Jetsettersblog

Caravan-Serai Tours still has openings for its 18-day Armenia, Georgia and Eastern Turkey Tour, which is taking place Oct. 11 to 28. The price is $4,582 per person double occupancy. The program includes Yerevan, Armenia’s capital; the Roman Fortress and Temple of Garni; North Armenia; Mount Ararat; the spa town of Dilijan, called the Little Switzerland of Armenia; the medieval city of Ani; Selima Pass, once a major junction on the Great Silk Route; Erzrum; Mackal; Trabzon; and the Ayder Plateau.

For more information, visit www.caravan-serai.com

The Weinmeister Berlin-Mitte opened on July 6 with 88 rooms. Aimed at business travelers from the music, fashion and creative scene, as well as leisure travelers, it offers what it calls a “luxury punk aesthetic, round-the-clock services and spacious rooms.”

Located at the intersection of Weinmeisterstrasse and Rosenthaler Strasse in Berlin’s hip Mitte district, its staff will wear exclusive clothing from the new Ellesse heritage collection.

Rooms come with a large Asprey London cosmetic box, fluffy bathrobes and tailor-made pajamas.

There’s a special opening rate of 129 euros ($164) until the end of August.

Design Hotels represents and markets a curated selection of more than 190 independent hotels in over 40 countries across the globe.

Each property reflects the ideas of a visionary hotelier, an “original,” someone with a passion for genuine hospitality, cultural authenticity, thought-provoking design and architecture.

The company has its headquarters in Berlin and branches in London, Barcelona, New York, Singapore, Bali and Perth.

For more information, call 800-337-4685 or visit www.designhotels.com/weinmeister_berlin_mitte

Ferry passengers are to be granted the same rights to compensation as air passengers by the European Parliament should their journeys be cancelled or delayed.

At the moment, sea passengers only get their money back or a place on a later sailing if the journey they booked does not happen.

Those flying by plane, on the other hand, are compensated for the inconvenience.

Now new rules laid down by the EU will give equal protection – but it won’t happen for another two years.

Head of Research at Holiday Which Rochelle Turner said: “This is great news for ferry passengers, putting them on an equal footing with airline passengers.

“All ferry passengers will now be able to rely on getting fair and adequate compensation if they are delayed or if their trip is cancelled, regardless of the ferry operator they use.”

Between 1873 and 1934, the legendary shipping company Red Star Line transported more than two million passengers from the Scheldt city to America and Canada.

Three historic port warehouses were owned or used by the Red Star Line. For many passengers, they represented the last stop on the European mainland. The Red Star Line buildings are protected monuments.

They are part of Antwerp’s communal memory, but they had long been standing empty and were pleading for a new purpose.

In April 2005, they were purchased by the city of Antwerp.

In the spring of 2012, Red Star Line/People on the Move will open its doors at this historic location.

The story of Red Star Line and its passengers will be brought to life once more.

While awaiting the opening of the museum, Y Galleries in Philadelphia will show One Foot in America: The Jewish Emigrants of the Red Star Line and Eugeen Van Mieghem.

It will display original Van Mieghem art work in the Borowsky Gallery, combined with 12 large repro banners that reconstruct the RSL-story through image and text in The Open Lens Gallery.

The exhibit will be on show from Thursday, Sept. 16 through Sunday Nov. 14.

For more information, call 212-584-2336 or visit www.visitflanders.us

STAY

Hansar Samui offers luxurious, beachfront, spacious accommodation with unobstructed sea views from every room, and super-size private balconies and oversize daybeds for outdoor living and entertaining.

Open plan yet intimate, each room has been artfully finished with teak floors, stone bathroom fittings and local textiles to provide a sense of place. Chic custom furnishings, large flat screen TVs balance the design’s natural touches with a modern flair. Walk-in rain showers and free-standing tubs are additional highlights of the Hansar Samui room experience.

TASTE

Overseeing the culinary team at Hansar Samui is Executive Chef, Stephen Jean Dion. Stephen has created an epicurean experience for resort guests where they can appreciate the authentic taste of French Mediterranean Cuisine, in addition to a Thai menu at the beachfront H Bistro Restaurant. Menu highlights include fresh Maine lobster and oysters flown from Canada, Japan, and France, complemented by a carefully handpicked list of International wines and champagnes.

