Jetsettersblog

The grand opening of the Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa as downtown Nha Trang’s only five-star, international hotel was celebrated in the grand ballroom, with more than 120 guests. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide and East Ocean Real Estate & Tourist Joint Stock Company officially christened the first Sheraton beach property in Vietnam.

“We opened in March, but in the last few months we’ve taken the product to the next level,” said Scott Hodgetts, Sheraton Nha Trang’s general manager.

Located on the south-central coast, less than an hour’s flight from Ho Chi Minh City, the 30-story Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa looks out on one of the world’s most beautiful bays (www.world-bays.com) from virtually every space, including all 284 guest rooms.

The hotel features a collection of Sheraton-branded restaurants and bars, three of which are entered from above the lobby — The Wine Bar, Feast and Steam n’ Spice, an upmarket noodle shop specializing in dim sum and noodles, a dining concept not yet offered at Sheratons in China, the cuisine’s birthplace.

he first Shine Spa for Sheraton in mainland Asia features a couple’s treatment room overlooking the bay and the sixth-floor infinity pool.

Other features include the first purpose-built cooking school inside a hotel in Vietnam; Link@Sheraton experienced with Microsoft, a unique Wi-Fi community lounge launched by Sheraton last year; and Altitude, a multi-purpose function room on the 28th floor.

Design Hotels, in exclusive partnership with the German car rental company Sixt, now allows guests a chance to rent a car from the Sixt portfolio when booking a stay at a member hotel.

After booking the hotel through www.designhotels.com  visitors have the option to reserve a rental car at the destination.

The service is also offered through the Design Hotels reservation hotline, which is available toll-free for most countries.

The car selection ranges from elegant sedans to smart cabriolets.

Travel combinations include mixing indulgence and adventure with a stay at The Dolder Grand and a jeep tour of the Alps.

Sun seekers can alternate between the rooftop deck at Palma de Mallorca’s Puro to a spin in a chic convertible.

For a city break in style, those staying at Leon’s Place in Rome can rent a Smart car, ideal for navigating the city’s streets.

For more information, call 800-337-4685 or visit

www.designhotels.com

In the first half of the 18th century, Baroque architecture blossomed powerfully in what is today the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic’s Atypus Travel is offering a seven-day tour, designed for groups to explore Baroque architecture in the Czech Republic. The tour, priced from $1,690 per person for groups of 10 to 15, or $1,450 for groups of 16 to 20, visits Prague, Kutná Hora, Sedlec, Zdár nad Sázavou, Krtiny, Slavkov, Rajhrad, Lednice, Brno, Litomysl and more.

The package includes meet and greet, coach transfers, four-star hotels in city centers, half-board, guide, transport by coach, and one free trip for the tour leader.

The price does not include airfare, insurance, cold drinks, concert and theater performances or personal expenses. The tour can also be arranged in a luxury variant based on five-star hotels.

For more information, call 011-420-6088-83178, email seehak@atypus.cz  or visit www.atypus.cz

Free venue finding service call +44 (0)800 158 44 00
Jigsaw Conferences Team

Free Service

STAMFORD, ENGLAND  – Just a couple of minutes there to fill out a form will save you time and money when you need a large venue or large conference room.

They’ll do the groundwork for you, for free!

Time is precious when planning for a large event, so why not make excellent use of your valuable time by letting Jigsaw Conferences venue finding do the footwork for you.

Free of charge venue finder in the UK and for International venues, a few minutes on their website will give them the information they need to venue search the right large venue for your needs.

Whether you’re planning for a large exhibit or just need a large conference room for an important meeting, a visit to Jigsaw Conferences’ website will be your best investment in time.

Simply fill in their form, notifying them of appropriate information, such as the number of people attending, number of rooms needed, and your budget, and then wait for them to promptly contact you with the best ‘big’ options for your function.

With twenty-five years of service behind them, Jigsaw Conferences is prepared to save you time and money.

Think about all the phone calls and faxes involved in researching layouts, costs, and availability of various large venues.

Consider the time it could take to compare the choices, checking out locations and menus. It can be staggering, especially if you need information now. Completing the form on their website can get you the information you need fast, sometimes even the same day.

