Jetsettersblog

The Oberoi Zahra, The Oberoi Group’s luxury cruiser on the Nile in Egypt, received the Award of Excellence in Tourism and Biodiversity from the Ministry of Tourism, Egypt.

For the second year in succession, The Oberoi Zahra was recognized for its commitment to excellence and effort in promoting tourism to Egypt.

This year the luxury cruiser was also acknowledged for its initiatives towards the conservation of biological diversity.

The Oberoi Zahra continues The Oberoi Group’s tradition of hospitality.

Offering some of the most spacious accommodations on the Nile, it is the only boat on the river with a full-service spa. The leisurely seven-night itinerary of the cruiser includes private docking in most ports allowing guests an almost exclusive viewing of the sites.

Additional facilities on the cruiser include a theater, Library and Cigar Lounge, outdoor swimming pool, well-appointed gymnasium and a restaurant that offers a new menu every day and an elaborate à la carte service.

For information, visit

www.oberoihotels.com/oberoi_zahra

The Oberoi Group, founded in 1934, operates 31 hotels and cruisers under the luxury Oberoi and five-star Trident brands in India, Egypt, Mauritius, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia.

The group is also engaged in flight catering, managing airport restaurants, travel and tour services, car rentals, project management and corporate air charters. For information, visit www.oberoihotels.com

AdventureSmith Explorations, which specializes in small expedition ships, announced its 2011 portfolio, which includes itineraries from Patagonia to Alaska and points between.

Todd Smith, AdventureSmith’s owner and founder, said that demand is high for new ships and new destinations.

“Almost everywhere the land meets the sea there is a small ship or yacht available for up-close exploration,” said Smith. “I feel we are entering a golden age of small-ship cruising.

“As soon as the economy rebounds the small-ship market will explode. Travelers and agents are becoming aware of the benefits of this style of travel and discerning voyagers are demanding the more authentic experiences available aboard small ships.”

The 39-guest Safari Explorer will explore five Hawaiian Islands during eight-day cruises from October to May with specified family trips available. Rates begin at $4,995 per person, double.

Eleven-day trips from Bali to Singapore explore Borneo aboard the new 100-passenger Orion II. A visit to Camp Leakey in Tanjung Puting National Park includes viewing the rehabilitation of ex-captive orangutans.

Rates start at $6,930 per person, double.

Departure dates are Sept. 30 and Dec. 29, 2011, and Jan. 8, 2012.

A wheelchair-accessible, six-day cruise for 12 passengers aboard Sea Wolf II will spend an entire week in Glacier Bay National Park.

Rates start at $3,500 per person, double. The season runs from May 15 to Sept. 2.

Other Alaska programs include the eight-day “Alaska Eastern Coves Adventure” and the return route “Alaska Western Coves Adventure” cruise. The voyages are operated by the newly refurbished Wilderness Adventurer and Wilderness Discoverer. Rates start at $1,795 per person, double.

The season is May to September and family departures are available.

The 11-day “Inland Sea of Japan–Discovery of an Ancient Culture” on Orion II is priced from $6,930 per person, double. Departure dates are July 8 and July 28.

The three- and four-night “Patagonia Expedition Cruises” explore the wilderness and glaciers of the Chilean fjords in the heart of Patagonia. Rates start at $840 per person, double.

The season runs from September to April.

For more information, call 800-728-2875 or visit www.adventuresmithexplorations.com

Delta Air Lines has announced new partnerships that will provide SkyMiles members with mileage-earning opportunities and savings on everyday products and services.

In addition, Delta has designated 1-800-Flowers and Hertz Car Rental as Preferred SkyMiles Partners to expand the existing partnership and provide the companies’ shared customers with additional benefits and exclusive promotional offers.

The new partners include Hertz, Fed Ex, 1-800-Flowers, the PGA Tour and PetCareRx. For more information, visit www.delta.com/skymiles

Hilton Worldwide announced the signing of a franchise license agreement with Operadora de Hoteles y Restaurantes ITER, SA de CV to open a Doubletree by Hilton hotel near Mexico City Benito Juarez International Airport.

The Hotel ITER Internacional Aeropuerto Terminal 2 will reopen as the Doubletree by Hilton, Mexico City Airport Area, and the brand’s second hotel in the country, in the third quarter of 2011 upon the completion of a major renovation and refurbishment project.

