Jetsettersblog

At the epicenter of Lower Manhattan’s revitalization, a boutique hotel opened at the south perimeter of the developing World Trade Center site.

The World Center Hotel, a new downtown hotel for business and leisure travelers, is among the newest businesses to open its doors to Lower Manhattan companies, residents and visitors.

Part of the hotel’s distinction is that it overlooks the new World Trade Center site.

Symbolizing a transformation and rebuilding, the World Center Hotel provides rare views of the rising National September 11 Memorial & Museum and the new World Trade Center.

A new arrival among downtown hotels, the World Center Hotel is located steps away from downtown businesses and Lower Manhattan’s vibrant Battery Park, Tribeca, and the Financial District.

Travelers can discover an exceptional experience at an unexpected price.

Summer weekend rates start from $199 and weekday rates start from $249.

Located at 144 Washington Street, the World Center Hotel features 169 guest rooms and corporate apartments that range from single rooms to suites with kitchenettes.

Most guest rooms feature floor-to-ceiling, double-paned “window walls,” which allow for clear sightlines and limit outdoor noise.

The hotel offers several complimentary services, including free high-speed Internet access, work stations and network printing; as well as purified and chilled bottled water; coffee and tea; newspapers; and a fitness room, along with in-room delivery of exercise equipment. Other amenities include custom-designed blond elm furnishings and technology, such as an LCD TV with multi-media connectivity, alarm clock featuring an iPod docking station, work desk with ergonomic chair, and an electronic touch-screen temperature control, which is located bedside for the guest’s convenience. In-room amenities also include Gilchrist & Soames toiletries.

Room service and a multi-menu delivery option from local restaurants are available. After an instant check-in via a high-tech reception kiosk, guests can use a room key-secured elevator to reach their room floor. A 24-hour guest services/concierge desk will also be available to help find dining locations, suggest activities or give directions so that guests can make the most of their time in downtown New York.

For more information, visit www.worldcenterhotel.com

Created by Peter Jackson, World’s Largest 3-D Experience, to Debut This Summer

Universal City, California – Universal Studios Hollywood will break new ground in themed entertainment this summer with the landmark introduction of the world’s largest, most intense 3-D experience, “King Kong 360 3-D”

Created by Peter Jackson, which will integrate spectacular three-dimensional visual media and the world’s largest 3-D projection installation ever produced with physical effects to re-set the bar for immersive theme park attractions.

The opening of “King Kong 360 3-D” coincides with the introduction of 13 city blocks of newly created filming locations on the Universal backlot.

“King Kong 360 3-D” Created by Peter Jackson will make its much-anticipated debut as a signature attraction on the world famous, behind-the-scenes Studio Tour. “King Kong 360 3-D” will feature visceral state-of-the-art special effects with all-new 3-D visual media to deliver an incomparable, next-generation theme park experience.

With two massive 187’ wide by 40’ high seamless, compound curved screens–the equivalent of 16 movie theatre screens–the immersive attraction will transport Studio Tour guests to Skull Island where they will find themselves catapulted into the middle of a terrifying struggle between fearsome giant dinosaurs and “the eighth wonder of the world” – King Kong.

Groundbreaking, original 3-D media was developed for the attraction and will project at the highest resolution possible, running at a significantly higher frame rate than traditional 3-D films.

Guests will see and experience media equivalent to what is rendered for an hour of a standard length feature film, which typically renders at 24 frames per second. At an astonishing 60 frames per second, “King Kong 360 3-D” will deliver 360-degrees of uncompromised, exceptionally detailed high-definition 3-D imagery within an adrenalized visceral environment.

Commenting on the scope of the project, Peter Jackson said: “We’re confident that our ‘King Kong’ attraction is the largest, most intense 3-D experience on the planet.

“Our intention was to create an enormously spectacular and immersive 3-D experience and we’re pretty confident we’ve done that. As a filmmaker, you’re hoping to have the audience step inside your movie and become part of the experience. It’s only within a theme park attraction like this that you have the opportunity to do that.”

Larry Kurzweil, President and Chief Operating Officer, Universal Studios Hollywood, said: “King Kong has been an integral part of Universal Studios Hollywood for decades and one of the greatest icons ever created in film.

“After the 2008 fire, we knew Kong had to be reintroduced as a new, groundbreaking, thoroughly over-the-top experience that will thrill new generations of Studio Tour guests. ‘King Kong 360 3-D’ will be the most exhilarating feature of our world-famous Studio Tour, setting the bar for new standards in immersive theme park experiences.”

