2010 out of 175 tested hotels

• Berliner Tageszeitung – Tuscany restaurant named Best Restaurant in 2010 out of 175 tested hotels

• World Travel Awards – Oman’s Leading Hotel 2010

• Condé Nast Traveller – No. 1 Hotel in Muscat 2009

The recent Berliner Tageszeitung awards were presented by Queen of the Universe, Ms. Julia Schmidt, in a ceremony held at Grand Hyatt Muscat on 8 May. Miss Schmidt was accompanied by Queen of the World and the Queen of Europe at the presentation ceremony.

Editor in Chief of the publication Berliner Tageszeitung, Mr. Reiko Opitz commented: “We are very excited to be awarding Grand Hyatt Muscat with both of these awards. After scouting the globe for contenders we recognise the hotel for being set apart from the rest. Not only for the first class facilities the hotel offers to its business guests, but also for the impressive and beautiful surroundings which makes the hotel unique and embraces an Omani sense of style and culture”.

A total of 175 hotels from around the globe competed for the “Rubin Business Hotel” award 2010. Grand Hyatt Muscat has also received a number of international and local awards including “Oman’s Leading Hotel 2010” by the World Travel Awards, “No. 1 Hotel in Muscat 2009” by Condé Nast Traveller, “Best Business Hotel in Muscat” in 2009 by Business Traveler Middle East, and “Best Italian Restaurant” by Oman2day.

Located in the heart of the city’s diplomatic district, the 280-room Grand Hyatt Muscat has been defined by Hyatt International as an energetic and contemporary city resort hotel, featuring New Age technology but retaining its commitment to old world standards of gracious service.

Authentic cuisines and entertainment are available at the hotel’s restaurants and bars, while it’s Banquet and Convention facilities are capable of accommodating up to 800 delegates theatre-style. Set within landscaped grounds, the hotel overlooks the azure waters of the Gulf of Oman.

WORLDHOTELS has boosted its growing presence in Japan with the announcement that four RIHGA Royal Hotels in Osaka, Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima have joined as affiliates.

With a history spanning more than 70 years, RIHGA Royal Hotels has a proud reputation for first-rate hospitality and excellence, and are renowned as “Japan’s private guesthouses”.

The group flagship RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka has joined WORLDHOTELS’ Deluxe Collection. With cutting-edge technology and an elegant ambience, it is often called the “State Guest House of Kansai”.

RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka features 973 guestrooms and 24 choices of restaurants, bars, and lounges plus extensive conference facilities, one of the largest ballrooms in Osaka that can accommodate up to 2,000 guests in theatre style and banqueting for 800.

Facilities also include a fitness centre, indoor swimming pool, Natural Garden Café, 24 hour room service, florist, and beauty salon.

The hotel is adjacent to Osaka International Convention Center and has direct access to Nakanoshima Station on the Keihan Line.

Also joining WORLDHOTELS’ Deluxe Collection, RIHGA Royal Hotel Tokyo is located on the edge of Okuma Garden in downtown Tokyo and is adjacent to Waseda University in the metropolitan Shinjuku area, one of the world’s busiest commercial districts.

The hotel provides a taste of culture, tradition and tranquility with a luxurious European-style ambiance, with most of the 126 elegantly appointed guest rooms overlooking the lovely Okuma Garden. Impeccable service is also one of the hallmarks of this urban luxury hotel.

Dining options and faclities include a coffee house, Royal Ryuho Cantonese Restaurant, Naniwa Japanese Restaurant, Garden Lounge, Cellar Bar, indoor swimming pool, beauty salon and 15 function rooms for up to a thousand guests.

The long established RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto near Kyoto Station is popular with both business and leisure travelers, and joins the First Class Collection.

The hotel offers 484 guest rooms with traditional Kyoto features such as stone pavements, a green tea plantation and a Japanese Zen garden.

A highlight is the top-floor French restaurant “Top of Kyoto” which is the only revolving restaurant in the city, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the thousand-year-old ancient capital of Japan.

Other dining options for international travellers include Chinese and Japanese cusines plus lounges and bars.

Facilities include an indoor swimming pool and in-room massage as well as 22 function rooms for up to a thousand guests.

RIHGA Royal Hotel Hiroshima, conveniently located in the centre of the city close to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Seto Inland Sea, also joins as a First Class Collection affiliate.

With a total of 488 guest rooms, RIHGA Royal Hotel Hiroshima offers stunning views of the A-Bomb Dome and Miyajima, two UNESCO World Heritage sites, and Hiroshima Castle.

Facilities also include French and Chinese restaurants, plus a fitness centre, indoor pool and conference facilities for up to 1,800.

“RIHGA Royal Hotels is renowned for earning the patronage of the Japanese imperial family as well as royalty, heads of state and key government officials from around the world. This partnership significantly strengthens our presence in Japan, an exciting attraction for both the leisure travel and MICE markets,” said Mr. Roland Jegge, Vice President of WORLDHOTELS Asia Pacific.

Phuket’s Most Spacious All-Suite Family Resort invites everyone for the perfect beach club experience! The Bel Air Resort & Spa, Panwa – Phuket announces the opening of “Capri Beach Club”, a stunning, private and beachfront club facility for members and resort guests at the frontage of the Panwa peninsula in Phuket.

Capri Beach Club is a heavenly paradise situated by the most relaxing beach coast of Phuket. It lies on a gentle slope of the Panwa peninsula between a calming hillside and the pristine white sand beach overlooking the Andaman Sea.