Sunset cocktails and canapés are best enjoyed at the elevated Chill Lounge – overlooking the golden sands and turquoise waters of Bophut Bay,

The chic and trendy Chill Lounge showcases a carefully hand picked International wine list and innovative cocktail menu. Alternatively guests can enjoy snacks and refreshments poolside or beachside, and relax and the beach bar which is hugely popular during happy hour.

FEEL

The LUXSA Spa sets the mood for total relaxation offering a tranquil sanctuary that welcomes and embraces each guest. Interiors are finished in warm woods and organic materials and textures that enhance the natural herbs and extracts used in treatments, known for their soothing and relaxing properties. Treatments cater to those who seek to naturally regain an internal balance of body and mind and soothe the soul.

An array of holistic treatments are also available at LUXSA Spa, including aromatherapy with pure Thai essential oils, spices and aromas; body wraps, such as The After Sun Wrap; massages; and facials using the natural Thai products.

PLAY

Guests can relax in the 15 x 30 metre saltwater infinity edge saltwater pool which is just a few steps from the beach, or chill out on the beachfront sun lounges. A modern fitness centre and 24-hour lobby library with free internet access are also available. The friendly resort team can arrange a variety of activities around the island including golf, yachting, diving, sightseeing and much more.

MEET

Hansar Samui’s 127 square meter Boardroom offers a stylish meeting facility with access to business centre services and is ideal for private functions or meetings up to 90 people.

BOOK

Rates start at US$197 (Baht 6500) and inclusive of VAT, full American breakfast for two and complimentary two way airport transfers.

Reservations can be made through the resort’s reservations office direct on:

Telephone: +66 77 245 511          

Fax: +66 77 245 995

Email: reservation@hansarsamui.com

Website: www.hansarsamui.com

The Novotel brand makes a return to Ho Chi Minh City, with the development of Novotel Saigon Centre by Que Huong Liberty and Invesco. Once completed in 2013, the hotel will provide international quality accommodation and facilities by one of the region’s best known upper mid-scale brands.

The hotel is to be located in the city’s diplomatic area on Hai Ba Trung Street in District 3.

“Accor is Vietnam’s largest international operator of hotels and we are delighted to see a return of the Novotel brand to the city after an absence of 3 years.

We are particularly delighted with this development as it solidifies Accor’s presence in the city with a comprehensive portfolio of brands from the economy to luxury sectors.” says Patrick Basset, Vice President of Operations for Accor Vietnam, the Philippines, South Korea and Japan.

Accor recently announced that it would double the number of rooms under management throughout Vietnam with 12 additional hotels committed to development.

Novotel Saigon Centre will feature 250 guest rooms, 400 sqm ballroom, three meeting rooms, a business centre, 2 restaurants, a bar, as well as a swimming pool and fitness centre.

The Novotel Brand

Novotel, with its fundamental values of modernity, good design, simplicity and efficiency, will make all travelers feel naturally at home.

With an ideal solution for small and medium meetings, and a strong commitment of family-oriented services and facilities, Novotel hotels cater to the requirement of all guests, both business and leisure alike.

Located in the hearts of major international cities, business districts and tourist destinations, Novotel hotels throughout the world provides customers with the same high level of comfort, relaxation and well being.

Novotel Saigon Centre will join the network of three well-established Novotels in Vietnam – Novotel Ha Long Bay, Novotel Nha Trang and Novotel Phan Thiet Ocean Dunes & Golf Resort.

Along with Novotel Saigon Centre, there are two more Novotels in the pipeline –

Novotel Imperial Hoi An and Novotel Resort Phu Quoc.

Accor operates 83 Novotel’s throughout Asia Pacific today.

Conveniently a stone’s throw away from Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok, Phang Nga’s west coast remains one of Thailand’s best-kept secrets, tranquil and an elite residential alternative from Phuket.

