Jetsettersblog

South Australia (www.southaustralia.com ) is famed not only for its excellent vineyards producing a wide range of award winning wines but also for the growing number of well-known faces who are getting involved and producing their own branded wines.

To date Ian Botham, Olivia Newton John, Greg Norman, Nick Faldo and Scott Hicks are all producing branded wines from vineyards in South Australia and visitors to the region can include these vineyards in their itinerary as many operate an ‘open cellar’ policy. These include:

* Ian Botham – Botham Merrill Willis wines
* Olivia Newton John – Koala Blue Wines
* Greg Norman – Greg Norman Estates Wineries
* Nick Faldo – Faldo Wines
* Scott Hicks – Yacca Paddock vineyard

Ian Botham – Botham Merrill Willis wines

Cricket legends Ian Botham and Bob Willis joined forces with one of Australia’s top wine makers, Geoff Merrill, to create a selection of wines they are all happy to put their names to, namely a chardonnay, a cabernet and a shiraz.

“It’s no celebrity gimmick,” Sir Ian insists. “Bob and I help with the blending and are involved every step of the way.

And, let’s face it, we certainly don’t shirk our tasting responsibilities.” Having been on the market for 10 years the wines have been developed and tweaked into something elegant and tasty, made from a blend of grapes from the Coonawarra and McLaren Vale wine regions.

www.geoffmerrillwines.com.au

Olivia Newton John – Koala Blue Wines

Olivia Newton John founded the Koala Blue in 1983 with Pat Farrar and aims to capture the unique flavours and colours of Australia in their wines.

The wines are produced at the award winning vineyards of Great Stone Wines on the Limestone Coast of South Australia.

The Koala Blue series is known for its fruity flavours and affordable prices, and includes shiraz, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, sparkling and dry reds.

www.koalabluewines.com.au

Greg Norman – Greg Norman Estates Wineries

Golfer Greg Norman partnered with Beringer Blass to form Greg Norman Estates Wineries producing wines in California and in his native Australia.

His seven Australian wines use grapes from vineyards across South Australia including Eden Valley, the Limestone Coast and Coonawarra.

He produces five wines that retail under AUD$20 a bottle – the Eden Valley Chardonnay, Limestone Coast Shiraz Cabernet and an Eastern South Australia Sparking white. At the more expensive end he produces the Coonawarra Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and the Limestone Coast Reserve Shiraz priced at AUD$50 and AUD$40.

www.gregnormanestateswine.com

Nick Faldo – Faldo Wines

Nick Faldo teamed up with the winemaking team at Katnook Estate in 2000, one of the oldest vineyards in Coonawarra that can trace its history back to 1896 when wine was first produced by Scottish immigrant, John Riddoch. The aim of Faldo Wines is to capture the essential characteristics of the Coonawarra. Faldo Wines produce a sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon and a shiraz that are predominately sold in the UK and US.

www.katnookestate.com.au

Scott Hicks – Yacca Paddock vineyard

Oscar- award winning Australian director Scott (“Shine”) Hicks owns the Yacca Paddock Vineyard on the Fleurieu Peninsula with his filmmaking wife Kerry Heysen-Hicks. The vineyard was established in 2000 under the direction of leading viticulturist Geoff Hardy and the wines are made by illustrious winemaker Ben Riggs.

The vineyard produces a range of grape varieties including the popular chardonnay, pinot noir, tempranillo, merlot and shiraz, as well as well known varieties Arneis, Dolcetto, Tannat and Durif.

www.yaccapaddock.com

Get Hands-On With Massage Lessons -

For the ultimate in romance, relaxation and spending precious time with loved-ones, couples can now learn the art of massage with a choice of new couples’ massages at Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort and Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort in the Maldives.

Launching in November 2010, trained and professional masseurs from the resorts’ Sun Spas will guide guests through a private lesson on how to pamper each other with a simple yet highly effective massage.

Suitable for couples of all ages, each 60-minute lesson starts with an introduction to the benefits of massage and the oils used. A 10-minute demonstration massage follows with strokes explained verbally by the trainer.

