Jetsettersblog

Beijing is the heartbeat of China’s white-hot contemporary arts scene and this one-of-a-kind gallery brings the best of Beijing art right into the hotel lobby. The unique gallery enables guests to get up close and personal with cutting-edge contemporary Chinese artworks, and upholds Langham’s commitment to support the local community by promoting Beijing artists at the five-star lifestyle hotel.

UPCOMING PROGRAMMES

Following its unveiling on 23 August 2010, the Art Gallery’s first seasonal exhibition opens with a cocktail soiree on 10 September 2010, attended by Beijing’s leading art buyers, dealers and media.

The inaugural exhibition will focus on fresh Beijing talent. It is available for viewing 24 hours a day and runs until December 2010.

“Although there is a wide variety of styles on show, all works have a unique voice and portray a hint of China, either in the topic, style or method used,” says guest curator, Tom Pattinson. The artworks are also surprisingly affordable – so you may find your baggage is a bit heavier after your visit.

In conjunction with the Art Gallery, an Art Corner and supporting online platform (http://www.langhamplacehotels.com/artist)  reaches out to young and emerging artists.

A specially designed website allows artists to submit their creative concepts across a variety of mediums.

Each month, Langham Place, Beijing Capital Airport selects the best art works from the website submissions to be displayed in the Art Corner for one month. Langham Place, Beijing Capital Airport will also hold a high tea on the 10th of each month with influential figures from the art world to introduce each new artist in residence. Artists can submit their work at www.langhamplacehotels.com/artist

A series of Art Workshops are also planned, beginning on 14 October 2010 when exhibiting artists Chen Yu and Hua Jiming will discuss their works and inspiration with art lovers and the general public.

FEATURED ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE

Among the artists to look out for in the opening exhibition is Chen Yu, one of the few established female artists in Beijing. Her works of brightly coloured flowers with a lacquer type finish are in hot demand across Asia. Dong Yan is another acclaimed young talent.

Part of the post-1980s generation of artists, his bold canvases often feature an umbrella, representing the sheltered existence of today’s youth in China.

Other exciting artists include Liu Zhonghua, whose dream-like images of dragons and paper airplanes are expressed in variety of mediums, including print, photography, animation and oil painting.

The youngest of the artists in residence, Liu Aijing was born in 1986 and incorporates her traditional Chinese painting training alongside elegant contemporary themes using a mix of rice paper, ink, watercolour and gold leaf. Hua Jiming, meanwhile, toured across China as a performance artist before moving on to contemporary Chinese pop art.

AN ART GALLERY MASQUERADING AS A HOTEL

“Beijing is the capital of the hugely popular Chinese contemporary art scene. What better place to showcase the best of Beijing’s local talent than at Langham Place, Beijing Capital Airport – known as an art gallery masquerading as a hotel,” says General Manager Mark Francis. Beyond the dedicated gallery, Langham Place, Beijing Capital Airport features a collection of more than 400 canvases, sculptures and art installations on public display throughout the hotel.

Langham Place, Beijing Capital Airport is situated right next to Beijing Capital International Airport’s iconic Sir Norman Foster-designed Terminal 3.

Offering a stimulating, new-age approach to five-star luxury, the first ‘airport lifestyle hotel’ features DJs in the lobby, loft-style apartments and a 24-hour high-tech environment for work and play in its 372 rooms, two-storey Club L lounge, five exciting restaurants and bars – and leading Art Gallery.

Travellers can take advantage of the complimentary airport shuttle bus service. Painted from top to bottom in the trademark Langham pink, even the hotel’s buses are artistically designed.

For more information on Langham Place, Beijing Capital Airport visit:
www.beijingairport.langhamplacehotels.com

The China Guide ( http://www.TheChinaGuide.com  ) is taking travelers to good local restaurants on all of their China-wide tours. Food is a historical part of China’s culture with many types to experience; The China Guide gives its guests genuine Chinese cuisine.

“We find that most travelers are taken to large tourist restaurants which produce generic dishes with little variety, based on what they think westerners will like. Tourist restaurants do not let travelers sample the unique foods of China. We are offering quality that’s not found on typical group tours,” says Judy Huang, Travel Manager of The China Guide.

The staff and guides personally select all restaurants included in The China Guide tours. The guides escort travelers to restaurants in local neighborhoods and make recommendations while helping with the ordering. Restaurants and ordering are kept flexible to client’s tastes, as there are many types of cuisines from all over China. “We try to include at least one restaurant from each specialty during the client’s tour,” adds Huang, “that can include spicy Sichuan, hot pot, dumplings and most popular, Peking Duck.

There is so much to experience.”

