Jetsettersblog

HUA HIN, THAILAND – The luxurious InterContinental Hua Hin Resort has become the first hotel in Hua Hin to launch its own private air service to shuttle guests from Bangkok to the beachside city.

InterContinental Hua Hin now offering exclusive private plane service to Hua Hin.

The exclusive service departs from either Suvarnabhumi International Airport or Don Muaeng Airport direct to Hua Hin before a resort limousine whisks guests away for the ten-minute drive for check in.

The InterContinental Hua Hin Resort has quickly established new benchmarks for luxury in the historical town on the shores of the Gulf of Siam and General Manager, Pattama Yoshimura, said the eight-seat Cessna Grand Caravan would raise the bar in Thailand towards opulent, yet convenient, services.

The plane flies in InterContinental livery and has a full-time crew on permanent standby to make the 35-minute flight between Bangkok and Hua Hin at a moment’s notice.

“Right from the conceptualisation stage of this resort, we have always strived to set new benchmarks in services we can offer to guests and we think that a private plane service is very hard to beat,” Ms Yoshimura said.

“It is something we are quite proud of.”

Ms Yoshimura added the service had been popular since its recent launch and the resort was also combining accommodation and flight packages, which are in demand.

“When we launched this exclusive service, we were not quite sure how it would be received, but it has been in demand from discerning guests who prefer the privacy of a quick transfer to Hua Hin from Bangkok,” Ms Yoshimura added.

“We have had a range of customers from Bangkok residents to long-haul visitors who step straight of their flight from Europe, Australia or America, proceed through immigration and then get straight on a flight to Hua Hin.

“Its something we believe distinguishes us from other resorts and is another step to putting Hua Hin on the destination wish list of travellers throughout the world.”

Flights can be either one-way or return on the Cessna and packages combining the shuttle service and accommodation are available from the InterContinental Hua Hin Resort.

Tokyo, Japan-  Style in Tokyo with the opening of MIXX Bar & Lounge at the ANA InterContinental Tokyo.

Modern design by renowned French interior designer Gweneal Nicholas combines with innovative molecular cocktails and contemporary cuisine to create an unparalleled venue for those in the know.

Overlooking the metropolis 36 floors below, MIXX Bar & and Lounge is positioned to become the destination of choice to meet with old or new friends in Tokyo.

The expansive 600 square meter sophisticated venue is comprised of 3 distinct zones:- a bar area with stand up communal tables and long bar for those seeking to interact, a lounge area with low seating and intimate couches snuggled into the zig-zag window bays and the MIXX Room for private celebrations. Original modern artwork by local artist Reiko Sudo, luxurious fabrics and sleek interior design places MIXX a step above the city’s other somewhat predictable hotel bars.

Organic music, DJs and playlists by BlackList tailors the fluid music offering based on the guests each evening.

The eating and drinking choices at MIXX Bar & Lounge range from an expansive luncheon buffet featuring 45 dishes and an indulgent dessert offering (Y3,200), through to a selection of spectacularly presented tapas and snacks to accompany the wide choice of wines, beers and liquors in the evening.

International mixologists and local bar-stars tempt guests with their signature cocktails known simply as “six of the best”.

These original molecular cocktails use foam, alginate and culinary technologies to deliver complex and surprising cocktails:-for example the MIXX Mary features basil infused vodka, a mélange of tomato and vegetable juices and is topped with mozzarella foam and chili flakes.

MIXX Bar & Lounge is located on the 36th Floor of the ANA InterContinental Tokyo, adjacent to the recently opened Pierre Gagnaire Restaurant. MIXX Bar & Lounge opened on 7th of September 2010.

For more information, images or interviews please contact

The ANA InterContinental Tokyo at (81-3) 3505 1111

Low fares leader Jetstar is making travel between Hong Kong from Singapore even easier with the introduction of in-town check in at MTR Airport Express at Hong Kong and Kowloon stations this month.

Jetstar will be the first value based carrier to offer this convenient service to its customers.

Jetstar Asia Chief Executive Officer Ms Chong Phit Lian commented: “In-town check-in offers more options to passengers and benefits in particular to our growing number of business travellers and our short break leisure travellers.

“Now customers can enjoy both low fares with the convenience of the free in-town check in service that has previously only been offered by the major full service carriers,” she said.

The new service initiative will be available from this month for both in-town check in facilities at both Hong Kong and Kowloon train stations.

Jetstar passengers will be required to collect their boarding pass no later than 90 minutes before the flight departure.

Check in facilities for Jetstar passengers will be available during Airport Express opening hours on the day of flight departure.

“We are constantly looking at ways to innovate and improve our product offering to our customers whilst still maintaining the lowest fares on all the routes we serve,” she said.