Couples then each have 20 minutes to practice on each other with the trainer on hand for any tips and advice.

The lesson finishes with a feedback session where questions can be asked or specific moves or strokes repeated. Couples also receive a Sun Spa goody bag with a relaxing spa CD and a bottle of essential oil so they can continue practicing the massage techniques in the privacy of their own room or at home.

A choice of 60-minute couples’ massages include:

Foot Massage: Based on the idea that all nerve zones begin in the feet, this massage applies certain pressures and strokes to particular areas of the foot which are in turn connected to various parts of the body.

As well as being the perfect antidote to soothing aching feet, this reflexology massage will invigorate and stimulate the body. Price is US$ 100 per couple.*

Indian Head Massage: This traditional massage is deeply calming and will relieve emotional and physical tension from shoulders, neck, back and scalp. Using deep thumb and finger pressure, it improves circulation, offers an enhanced state of relaxation and leaves a feeling of being energised and revitalised. Price is US$ 110 per couple.*

Head, Neck & Shoulder Massage: This intensive therapy gives instant relief from tense and overworked muscles. Concentrating on muscles from the base of the head, down through the neck and into the shoulders, this deep tissue massage can help to change mood, enhance relaxation and. Price is US$ 120 per couple.*

* All prices incur a 10% service charge

Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort (South Malé Atoll)

This beautiful 166-room island retreat offers stunning beaches, abundant sandbanks and superb recreational activities. The Sun Spa includes six deluxe double massage pavilions, each with two massage beds, a private changing room and a walled garden with an outdoor shower and bath.

Thomson  see banner above / 0871 231 5595) offers seven nights at Olhuveli from £1,619 per person in 2011.

The price includes return flights, speedboat transfers, accommodation on an all-inclusive basis, taxes and surcharges.

Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort (South Nilandhe Atoll)

This deluxe 122-room resort is surrounded by lush vegetation, swaying coconut palms and pristine white sandy beaches with exceptional snorkelling and diving. The Sun Spa includes five massage pavilions, three of which are open air with flower baths and open air showers.

First Choice (www.firstchoice.co.uk / 0871 664 9014) offers seven nights at Vilu Reef from £1,389 per person in 2011. The price includes return flights, seaplane transfers, accommodation on a half board basis, taxes and surcharges.

The Maltese archipelago, consisting of Malta, Gozo and Comino, is one of Europe’s best kept secrets.

Whether guests choose to explore the depths of history & heritage or immerse themselves in the natural escape that is Malta, they will discover a luxurious, yet affordable, oasis in the heart of the Mediterranean.

A place of infinite possibilities and affordable luxury, Malta offers above and beyond any another holiday experience to deserving guests who have a taste for relaxation, adventure, pampering, history, fine dining and fun.

The perfect destination for a weekend break, the islands also hold a fantastic array of events over the year to tempt visitors to its shores; from traditional food, wine and religious festivals, to the Malta Festival Of Arts and the Malta Jazz Festival, Malta’s annual programmes attracts names from around the globe.

The Maltese islands boast 5 star hotels and the finest spas, unbeatable sailing and top sporting facilities, exclusive dining and charming boutique hotels, all surrounded by stunning beaches and clear blue waters.

With picturesque views, beautiful architecture and an array of activities to offer guests, Malta awakens and renews the senses of any holidaymaker. Just a three hour, direct flight from all over the UK, guests can let the calm waves of the Maltese shores wash away the congestion and headaches of life.

ACCOMODATION

Malta offers visitors an exciting selection of 5 star hotels, situated across the Islands in various destinations. With brands such as Hilton, Corinthia, InterContinental, Radisson, Kempinski and Le Meridien choosing Malta, guests can opt for livelier hubs such as St. Julian’s or the more picturesque areas such as Golden Sands and Gozo.