Meals include unlimited dishes so that travelers can sample as much as they like. Standard drinks are also endless including local beer, which is commonly enjoyed with most meals in China.

The China Guide encourages clients to try unusual things such as lotus root or sea cucumber, which are not commonly available in the West. For clients with a special interest in Chinese cuisine, The China Guide offers trips to local food markets as well as cooking classes. Dumpling making class is very popular with travelers and great for kids as well.

The China Guide

The China Guide ( http://www.TheChinaGuide.com  ) is a Beijing based travel agency, American owned and operated.

Specializing in western-style service and quality with hassle free web bookings, they work with clients to customize tours that match their travel style. Operating only in China, they have up to date knowledge and offer exciting experiences for travelers including their famous Sleep on the Great Wall tour. The China Guide avoids the common factory shopping stops that are not reflective of the true China.

Newly opened Banyan Tree Samui offers a sanctuary for the senses for visitors to the Thai Island.

The spectacular resort, set on a private hill cove on Lamai beach, offers sea-facing pool villas, world-class cuisine and the island’s first hydrotherapy spa.

The resort cascades down the cliff-side, 23 storeys from its highest point to the beach, with each villa overlooking the sapphire waters of scenic Lamai Bay.

The resort combines the best elements of a tropical getaway for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The three restaurants at Banyan Tree Samui offer spectacular views across the Gulf of Thailand and offer contemporary Asian and international cuisine with fresh, delicious, ingredients that are sourced locally where possible.

Home to The Rainforest, the island’s first ever hydrotherapy spa, Banyan Tree guests can embark on a trail of water based therapies.

With hydrotherapy being renowned for helping to stimulate the body and mind through a series of hot and cold treatments, guests will leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Spa-goers can also experience holistic Asian-inspired signature treatments such as the Royal Banyan Herbal Pouch Massage, which uses warm sesame oil.

All treatments are delivered by professional spa therapists, trained at the exclusive Banyan Tree Spa Academy in Phuket, focusing on traditional Eastern healing therapies with a ‘high-touch, low-tech’ approach.

If guests can tear themselves away from the Hotel they can also experience the nearby Ang Thong National Park with its striking seawater lagoons and coral reefs.

For an evening out and some traditional cuisine, Fisherman’s Village ‘Walking Street’ in Bophut Village offers an array of local goods, food and live music. To soak up some of the Island’s culture, guests will also only be a stone’s throw away from the fascinating Wat Lamai Temple.

Bailey Robinson (01488 689700 / www.baileyrobinson.com ) offers seven nights at Banyan Tree Samui from £1,945 per person, based on two adults sharing a Deluxe Pool Villa, on a bed and breakfast accommodation basis, and including international and domestic flights and transfers.

Price also includes a credit of THB 8,750 (approx £175) to spend on food and beverage, spa treatments and gifts or spa products at the Banyan Tree Gallery plus a complimentary session at The Rainforest.

Prices start from THB21,603 (approximately £445) for a Garden Pool Villa per night (based on two sharing) on a daily breakfast basis.

This price includes all taxes and service charges and is valid for stays from 1 October – 21 December 2010.

To book call Freephone 00800 300 20000 or Email: reservations-samui@banyantree.com

Villas De Maitre, leading specialist in luxury private villa rental companies in the Indian Ocean, continues to expand its Mauritius portfolio of exceptional villas with the addition of the magnificent and brand new Athena Villas in Bain Boeuf.

In the North of Mauritius near Grand Bay, Athena Villas are brand new two and three bedroom pool villas for those seeking the privacy and seclusion of their own stylish holiday home.

Inspired from the Oasis Villas concept, it is made up of a number of individual private pool villas in a desirable and well landscaped complex. With a more contemporary approach to the design, the villas offer a refreshing addition to the portfolio.

Wonderful architectural and design elements and generous interior and exterior spaces.

Each villa of two or three bedrooms is fully serviced and secure and has its own private garden and swimming pool. An ideal base for a relaxing holiday with family and friends.

Athena Villas are just a five minute drive to many of the sandy bays of the north and Grand Bay where there are fabulous shops, an array of bars and restaurants.

Booking now and opening 01 January 2011 6 x 2 bedrooms pool villas and 14 x 3 bedrooms pool villas.

Rates for two-bedroom Athena Villas are from Euro 190 to Euro 270 per night and three-bedroom are from Euro 260 to 350 Euro a night.

About Villas De Maitre

Villas De Maitre is a luxury villa reservations company, providing access to some of the most beautiful and exceptional villas in Mauritius and Seychelles.