Whether you’re planning a large corporate party, a big dinner or lunch, an meeting room, christmas party venues, training rooms, event management, medical meetings, medical meetings, congress meetings, reception, conference venues, or meeting, the best way to maximize your budget is to let Jigsaw Conferences do the groundwork for you.

It only takes a few minutes to save you hours, even days worth of time and money. It’s the best way to make your precious time yours!

For all your business travel needs, contact Jigsaw Conferences, the industry expert.

Their team of professionals will arrange all aspects of both domestic and international travel, getting your business the best price possible.

Jigsaw Conferences – Large venue-finding division
Established since 2003
http://www.jigsawconferences.co.uk
t: +44 (0)0800 158 44 00

FROM DORCHESTER COLLECTION

Hotel debuts several UK firsts – its own polo fields, exclusive spa partnership with Dr. Alkaitis and unique eco-initiatives
Coworth Park, the newest and first luxury country house hotel from Dorchester Collection, opens today.

The 70 guestroom hotel is located next to Ascot and on the border of Windsor Great Park. Coworth Park is the only hotel in the UK to have its own polo fields and features the world’s first hotel spa to have treatments from Dr. Alkaitis. It’s also the only hotel in the UK to grow and burn willow on the estate as part of its unique initiatives to reduce energy consumption.

As if that weren’t enough, Coworth Park features three restaurants overseen by Michelin-starred Chef John Campbell, which include fine and informal dining. Guests can also enjoy horseback riding in the equestrian center and special access to neighboring Wentworth Club’s champion golf courses.

Just 45 minutes from central London, the hotel stands in 240 acres of Royal Berkshire parkland. Dorchester Collection’s vision was to create the finest country house hotel in the UK with a design and décor that recognized Coworth Park’s Georgian origins yet avoided predictable country house clichés. Overall, the design approach by Fox Linton Associates is one of informal comfort and simple beauty, designed to evoke the feeling of staying in a private English country estate.

The Coworth Park buildings form an elegant and understated backdrop to the sunken gardens, lime grove, surrounding meadows and polo fields on the estate.

The jewel in the crown of Coworth Park’s 16 suites is The Dower House. This picturesque private house built in 1775 has its own dining room, lounge, kitchen, study, and a secluded garden with its own stream running through it; home to Coworth Park’s family of swans.

The eco-luxury Spa at Coworth Park will be the world’s first hotel spa to offer treatments by Dr. Alkaitis.

Renowned for his 100% organic, paraben free ingredients and simple yet effective approach, Dr Alkaitis’s products are rich in anti-oxidants and healing enzymes.

In addition, the three products currently offered to guests at The Dorchester Spa – Carol Joy London, glamorous skin and hair care specializing in anti-ageing treatments; Kerstin Florian, luxurious products infused with the earth’s rich, natural ingredients; and Aromatherapy Associates, the leading natural aromatherapy oils and treatment products – will also be available at The Spa at Coworth Park.

The hotel breaks new ground by combining a wealth of eco-credentials in both its structure and its daily operating procedures. For example, to reduce energy consumption there is a bio mass boiler within an underground Energy Center.

This is fueled by burning willow which is grown on the estate, a first for a UK hotel. Additionally, cooling for the hotel is provided by a ground source water circulation system of underground pipes known as ‘slinkys’ within the hotel grounds.

Rates start at £235 per room, per night based on double occupancy. Rates for suite accommodations start at £375 per night, per room. All rates are inclusive of full English breakfast and exclusive of VAT.

For reservations, please contact 011-44-1344-876-600 or reservations.uk@dorchestercollection.com

For more information, please check out www.coworthpark.com

Refined Argentinean Cuisine with French Flair

After months of preparation, testing dishes, swapping ingredients and implementing the final look, Chez Nous, the eagerly awaited restaurant in Buenos Aires’ new luxury boutique hotel, Algodon Mansion, has opened its doors. And it is already the talk of the town.