Other outstanding 5* hotels include the Phoenicia and The Hotel Grand Excelsior, both situated close to the island’s capital, Valletta. Also, in the five‐star category, twelve luxury hotels in Malta and two on the island of Gozo offer state-of-the-art spas.

If guests prefer more subtle and specialised luxury, Malta offers a number of boutique hotels which ooze with superlative charm and character.

Elegantly styled, these boutique hotels include; The Xara Palace Relais et Chateaux, a grandiose 17th Century palazzo, now a privately-owned and family-run, 5 star, boutique hotel, situated within the fortifications of the ancient medieval city of Mdina, the Hotel Juliani, a small design boutique hotel overlooking the picturesque bay of St. Julian’s, and the recently opened George also in St Julians.

5 Star boutique Hotels in Gozo include the Ta’ Cenc, set in one hundred and sixty hectares of land, overlooking majestic cliffs and affording a magnificent view across to the islands of Malta and Comino, and The Grand Hotel Gozo, ideally situated above Mgarr Harbour, the gateway to Gozo Island.

For a fresh and authentic way to experience Malta, and the ultimate in privacy and relaxation, the charming Island of Gozo offers a variety of luxurious farmhouses for hire in prime locations.

Catering for all group sizes and interests and offering modern amenities, guests can choose between selection of farmhouses offering a variety of spectacular views and landscapes, stunning architecture, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and proximity to charming villages. With service, comfort, and authenticity above all else, most farmhouses are family run and offer the chance to immerse yourselves in Gozo’s laid back way of life.

SPAS

For those looking for some serious pampering, Malta boasts several world class spas; With no fewer than 15 hotel spas and the first all-inclusive spa resort, Malta and its sister island Gozo are fast becoming the most relaxing short-haul destination in Europe.

The Fortina Spa Resort in Sliema is the definitive all-inclusive spa resort with four spas, a dental clinic, cosmetic surgery and the world’s first Therapeutic Spa Bedrooms. Le Meridien St Julians, The Hilton Malta, The Palace and the Radisson Golden Sands all feature Malta’s own spa chain Myo Ka and both of Malta’s Corinthia hotels offer fantastic amenities such as the newly refurbished Athenaeum Spa in the quiet residential town of Attard.

Finally, the award-winning spa at the Kempinski San Lawrenz, on the island of Gozo, incorporates one of the largest marine care centres in the Mediterranean and the largest authentic Ayurvedic centre in Europe.

FOOD AND DRINK

Offering a true blend of Mediterranean flavours and techniques with a splash of Sicilian, Italian, Lebanese and North African influences, Malta’s dynamic cuisine focuses on fresh, delicious produce and celebrates a rich culinary history whilst constantly evolving and driving new trends.

Serving as a hub for gastronomes, Malta offers a number of high end restaurants and talented chefs.

Names such as Kevin Bonello, the highly acclaimed Executive Chef at the award winning De Mondion restaurant, Joe Vella from The Hilton, Michael Cauchi a multi-lingual native Maltese Chef and George Borg, chef at Il-Kartell Restaurant in Gozo, have all influenced Malta’s fine dining scene, setting a standard that compares well with any of the top European restaurants and offering a serious attraction for foodies to Malta.

Offering a huge variety of restaurants and plenty of al fresco dining, Malta’s dining scene is increasingly cosmopolitan and visitors can enjoy almost any kind of cuisine imaginable. A recent trend for fusion food has seen local chefs successfully combining typical Maltese food with the exotic flavours of the East with great success.

Those who prefer private dining can enjoy the personal service of their own chef on their yacht or in their farmhouse for a reasonable cost.

From fine wines to classic cocktails, the drinking scene in Malta covers it all. Cocktail bars such as Level 22, on the 22nd floor of the Hilton Tower, Q Bar on the Valetta waterfront and the Bedouin Bar at the Westin offer the best mixologists and premium brands.

Wine buffs will pleased to discover that the perfect balance of sun drenched days, cool sea breezes and rich clay terrain of the Maltese islands have helped produce distinctive grapes with exceptional flavour and depth of character. There are five main wine makers in Malta, many of which still family owned and a few of them offer tours and tastings of award winning wines.

