Jetsettersblog

Cutting-edge serviced apartment group Ovolo is extending from Hong Kong Island into West Kowloon with a trend-setting new ‘All-Inclusive’ concept to stylish living.

Ovolo Kowloon is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2011 in Tung Chau Street, with 63 designer apartments in the upcoming metropolis, a 5 minute ride from Elements mall and ICC.

With the brand’s first venture into Kowloon, the new ‘All-Inclusive’ concept for serviced apartments is designed with each individual guest in mind. They will be taken care of by dedicated staff with tailor-made services that ensure the guests can enjoy effortless city living

The ‘All-Inclusive’ concept will incorporate a 24 hour lounge serving complimentary healthy breakfasts, fruit, snacks, beverages and ‘happy hour’ drinks after work. It provides a separate relaxation area for guests to socialize, network with fellow residents and entertain visitors.

Also featured is a 24-hour gym, plus private shuttle bus to Elements and ICC, as well as all the Ovolo properties on Hong Kong Island and the Airport Express.

“This is our first venture into this ‘all inclusive’ arena but we are confident the innovation will be well received,” said Ovolo Group Managing Director, Girish Jhunjhnuwala.

Ovolo Kowloon apartments will range from two to three bedrooms, all with harbour views and featuring the latest amenities and luxuries synonymous with the brand.

Design by award winning K plus K architects maximizes space while maintaining a “chic aesthetic” – including a ‘three point’ bathroom allowing three individuals to use the bathroom facilities at the same time.

“We take a lot of time and effort to understand what our guests really need and want – how to make their new lives as comfortable, appealing and effortless as possible,” added Hong Kong-born Mr Jhunjhnuwala

Access by road to the nearby Western Harbour Tunnel provides additional convenience for commuting to Central and Hong Kong Island.

Anticipated rates will start from HK$1,000 daily and monthly rates start from HK$20,000.

Fast-growing Ovolo earlier this year acquired two new apartment buildings to become Hong Kong’s largest independent serviced apartment operator with five apartment blocks on Hong Kong Island.

Ovolo is also exploring opportunities to expand into hotel and serviced apartment management services across the region, amid active negotiations for hotel management agreements in Australia, Japan and China.

The brand is distinguished by award-winning, intelligent design with spacious layouts by leading architects, state-of-the-art technology and communications, extensive concierge services and home-style, eco-friendly comfort.

Its properties consistently command some of the highest rentals and enjoy some of the highest occupancy rates in Hong Kong.

Asia Jet announced today that it had signed a lease agreement for one Citation XLS+ to be added to its fleet with Cessna Aircraft Company, a Textron Inc (NYSE: TXT) company.

The aircraft will be available for charter by Asia Jet’s clients in Hong Kong and Mainland China, and perform demonstration flights for the Manufacturer under a pioneering commercial agreement for the region.

aircraft will enter service with Asia Jet in the early part of 2011.

With one of the largest charter fleets in Asia and branch offices in Shanghai and Tokyo, Asia Jet is already well known for its outstanding service quality and has been highly-rated by elite travelers for offering the best and most comprehensive choice in private jet solutions.

Asia Jet’s operating partner MetroJet was recently named an authorized Citation service facility for the region.

The Citation XLS+, part of the mid-size Excel/XLS family, is the latest version of the world’s best-selling business jet model. It features the fully integrated Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite and electronically controlled (FADEC) engines from Pratt & Whitney Canada. Exterior and interior restyling is also integrated into the new model, most prominently the extended contour of the nose and expanded seat widths, both introduced to more closely resemble Cessna’s Citation X and Citation Sovereign models.

Hong Kong, – Accor, the largest international operator of hotels in Asia Pacific proudly announces a significant milestone achievement today – with the opening of Pullman Oceanview Sanya Bay Resort and Spa next month, Accor will have 100 hotels operating in Greater China. This milestone achievement comes after operating in China for 25 years.

Michael Issenberg, Chairman and Chief Operating Officer – Accor Asia Pacific says of this milestone achievement “Since entering China 25 years ago the hotel industry in the country has changed at an extraordinary rate.

Throughout this period of great change, Accor has evolved its business in China through expansion beyond tier one destinations, direct investment into the economy sector, franchising and through the introduction of new brands, including the Pullman Hotel Brand.

This evolution has enabled Accor to participate in the fast paced growth within the sector and to continuously deliver new products to cater to increased demand from both domestic and international markets.”