Universal Studio’s historic backlot will also make headlines this summer when more than four acres of newly rebuilt New York Street locations reopens to production and Studio Tour guests.

A celebrated Hollywood landmark, the backlot has been the setting of countless commercials, television shows and feature films.

The newly built production facility will consist of 13 city blocks of buildings and offer Studio Tour guests a front row view of the largest construction project in studio history.

Offering behind-the-scenes access of a working studio, the Studio Tour also showcases such famous production locations as the “War of the Worlds” airplane crash set; ABC’s hit series “Desperate Housewives’” Wisteria Lane; the Psycho House-Bates Motel and the popular Western, European and Mexican Streets.

The Studio Tour trams were recently updated to feature flat-screen high definition monitors and digital playback systems that can be customized by Studio Tour Guides to instantly select material from several hundreds of clips to further enhance visitors’ behind-the-scenes experience of a working studio environment.

Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A.SM, features a plethora of movie and television based rides and attractions, including “The Simpsons RideTM,” “Revenge of the Mummy SM—The Ride” indoor roller coaster, “Jurassic Park® – The Ride,” and the world-famous, behind-the-scenes “Studio Tour,” which showcases an exclusive sneak peek of the world’s largest working film and TV production facility.

Universal Studios Hollywood is a unit of Universal Parks & Resorts, a division of NBC Universal. NBC Universal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.

Formed in May of 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric, with 20% controlled by Vivendi.

Adler Thermae Spa and Resort in Orcia Valley, the heart of Tuscany, offer two compelling temptations. A “Romantic Spa Break” for couples who truly want to escape and unwind and the “Balance Program” for those who are seriously interested in learning about improving nutritional and lifestyle habits.

Romantic Tuscan Spa Break (4 nights)

Tuscany is romantic enough, but add pampering, gourmet food, countryside tours to vineyards tucked in the Italian landscape and it becomes irresistible. All this is included in Adler Thermae’s Romantic Tuscan Spa Break.

o 4 nights in a Superior double with panoramic view on the enchanting Tuscany hills

o VIP Welcome, with wine & chocolates in the room room upon arrival

o Half Board with romantic candle-light dinner in “open-air restaurant”

o Access to thermal pools and saunas

o 1 Brunello Ritual, a beguiling sensuous experience for twosomes.

o 1 Bath in the underground salt grotto “Grotta Salina” for two

o 2 days rental of vintage car for romantic tours in the countryside.

o 1 personalized “Road Book” with itineraries and tips on what to see and where to shop for typical Tuscan products.

Price including all above from 870 Euros per person, valid until October 30, 2010.

Balance® Mind & Spirit Journey (4 nights)

In our daily lives we often find neither the time nor a place for our personal needs. The result is physical tension and emotional problems including anxiety, inner blockages and negative feelings.

This program promotes psycho-physical relaxation, improves the quality of sleep, enhances the capacity for self-perception, builds up the body’s energy and helps maintain a healthy emotional balance. The program includes:

o 4 nights in a deluxe double room

o Half board with a wide choice of bio-light cuisine

o 1 Welcome meeting

o 1 Body & Soul consultation

o 1 Bio-energetic check-up

o 1 Hatma harmony body treatment

o 1 Shiatsu

o 1 Counselling by the naturopath

o 1 Water sound massage 1 1

o 3 Yoga in the group 3

o 1 Breathing exercises in the group

o 1 Final consultation

o Free access to ADLER AQUAE with thermal pools and saunas and to ADLER FIT with a varied program of fitness activities and sports.

Price including all above from Euros 1.176 per person in the superior double room.
Adler Thermae is located 15 minutes from Pienza, Montalcino and Montepulciano.

It was created by the Sanoner family who opened their first resort in the Dolomites in the1800s and is recognized as a pioneer in the wellness industry. Adler Thermae is the result of a careful merging of the traditional thermal spa and the modern fitness resort. Its concept is based on enjoying good health, good food and service and exploring treatments, and fitness in a natural and remarkably beautiful environment.

For centuries, the Etruscans, the Romans and the Italian nobility have traveled to this region in Italy to take the waters, enjoy the delicious wines and food products and breathe in the soft clean air of the splendid countryside. Adler Thermae now invites guests to do as the Romans do and discover all the unique revitalizing Tuscan treasures.

For more information visit www.adler-thermae.com

A new pearl was added to the necklace of outstanding golf resorts in the Mediterranean  with the opening of the luxurious Borgo Egnazia resort in the south east of Italy.