The Doubletree by Hilton, Mexico City Airport Area marks the brand’s second hotel development deal signed in the country this year. The Doubletree by Hilton, Merida was announced earlier this year and is due to open in the spring of 2011.

The Doubletree by Hilton, Mexico City Airport Area is located 10 minutes from Terminal 2 and 15 minutes from Terminal 1 and is opposite two of the most popular shopping malls in Mexico City — Parque Tezontle and Plaza Oriente.

The upscale, full-service hotel will offer 96 deluxe guestrooms and suites, 700 square meters of superior conference and event facilities, a specialty restaurant and lobby bar, a fitness facility, 24-hour room service and complimentary airport shuttle service.

Hilton Worldwide currently has a portfolio of 22 hotels and resorts open in Mexico across a number of brands including Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hampton by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites by Hilton.

The company is actively pursuing additional growth opportunities in Mexico, with a Hilton Garden Inn property under development in Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas and Doubletree by Hilton hotels under development in Merida and Mexico City.

The Massachusetts Port Authority will officially open Cruiseport Boston’s renovated Black Falcon Cruise Terminal on Oct. 8.

Over the past year, the port authority spent $11 million to enhance the cruise terminal from a vintage World War I military warehouse into a 21st century terminal. State and federal officials will join Massport to formally unveil the terminal at 2 p.m. on Oct. 8.

Speakers will include U.S. Rep Stephen F. Lynch; State Sen. John Hart; Jeffrey Mullan, chief executive of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation; Thomas J. Kinton Jr., CEO and executive director of Massport; and Mike Leone, port director.

Black Falcon Cruise Terminal is located 10 minutes from the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) and Routes 1 and 93. It is 10 minutes from Boston Logan International Airport and downtown Boston. Cruiseport Boston offers cruises to Bermuda, Canada/New England, Europe and the Caribbean.

For more information, visit www.massport.com

Azul Hotels by Karisma, a collection of Gourmet Inclusive properties located throughout the Riviera Maya, Mexico, announced the opening of Azul Fives Hotel by Karisma on Nov. 1, 2010 in Playa del Carmen. Azul Fives Hotel will be Azul Hotels’ third property and follows the openings of Azul Sensatori Hotel in November 2008 and Azul Beach Hotel in December 2005.

The Gourmet Inclusive all-suite property will feature 360 one-, two- and three bedroom suites, private and expansive rooftop lounge decks, a variety of gourmet dining options, a sky bar overlooking the Caribbean, and a 15,000-square-foot Zen-inspired Vassa Spa.

“We are excited to debut Azul Fives Hotel in Playa del Carmen, which has a style and energy that are unmatched by any destination on the Mexican coastline,” said Mandy Chomat, vice president of sales and marketing at Premier Worldwide Marketing, the exclusive worldwide representatives for Azul Hotels. “Azul Fives Hotel will offer a sophisticated and authentic vacation experience, mirroring the lifestyle found in Playa del Carmen.

“Its chic and contemporary design, opulent ambiance, decadent amenities and exceptional service are ideally suited to exceed the expectations of a wide variety of guests.”

Guests of Azul Fives Hotel will have access to Playa del Carmen’s restaurants and fine dining, designer stores, shopping, nightlife and a selection of world-class championship 18-hole golf courses.

The property, designed in contemporary architectural style, will offer 360 one-, two- and three-bedroom Suites (1,125-1,900 square feet) each with air conditioning, LCD flat-screen TVs and DVD players, mini-bars stocked daily, private marble bathrooms with rain forest showers, deluxe bathrobes, and oversized balconies or terraces.

The Penthouse Suites at Azul Fives Hotel will feature private rooftop lounge decks. The 1,300-square-foot private rooftop lounge decks will feature a deluxe double whirlpool, large lounging area with a sectional sofa and coffee table, chaise lounges ideal for sun bathing, pergola, charcoal barbeque grill, outdoor shower, half marble bathroom with sink and a patio dining table with an umbrella. Guests can enjoy daily gourmet breakfasts on their decks, where they can also host personal gatherings with family, friends and/or colleagues.

Two- and three-bedroom suites (1,300-1,500 square feet) will accommodate up to eight people and include separate living rooms, fully equipped kitchens with granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, powder room, and master bathroom with rainforest shower.

Azul Fives Hotel will also provide elegant, two-bedroom Penthouse Suites (2,500 square feet), featuring all the luxuries of a suite as well as a full bar, wine cellar, iPod dock, Jacuzzi, and a living room Internet station.