The Islands also boast many intimate wine bars such as Trabuxu in Valletta and Del Borgo in Vittoriosa, where the exclusive wine lists are complemented by a delectable menu and a beautiful ambience.

CONCIERGE SERVICES

Malta has a number of highly qualified and informative guides who can be hired on a daily rate to ensure you get the most out of your sightseeing.

For those looking for the highest quality of service, at competitive rates, Malta’s concierge services can take the stress out of planning and will carefully create a tailor-made programme for visitors, offering sound advice and ensuring your stay in Malta is a positively unforgettable experience.

YACHT CHARTER

With Malta’s crystal blue waters and stunning locations like the Blue Lagoon and caves to explore, why not charter a yacht for the day, complete with skipper and deckhand? Yachts of all sizes are available,
from 29 Ft to 64ft and more, and prices start from €260, including fuel.
The Malta Sailing Academy and the Royal Malta Yacht Club also offer a number of courses throughout the year.

Aside from chartering a yacht, there are other ways to travel in style in Malta. Take a flight on the Seaplane and enjoy a unique take off and landing from Grand Harbour. Whether you’re visiting Gozo or taking the ‘Scenic Tour’, the Seaplane offers an exhilarating experience and a bird’s eye view of the Maltese archipelago.

Malta has a well developed road network, making it a pleasure to explore the multitude of interesting sites. A selection of car hire companies offer a variety of vintage, luxury, off-road and modern vehicles.

Rich with history and cultures, riding in a vintage car in Malta allows guests to immerse themselves in the glories of the past.

* www.visitmalta.com

Regular, direct flights to Malta take under 3hrs and are scheduled from airports throughout the UK, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Bristol, Birmingham, East Midlands, Bournemouth, Liverpool, Leeds, Bradford, Manchester, Newcastle, Luton, Edinburgh and Belfast. Carriers include Air Malta, Easyjet, BMI Baby and Ryanair.

Autumn is the perfect time to enjoy all that the North Yorkshire Moors has to offer and with this in mind the Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa have come up with a fantastic package to appeal to all your senses.

Start the day in the outdoors where guests can enjoy one of the beautiful walks straight from the front door.

The picturesque town of Helmsley where the affectionately known “The Fev” is nestled, is actually the start of the famous Cleveland Way and located in the heart of great walking country.
There is plenty of variety, including coastal paths around the edge of the North York Moors and others that present fantastic views over the valleys below the Moors.

A pocket version, illustrated walking guide book for the area is given to each guest to borrow during their stay too so all the research is taken care of.

To make sure you have enough energy for a brisk walk, The Fev will provide guests with a gourmet picnic filled with Chef’s home-made delicious treats to enjoy during the day, all packed in a handy rucksack.

On returning to the hotel, the award winning Verbena Spa is an indulgent way to spend the afternoon, whilst resting those weary muscles.

There are specific “Walkers” treatments available (chargeable) too like those with sore heels can try the “Sole Delight Foot Treatment” or for aches and pains of strained muscles the “Bubbling Mud Treatment” which warms and soothes the body wonderfully.

Included in the package all guests have access to the enjoyment of the aromatherapy steam room, salt inhalation room, monsoon shower, ice cave, foot spas, outdoor hot tub, and outdoor heated pool all ideal ways to warm the weary muscles and relax after your walking.

A delicious 3 course dinner is a perfect way to end your day and another opportunity to enjoy the fresh, local produce served at the hotel which showcases the best that North Yorkshire has to offer.

Being close to the North Sea the hotel also has access to an abundance of seafood as well as Yorkshire cheeses, local lamb and beef.

Retiring to one of the Feversham Arms Hotel and Verbena Spa’s 33 rooms will ensure you have a restful night’s sleep and set you up for the rest of your weekend in beautiful North Yorkshire.

