Jetsettersblog

Muri Beach Club Hotel has been voted “Winner 2010 – Luxury Boutique Hotel’ in the World Luxury Travel Awards Ceremony.

The very best hotels from across the world competed at the 2010 “World Luxury Hotel Awards” gala ceremony in Hua Hin, Thailand, and Muri Beach Club Hotel was the only Resort from the Cook Islands to take home an award.

Muri Beach Club Hotel is a privately owned boutique adults only Resort, perfect for couples wanting a romantic escape.

The Resort boasts an enviable location on the best stretch of beach facing the famous Muri Lagoon on the island of Rarotonga.

The “World Luxury Hotel Awards” is about congratulating hotels that have taken the extra step with regards to the quality of their facilities and service standards and, as such, they are differentiated from ‘good hotels’ to become recognized as “exceptional hotels.”

The resort offers world class facilities designed to pamper guests, with a choice of accommodation ranging from Garden View to Beach front Rooms.

Boutique in style and service, Muri Beach Club Hotel invites guests to experience the real rhythm of Rarotonga and prides itself in delivering on its promise.

With its first hotel in Thailand, Four Points by Sheraton is bringing its proposition of uncomplicated comfort and value to one of Asia’s commercial and cultural hubs.

Located in Sukhumvit, Bangkok’s entertainment and commercial district, the 268-room property will offer some of the largest guestrooms among the city’s midscale hotels along with a rooftop bar and a specially curated “Beer Vault.”

The hotel features 249 guest rooms, eight junior suites and 11 executive suites, all designed with clean architectural lines and warm contemporary furnishings. Each room includes the Four Points by Sheraton Four Comfort bed with feather-down pillows and a duvet. As at all Four Points hotels, guests have a free high-speed wireless Internet and complimentary bottled water.

Dining options at Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, Sukhumvit 15 are casual. The Eatery, an all-day restaurant, offers a buffet as well as a menu featuring home-style favorites for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Wrapped, a café-deli, serves fresh coffee, daily handmade gourmet sandwiches, paninis and desserts that include exclusive Feel Good Treats from Four Points by Sheraton.

And the Beer Vault provides guests with local and international hand-crafted brews from Four Points by Sheraton’s Best Brews program. Guests may also sip specialty cocktails while enjoying the sunset from the hotel’s rooftop bar, Ambar.

For more information, visit the banner at right.

Whilst a lunch cruise on Sydney Harbour is the traditional way to experience Sydney’s waterways, the active are finding a Harbour Bridge lunch kayak the only way to go!

From fantastic views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, to the occasional face to face encounter with a seal or pod of dolphins, this would have to be the ultimate Sydney Harbour experience.

Adventure Tourism specialist Life’s An Adventure, offer an exclusive Sydney Harbour Bridge kayaking tour including lunch. Starting in the inner harbour, guests are given an introductory session on the finer points of paddling before taking to the water.

Passing pretty coves and beaches it is not long before the Harbour Bridge comes into view, rising grandly above the sparkling waters of Sydney’s harbour.

Later it’s time for a stop at a picturesque beach to savour a delicious smorgasbord lunch including fresh prawns, ham off the bone, crusty bread rolls, fresh gourmet salads and other delicious ingredients.

After lunch, guests make the return journey and may during certain times of the year, be lucky enough to encounter friendly dolphins or seals who may appear to say hello.

Life’s an Adventure’s half day Sydney Harbour Bridge Lunch Kayak Adventure are priced at $125 per person with a $10 discounts for tours on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Tours available daily all year round, with pre bookings required.

Life’s An adventure also offer a 2 hour early morning Harbour Bridge paddle, a full day lower Blue Mountains Kayak, a half Manly lunch kayak and a choice of 2 day kayaking adventures on the Hawkesbury River and Shoalhaven Gorge including overnight camping and gourmet meals.

Life’s An Adventure specialise in kayaking, hiking and mountain biking guided day and overnight tours.