In addition to elegant accommodations, guests will have a variety of gourmet dining and lounging options at Azul Fives Hotel, all of which will receive organic produce from the 70,000-square-foot Greenhouse at its sister property, El Dorado Royale, A Spa Resort, by Karisma.

Azul Fives Hotel will feature four restaurants, including Sea Olive, a seaside restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine; Tsuki, where guests will enjoy Pacific Rim cuisine; Flavors, a non-pretentious, family-style world eatery overlooking a natural cenote; and Senses, a tailor-made private dining experience offering a unique culinary journey.

Multiple bars, lounges and light food terraces will also be located throughout Azul Fives Hotel including Zky, a stylish sky bar and lounge with Caribbean views alongside the latest cocktail trends; and Breeze, Lizards, Palmas and Rainbow, beachfront and poolside swim-up bars boasting premium spirits, easy-going snacks, and iced coffees or teas.

Azul Fives Hotel is one of the Riviera Maya’s few properties with meal plan options – either Gourmet Inclusive or European Plan – providing guests the freedom to choose the best alternative based on their vacation desires and lengths of stay.

The signature Gourmet Inclusive plan includes accommodations as selected, all meals at any of Azul Fives Hotel’s gourmet restaurants, all local and international alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, 24-hour room service, fitness center, sauna and steam room, DVD rental menu, snorkeling and kayaking, full service concierge, daily and nightly entertainment and live music, and Kid’s Club. The Kid’s Club provides something for everyone such as Fisher-Price toys and programs including Little People performances, My Gym Children’s Fitness Center activities, and Pack & Play offering complimentary cribs, changing tables, strollers, monitors, bottle warmers, baby spa robes and Gourmet Gerber baby food to make family vacations easy.

With the European Plan at Azul Fives Hotel, guests select accommodations and the following are included: daily activities program, nightly entertainment, tennis court, table games, shuffleboard, volleyball, Spanish and Mayan lessons, stretching, aqua aerobics, dance and cooking classes, scuba diving clinics, three swimming pools plus a children’s pool, and full service concierge.

Additional amenities at Azul Fives Hotel include a 15,000-square-foot Zen-inspired Vassa Spa, fitness center, VIP couple’s massage suites, hydrotherapy areas, weight training systems, cardio equipment, on-site bridal and kids suites, wedding packages, a relaxation lounge, and a high-tech meeting space for up to 250 people.

Rates at Azul Fives Hotel range from $282 for a deluxe suite to $1,229 for a three-bedroom penthouse suite accommodating up to eight people. For Gourmet Inclusive stays including all gourmet meals served a la carte, premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, 24-hour room service and full service concierge, rates begin at $235 per person per night.

Guests who book a Gourmet Inclusive vacation at Azul Fives Hotel by Oct. 31, 2010 will receive up to 30 percent off stays from Nov. 1, 2010-Jan. 2, 2011. This limited-time promotion is valid for travel over the holidays.

For more information, call 866-527-4762 or visit www.karismahotels.com

With 330,000 graves, Vienna’s Central Cemetery is so large that it is all too easy for visitors to lose their way.

A new multimedia guide now makes finding all the most interesting graves and sights in Europe’s second-largest cemetery (after Ohlsdorf in Hamburg) easier.

The pocket-sized device can be rented from the porter’s lodge at the main entrance for a fee of 7 euros ($9.75). The audio feature (German and English) and photos on the display help visitors navigate the gigantic complex, revealing facts and curiosities as it takes visitors past 42 points of interest in Vienna’s city of the dead.

The main stops are the graves of Ludwig van Beethoven, Johann Strauss the Elder and Austrian pop legend Falco. There are also facts on the cemetery’s origins, which date back to its opening in 1874, as well as its art nouveau church, and the flora and fauna to be found around the site.

The multimedia guide presents in-depth information on all the stops on the tour, and offers a choice of three different routes lasting two, three or four hours.

A complete list of all the stops and a standard paper map supplement the new guide.

The multimedia guide is available from the porter’s lodge at the main entrance (Tor 2). A photo ID is required as a deposit.

For more information, visit www.vienna.info

Doubletree by Hilton announced the opening of its first hotel in Russia — the Doubletree by Hilton, Novosibirsk.

With a population of more than 1.5 million inhabitants, Russia’s third-largest city has established itself as the cultural and commercial heart of Siberia with regularly scheduled flights to Europe, Asia and other Russian cities.