Villas De Maitre directors personally inspect and evaluate each villa guaranteeing that passion for excellence expected by their clients.

As well as providing accommodation and destination information, Villas De Maitre can tailor-make villa holidays to suit every client’s needs, whether these are private chefs, nannies or butlers.

Villas De Maitre, market leader in Mauritius luxury private villa rental, has over 16 years experience of representing some of the most exclusive private luxury villas on the island.

highest hotel in the World

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C will make a magnificent return to Hong Kong when it opens the world’s highest hotel in the city in the first quarter of 2011.

The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, which will occupy floors 102 to 118 of the International Commerce Centre (ICC) in Kowloon, will be a stylish and thoroughly modern hotel that truly reflects the sophistication, style and elegance of the Ritz-Carlton brand in a contemporary way.

“Hong Kong is one of the world’s great cities and we are delighted to be returning with such an iconic and dynamic hotel,” said Simon Cooper, president and COO of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. “Occupying the top 16 floors of the ICC tower in Hong Kong is a truly unique location for a hotel, offering panoramic views across Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island. Modern in design, the hotel will be the heart and soul of Hong Kong and will attract visitors from all over the world for its world-class style, design, service and its landmark location.”

With interiors by Singapore’s LTW in a building developed by Hong Kong’s premier developer Sun Hung Kai Properties working with New York architects KPF, the hotel will offer 312 guest rooms all providing spectacular city and harbour views.

Starting at 50sqm for a Deluxe Room, and reaching an incredible 365sqm for the magnificent Ritz-Carlton Suite, all rooms provide state- of-the-art technology including WiFi, iPod docking stations and stylish flat screen TVs.

In addition, Club room guests will enjoy the panoramic Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge with complimentary food and beverage presentations 24 hours a day, as well as a dedicated Club Concierge, work stations, meeting rooms and WiFi throughout.

One of the unique aspects of the hotel, which reflects a move to more casual elegance of The Ritz-Carlton brand, will be its bars and restaurants, which have been stylishly designed by Japan’s Spin Studio and Wonderwall. With six dining venues starting on the 102nd floor, including state-of-the-art designer Chinese and Italian restaurants, and lobby lounge, the alfresco rooftop bar will be a truly stunning venue at 490 meters above sea level with outstanding views over Hong Kong. Asian-style tapas and contemporary cocktails will be served on the roof terrace, where fire pits and casual seating will create an atmosphere of stylish luxury.

The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong will boast one of the largest ballrooms in the city at 930sqm. Elaborately decorated with a sea of crystal chandeliers, the décor is suited to weddings, meetings and gala events. Complimented by an additional four meeting rooms, the total of 1,300sqm of meeting space will become the new social centre for Hong Kong and will set the benchmark for events in the region.

For those wishing to relax and indulge, the ESPA located on 116th floor and consisting of 860sqm of treatment rooms and relaxation area, will re-define the urban spa experience in the city and across Asia. Featuring nine deluxe treatment rooms and three couples’ suites, every treatment room offers floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views where a world-class team of professional therapists ensure a spa experience like no other.

The hotel also features a fully equipped fitness centre and an indoor pool on the 118th floor with a 28m x 7m LED screen on the ceiling that can display images. In the podium of the ICC tower, the 1,000,000sqm

Elements shopping mall offers some of the finest shopping in Hong Kong with luxury brand names featured throughout this world-class location.

The ICC will also host an Observation Deck on the 100th floor and offer direct connections to Hong Kong International Airport in 20 minutes and Central Hong Kong in five minutes. The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong will be very much at the heart of the city and will become a must-see tourist attraction when it opens in the first quarter of 2011.

What better way for nature lovers to experience the lush jungles of Northern Laos than from the back of an elephant.

Bamboo Travel have launched a new tour that provides the unique opportunity to share the lifestyle of elephant herders, known as mahouts, on a 3 night adventure travelling with an elephant caravan along stunning scenery which takes in pristine rivers, paddy fields and lush tropical forest.

This exclusive trek allows close involvement with the animals including bathing, grooming and feeding of each elephant.

After days viewing the dramatic scenery from the back of the elephant, evenings will be spent dining round camp fires whilst staying in villages or camping on riverside beaches.

The mahouts share their expertise of traditional elephant commands and knowledge of local elephant-lore, and on the final day of the trek there is an elephant driving test to demonstrate the skills learnt to ride solo.

Inextricably connected to rural life as well as traditional Buddhist and Animist beliefs, elephants have served Lao people in the forest for generations and are also believed by locals to be sacred.

By keeping the elephants in their forest environment, participants are contributing to an environmentally friendly and sustainable form of tourism through the re-introduction of logging elephants back to their traditional way of life, improving the living conditions of both the elephants and their mahouts.