Located in Apulia, the five star resort borders the ruins of the ancient city of Egnazia and offers stunning vistas over the Adriatic coastline. Borgo Egnazia is set to become one of the leading luxury family, golf and spa resorts in southern Europe.

Borgo Egnazia offers a uniquely authentic experience of southern Italy from the lush green fairways of the San Domenico Golf Course to the delicious Italian recipes carefully prepared in its restaurants and the idyllic pace of village life.

Borgo is the Italian word for village and the resort has at its heart a traditional Apulian village inspired by the peaceful hillside towns nearby.

A central piazza is surrounded by 72 Apulian-style townhouses, which offer the perfect solution for those looking to escape the stresses of working life.

The beautifully furnished bedroom suites look out over private Arab gardens and the roof terraces enable guests to look out to sea and feel the gentle spray on their faces. For those looking for more exclusive breaks, the village also features 28 luxury private villas.

The five star Borgo Egnazia Hotel offers 63 luxurious guest rooms and suites, a variety of restaurants and bars, a grand ballroom, several meeting rooms and an indoor and several outdoor swimming pools.

Spa lovers will appreciate a 2,000m² Raison d’Etre spa, which has been designed to be one of the finest in Europe based on a modern-day interpretation of a Roman bath house.

The crown jewel of the resort is the championship San Domenico Golf Course.

Opened in 2003, the course hosts some of the world’s leading young professional golfers each year at the European Challenge Tour Grand Final and has already developed a reputation as one of the finest tests of golf on the Mediterranean. The challenging par 72 course meandering between the olive groves of Apulia and the rocky Adriatic coastline is the only championship layout in southern Italy and the only links-like golf course in Italy. Designed by the acclaimed European Golf Design, San Domenico measures over 6300m and provides a stiff test for top golfers at the same time as being accessible for less experienced players.

Cristiano Cabutti, Group Director of Sales and Marketing for Borgo Egnazia, said, “It is a privilege to be opening such a wonderful resort in one of the most beautiful regions of Italy. Borgo Egnazia is the ideal place for people looking for a relaxing golf or leisure break away from the hustle and bustle of other parts of the Mediterranean.

The village and the hotel offer truly authentic Italian hospitality and comfort and the spa with its Roman concept has to be experienced to be believed.

For golfers, the San Domenico course is one of the finest in southern Europe and will offer a links-like experience against the azure backdrop of the Adriatic. I look forward to welcoming our guests in the months and years ahead.”

Opening season accommodation packages available at Borgo Egnazia include:

Five-night package
Superior Room
Green fee (3x at the San Domenico Golf)
Green fee (1x at the Acaya Golf)
Green fee (1x at the Riva dei Tessali Golf)
Car rental “A” category
Buffet Breakfast and dinner included
Total € 1200 per person in double room
Seven-night package
Superior Room
Green fee (5x at the San Domenico Golf)
Green fee (1x at the Acaya Golf)
Green fee (1x at the Riva dei Tessali Golf)
Car rental “A” category
Buffet breakfast and dinner included
Total € 1600 per person in double room

More information:

www.borgoegnazia.com

www.sandomenicogolf.com

CHI Hotels and Resorts (CHI) announced the signing of a 20-year management agreement with Italian companies Off Side and Sicilia Golf Resort (both acting on the advice of CBRE Hotels Italy), for the operation of two upscale golf resort hotels in Taormina and Catania on the Island of Sicily, Italy.

The two resorts, currently under construction and scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2012, are the Corinthia Taormina Golf Resort and the Wyndham Catania Golf Resort.

Situated on a 616,000-square-meter tract of land in the Alcantara national park and canyon, within the Giardini Naxos area of Taormina, the Corinthia Taormina Golf Resort will feature 130 bedrooms and suites and 158 fully serviced residential units on four floors, overlooking an international 18-hole golf course and club house.

The hotel is ideal for both leisure and corporate travelers and will feature two restaurants, three bars including a juice bar, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a health club and spa and six meeting rooms.

The hotel also has parking for 350 cars and is located 1.5 kilometers from the popular Taormina beaches, 35 kilometers from Catania international airport and about the same distance to the city of Messina.

The Sicilia Golf Resort owned Wyndham Catania Golf Resort, with a footprint of over 879,000 square meters, is in the municipality of Carlentini, between the city of Catania and the UNESCO-designated World Heritage city of Syracuse.

The hotel will have 192 bedrooms and suites and 224 fully serviced residential units on three floors overlooking an international 18-hole golf course.