The 188-room Doubletree by Hilton, Novosibirsk is part of a newly built, mixed-use hotel and business center development in a prime city center location, just off the city’s central Lenin Square and within walking distance of the Novosibirsk Ballet and Opera Theatre, shopping, bistros and more. The upscale, full-service hotel brand has seen remarkable growth since its European introduction in the spring of 2008 with 15 Doubletree by Hilton hotels now open in seven countries across Europe. The Doubletree by Hilton, Novosibirsk is operated by LR Russia Hotel Development LLC, a subsidiary of London & Regional Partners Limited, under a franchise agreement with a subsidiary of Hilton Worldwide.

The hotel forms part of a Strategic Development Alliance between London & Regional Properties Limited and Hilton Worldwide, which when formalized is expected to introduce approximately 25 new hotels across Russia, encompassing selected brands within the Hilton Worldwide portfolio of hotels.

The hotel’s 177 standard rooms and 11 suites feature a long list of guest amenities, such as fully stocked mini bars, flat-screen plasma TVs with a selection of popular satellite TV channels from around the world; generous work desks; built-in safes; fine bath and body products; in-room tea and coffee-making facilities; and the brand’s signature Sweet Dreams by Doubletree sleep experience. Wireless high-speed Internet access also is available in all guest rooms and throughout public areas of the hotel.

The Doubletree by Hilton, Novosibirsk feature 370 square meters of flexible conference and meeting facilities that are ideal for business meetings, conferences, banquets, weddings, cocktail parties and satellite conferencing.

The hotel events team provides the latest in audio-visual and communications technology, with onsite technicians available to assist with all event requirements.

A professional catering staff presents cuisine and inspired service for groups and parties of up to 200 guests. A Business Center with secretarial and printing services also is available.

Superior dining options at the Doubletree by Hilton welcome guests at the beginning or end of a busy day in Novosibirsk. The Taiga restaurant provides the Doubletree Breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner offerings with Russian and international cuisines prepared fresh daily. The Coffee Shoppe is ideal for light meals, a cappuccino and cheesecake, or a drink. Room service is available during peak hours upon request.

The Doubletree by Hilton, Novosibirsk features a spa and fitness center.

The relaxation zone complete with water bar, whirlpool and a pool are available before or after any spa treatment or just for enjoyment.

The spa list of options includes a selection of international treatments including facials, massages, and three types of saunas. The Doubletree Fitness by Precor facility offers the latest in cardiovascular and strength-training equipment.

For more information, visit www.doubletree.com

The Israel Ministry of Tourism has released the new iSrael iPhone and iPad application, providing travelers with detailed information on sites, tours, accommodation and events in Israel.

The free iSrael application will feature up-to-date information about travel to Israel, including mapped directions to heritage sites, nature reserves, leisure activities, archeological sites and museums. Users of the application may also build customized tours of Israel complete with photographs and multimedia.

The application will be regularly updated by the Israel Ministry of Tourism, and users can also instantly upload their own photographs and comments to Israel tourism social media forums, including Facebook (www.facebook.com/goisrael) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/israeltourism) .

To download the iSrael application in English or Hebrew, type “Israel tourism” in the Apps search bar on an iPhone or iPad, or visit

www.itunes.apple.com/us/app/israel-tourism/id393773314?mt=8

For more information on travel to Israel, visit www.goisrael.com

Nine geological attractions in Jeju island (Korea) have been added to UNESCO’s list of world geoparks, during the Ninth European Geoparks Conference on the Greek island of Lesbos.

These sites are the first in Korea to earn such recognition, the local government in Jeju said.

They include Mount Halla, Manjang Cave and Seongsan Sunrise Peak, Seogwipo Formation, Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, Jungmun Daepo Columnar-Jointed Lava, the lava dome at Mount Sanbang, the Yongmeori tuff ring and the Suweol Peak tuff ring.

UNESCO recognizes sites with unique landscapes and geological formations as world geoparks not only to preserve them but also to promote the locations.

Mount Halla, Seongsan Sunrise Peak and Manjang Cave were previously listed on the UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites in 2007. Furthermore, Mount Halla was named a NESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2002. With the Global Geoparks Network certification, Jeju becomes the only place in the world with three UNESCO certifications.

For more information, visit

www.visitkorea.or.kr

 or www.unesco.org