Capri Beach Club is the hidden jewel of Phuket’s west coast, along a beautiful cliffside facing the Andaman Sea amid swaying palms trees and warm sunny breezes.

The beach club is both a private romantic getaway while at the same time destined to become the meeting point for families and kids. Conceptualized to be a unique landmark for ultimate parties, celebrations, and entertainment, the Capri beach club is now ready to live up as an intimate playground for jet setters, celebrities, VIPs, guests and visitors alike.

As a year round beach and dining haven, Capri Beach Club is the perfect place to enjoy your daily vacation.

Located on one of the most beautiful crescents of beach along the west coast of Phuket, the Capri beach club is close to home, yet very much removed from the stresses of daily life.

Offering guests an exclusive sandy beach and a casually elegant clubhouse with full-service dining facilities, the Capri beach club provides a host of amenities and activities for guests to enjoy.

Spend a summer afternoon lounging on the beach or get active with water sports, snorkeling or a peaceful kayak outing. Our beach coordinator can assist you with whatever you desire for your beach activity.

Guests can enjoy full use of the Capri beach club’s restaurant, bar, and grounds that include:

• Dining and event space, which include an Ocean Lawn for events up to 50 persons, and the Beach for on the sand events up to 50-100 persons, such as company picnics or the evening beach bash

• Ideal for weddings and special events

• The beach area, which includes sunbeds, towel, and beach umbrella service and other recreation activities

• Summertime lunch service on the Ocean Lawn

• Multiple position beach sunbeds for added comfort

• Occasional live entertainment

• Complimentary shuttle service for guests of Bel Air Resort & Spa

The Bel Air Resort & Spa, Panwa – Phuket features the largest and most spacious ocean view suites in Phuket.

Each of the 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom suites showcase a panoramic view of the sea situated by the Cape of Panwa on the Southeast part of Phuket. The suites are equipped with the finest modern amenities such as televisions with DVD players, personalized kitchen and private on-call butler service, making in-room dining a pleasure.

All suites have an open balcony with breathtaking sea views or garden views. Selected suites and plunge pool suites also provide private and direct pool access at the edge of the balcony making it ideal for families.

Thai Resident Promotions (for Thais and Expatriates based in Thailand) are on offer starting at THB 1,900 per suite per night and valid until Oct 31, 2010 for a minimum required 2 nights booking.

Stay in a 2-Bedroom spacious luxury suite with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, living, kitchen & large terrace for the entire family. This promotion is also on THB 2,900 per suite per night for 2-Bedroom Plunge Pool Suite or a 2-Bedroom Pool Access Suite and at THB 3,500 for a 3-Bedroom Suite.

All rates includes breakfasts for 4 persons for 2-Bedroom Suites and up to 6 persons for 3-Bedroom Suites.

For more information or to book now, please contact res@belairpanwa.com  and state ‘Thai Residential Rates’, period of booking, flight details, full name, total number of guests and any special requests you may have. This Special Direct Booking Promotion is valid from now until 31 October 2010.

Contact Telephone +66 76 393 620 Fax +66 76 200 774 or email Reservations: res@belairpanwa.com  and visit www.belairhotelsresorts.com  The Bel Air Panwa Resort & Spa, Panwa – Phuket is located at 89/9 Moo 7, Sakdidet Road, T. Wichit, A. Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand.

Pacific Delight Tours launched a new budget brand to the U.S. market, www.ChinaExperience.com 

The web-based venture will offer online booking with pre-assembled packages. Reservations, ticketing, payment and documentation will all be done online.

“The decision to launch ChinaExperience.com as a separate brand was made in order to bring China to the mainstream U.S. tourism market without diluting the luxury message that has been at the core of Pacific Delight’s mission from the very beginning,” said Larry Kwan, president of Pacific Delight Tours. “While Pacific Delight continues to offer fully customizable luxury programs for discerning travelers, ChinaExperience.com provides a narrower selection with limited flexibility at value-oriented price points without sacrificing quality.”

The new website currently features three packages, each featuring roundtrip international airfare to Shanghai, China’s fastest growing and most vibrant metropolis.

China & Yangtze River Cruise, an 11-day program, begins in Shanghai, followed by a four-night Yangtze River cruise from Yichang to Chongqing aboard the five-star Victoria Cruises vessel.

The trip ends in Beijing, home to many of China’s greatest historical treasures, such as the Great Wall of China.

The price is $1,399 per person double occupancy.

Ancient & Modern China is a 10-day package that begins with sightseeing in Beijing before continuing to Suzhou, noted for classical gardens and bridges; Hangzhou, the historical Song Dynasty province; and Shanghai.

The price is $1,299 per person double occupancy.

Historical China & Yangtze River Cruise is a third option for a more in-depth view of China.

The 14-day program begins with a comprehensive overview of Shanghai, followed by a tour of the Tang Dynasty city of Xian, home of the Terra Cotta Warriors.

The program wraps up in Beijing, after a luxurious four-night Yangtze River sailing with Victoria Cruises.

The price is $1,999 per person double occupancy.

Starting rates include trans-Pacific air from Los Angeles (add $200 per person for New York City), intra-China flights, fuel surcharges, all transfers, cruise and hotel accommodations, some meals, baggage handling, hotel taxes and services charges.

Departures are available from September 2010 to March 2011, however, rates may fluctuate.

For information, visit www.ChinaExperience.com