Bamboo Travel offers this elephant trek as part of their 12 day “Land of a Million Elephants” tour which costs from £2,595 per person sharing. The 3 night elephant trek can also be included as part of any tailor made tour.

For more information please contact Robin Ball at Bamboo Travel:

robin.ball@bambootravel.co.uk
www.bambootravel.co.uk

Even with a global recession golf remains hugely popular and you will find private golf lessons still come at a high price. If you happen to be staying in any large European, North American or Asian city, you can expect to pay $100 (80 Euro) or more for an hour of golf tuition.

Golf lessons are a necessity if you want a smooth entrance to the game. Many people, especially people new to golf, find the cost a little daunting and avoid taking lessons and then struggle with this wonderful game.

For instance, in Germany and Switzerland it is required for all new golfers to qualify for a “Platzreife” or golf license.

The idea behind the Platzreife is to ensure that beginner golfers know the rules and etiquette of the game and acquire at least the basic skills required to play golf. This requirement adds even more pressure on the pocketbook for golfers new to the game.

One option that is not widely known to golfers is that they can achieve this golf requirement outside Europe during a holiday in Asia yet it will still be accepted at their home club.

The solution to affordable, highly qualified golf instruction is at Three-Generation Golf Academy (formerly known as The Prem Golf Academy) in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Located twenty-five kilometers north of the city center, nestled in the Mae Rim valley, surrounded by mountains, lush countryside and touched by seasonable weather year round, the Three-Generation Golf Academy (TGGA) is the ideal learning center for golf instruction.

The academy is the only golf school facility in Northern Thailand that is designed and dedicated to instruction: no distractions, no hassles – just one place to refine your swing.
Offering affordable golf instruction to a large audience was a key element in the opening of the academy.

The academy offers lessons at a lower cost due to its location in Thailand, due to lower labor and construction costs along with access to their comfortable and convenient on-site accommodation.

Quality is not sacrificed and you will not find a golf school better-equipped than this indoor-outdoor facility which boasts a Pro V1 Professional video-swing studio, six covered hitting and chipping nets, 825 square meters of putting and chipping greens, a short game practice range with six hitting bays, water hazard green, classroom for theory instruction and 350 yard driving range.

Three-Generation Golf Academy is committed to your individual development and success. With over twenty-five years’ teaching experience in Germany, India, Australia, USA and Thailand, the American Director of Golf and Head Teaching Professional, Spike Collier, offers personalized world-class instruction.

He has mastered the way to teach golf, eliminating opinion-based golf instruction. His performance-based curriculum will build your game, your understanding and your confidence.

Spike’s knowledge of golf swing components has enabled him to create very understandable teaching programmes that help players of all levels improve and realize their potential.

Three-Generation Golf Academy offers a unique and successful golf training experience. With its motto “Giving you the Knowledge for Power and Precision”, the academy stands by its claim that it offers the truth about how the golf swing works and especially how the golf swing can work for you. From short game development to driving full-out, everything you need to improve your game has been incorporated into this academy.

A private class with Spike Collier starts as low as THB 1000 (USD 32.00) per hour. Group golf instruction is also available and offers a much more affordable alternative.

Group golf instruction may or may not fit your current needs, but for many people it is a premium option as it fits nicely into their golfing budget. The academy offers full 3-5 day programmes starting as low as THB 5,750 (USD 180.00). By comparison, you will find equal programmes for double to even quadruple elsewhere in the world. Offering special ‘golfer’ rates, all programme participants have the option to stay at their on-site accommodation, The Residence and Spa, ideally located a mere five minute walk from the academy.

When considering golf instruction, it’s certainly nice to have a fabulous vacation destination like Chiang Mai, Thailand. Great instruction is always key to a successful golf school experience; that, as well as value for your money is what you’ll find at Three-Generation Golf Academy.

Three-Generation Golf Academy
Traidhos Three-Generation Community for Learning
234 Moo 3
T. Huay Sai, A. Mae Rim
Chiang Mai 50180
Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 53 301 500 (ext 5415)
Email: spikec@threegeneration.org
URL: http://golf.threegeneration.org
Web: www.threegeneration.org

Yachting St Vincent and the Grenadines offer a glimpse into the authentic Caribbean that has yet to be over run with tourists. For sailors it is a dream come true with constant trade-winds and numerous bays to drop anchor.

With 32 islands and cays they offer Idyllic white sand beaches, lush tropical rain forests and rich coral reefs all spell out conditions for a perfect holiday in paradise.