“Our customers already enjoy all the fantastic facilities at Terminal 1 at the award winning Singapore Changi International Airport, adding Hong Kong in-town check in will make journeys between the two cities with Jetstar even more comfortable and convenient.

“Hong Kong and Kowloon stations also importantly provide seamless links into Hong Kong’s entire underground MTR network providing air travellers a real cost effective, comfortable and convenient way to access the airport from wherever they start their journey in Hong Kong,” Ms Chong said.

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts is pleased to announce the debut of the Traders Hotel brand in Hong Kong.

Traders, Shangri-La’s mid market brand caters to today’s business and leisure traveller, who is looking for simple, efficient, down to earth functionality presented with a smile. Previously operating as Hotel Jen, the integration into the Traders’ portfolio will allow the hotel to take advantage of Shangri-La’s global sales and distribution network and the brand’s Golden Circle guest recognition and airline partner programmes.

Traders Hotel, Hong Kong is centrally located on Queen’s Road in the Western District, the heart of buzzing street life, traditional shops, temples and numerous local eateries. The district retains a distinctive Chinese atmosphere, yet is only 10 minutes from Hong Kong’s Central business district, the Airport Express, and nightlife of Soho and Lan Kwai Fong.

‘I am delighted to be part of the launch of Traders in Hong Kong’ says newly appointed General Manager, Mr Andrea Mastellone.

‘Having been with the brand for many years it is exciting to provide a new alternative of stylish comfort and convenience for the modern day road warrior in Hong Kong.

Traders Hotel will be an easy choice for business travellers who appreciate a convenient location and efficient service or leisure visitors who like a relaxed, contemporary atmosphere”.

Completely renovated in 2008, Traders Hotel, Hong Kong has 280 guestrooms and suites designed in a contemporary, minimalistic style to maximise the use of space. The natural colour scheme and wooden flooring are soothing and do not distract from the spectacular views of Victoria Harbour or the Peak.

Café 508 on the second floor features extensive buffet selections for breakfast, lunch and dinner, perfect for time sensitive business luncheons or a leisurely meal with the family. The Traders Lounge on the 28th floor is available to Club guests during the day to enjoy a variety of benefits including private check-in/out, complimentary buffet breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails.

The Lounge opens to the public after 7:30 pm, an ideal spot to enjoy after-work drinks with a view.

A Lobby Bar and a rooftop outdoor pool with adjacent gym complete the guest facilities.

Traders Hotel, Hong Kong will be the first hotel within the brand to launch the Traders’ Signature Scent in its public areas. The scent, a tropical fruity green fragrance supported by a warm musk will be introduced gradually in the other eleven Traders Hotels within the year.

Traders Hotel, Hong Kong offers special introductory packages as of 1 August 2010. For more information and reservations please contact the hotel on reservation.thhk@shangri-la.com , phone: (852) 2213 6663 or visit www.tradershotels.com.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and/or manages 66 hotels under the Shangri-La and Traders brands, with a rooms inventory of over 30,000.

Traders Hotels are designed to satisfy the needs of the fast growing mid-market travel segment by offering a wide range of facilities, and efficient, practical and friendly hospitality, at competitive rates.

Traders Hotels are located in Abu Dhabi, Beijing, Changzhou, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Penang, Shenyang, Singapore and Yangon, with scheduled openings in Iskandar and Macau.

The group has over 40 projects under development in Austria, Canada, mainland China, France, India, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Republic of Mongolia, Russia, Qatar, Seychelles, Turkey and United Kingdom. For more information and reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.tradershotels.com

One way Jetsaver Light sale fares start from $168#

Low fares leader Jetstar will further grow its network serving mainland China by announcing first time direct services from Singapore to Guilin* one of China’s most picturesque and popular tourist cities. (*Subject to regulatory approval)

The twice weekly Singapore-Guilin* A320 service, to commence on 3 November 2010, is Jetstar’s third mainland China route and sixth overall Chinese and Taiwan destination, in an expanding Chinese network.

Jetstar’s latest international route from Singapore will boost the Jetstar Asia operation to a fleet of eleven A320s at year’s end and serve 21 destinations beyond its major Asian flying hub at Changi International Airport.

Jetstar already operates daily services from Singapore to Hong Kong (up to three times daily), Taipei (daily) and Macau (daily) in addition to Haikou (4 times weekly) and Shantou (3 times weekly).

The new services to Guilin*, situated in north-east Guangxi province, will provide an unprecedented direct access for travelers from and through Singapore to experience Guilin’s renowned natural scenery and outdoor leisure activity.

To celebrate the launch of Singapore-Guilin* services, Jetstar is offering special all-inclusive one-way JetSaver Light fares at Jetstar.com from SGD168#.