With the opening of this new hotel next month, Accor will operate 100 hotels with 26,500 rooms in 42 cities throughout the country within seven unique hotel brands from economy to luxury. Furthermore Accor has commitments in China for a further 40 hotels through till 2013.

China is today one of Accor’s most significant growth markets in the region and has experienced the fastest rate of growth with 43 hotels having opened in the past three years.

This growth has seen Accor establish a diversified portfolio of 23 luxury hotels, 15 upscale hotels, 18 mid-scale and 43 economy hotels.

“One of the most significant initiatives that Accor has undertaken in China to enable continued expansion and product evolution to cater to new markets, has been the introduction of the Pullman hotel brand” added Issenberg.

“Positioned at the affordable end of the five star hotel category and with smart use of technologies and distinguishable service differentiators, the Pullman brand has quickly established a network of 8 hotels today in China with a further 11 hotels committed to development and all opening by 2013.”
The Pullman hotel brand has experienced extraordinary growth in the Asia Pacific region since it was officially launched in the region in early 2008.

Today Accor operates 17 Pullman hotels and resorts throughout Asia Pacific and has a further 23 Pullman hotels committed to development.

The brand has one of the regions fastest growing upscale hotel networks. 100 Pullman hotels and resorts are anticipated for Asia Pacific by 2013.

Between now and the middle of 2011, five Pullman hotels will open throughout Asia Pacific in:

China: Pullman Oceanview Sanya Bay Resort and Resort
Pullman Lijiang Resort & Spa
India: Pullman Gurgaon Central Park
Indonesia: Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana
Vietnam: Pullman Danang Beach

Pullman Oceanview Sanya Bay Resort & Spa is located on the private waterfront of Sanya Bay with close proximity to both Phoenix Airport and the city centre of Sanya, Hainan Province in China. All 413 rooms and suites will enjoy panoramic views of the South China Sea or lush island greens. This hotel offers more than 2,000sqm multi-function space for mid-to-large scale meetings as well as 3,000sqm leisure facilities including a spa, swimming pools, and tennis courts.

Pullman Lijiang Resort & Spa is adjacent to some of the most breathtaking attractions like Jade Dragon Mountain and Tiger Leaping Gorge – located in the famous Lijiang City in Yunan Province in Southern China.

Featuring 130 rooms and villas, the resort will have an intimate spa, private outdoor heated jacuzzis, and lake-side al-fresco dining to pamper business incentive and leisure travelers. The resort is scheduled to open in December of 2010.

Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana is located adjacent one of Bali’s most popular beaches and strategically located linking Legian, Kuta and Seminyak. Close to the airport, this hotel offers easy access to restaurants, shopping and nightlife. With 351 rooms and suites, Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana is extensively equipped with ballrooms, meeting rooms, swimming pools, fitness centre, tennis courts, and many other recreational activity facilities. The hotel is scheduled to welcome guests before the end of 2010.

Ideally located by the new metro link, the corporate satellite city of New Delhi, Pullman Gurgaon Central Park presents a fresh approach to upscale Indian accommodation as the first Pullman hotel in India.

Featuring 285 rooms and suites, Pullman Gurgaon Central Park offers an extensive range of food and beverage outlets, a large gymnasium, a designer spa with beauty salon and the state of the art technology, personal IT service and extensive conferencing facilities.

hotel will open in quarter 2, 2011.

Pullman Danang Beach is due to open in mid 2011 and located right on the beach front.

The hotel will feature 207 guest rooms, 4 restaurants and extensive meeting and leisure facilities including three swimming pools.

The city of Danang attracts tourists from Vietnam and abroad and is renowned for having one of the worlds top ten beaches. This hotel will be the debut of the brand in Vietnam.

The Pullman brand

Pullman is Accor’s upscale hotel brand that is ideal for travelers seeking services and facilities that satisfy today’s modern business and leisure lifestyles.

Pullman hotels provide first-class meeting and conference facilities specifically designed to serve the MICE market (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions).

Pullman hotels around the world are fast becoming a favorite choice among corporate and event organizers.

All Pullman hotels provide full wireless and broadband communications, executive floors and lounges, chill-out zones and state-of-the-art meeting and function facilities as well as signature services such as Pullman

By the end of 2010 there will be 50 Pullman hotels and resorts in operation throughout the world.

Accor in Asia Pacific

In Asia Pacific, Accor currently operates 422 hotels within nine unique hotel brands and has a further 140 hotels committed to development.

With a presence in 16 countries in Asia Pacific, Accor operates the regions largest portfolio with over 80,000 rooms.

Lufthansa passengers traveling on long-haul flights once again can use the Internet.