They have recently received a Highly Commended Award in Adventure Tourism in the Blue Mountains 2010 Awards of Excellence.

Full details and bookings are available on their website at:

www.lifesanadventure.com.au/kayaking-tours

Overlooking a beautiful cove, Dune Café is one of the best spots to relax, enjoy and soak up what the coast is all about.

A hub for families and beach lovers to meet and enjoy local produce, a coffee or an ice cream to help cool down on what is set to be one hot summer. Executive Chef Jiri Solnicka and Head Chef Neil Stickland have devised a menu to suit all tastes and the café is open seven days for breakfast and lunch.

The front of house staff have had extensive barista training and are always commended on their friendliness and professionalism.

Having an impressive pirate themed playground on the green and a private function room, it is a great location to host children’s parties, especially because Dune café can take care of all the proceedings, including the fun.

Keep a look out for planned events over the summer break, like free family movies on the big screen and free kids creative workshops. www.currumbinrsl.com.au

The Polish Place on Tamborine Mountain is one of the major tourist attractions for both day-trippers, and for those who want a short break away.

Five fully self-contained timber Chalets located on the western escarpment with panoramic views and sunsets, log fires and a double spa allows guests to relax and unwind.

The award-winning restaurant features traditional Polish cuisine and is associated with traditional Polish décor, a large open fireplace, or outdoor alfresco dining in the garden with views to the Great Dividing Range.

The fine/folk art gallery specializes in Polish artifacts, amber jewellery and tapestries. Recent winners of “Best European Restaurant” for 2010 on the Gold Coast, by the Restaurant & Caterer’s Association QLD and State Finalist for “Best Tourism Restaurant” and ” Best European Restaurant” in 2010. www.polishplace.com.au

Experience the best of the Gold Coast beachfront lifestyle. Gemini Court Holiday Apartments is uniquely positioned looking north over miles of white sand beaches up to Surfers Paradise.

The renowned Burleigh Beach is on your doorstep offering spectacular surf and swim opportunities.

The twin towers of Gemini Court, with heated pool and tennis court, are ideally located on elevated ground on the headland itself, between the National Park, Burleigh Beach and the Burleigh Town Centre.

Gemini Court Holiday Apartments offer distinct accommodation choices with our one bedroom, two bedroom and two bedroom superior apartments.

All are fully self-contained with large living areas, ensuites and private balconies.

The ocean views are superb from every apartment and stretch north from Burleigh Beach along over 40km of coastline including the Surfers Paradise skyline.

This four and four and a half star rated superior apartment complex also features full resort facilities. www.geminicourt.com.au

Andre and Meredith Morris opened the doors to the Witches Chase Cheese Co, Mt Tamborine Brewery and Liquid Amber Bistro and Grill almost two years ago.

Following the trend of contemporary architecture in trying to bring the outside in, this stunning and spacious venue houses an artisan cheese factory, boutique brewery and gourmet bistro for the discerning diner.

Visitors can view in to the factory and watch experienced cheese makers as they create award-winning cheeses from both goat’s milk and local Jersey herd. MT Brewery features brewer Ian Watson who creates beer with real flavour via minimal intervention, no artificial additives, traditional brewing methods, and proper maturation times.
Brewery tours, tastings and take away sales are available. Liquid Amber Bistro and Grill is perfect for long lunches while soaking up the hospitable surrounds of Mt Tamborine. www.witcheschasecheese.com.au and www.mtbeer.com.au

Enjoy your next Gold Coast getaway relaxing in the unspoilt Hinterland at Wings Hinterland Retreat.

Mingle with resident kangaroos and wallabies, kookaburras and the occasional koala! For a holiday with a difference… this amazing property has it all and is only a short drive from all the action of Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Burleigh and the World famous Gold Coast theme parks.

Wings Hinterland Retreat offers more than 1500 square metres of living space yet maintains a homely and cosy feel.

Amenities include a 14 person Cedar Sauna, two spas, massive pool, uutdoor bar and kitchen, tennis court, gymnasium and even an indoor bowling alley!