Peaceful and unspoiled, there have long been murmurs that Phang Nga’s West Coast is set to become the next big thing to explode on to the property and tourism market in Southeast Asia. Like all great locations around the globe, the natural trend is to develop upwards; Phang Nga is to Phuket what the Hamptons are to New York.

In this case Phuket and its rapid resort-urbanization is the driving force behind luxury developments extending beyond the Sarasin Bridge, the main artery that links vibrant Phuket Island to Greater Phuket in mainland of Thailand.

The proof of the rise of Phang Nga is in the pudding; highlighted by the major investment by Hong Kong tycoon Richard Li who is converting an existing 18-hole golf course into a luxury mixed use destination resort.

Further evidence of the emergence of the region comes in the form of the presence of a refined collection of boutique resorts such as The Sarojin and also several which offer all-pool villa stays including Atleenta, Kameha and the Phulay Bay Ritz Carlton Reserve, all defining the area as the place to be.

Elite luxury residences are also emerging with Nai Tai Beach’s Sava Luxury Villas all catering to upscale clientele in pursuit of the flawless beach retreat.

Phuket itself is an established resort island with fantastic infrastructure and a plethora of hotels and beautiful beaches, but the Phang Nga coastline offers something nowadays rarely found in Phuket: kilometres of pristine and untouched oceanfront land.

Phuket has a limited amount of oceanfront land that is appropriate for development of larger projects at affordable pricing levels. Developers are now encouraged to seek alternative locations to Phuket Island and set their sights north towards Phang Nga where there exists affordable absolute beachfront land.

“Phang Nga is already a key luxury ‘mini market’ akin to several already in Phuket: Millionaire’s Mile in Kamala, the Laguna Phuket area in Bang Tao and Nai Thon Beach”. Comments Bill Barnett, leading property expert of C9 Hotelworks.

“There is already a stunning array of multi-million dollar beachfront villas on the Phang Nga stretch of coastline and is now where you can find the highest concentration of upscale villas that face west, affording the stunning sunsets offered along Thailand’s west coast” he adds.

Phuket-based Niche Real Estate has been exclusively retained to offer for sale a total of 45.45 rai (7.27 hectares, 17.97 acres) of spectacular beachfront land on the Phang Nga coastline to developers.

Daojai Tanommuang, managing director of Niche Real Estate said, “The land is bordered by a canal and situated adjacent to 130 metres of beach frontage, and with large sculpted boulders on the beach giving a dramatic sense of place, making this site an ideal location for both boutique resorts and residential development”.

“With the added convenience of Phuket International Airport a mere 45 minutes drive away, this area affords travellers effortless journey time from Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Singapore. The region already has infrastructure in place, good roads, transportation, restaurants, shops and golf courses,” she added.

For more information on ‘Destination Phang Nga’ and land for sale please contact Niche Real Estate on dao@niche-realestate.com

Kuala Lumpur – Demanding lifestyles today is good enough reason to plan a weekend escape at Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur. Strategically located at KL Sentral, the nation’s transportation hub, this 35-storey hotel offers a relaxing oasis without having to venture far.

Take advantage of the Better Tomorrows package which offers a saving of 50% off second nights’ stays. Rates starting from RM 400++ per night, one can relax and indulge themselves for a well deserved weekend getaway.

Modern, unique and functional, the contemporary guestrooms are equipped with broadband data port, two IDD phone lines with voicemail and satellite TV. Adorning its windows are drapes of silk that open up to the panoramic views of the city skyline or Lake Gardens, while goose down duvets assure a luxurious night’s sleep.

Relax by the hotel’s free-form outdoor pool with unique sun deck chairs partly immersed in water or take on a well-earned rejuvenating spa treatment at Lifespa. There is the fully-equipped Clark Hatch fitness club for guests to maintain their fitness regime while those who prefer the great outdoors may head over to the jogging tracks at the Lake Gardens.

For retail therapy, major retail and departmental stores are just minutes away via the monorail or Putra LRT. Guests who have yet to visit Kuala Lumpur’s places of attractions can take the chance to experience the magnificent Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur Towers, PetroSains or Aquaria.