Chez Nous is headed by Executive Chef Antonio Soriano, whose background includes studying at Paris’ Le Cordon Bleu and training with culinary legends such as Alain Senderens and Philippe Legendre. Presenting some of the least-known yet most delectable Argentinean fare, Chez Nous brings a new light to the definition of Argentinean cuisine. Chef Soriano and his team have created inventive dishes inspired by Argentina and its surroundings while incorporating France’s finest flavors and techniques, including grass-fed lamb chops in a Patagonian morel sauce, smoked Andes potatoes and eggplant caviar (pictured, at right);

Patagonian black sea bass flavored with thyme and lemon zest, black olive gnocchi and scallop emulsion;

and, for dessert, an Amazonian fruit cake with coconut crème brulée. Many of the ingredients at Chez Nous – from the produce and herbs to the wine and olive oil – come from Algodon Mansion’s sister property in Mendoza, Algodon Wine Estates.

Rabbit Rillette with cranberries, toasted brioche, quince emulsion and chestnuts

In addition to dinner, Chez Nous also offers a full breakfast, and an Afternoon Tea with house-baked brioche and scones, seasonal jams and Chef Soriano’s much-talked-about homemade macaroons.

To learn more about Chez Nous, visit:

www.algodonmansion.com/restaurant/index.

About Algodon Mansion:

Algodon Mansion has 10 spacious luxury suites – some exceeding 1,200 square feet and all in keeping with the house’s Belle Epoque architecture.

Exuding old-world Argentinean charm while providing state-of-the-art luxuries, Algodon Mansion includes 24-hour butler and concierge service, a fine-dining restaurant serving Argentine and French-fusion cuisines, a wine cellar, library bar, a covered outside patio and fireplace, and a luxurious rooftop pool, sauna, spa and bar.

Algodon Mansion’s sister property, Algodon Wine Estates, is located in San Rafael, Mendoza, and is a unique new wine estate with a championship golf course, luxury resort and the option to purchase private residences.

The spankin’ new resort brand mixes a tropical vibe and with high style and cool comfort – plus all the perks of Unlimited-Luxury.

Think high-energy locations, perfect beach access, endless fine dining – and high-end cocktails – comfortably chic design and state-of-the-art spa facilities.

The latest to open, Now Sapphire Riviera Cancun mixes the excitement of southern Cancun with the laid-back luxe of shimmering pools and beaches, and stylish sanctuary of the Renova spa.

The resort’s 550 rooms feature flat screen TVs, sleek marble floors, and a clean, contemporary design inspired by tropical hues.

Why book Now? A 50% discount on travel through December 23, 2010. For more information about Now Resorts & Spas Unlimited-Luxury vacations or to make a reservation visit www.nowresorts.com

the “Unspoiled Queen” of Caribbean islands, invites guests to a royal escape with the Total Relax Spa Package.

This four-night offer, priced at $1,600 based on double occupancy, is designed as a sanctuary through massages, fine dining and excursions.

Guests conquer a private-floor superior suite. Guests behold the Caribbean Sea view while soaking in their “throne” private Jacuzzi. Then, the Queen’s Signature Massage for two takes place en-suite.

A royal four-course dinner, two-course lunch and daily continental breakfast are prepared by Chef Keith, whose Caribbean dishes are “east meets west, en francais”. Guided tour of Saba offers a VIP view of Saba’s unique charm.

Back at the resort, daily indulgences come standard. Guests may relax by the pool or in the lounge shaded by mango trees.

A welcome cocktail, WiFi, fitness room, chaise lounges and beach towels and farewell gift are included in all stays.

Queen’s Gardens Resort embodies the intimacy Saba is famous for. Nicknamed “the Unspoiled Queen,” the Caribbean’s smallest island receives an average of just 25,000 visitors a year, ensuring the intimacy travelers crave. No wonder Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Award named Saba as 2010 Top Island in the Caribbean.

For more information on Queen’s Gardens Resort, please call +599 416-3494 or visit www.queensaba.com

Acapulco, Mexico – As one of Mexico’s most renowned and legendary beach resorts, Acapulco has reinvented itself throughout the years.

Today, as the destination experiences a true renaissance, an array of hotels and resorts throughout Acapulco are renovating and updating their guest rooms, special amenities and VIP services in order to compete with the new hotel openings over the past year including the Banyan Tree Cabo Marques and Hotel Encanto.

These “fresh-faced” hotels are some of the most recognized in Acapulco, offering travelers a glimpse into the destination’s famous history while enjoying the modern updates and amenities offered.

One of Acapulco’s “new” hotels is also one of its most celebrated; Hotel Boca Chica, a project from trend-setting Mexican hotelier Grupo Habita, re-opened its doors in March 2010.