With its partners Panasonic Avionics Corp. and Deutsche Telekom, Lufthansa will be the first airline to offer broadband Internet access on intercontinental routes. The service, which will initially be provided on selected North Atlantic routes, will be available on nearly the entire Lufthansa intercontinental network by the end of 2011.

In-flight Internet access will be available for free on FlyNet-equipped aircraft until Jan. 31.

After that, the price for one hour’s online access is 10.95 euros or 3,500 miles, while the 24-hour flat rate is 19.95 euros or 7,000 miles. Under the 24-hour flat rate agreement, passengers can access the Internet on all Lufthansa connecting flights equipped with a hotspot during the period of validity as well as after the flight in Lufthansa lounges.

The fast in-flight Internet service gives passengers with a WLAN-enabled laptop or Smart Phone unlimited online access.

Because of the high bandwidth, Lufthansa said emails—including those with large file attachments—can be sent and received without any time delay.

Business travelers can also access their company’s Virtual Private Network (VPN).

In the spring, in-flight data communication should also be possible using the mobile phone standards GSM and GPRS. In addition to the wireless Internet (WLAN) service, Lufthansa customers will then be able to use their mobile phones to send and receive SMS text messages and transfer data with phones such as the iPhone or PDAs such as BlackBerry.

Lufthansa first introduced broadband Internet in-flight in January 2003.

From May 2004 until the end of 2006, when Lufthansa’s then-partner Connexion by Boeing discontinued the service, wireless broadband Internet grew in popularity. The technology also proved very reliable.

By the end of 2006, some 69 of Lufthansa’s long-range aircraft were equipped with FlyNet, making the Lufthansa fleet the largest Internet-enabled long-haul fleet in the world, with about 30,000 users per month.

Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa was given the Commitment to Excellence Award at the Leading Hotels of the World Awards.

Presented in Tokyo at the 2010 Annual Convention of The Leading Hotels of the World, the awards recognize those hotels whose programs in sustainability, community outreach and cultural support, enrich the experience of their guests and benefit the world at large. As Australia’s first conservation-based luxury resort,

Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa was given the overall Commitment to Excellence Award, as well as winning the Environment category for its innovation and dedication to sustainable practices. It was also noted for the active protection, regeneration and conservation programs for the wildlife and flora in its surrounding locale.

Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa opened in October 2009.

It’s located within a 4,000-acre reserve and between two national parks bordering the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.

The resort features 40 individual suites surrounded by private decks, each having its own indoor/outdoor swimming pool.

Its architecture is designed to be reminiscent of traditional rural Australian homesteads.

Australia’s largest luxury private yacht, Southern Cloud returns to Sydney next week for the summer charter season, after six months on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

The luxury sailing yacht was fully refurbished and modernized.

The 130-foot sailing charter yacht is able to comfortably sleep 12.

The yacht includes fully electric en-suite facilities for all seven bedrooms, full Internet access, laundry and climate control, modern entertainment and a private crew of six.

Southern Cloud comes with a dedicated staff including a chef, engineer, stewardess and first mate; diving and snorkeling equipment; a 24-hour water taxi service; and all of the equipment you could need.

For AUD $1750 ($1,677) per person (minimum 12) for three days and two nights aboard, 12 guests can take in Sydney on a private charter yacht. Drop anchor in front of Taronga Zoo, visit Pittwater for a night, or slowly tack around Farm Cove and Rose Bay as you enjoy your company and beautiful surroundings.

Alternatively, Southern Cloud is available for a minimum four-hour charter where you can moor off the Opera Hours, Rose Bay or at a tranquil location in the harbor.

For more information, visit www.southerncloud.com

Eco Safaris Queensland (ESQ) has recently opened on the Gold Coast and offers exclusive, personalised, day-tours to the Gold Coast hinterland and further into the diverse Scenic Rim.

the by-line ‘Explore Pure Nature’ ESQ is dedicated to conservation, luxury and providing a unique Australian experience.

With access to private sites, explore hidden gems as well as the popular sites within our World Heritage listed rainforests and spectacular Aussie cattle country.

From our modern, all-terrain Land Rover 4WD, learn about the regions Aboriginal, European and geological history.

Each tour offers boutique winery visits and opportunities to spot native wildlife. Linked with local tourism operators, ESQ provides many options including air-gliding, hot air-ballooning, horse-riding, Moogerah boat cruise, cattle mustering, champagne breakfasts, luxury day-spas and the wildlife sanctuaries of Currumbin and Lone Pine.

Complete with gourmet food, safaris range from day-tours to a week-long adventure with luxury accommodation options.