Visit www.wingshinterlandretreat.com

The Escarpment is the perfect destination for your next short break.

Escape to our luxurious mountain retreat, set in four acres of lush botanical gardens on Tamborine Mountain, we offer five star private villa accommodation, with the emphasis on privacy and relaxation.

Your secluded split level villa features a sunken lounge room, feather couches, cedar floors, a wood fireplace, vaulted timber ceilings, private balcony, four poster canopy king size beds, and a decadent deep spa bath.

Relax while we prepare a fresh gourmet picnic hamper lunch to take out for the day and explore the local mountain attractions, or simply stay inside and indulge in a private massage in our dedicated Spa Pavilion – the choice is yours.

As the sun sets the evenings provide a warm, luxurious ambience with a big open fire in the lodge where you can relax in overstuffed couches with a glass of our award winning local wine.

We are happy to arrange unique experiences during your stay including:

Hot air ballooning over the western ranges at sunrise with a champagne breakfast, Gourmet food and wine tours with the emphasis on quality local produce and award winning wines, Limousine transfers in a gold Rolls Royce, Private serenade by local entertainer while you relax around an open fire,

Sink into our Grecian spa bath surrounded by candles, rose petals and aromatherapy oils, Exclusive use of Private Gold Class cinema including champagne and chocolates.

At the Escarpment we will ensure your stay with us is a truly memorable experience. Visit www.escarpment.com.au

Scenic flights to Lady Elliot Island depart daily from Coolangatta giving visitors to the Gold Coast access to one of Australia’s geographic marvels.

Lady Elliot is a true coral cay island located at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef, north of Fraser Island.

The island is regarded as one of the best snorkelling and diving locations on the Great Barrier Reef and is famous for its unspoilt coral reef and amazing array of spectacular marine life.

Guests can tour the reef in a glass bottom boat, snorkel to experience the wonders of the reef, learn to scuba dive, take a guided reef walk, enjoy a range of guided activities or simply relax on a deserted beach.

With exceptionally clear water year round, visitors will discover a diverse range of coral and colourful fish, and they might even encounter turtles, dolphins and our resident Manta Rays.

Enjoy a day-trip or stay for a few days to explore this amazing marine ecosystem. Upon arrival on Lady Elliot Island, your guide will take guests on a brief orientation tour of the island and will escort you to the Day Guest facilities where you will collect your snorkel equipment.

Guests will then join a glass bottom boat & guided snorkel tour.

A hot & cold buffet lunch is served in the restaurant and includes a choice of wine, beer and soft drink.

After lunch guests may join a guided tour on the island or enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

At 2.00pm guests depart on a scenic flight back to the Gold Coast.

Tour concludes at approx 4.00pm and guests will be transferred back to their hotel. www.ladyelliot.com.au

It’s not every day you stumble across previously undiscovered waterfalls.

But this is exactly what happened to Michael Bass, the El Questro Wilderness Park Manager, on the remote Western Australian resort in the Kimberley Ranges did when he was carrying out a routine aerial burn programme.

“Finding Amaroo Falls was a surprise right out of the blue,” said Michael, more commonly known as Micko, who has worked at El Questro for eight seasons.

“I was speechless when we landed to have a look. That such a beautiful place still lay undiscovered was hard to believe. We did a couple of loops in the helicopter and I was amazed at the make-up of the falls, a series of falls connected by crystal clear swimming holes that just screamed ‘explore me!’”

“Two weeks later I was back, swimming in the pools.”

Located in the south eastern corner of El Questro, 25km south east of the main activities hub of El Questro, The Station Township, and 25km south of Emma Gorge Resort, Amaroo Falls are the latest jewels in El Questro’s crown, found purely by chance. And because of their beauty, they have been named Amaroo Falls, ‘amaroo’ meaning ‘beautiful place’ in Aboriginal.

Only accessible by helicopter, Amaroo Falls comprise a stunning collection of around 15 waterfalls and cascades of varying heights from 2 metres to 45 metres.