Better Tomorrows offers a great opportunity for guests to be inspired and to rediscover passion. This special offer is valid for Friday, Saturday or Sunday until 31 October 2010 and is not applicable in conjunction with other promotions or discounts. Rates are subject to 10% service charge and 5% government tax.

For reservations or enquiries, please call our Reservations Department at +603 2263 7888 or email: reservations.lmkl@lemeridien.com

You may think you know Chicago, but did you know that the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel has had only two doormen since the property’s opening in 1927? 2010 marks the 39th year that Taha “Tom” Alaraj has welcomed visitors (including Chicago’s most famous female!) to the historic property, earning the title “Mayor of Walton Place” by neighborhood locals and returning guests.

Below, Tom shares his top five “must-sees” for visitors coming through The Windy City. Tom is also available for interviews, and can discuss a range of topics from his experience working with the Knickerbocker for over three decades, including some of the strangest requests or sights he has encountered, celebrities he has welcomed to the hotel, the changes he has seen in the neighborhood, etc.

Tom’s Top Five

Oak Street Beach

Formed from sand washing up against the northern side of “Streeterville,” Oak Street Beach is known by the locals as the best beach in all of Chicago.

Located off of Michigan Avenue below the majestic skyline, this pristine stretch of sand offers is a haven to inline skaters, cyclists, volleyball enthusiasts and, of course, sunbathers.

Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo is a free zoo located in Lincoln Park, a world of wildlife in the shadow of skyscrapers.

One of the nation’s oldest zoos, Lincoln Park Zoo houses 1200 animals representing 230 species. The zoo also holds yoga classes on “Nature Boardwalk,” and hosts a children’s zoo and paddleboats for visitors.

John Hancock Observatory

Located on the 94th floor of the John Hanckock Center, the John Hancock Observatory is complete with full 360 degree views of the city, up to four states and over 80 miles.

The Observatory has Chicago’s only open-air SkyWalk and also features a free multimedia tour in six languages, narrated by actor David Schwimmer.

Savor the views with the Millennium Knickerbocker’s Skyline Dining Package, which includes a $50 gift card to The Signature Room on the 95th floor.

Art Institute of Chicago

The world-renowned Art Institute of Chicago, located in Grant Park, houses both a museum and school. Housing one of the world’s most notable collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art in its permanent collection, its diverse holdings also include significant Old Master works, American art, European and American decorative arts, Asian art and modern and contemporary art. At one million square feet, it is the second largest art museum in the United States.

Chicago Cultural Center

As the nation’s first free municipal cultural center, the Chicago Cultural Center is one of the city’s most popular attractions and is considered one of the most comprehensive arts showcases in the United States. The stunning landmark building, completed in 1897 as Chicago’s first central public library, is home to two magnificent stained-glass domes, as well as more than 1,000 programs and exhibitions from free music, dance and theater events, films, lectures, art exhibitions and family events each year.

Rainforest Adventures at Mystic Mountain in Ocho Rios, Jamaica illuminates summer nights with After Glow, a new evening entertainment package.

All Mystic Mountain attractions will now be available to local Jamaica residents and visitors on Friday and Saturday nights from 5:00pm to 10:00pm.

At Ocho Rios’ top eco-adventure destination, guests can soar through lush hills illuminated by torches along the popular Rainforest Bobsled, Zip Line or Sky Explorer rides. The USD $60 package also includes a luxurious three-course meal, wine and dessert, plus live entertainment.

A series of stage shows called “Mystic Moonlight” will feature top reggae artists every full-moon Saturday night.

The new After Glow program highlights Mystic Mountain as a full-service entertainment provider, perfect for weddings, product launches, company parties, and other special events – now also available at night.

It intends to bring the communities of Ocho Rios and Jamaica together with a celebration of nature and culture.

Rain Forest Aerial Trams locations serve as wildlife reserves, ecotourism attractions and research parks with five locations in Costa Rica (Pacific and Atlantic), Saint Lucia, Dominica and Jamaica. All Rain Forest Aerial Tram parks offer a unique combination of adventure and education.

For more information on Rainforest Adventures at Mystic Mountain, call (876) 974-3990 or visit www.rainforestrams.com