Fares not available on all flights, all days and are subject to availability.

Visit Jetstar.com.

Guilin, a city of close to five million residents, is home to some of China’s most popular natural landscapes such as the Lijiang River and Reed Flute Cave.

Jetstar Asia Chief Executive Officer Ms Chong Phit Lian said Jetstar would become the first airline to fly direct between Singapore and Guilin* and represented the continued successful pursuit of a growth strategy into China and further expansion of Jetstar’s footprint throughout Asia.

“Guilin is a fantastic addition to our leisure network and provides yet another great Asian travel option for Singaporeans and connecting Jetstar, Qantas and international interline customers through our Singapore hub,” Ms Chong said.

“As a popular tourist destination welcoming 18 million visitors last year, Guilin until now it has only been accessible for Singaporeans transiting through cities such as Hong Kong, Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur.

“The new Jetstar service at just over three and half hours will halve the current travelling time required from Singapore.”

Guilin attracts visitors to its majestic scenery and has long been a popular destination for rock climbers travelling to the city to experience its famous limestone karsts.

Jetsaver Light one way fares all inclusive will start from SGD299.

The new service between Singapore and Guilin* depart from Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 and Guilin Liangjiang International Airport.

It will be included in Jetstar Asia’s interline agreement with Qantas and Air France KLM.

The new services will be operated by Jetstar Asia’s 11th A320 aircraft, representing brand new capacity.

Jetstar’s Singapore – Guilin schedule from 3 November 2010*
Departs Wednesday and Saturday

* Singapore named ‘Top International Meetings City’ in the UIA 2009 Global Rankings for the third consecutive year.

* For the first time, Singapore ranks second in the ‘Top International Meetings Country’ category, up one spot from third position in 2008.

* STB announces recent wins in the Meetings and Conventions sectors.

SINGAPORE  - Singapore has clinched the title of ‘Top International Meetings City’ for the third consecutive year, affirming Singapore’s standing as a leading business events destination, ahead of 1,653 cities.

Singapore has distinguished itself from the competition which had staged events that qualified for inclusion in the Union of International Associations (UIA)’s International Meetings Statistics 2009 report. Significantly, for the first time, Singapore also climbed a spot, from third position in the 2008 rankings, to be placed as the second ‘Top International Meetings Country’ out of 194 qualifying countries, behind the United States of America (USA) in first place and ahead of France.

Furthermore, for the 26th consecutive year, Singapore remains both the top city and country to hold meetings in Asia.

“The Union of International Associations recognizes Singapore as an increasingly strong market leader in international associations meetings.

This year’s UIA Statistics Report reflects an impressive five-year growth trend.

The UIA congratulates Singapore on the hard work and quality offerings that make such continued growth possible,” said Jacques de Mévius, Secretary-General of the UIA.

Singapore hosted 689 meetings in 2009 that met UIA’s qualifying criteria, representing a growth of 8 per cent over 2008. Key examples of these meetings include the Singapore International Energy Week 2009 (SIEW), the
Singapore International Water Week 2009 (SIWW), APEC 2009, Congress of the World Federation of Hainanese Associations 2009, FDI Annual World
Dental Congress 2009, the 78th Interpol General Assembly 2009, the Congress of the International Society for Vascular Behavioural & Cognitive Disorders, and the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (ICSID) Congress 2009, all of which drew robust attendance.

“UIA’s accolade is a strong endorsement that underscores Singapore’s position as the world’s preferred business events destination. Our continued success can be attributed to sound business fundamentals and the unwavering support and hard work of our industry partners,” commented Ms

Aw Kah Peng, Chief Executive of the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

“What is attractive to an event organiser is the fact that our city is constantly re-inventing itself and constantly innovating. This year, highlights include the two Integrated Resorts (IRs), and the beautiful Marina Bay which is now an integral part of the Singapore skyline. Singapore is an exciting, liveable global city with a dynamic pro-business environment built on knowledge and networks, and a concentration of business and leisure offerings that enable business event organizers to stage successful business events and customize fun and exciting experiences for their business and leisure needs.”

Singapore’s Business Travel, and Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) industry continues to surge ahead with recent new wins.

Thus far, from September 2010 to 2016, there will be a total of 160 association conferences with an expected attendance of more than 170,000 international delegates and participants.

Key examples include the World Model United Nations (WorldMUN) 2011, Public Broadcasters International 2011, the American Association of Petroleum Geologists Annual Conference 2012, the 13th International Conference of Associated research Centres for Urban Underground Space (ACUUS) 2012, 2013 International Congress on Ultrasonics, Asian-Pacific Congress on Computational Mechanics (APCOM) 2013, and the 8th International Conference on Social Work in Health and Mental Health 2016.