Suggested itineraries are available from tours with numerous rainforest walks to the ‘Diamond Class Experience’ – a day of indulgence at Spicers Peak Lodge, Spicers Hidden Vale or O’Reillys.

Visit www.ecosafarisqueensland.com

The Queensland Wine Centre has been officially opened on Tamborine Mountain by the Premier of Queensland, The Honourable Anna Bligh MP.

The idea of a representative wine centre for Queensland is not a new one; the need has long been recognised by most of the industry. The Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard and Winery where the Queensland Wine Centre is housed has grown and diversified in that time to include the famous glow worm caves, impressive wedding facilities, a large café/restaurant and a busy cellar door.

The new Queensland Wine Centre, situated on Tamborine Mountain, will initially promote 14 Queensland leading wineries and also showcase a range of more than 80 of their most popular products.

The centre, strategically located at the Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard and Winery on Tamborine Mountain, is in the State’s tourism heartland between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

The modern facility has been designed to cater for more than 80 people on any one occasion and is expected to attract up to 100,000 visitors each year.

The new enterprise will be the only State Wine Centre in Australia that is located in an actual working vineyard environment.

It will be open to the public every day except Good Friday and Christmas Day between 10.00am and 4.00pm.

The Queensland Wine Centre has seen the space completely refitted and now has the wow factor befitting the industry that it represents.

The one hundred square metre centre is adorned with a fireplace, furniture made from old wine barrels by a local Cooper and a truly magnificent bar made from more recycled barrels and beautiful slabs of Camphor Laurel timber.

The tasting selections will change every month so that return customers can taste their way through Queensland’s finest without driving more than an hour from Brisbane or forty minutes from anywhere on the Gold Coast.

The Queensland Wine Centre and Cedar Creek Estate are open daily from 10 am to 4pm and there will be introductory mid-week promotions and specials run in the next few months so keep an eye out for them.

If you’re looking for a little bit of class in your next day trip destination you would be hard pressed to pass up The Queensland Wine Centre at Cedar Creek Estate. Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard and Winery has attracted thousands of tourists since it was opened in 2000.

Today, its main features includes a large subtropical man-made lake (that has become home to numerous native water birds and other wildlife); an artificial glow-worm cave with more than 7,000 living inhabitants; and a new enclosed frog sanctuary that will eventually become the permanent residence to almost 20 different local species.

The estate also has first-class exterior/interior restaurants and function areas; two wine tasting rooms; the Arthur Hamblin Art Gallery (above the new Queensland Wine Centre); a lakeside wedding chapel and an outdoor musical auditorium area. Visit www.cedarcreekestate.com.au

Gold Coast Cycling Tours is a boutique bicycle touring company run by cyclists for cyclists on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

We specialise in guided cycling tours along the beautiful coastline and into the amazing sub tropical rainforest of the Gold Coast Hinterland.

At Gold Coast Cycling Tours we give you the opportunity to pursue your passion for cycling, while still having a relaxing holiday on the beautiful Gold Coast.

We invite you to unpack, relax, just sink into your saddle and ride (or not).

We’ve chosen our favorite rides with quiet roads, stunning scenery, good coffee shops and accommodation.

Blessed with amazing weather all year round and so many ride options, there is no point to point riding.

All rides return to your hotel in Broadbeach, so you can have more holiday, more riding and less packing.

We look forward to taking you on some incredible rides and showing you a different side to the Gold Coast!

Visit www.goldcoastcyclingtours.com.au

JM Surf is a stand-up paddle surf school that offers a range of paddle boarding classes that cater to clients of all age, size and ability.

Located on the beachfront of the idyllic Palm Beach parklands brothers Jamie and Justin Mitchell proudly offer a safe and private experience with world class instruction.

Jamie currently holds nine consecutive Molokai World Championships, while Justin adds four US Championships to his 10 years of personal training experience.

JM Surf is dedicated to passing on the many years of experience, knowledge and skill in the sport this talented duo possess.

The Mitchell brothers are easy going and positive guys willing to work with their clients to provide the ultimate in paddle boarding experience.

Tailoring lessons for individuals, groups or corporate packages, JM Surf also offers their unique ‘Workout on Water’ program that combines the core benefits of Paddle boarding with swimming, beach exercises and sand running.

The specially designed JM Surf program offers incredible results that everyone can achieve.

From beginner to seasoned athlete, everyone will reap the health and well-being benefits of this crossover training style.

Contact Justin on 0416 075 994 or check out their new website at www.jmsurf.com