The Muddy Boots Package includes:-

Two nights’ accommodation
* Three course dinner each evening
* Chef’s homemade picnic on one day
* Yorkshire Breakfast each morning
* Early Morning Hot Drinks
* Use of the North Yorkshire Moors walking guide books
* Access to the Verbena Spa

Available any night Sunday – Thursday (excluding Bank holidays)

Petite Double – £105.00 per person per night (usually £135.00)

Double – £115.00 per person per night (usually £145.00)

Classic Junior Suite £159.00 per person per night (usually £215.00)

Poolside Suite £180.00 per person per night (usually £245.00)

Spa Suite £195.00 per person per night (usually £269.00)

Available until 19th December 2010, any two consecutive nights Sunday – Thursday, excludes Bank Holidays and 24th October – 28th October

For further information please contact Cath Couzens at cath.couzens@perception-uk.com . Or call on 0845 293 2552.

After buying and converting a former textile atelier in Istanbul’s Nisantasi district into Gallery Residence & Boutique Hotel, Yes Hotels Turkey bought another textile atelier on the same street and converted it into Jazz Hotel Istanbul in less than 150 days.

Both luxury hotels take art as inspiration for their concepts. Gallery Residence & Boutique Hotel’s 21 suites were named and decorated after painters like Vincent Van Gogh and Pablo Picasso, whereas Jazz Hotel Istanbul’s 12 rooms are named and decorated after jazz artists like Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong.

Yalcin Saglikova, president of Yes Hotels Turkey, said, “Nisantasi is the face of modern Istanbul with trendy shops, cafes and restaurants.

“Besides, Lutfi Kirdar Convention and Exhibition Centre (ICEC) is here and the metro station provides easy access to the rest of Istanbul.

“Until recently, Nisantasi was popular among elite locals, yet unknown to most tourists.

“We want travelers to discover that Istanbul has more to offer than the Grand Bazaar and the old town.”

In addition to naming rooms after famous jazz artists, Yes Hotels Turkey decorated each room with the corresponding artist’s prints and posters.

The original LP on every room’s door is like a sign of things to come. Guests open these doors and they are welcomed by that artist’s music. In fact, each room has individual music broadcast playing only the corresponding artist’s music 24 hours a day.

Guests can borrow jazz books, CDs and DVDs from the hotel’s library and enjoy them in their rooms or the lobby. Besides using musical instruments, accessories and figurines in the lobby decoration, Jazz Hotel Istanbul takes its concept to small details with music-themed clocks, ash trays, candle sticks, soaps, napkins and cookie molds.

Even the hotel staff’s ties, pins and aprons are based on the theme of music. The hotel also sells music-themed gifts in the lobby.

Jazz Hotel Istanbul’s each room offers modern features like LCD TV, DVD/CD player, all-in-one printer, satellite TV and radio, laptop safe, mini bar, kettle, iron and a rain shower. Some rooms have walk-in closets. Breakfast, Wi-Fi and PlayStation 3 rental are complimentary.

For more information, visit www.jazzhotel.com.tr/en

Hilton Worldwide signed a franchise license agreement with VIS 7 Import Export SRL to open a Doubletree by Hilton hotel in Bucharest, Romania.

The conversion and upgrade of the Bucharest City Unirii Square Hotel to a Doubletree by Hilton hotel is scheduled to be completed in the second quarter of 2011.

The Doubletree by Hilton, Bucharest-Unirii Square will be Hilton Worldwide’s fifth hotel in Romania and the country’s second Doubletree by Hilton hotel development, with the Doubletree by Hilton, Oradea due to open in early 2011.

The Doubletree by Hilton, Bucharest-Unirii Square will offer 88 rooms, meeting facilities, a restaurant and bar, a coffee house, and a fitness centre with sauna and treatment room.

The hotel is located in the city center, close to the heart of the business and retail area of Unirii Square.

For more information, call 800-222-TREE or visit www.doubletree.com

Eurail Romania Pass

Amanresorts’ tented camp, Aman-i-Khás, is welcoming guests again to Rajasthan’s wilds.