This hotel also is ideal for business and leisure travelers and its facilities include two restaurants, three bars, a health club and spa, sauna, Jacuzzi and exercise room, indoor and outdoor pools, gift shop, a golf club house and pro shop, a ballroom and two meeting rooms.

It is only eight kilometers away from Catania international airport and 40 kilometers from the city of Syracuse.

For more information, visit www.wyndhamworldwide.com

Nikos Tsembelis, architect of the Astra Apartments and Suites, is offering his private home in Santorini to visitors. A boutique property, Astra is accepting reservations for the newly refurbished luxury villa that sits high atop the cliffs of the caldera some 1,000 feet above the sea.

Midway between the villages of Imerovigli and Oia, it overlooks the three volcanic isles of Thirasia, Palea Kammeni and Nea Kammeni.

The three-bedroom villa offers 180-degree views of the Aegean Sea and is secluded with no other houses or hotels in sight. With only about 20 private villas for rent on the entire island, and just five on the caldera, Astra’s villa is the only one with a swimming pool located on the cliff-side.

The signature colors of the Greek Islands are reflected in the white-washed villa and the infinity pool.

Comfortably accommodating six guests in one master bedroom and two guest rooms, the house has two full baths including one with a bathtub, an eat-in kitchen, an expansive living room with fireplace and a large dining area.

The villa is fully air conditioned and comes equipped with a satellite plasma-screen TV, a DVD, a stereo, Wi-Fi and laundry facilities.

In addition to the swimming pool, the large terrace has a Jacuzzi and outdoor fireplace.

From now through Sept. 30, the rate is about $2,423 (2,000 euros) per night and includes a traditional Greek breakfast of yogurt and fruit, eggs, ham and cheese; a rental car accommodating four persons (manual transmission); roundtrip airport transfers; a Greek cell phone SIM card; twice daily maid service; and a welcome basket with supplies and island information.

In October, the rate goes down to about $1,818 dollars (1,500 euros) per night. There is a three-night minimum for all bookings.

As the villa is only a five minute-drive from the Astra Apartments & Suites, guests may avail themselves of additional services there, such as its day spa, offering a full range of massages and facials, and Astra’s restaurant, which serves delicious fresh fish, grilled meats and Santorinian specialties under the stars.

The village of Imerovigli sits at the highest point on the rim of the caldera between the towns of Fira and Oia.

Quaint white-cube houses are carved into the rocky cliff or line narrow cobblestone streets. The main town of Fira offers a wide selection of restaurants, cafes, shops and clubs, many of which don’t wind down until dawn.

Oia is a charming town on the northernmost point of the island with restaurants and boutiques offering handicrafts, artwork and jewelry.

Resembling a medieval castle-fortress, Pyrgos sits in the middle of the island and has one of the Greece’s best restaurants, Selene.

The beaches of Perissa and Perivolas on the southern end of the island boast plenty of open-air restaurants and trendy beach bars.

For more information, call 011-30-22860-23641 or visit www.astra.gr

Virgin Atlantic Airways and Panasonic Avionics Corporation have forged a long-term partnership which will see the airline install the eX2 in-flight entertainment system and eXPhone communications product onboard its A330 fleet of aircraft as well as a strategy for full connectivity onboard future aircraft.

Virgin Atlantic will be the first U.K. long-haul airline to roll-out this service across its leisure fleet.

Passengers will be able to email, SMS, make phone calls, play content from their iPod, iPhone and mobiles as well as sharing holiday snaps at 35,000 feet.

The eXPhone deal with Panasonics Avionics Corporation and their in-flight GSM smart phone partner AeroMobile, will enable passengers to make phone calls and send and receive texts and emails using their own mobile devices onboard.

Key features of the new eX2 in-flight entertainment system allow passengers to rate the films and read comment and critique from leading film critics. Passengers can also view interviews with the cast and directors and are able to easily search for their films of choice and create a play list for the flight using the “save for later” functions.

The $2.1 billion order for 10 A330s, which are due to be delivered from February 2011 and which can seat up to 313 passengers, will operate on many of Virgin Atlantic’s existing business and leisure routes worldwide as well as assisting future growth.

The new twin-engine A330-300s will ensure that Virgin Atlantic maintains its reputation for flying one of the most modern and environmentally friendly fleets in the world.

It is nearly 10 percent more fuel efficient than the A340-300 aircraft.

For more information, visit www.panasonic.aero  

or www.virginatlantic.com

The Trianon Palace Versailles hotel, a part of The Waldorf Astoria Collection, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this summer.