Also located in the southern Caribbean is Grenada which includes the Islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

Grenada is volcanic in origin and has a myriad environments such as rain forests, mangroves, waterfalls and numerous beaches of black and white sand.

Eagle’s Nest available this winter in St vincent and the Grenadines

Just 3 years old, 98 ft Eagles’s Nest offers luxury charters in the Grenadines this winter. She can sleep 8 guests in 3 Queen staterooms and 1 twin stateroom – all ensuite. Each stateroom has the Crestron audio system with surround sound, reading lights, complete blackout blinds, and port holes allowing natural light to filter in.

Captain Paul Martin and his professional crew of 3 will pamper you and indulge you in your every whim.

Charter rate:

Up to 8 guests: $45,000/week plus expenses

Eagles’s Nest

Entrepreneurship another perfect option for the Windward Islands

With 32 islands and cays, crystal blue waters and perfect year round weather with constant trade winds…what more would a sailor want.

Entrepreneurship, a 50ft Catana, sleeps 6 with one hull dedicated to a large master suite with ensuite head and shower. This is the perfect yacht for a honeymoon couple or a family of 4. The yacht is fully air conditioned, while the constant Trade Winds offer a more tranquil option.

The crew of Entrepreneurship, Captain Barry and Chef/Mate Liz, have become enchanted with the Grenadines and find that it has much to offer with a lot less of the commercialism one may find in other areas of the Caribbean

On board water skis, wake-board, kayak and snorkel gear will keep everyone busy. Diving is also offered for certified divers with certified Padi dive master.

Charter rates

$11,000 for 2 guests; $12,500 for 4 guests

Entrepreneurship

Regency Yacht vacations is now known as Northrop and Johnson BVI to offer yacht charters, yacht management and clearing house services for owners and crews.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any question.

BVI//888-459-2441 // www.regencyvacations.com
 Regency Yacht Vacations/Northrop and Johnson BVI
Columbus Centre
PO 2238
Road Town, Tortola

VisualTravelTours.com
805-705-9179
admin@VisualTravelTours.com

Dozens of Visual Travel Tours are now available on Kindle, and more are being released each month.

Known for our QuietGuidesT (text + images for mobile) our walking and driving tours can be used to preview an area before you travel, as a personal guide as you explore a neighborhood or off-the-beaten-path, and as a souvenir to share with family and friends at home.

Since there are many people who enjoy “armchair travel” the Kindle platform is an ideal way to explore before you go, and now they can be used in bright sunlight, so take a VisualTravelTour on a Kindle for your next adventure.

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Los Cabos, Mexico – Located along the white sand beaches of Playa Solmar at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, Solmar Hotels & Resorts offers groups the opportunity to hold corporate meetings and events at incredible savings and against one of the most beautiful natural backdrops in all of Mexico.

Playa Grande Resort & Spa, the largest of Solmar Hotels & Resorts’ five hotels, offers meeting planners conference facilities which feature a wide variety of services and special amenities. Comprised of three distinct event spaces Playa Grande can accommodate the needs of groups of all sizes.

Effective now though December 20, 2011, groups can reserve the ‘Land’s End Solmar Resorts Group Package’ at Playa Grande Resort & Spa and receive unmatched pricing along with an array of value-added services.

This package includes private group registration, one-hour welcome cocktail reception, and a discounted rate for wireless Internet.

Additionally, the ‘Land’s End Solmar Resorts Group Package’ entitles groups to receive a special rate on accommodations and one complimentary guest-suite for every 25 booked.

Moreover and upon availability, this special group rate will be extended three days prior to the event as well as three days following the event, in order to allow guests to experience Solmar Hotels & Resorts and Los Cabos to the fullest.

Solmar Hotels & Resorts is conveniently located just a short walking distance from the heart of downtown Cabo San Lucas.

Here business travelers can unwind from a long day of meetings by taking in the stunning views aboard a sunset cruise or by enjoying a relaxing dinner. Cabo San Lucas offers a variety of fine dining options, including three Solmar Hotels & Resorts owned and operated restaurants.

Located on Baja California’s most exclusive and private beach, Solmar Hotels & Resorts offers guests privacy while still being able to enjoy the excitement of downtown Cabo San Lucas.

The collection of five all-suite resorts offers guests the highest quality of service and hospitality.

In 2010, AAA awarded the prestigious Four Diamond Award to Playa Grande Resort & Grand Spa and The Ridge Luxury Villas at Playa Grande, further solidifying Solmar Hotels & Resort’s commitment to excellence.

For more information about Solmar Hotels & Resorts, visit www.solmar.com  follow us on Twitter @SolmarResorts and visit our Facebook page.