In addition, there are pristine swimming holes and some of the most breathtaking views El Questro has to offer, sweeping across the south eastern El Questro plateau.

Vegetation at the falls includes Kimberley heather, grevilleas, acacias and spinifex. Being one of the semi-tropical pockets of El Questro there are also maidenhair ferns with tropical box trees and rock figs growing out of the walls.

To allow visitors to El Questro to enjoy the waterfalls, the El Questro rangers have developed the Amaroo Falls Tour.

Taking a maximum of just two passengers, the tour is priced at A$650(£ per person and includes the scenic flight to Amaroo Falls, guided commentary and interpretation from an El Questro Ranger and a gourmet picnic lunch.

Once at the falls guests can hike, swim, learn about the flora and fauna, or just relax in their own magical corner of El Questro.

The tour takes approximately two-and-a-half hours.

Covering a massive million acres, El Questro is located in Western Australia’s East Kimberley, 110km from Kununurra.

It is a land of red-rock mountains, resplendent river gorges, boabs and hidden patches of rainforest.

And spread out across a million acres, there are waterfalls, gorges, ravines and cascades that have remained undiscovered for years.

El Questro was first owned by Torrance McMicking who, in 1958, lodged a pastoral claim and named the property.

Several owners later, Will and Celia Burrell purchased the lease in 1991, opening Emma Gorge after the wet season and launching it as a wilderness resort in May 1992.

El Questro Homestead, with its spectacular location overlooking the Chamberlain River, was opened in September 1992 followed by the Station Campground and Bungalows a year later in May 1993.

Today, around 3,500 head of cattle still roam the northern flats of the property while visitors can enjoy a range of accommodation and experiences suited to any style or budget: from the Station Campground and Bungalows, to tented cabins at Emma Gorge and the luxurious Homestead overlooking the Chamberlain River.

Additional soft-adventure activities at El Questro include cruises along the Chamberlain River, barramundi fishing, scenic helicopter flights, enjoying a dip in Zebedee thermal springs, bird watching, 4WD tracks, gorge hikes and bush walks, history and bush tucker tours, horse riding and much more.

El Questro Wilderness Park opens from 1 April to 31 October every year, allowing for the dramatic thunderstorms to pass over the Kimberley and replenish its numerous gorges and waterfalls during the annual wet season.

www.elquestro.com.au . For reservations, call 08 9169 1777

The Sebel Newcastle Beach opened its doors on 1 November 2010 and Mirvac Hotels & Resorts is delighted to announce the appointment of Simon Glover as General Manager.

Simon is no stranger to the Hunter Region having previously held the position of General Manager at The Sebel Kirkton Park Hunter Valley for 8 years.

His wealth of local knowledge and 22 years of industry experience will be invaluable in his role at The Sebel Newcastle Beach.

He will be responsible for all operational aspects of Mirvac’s latest ‘Sebel’ hotel and will oversee accommodation, food and beverage, leisure facilities and sales and marketing for the property.

Sure to impress with its superb location overlooking one of Australia’s best surf breaks, The Sebel Newcastle Beach is only 2 hours drive north of Sydney.

Newcastle’s newest hotel boasts 88 well-appointed guestrooms, many with spectacular ocean and harbour vistas; well equipped gymnasium; spa; steam room; and 3 superb meeting rooms.

The restaurant and bar’s chic design and stylish décor, make this the perfect spot for meeting up with business colleagues, family and friends.

Offering a relaxed atmosphere, with the choice of either alfresco or indoor dining, the restaurant’s modern Australian menu features many tempting local, seasonal dishes, along with traditional favourites, complemented by a comprehensive wine list.

The bar will delight with an imaginative cocktail and drinks menu along with espresso coffee and blended teas.

Guests also enjoy easy access to Newcastle CBD and the best of this beachside precinct including an array of cafés and restaurants, vibrant bars with live music, excellent shopping and recreational activities.