To celebrate, the Chateau de Versailles hotel will unveil a host of special offers and packages that include a special flash promotion sale will be offered each month of the celebration.

These promotions will be available on the hotel’s Specials & Packages page o.

Inspired by an original menu from 1910, this carte du jour will be available for guests dining at Gordon Ramsay au Trianon, the hotel’s two-star Michelin restaurant, for 160 euros.

The Trianon Palace will offer a selection of tailor-made Versailles hotel packages available to guests through the end of the year.

Guests are able to upgrade standard reservations for an additional cost of 100 euros, with a choice of two amenity packed options.

Francis Kurkdjian has created a perfume especially for the Trianon Palace Versailles hotel’s 100th anniversary. The fragrance will be available to purchase at the hotel.

Guests will also find a homemade sweet in their rooms upon arrival.

Updates and reminders of all special promotions and events will be available online at www.trianonpalace.com

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world’s largest hotel groups by number of rooms, is pleased to announce that the Holiday Inn Pattaya received the ‘Best New Hotel – Holiday Inn & Holiday Inn Express’ at the Asia Australasia Leaders’ Meeting 2010, held recently in Singapore.

General Manager, Craig Ryan was in Singapore to accept the award.

“This is great news and a wonderful reward for all the hard work from our dedicated team. The fact that we have won is testament to our commitment to setting and maintaining the highest standards,” said Mr. Ryan.

“Our stylish and contemporary hotel has created the winning formula of an outstanding location, first class facilities, personalised service, and value for money for leisure and business guests. My team and I look forward to building on our recent success.”

Conveniently located on Pattaya Beach Road 1, the Holiday Inn Pattaya offers easy access to the beach and the nearby entertainment district.

The newly built property features 367 guest rooms and suites with views across Pattaya Bay.

A showcase for contemporary design, the rooms include a spacious bathroom with high quality fixtures and amenities, a balcony for relaxation and enjoying the fabulous view, cable TV, high-speed wi-fi internet access, coffee and tea making facilities and much more.

The hotel also features five casual dining and entertainment venues including the Havana Bar, a cool design-led bar to meet, greet and relax in style, and Italian restaurant, Terrazzo, a welcome addition to the Pattaya’s dining scene.

VIE Hotel Bangkok is a design-led hotel in Thailand for discerning guests.

Located in the heart of Bangkok, VIE Hotel’s blend of European elegance and contemporary Thai designer chic provides stimulating personal environments for business and leisure travelers.

Exquisite decor, attentive service, fine dining and exceptional facilities create a unique guest experience.

VIE Hotel is just steps from Ratchatewi BTS Skytrain station and a short walk from MBK, and Siam Paragon.

Special offer! Book a Deluxe room for 2 consecutive nights and you will receive an upgrade to a luxurious 81 sq.m. Deluxe Suite room, valid from now until July 31st, 2010.

VIE Hotel Bangkok received its achievements in “Trendy in Asia” by Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award 2010, an award by the world’s largest travel community which is based on the opinions of millions of real travelers, “Wotif.com Best Newcomer in Bangkok” awarded by having generated the most sales and revenue through popular accommodation sites.

VIE Hotel Bangkok also has been highlighted in DestinAsian’s Luxe List 2009 as “Best Urban Hotel of Asia-Pacific’s Most Notable Debut list” of DestinAsian-Asia’s Travel Magazine and nominated as “Best Urban Hotel-Anywhere Travel Awards 2009”, voted by readers of Anywhere magazine, Thailand’s one of the top ten Lifestyle and Travel magazine.

For more information and reservation please contact, Tel: (0)2 309 3939 or Email: reservation@viehotelbangkok.com

VIE Hotel Contact Details

Address: 117/39-40 Phaya Thai Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Telephone: +66 (0) 2309 3939
Facsimile: +66 (0) 2309 3838
Website: www.viehotelbangkok.com  and www.mgallery.com

ABOUT MGALLERY

MGallery is a collection of upscale hotels that are remarkable in their personality.

Selected to offer each guest an original experience thanks to their distinctive features, they come to life with an upscale service offer and bespoke products. Designed for a broad range of individual guests in activity –center and city center destinations, MGallery will seduce both business travelers looking for tailor-made services and tourists eager to experience authentic venues and moments.

The MGallery collection of hotels thus reinforces the consistency of Accor’s portfolio in the upscale non standardized segment. As of Q3 2008, the MGallery network comprises 8 hotels and will grow to over 40 establishments in Europe, Middle-East, Asia-Pacific, the Caribbean and Latin America by end 2010.