Partnering with Mexican architects Frida Rojas and Jose Escobedo as well as Fernando Romero, owner of the famed hotel located in the Traditional Zone of Acapulco, Grupo Habita has fully renovated and restored the property’s 36 guest rooms back to it’s original 1950′s glamour.

This retro beach hotel additionally features Boca Chica Baths, a full-service spa, as well as an on-site restaurant and sushi bar.

As a testament to the renowned Acapulco nightlife scene, Hotel Boca Chica is also home to nightclub Coco Wash.

Formerly known as the Hyatt Acapulco, The Grand Hotel Acapulco & Convention Center recently completed the first stages of an extensive renovation and remodeling project that began in May 2009.

Renovations include new room categories, 200 of which were completed and opened in December 2009. The remodeling will ultimately include renovations to the hotel lounges, restaurants, and pools, as well as include the construction of a new, exclusive spa.

The Fairmont Acapulco Princess, one of the destination’s most beloved hotels, recently introduced the Pearl.

Located on the Fairmont Princess property and following a $30 million renovation of one of the hotel’s existing towers, the Pearl offers luxurious accommodations and world-class services along with private pool exclusive to Pearl guests.

Additionally, The Fairmont Acapulco Princess recently introduced a new 20,000 square foot Diamante Exhibit Center, ideal for group meetings and events.

Set among 40 hillside acres of the Acapulco Bay, Las Brisas recently underwent a $20 million renovation, transforming the legendary hotel to better meet vacationers’ needs.

With a goal of retaining the property’s celebrated ‘white and pink’ charm, the restoration enhances the luxurious experience with renovations to the 263 rooms including expanded bathrooms, flat screen televisions and new pillow-top beds and comforters. Common areas such as la Concha Beach Club, meeting spaces and lobby area were additionally updated during the two phases of reconstruction as a way for guests to vacation in a relaxed environment.

A magical combination of incredible beauty and hypnotic charm, Acapulco is Mexico’s largest and most dazzling seaside resort attracting over five million visitors annually. Acapulco is exotic yet easily accessible via direct or convenient connections via all major airline carriers from gateway cities across the U.S.

For more information about Acapulco, visit www.visiteacapulco.com

Try the route not taken: see Canada from a granite rock-wall face. You could spend an entire lifetime exploring our peaks, cliffs and boulders.

Climbing rock, whether it be boulders or big walls, alpine peaks or sea cliffs, or a small, locals’ crag tucked away in the forest, is an excellent excuse to visit some wondrous corners of this country.

There are many lifetimes’ worth of climbing in Canada, even in just the established areas, and much more still untapped.

Here’s a small selection of climbing areas by region:

The West

Squamish, BC – less than an hour north of Vancouver, the “Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada” also has one of its most well-known climbing destinations.

Choose from over 1,500 routes, including the classic Grand Wall on “the Chief” and some of Canada’s most coveted ascents. www.hellobc.com

Canmore, AB – home of The Alpine Club of Canada and located just outside of Banff National Park, this town has easy access to climbing that ranges from steep limestone cliffs to one of the longest, multi-pitch sport routes in North America. www.travelalberta.com

Central Canada

Thunder Bay, ON – situated on Lake Superior, this city is surrounded by climbing areas, some as close as 15 minutes away.

Adventurous climbing on the tallest walls in Ontario (250 m or 820 ft) can be found in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. www.ontariotravel.net

Val David, QC – one of the longest established climbing areas in Canada, about an hour out of Montréal, has more than 500 routes. www.bonjourquebec.com

The Maritimes

Paces Lake, NS – a popular climbing spot, on steep quartzite and private land near Halifax.. www.novascotia.com

Welsford Cliffs, NB – 300 routes outside a Canadian Forces Base, meaning a pass is required to climb here. The only other concern is the goats. www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca

The North

The Cirque of the Unclimbables, NWT – an expedition to get to, but worth the trip. Meadows give way to a vertical sea of granite. Lotus Flower Tower is one of Roper and Steck’s Fifty Classic Climbs of North America. www.spectacularnwt.com

The Rock Gardens, YT – Not all climbing in the north need be a major undertaking. Just off the Alaska Highway outside of Whitehorse, this heavily used area offers a ready supply of bouldering and routes. www.travelyukon.com