The Sebel Newcastle Beach will join Mirvac’s portfolio of 45+ managed hotels and resorts across Australia and New Zealand, including 24 under the Sebel branding.

The Sebel Newcastle Beach is located at 5 King Street Newcastle Beach.

For grand opening specials and further information phone 13 15 15 or visit

www.mirvachotels.com

Travelex has introduced America’s first prepaid foreign “currency cards” available in euros and British pounds that utilizes chip and PIN technology.

Travelex’s new chip and PIN Cash Passport MasterCard is compatible with overseas merchants that have migrated towards chip-based transactions.

The new Travelex card requires a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to complete chip-based transactions, offering a safe and convenient alternative to cash, ATM or credit cards. Additionally, the card is PIN and signature protected and is not connected to the cardholders’ bank account, thereby minimizing the risk of identity theft in the event the card is lost or stolen.

The card will also still include a traditional magnetic stripe, for those merchants not yet using chip and PIN technology.

Chip and PIN technology is universally used throughout major European markets such as the United Kingdom, France and has recently become the standard in Canada.

The chip and PIN system has already proved to reduce fraud in many European countries.

For more information, visit the banner at right.

Then click on US.

Reveal Flora And Fauna Found Nowhere Else On Earth
For many visitors to the Cayman Islands, while the white sand beaches and superb marine life may be anticipated, the richness and diversity of its natural flora and fauna found on land is often a pleasant surprise.

Much of Cayman’s nature remains unnoticed by many visitors however, but thanks to a new nature tour enterprise, CaymANNature, www.caymannature.ky, nature lovers will now be able to venture into the less visited areas of the country and add images and stories of some of the rarest species on earth to their holiday albums and scrapbooks.

CaymANNature is by run by Cayman native plant expert, natural history enthusiast and co-author of ‘Butterflies of the Cayman Islands’, long-time resident of the Cayman Islands, Ann Stafford.

Ann, originally from Warwickshire in the UK, has put her 37 years of living on Grand Cayman and her personal passion and expertise into familiarising herself with the wilds of Grand Cayman, which covers some 76 square miles much of which is uninhabited by man.

Natural habitats range from mangrove swamps and wetlands to dry forest, shrubland, and even beautiful man-modified parks and gardens, all of which offer a home to some 57 species of butterfly, 26 orchids, the critically endangered Blue iguana, the Cayman Parrot and many more native and non-native plants, trees and species of bird, reptile and mammal.

Ann says she found herself giving so many informal nature tours to friends and family that she realised that there was a real desire from people to see the natural side of Grand Cayman.

She says: “The Cayman Islands offers a unique nature experience because of their relative geographic isolation in the north-western Caribbean Sea and hence have plants and creatures which occur naturally almost nowhere else on earth including, in the case of the Blue iguana and the Ghost Orchid, only on Grand Cayman. It is real joy to share our natural treasures with visitors.”

The Cayman Islands’ rich history and culture dating back to its discovery by Columbus in 1503 is also brought to life by Ann during her guided tours, with fascinating stories of how indigenous plants were used for shelter, food, clothing, healing, everyday utility, boatbuilding, livelihood and export.

CaymANNature Tours offers half day private Island Overview Tours, a full day Up-Close Nature Tour of Grand Cayman and Nature Walks.

Ann will include tours of the RHS Gold-medal winning 65 acre Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park deep in the island’s undeveloped East End, and walks well off the beaten track.

Tours are priced from £95 per person based on a minimum of two.

For two couples booking together, the fourth person will qualify for a free place (prices quoted will fluctuate slightly with the exchange rate).

For further information on CaymANNature Tours, visit www.caymannature.ky  and for further information on the Cayman Islands visit www.caymanislands.co.uk  or call the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism on T: 020 7 491 7771.

Fancy A Whirl In The Snow? In Finland You Can Do That 200 Days A Year

For a snow-sure holiday, Finland is the place. With the ski season at its best to mid-June, Finland is a paradise for any ski enthusiast or snow lover and holidaymakers can be sure of a long season and an abundance of activities and fun.