Said Melissa Ow, Assistant Chief Executive, Industry Development II Group,

“Singapore’s pipeline of business events is a barometer of the health of the business events industry. There has been sustained growth in the number of international meetings held here over the years.

This attests to Singapore’s ability to continually transform itself, anticipate and meet the evolving needs of business event organisers and delegates.

As Singapore continues to undergo a dynamic transformation, we are confident that organisers will always find reasons to choose Singapore.”

Unique underwater worlds of the Caribbean can be explored with a new three-day package discovering the vibrant waters around the coast of the volcanic island of Montserrat.

This seafaring adventure, starting from Antigua, also includes a rare chance to see Montserrat’s historic former capital, now a modern-day Pompeii, having been buried beneath ash and lava flows in the mid-1990s.

Montserrat-based dive operation Extreme Marine Scuba is offering the new inclusive Explore Montserrat tour package until December 31.

It will operate from Antigua, just 30 miles from Montserrat, and the gateway for international flights to and from the UK.

This means the Explore Montserrat package could be taken as part of a stay on Antigua or a longer holiday in Montserrat itself.

Regular scheduled flights and ferry services operate between Antigua and Montserrat.

Priced at US$750 per person (approx. £505, based on four sharing), the package includes accommodation aboard a six-berth motor cruiser, unlimited diving, meals and a boat tour to Plymouth, once home to 4,000 Montserratians and dating back to Georgian times and a wider island tour by road.

This will include views of the still-active Soufriere Hills Volcano.

Ideal for divers keen to explore pristine Caribbean waters, the tour takes in key dive sites around Montserrat’s 13-mile coastline. Teaming with diverse marine life, flourishing since the eruptions of the volcano, which began in 1995, the island’s waters are home to playful dolphins, pipefish, eagle rays, green turtles and nurse sharks.

For further information visit www.extrememarinescuba.com or call 00 1 268 720 0398. For more information on Montserrat, go to www.visitmontserrat.com  or call 020 7928 1600.

American Airlines is holding a “Mobile Million” sweepstakes to promote its new iPhone app that makes it easier for customers to stay connected with the airline.

The sweepstakes rewards one grand-prize winner with a million American Airlines AAdvantage miles, and 30 other winners each get a $400 Apple gift card, all for simply downloading the free app.

To enter the sweepstakes, which runs through Oct. 15, install and launch the app (or update and launch the app if you already have it), and then register by entering your information in the pop-up window.

Also, users can earn one additional sweepstakes entry by forwarding information about the promotion to others via the “tell-a-friend” form.

Non-iPhone users can register for the sweepstakes by watching a promotional video about the app and then filling out an alternate registry form online.

Registrants can receive up to two possible entries for the grand prize and first prize.

For more information, visit

www.aa.com/promo

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co. introduced Ritz-Carlton Rewards, a guest loyalty program providing travelers with opportunities to redeem points for travel experiences provided through a variety of partners.

The program’s travel awards will include Abercrombie & Kent members-only tours in China, Turkey and Egypt; special customer events and a half-day personal shopping experience with fashion experts at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman featuring a private consultation; and select products from the world of celebrated designer Vera Wang.

Other opportunities include four-day photography workshops with National Geographic photographers at Ritz-Carlton hotels and resorts, and airline flights on 30 of the world’s major airlines and luxury cruise lines, including Crystal Cruises, The Yachts of Seabourn and Silversea Cruises.

Membership will be complimentary.

For more information, call 800-241-3333 or 866-922-6882 or visit www.ritzcarltonrewards.com

A new tour offering close-up views of the beach homes of the rich and famous is now being offered by Starline Tours.
The all-new Malibu Stars’ Homes Tour features celebrity homes, movie locations, as well as the Pacific Coast Highway’s stunning views, the magnificent Getty Villa and a visit to Malibu Beach where the stars live, stroll, dine and swim.

Daily tours begin at the iconic Santa Monica Pier at Ocean Boulevard, the heart of LA’s surf culture, and travel along Pacific Coast Highway.

Guides point out filming locations for such movies as “Gidget” and “Planet of the Apes,” and the more recent, “Hanna Montana” and “Iron Man.”

A close-up of the architecturally significant Getty Villa and the views it provides is also included. More than 30 homes are featured on the tour, including the beachfront residences of Leonardo DiCaprio, Cher, Charlize Theron, Bruce Willis, Burt Reynolds, Adam Sandler, Courteney Cox, Sting and Bill Murray.

Tickets are $39 for adults and $29 for children ages 3-11 and can be purchased at the Starline Tours Box office on the Santa Monica Pier at Ocean Boulevard.

Hotel pick-up from select Santa Monica hotels will be available for an additional $8 per passenger.

www.starlinetours.com