Situated on the outskirts of Ranthambore National Park, this camp of 10 luxury tents provides access to India’s wildlife including the Bengal Tiger complete with central fireplace, spa tent and a step-well for dips between game drives.

The season at Aman-i-Khás runs through the end of April.

Amanresorts has grown to encompass 24 resorts in Bhutan, Cambodia, China, France, French Polynesia, Indonesia, India, Laos, Montenegro, Morocco, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the Turks & Caicos Islands and the U.S.

For more information, visit www.amanresorts.com

JAL Hotels Co., Ltd. opened Hotel Nikko Wuxi, a hotel with five-star-level international facilities and services, offering both Japanese hospitality and local Chinese culture and heritage.

The hotel, built along a very old canal that is to become a UNESCO World Heritage site, is conveniently situated in central Wuxi.

With a population of 4.6 million, Wuxi is the center of China’s Jiangnan region waterways and the site of 3,000 years of cultural heritage.

Hotel Nikko Wuxi offers 499 rooms with amenities including a large LCD-TV with satellite channels (including CNN) and broadband.

The hotel’s dining facilities include Café Serena, which serves an international breakfast buffet; Benkay Japanese restaurant on the top (22nd) floor; and the restaurant Toh-Lee, which offers six private rooms.

The 6,400-square-foot ballroom, the city’s largest, holds 320 guests, banquet-style.

With seven additional meeting spaces, the hotel accommodates all types of meetings and functions.

Other facilities include an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, massage room and beauty salon.

For more information, visit www.nikkowuxi.com

Starting Dec. 12, the new high-speed Allegro Train from Helsinki, Finland, to St. Petersburg, Russia will take travelers to the old imperial capital in three and a half hours.

The new Allegro train will cut travel time between the two cities by a third.

With a top speed of close to 140 mph, the technically advanced trains as well as faster border procedures and an upgraded line service will shave two hours off the duration of the journey. Seating 344 passengers in first and second classes, the Allegro Train has been planned keeping those with specific needs in mind.

Areas are available for passengers needing wheelchairs as well as for those travelling with pets.

Other amenities include a restaurant carriage, a conference compartment and a playroom for children. Services such as currency exchange and tax-free refunds onboard are available.

A single-journey ticket from Helsinki to St. Petersburg costs 84 euros ($110) in second class.

A first class fare costs 134 euros ($177) and includes a snack, daily newspapers and coffee or tea from a self-service counter.

The Allegro departs daily from Helsinki to St. Petersburg at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; and from St. Petersburg to Helsinki at 6.40 a.m. and 3.25 p.m. By summer 2011 the number of daily return services is expected to increase from two to four.

For more information, visit

www.vr.fi/eng/ulkomaat/venaja/palvelut_junissa/allegro

or www.visitfinland.com

YTL Hotels will open the Shook! Shanghai in November. Located in Shanghai’s Swatch Art Peace Hotel, formerly the Palace Hotel, the perpetual motion restaurant Shook!, along with The Time Bar and The Swatch Art Peace Hotel Terrace, will be among contemporary Shanghai’s most compelling dining and entertainment addresses.

This Renaissance style 1906 colonial heritage hotel and landmark is located on Nanjing Road at the Bund intersection, overlooking the Huangpu River and the Pudong skyline.

Shook!’s international fame hails from Shook! at YTL’s Starhill Gallery in Kuala Lumpur.

Perched in a space of symmetry and proportion, Shook! Shanghai, the first outpost outside of the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, features the skills of four chefs with four distinct cuisines.

A show kitchen, dubbed the “Ferrari” of kitchens, features seasonal trends in Chinese, Japanese and Thai, to French Provençal.

The culinary team is helmed by YTL’s corporate Chef Kevin Cape, hailing from the United Kingdom. He is assisted by Executive Chef Jacqueline Qiu, one of Shanghai’s most recognized Chinese culinary experts.

For more information, call 011-60 3 2783 1000, email

travelcentre@ytlhotels.com.my  or visit www.ytlhotels.com