Here are some top resorts for enjoying some fun in the snow:

Ruka, Finland’s longest ski season

The longest ski season in Finland and 29 well-groomed slopes have earned Ruka wide renown. Ski season at the resort lasts an astonishing 200 days, from October to mid-June. Ruka is suitable for every skill level, with ski areas especially for children too.

For more information, visit http://www.ruka.fi/winter_eng

Levi, northernmost site on the World Cup circuit

Finland’s most renowned ski resort, Levi has hosted World Cup events annually since 2004.

Husky, reindeer and snowmobile safaris, snowshoe excursions, ice fishing and tour skating are just some of the other exciting attractions to try over the extended winter.

To find out more, visit http://www.levi.fi/en/home.html

Ylläs, the country’s largest resort

Ylläs is not only Finland’s biggest ski resort, the longest of its 62 slopes measures 3000 meters, making it unparalleled in the country. Find out more at

http://www.yllas.fi/?deptid=8951

Tahko, the Lakeland area’s hidden gem

Tahko’s central location and excellent air and land transport connections make it an effortless choice. If downhill skiing slopes and cross-country skiing trails weren’t enough, there are even rally cars available for enjoyment.

For more information, visit

www.tahko.com/index.php?lId=2

Vuokatti, paradise for fitness enthusiasts

Vuokatti is the location of the well-known Vuokatti Sports Institute, a prestigious sports training centre which focuses on innovation, health and wellness.

Find out more at www.vuokatti.fi/index_uk.php

Messilä, a picturesque haven

Nestled serenely between forest ridges and lakeshore, it’s hard to believe that Messilä is just an hour from Helsinki.

Between ski runs, don’t miss a chance to step into the century-old manor house, now a restaurant and meeting place.

For more information, visit www.messila.fi/en/Home

Pyhä, ski getaway in the heart of Lapland

Just ninety minutes from the Arctic Circle, Pyhä combines the comfort of modern hotels and spa facilities with adventure in the great outdoors. The added attractions of Pyhä’s Husky and Reindeer Park and Amethyst Mine spell fun for guests of all ages.

To find out more, visit http://ski.pyha.fi/

Le Ski, the French Alps chalet specialists for 28 years, announce nothing new whatsoever! It’s not broken so we’re not going to fix it…

Boring?
Us?
Maybe…

But we’ve been doing what we do for nearly 30 years now, and it works.

So why change?

95% of our guests last winter said that their holiday was good value for money.

In turbulent times, people seek reliability, experience and value from a fully bonded, safe tour operator.

Look no further!

Good staff (friendly, well-trained, professional)
Good resorts (Courchevel, Val d’Isère, La Tania)
Good snow (high resorts: 1650m, 1850m, 1350m)
Good flights (Manchester & Gatwick to Chambéry, Sunday morning)
Good chalets (free WiFi, lots of steam rooms, hot tubs, saunas etc)

Here are 3 more reasons to book with Le Ski:

Knowledge Our UK office team actually know what they’re talking about!

Honesty We won’t sell you a holiday which doesn’t suit, or extras you don’t need.

Simplicity Our holidays include free ski guiding, flight & transfer to resort, chalet board, Champagne reception, canapés, cheeseboard, mulled wine, linen and towels, 100% financial protection, taxes.

And we don’t charge extra for special diets…

100 – % of Le Ski chalets with free Wifi

33 – number of countries on Earth which are smaller in area than the Trois Vallées

14,445 – number of baguettes consumed by Le Ski guests last winter

4½ – number of days Le Ski guides will show guests round the mountains for free

75 – % of our guests have travelled with us before or have been recommended

www.leski.com for live availability, online booking, chalet and resort details, videos, pictures and a whole lot of information for people who already love skiing and for those who haven’t tried it yet.

Do contact us for further info about Le Ski, skiing generally or the meaning of life. Or just to tell us how boring we are.