Jetsettersblog

The champagne is flowing in the Cook Islands for the Pacific Resort Hotel group after they have walked away with one of the major awards in the 2010 World Travel Awards Asia & Australasia Ceremony held last week in Delhi, India.

Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa, managed by Pacific Resort, was voted “Australasia’s Leading Villas” for the second year running.

The World Travel Awards event, coinciding with the closure of the Commonwealth Games, has been tagged ‘the Oscars of the travel industry’ by the Wall Street Journal. The Awards were conceived in 1993 to celebrate excellence in the world’s travel and tourism industry, with thousands of votes cast by travel professionals from over 160 countries.

“It is a great honour for Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa”, said Pacific Resort CEO Greg Stanaway.

“There is no shortage of beautifully designed, luxuriously appointed villas, and this accolade places the Cook Islands firmly on the map for the luxury visitor to the region.”

Carmel Beattie, CEO of the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation, added:

“We congratulate Te Manava on the second consecutive win of this important award.

“The opportunities for growth for Cook Islands luxury tourism product are significant and we are delighted that Te Manava is one of the frontrunners.

The Cook Islands have a unique culture and a fabulous range of experiences. Our goal will be to cement the destination’s position as a truly authentic Pacific island experience with special emphasis on the warmth of the Cook Islands Maori culture and its accessibility to visitors.”

This win means that the Cook Islands based Pacific Resort Hotel group will have two of its three properties represented at the 2010 World Travel Awards Grand Final event in London next month, with Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa joining Pacific Resort Aitutaki as contender for the reigning “World’s Leading Boutique Island Resort”.

Log on to www.temanava.com  for more information about Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa.

Outrigger Enterprises Group has reaffirmed its intention to expand throughout Australia following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with property developer Meridien to manage two new waterfront resorts at the $754 million Port of Airlie at Airlie Beach in North Queensland.

Outrigger will initially manage Meridien’s Boathouse Apartments which are expected to welcome their first guests in early 2011.

To be branded The Boathouse by Outrigger, there will be 56 two- and three-bedroom apartments spread across two three-level buildings, which are modeled on a classic colonial design synonymous with the Queensland tropics.

The luxury apartments have been designed to capitalize on their premium waterfront position and will be set in a rich tropical landscape, surrounded by a suite of exclusive boutiques and restaurants.

In the second stage of the development, the Port of Airlie Resort will feature spacious resort style apartments, conferencing facilities, restaurant, bar, pool, full resort facilities and specialty outlets.

On completion, Meridien’s Port of Airlie will become a world-class destination that will include a 289 berth marina catering to all boat sizes including super yachts, as well as 365 residential apartments, 15 absolute oceanfront homes, a public harbor side boardwalk, 240 meter all tide beach and public parkland, a retail precinct and an integrated Fantasea ferry, cruise and bus terminal.

“Our new partnership with Meridien is testament to our long-term commitment to expand throughout Australia’s premier tourist and corporate travel destinations,” said Darren Edmonstone, Outrigger’s senior vice president for Asia.

“The quality of apartments and location of Port of Airlie is an ideal fit for our brand throughout the Asia Pacific region.”

Located in Queensland’s famed Whitsundays region, Airlie Beach attracts around one million visitors annually.

It is widely regarded as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and 74 islands that feature heavily in Australia’s international tourism campaigns.

Airlie Beach is a 25 minute drive from the Whitsunday Coast airport, which currently has direct connections with Brisbane and Sydney.

For more information, visit

www.outriggerenterprisesgroup.com

and www.outrigger.com

Luxury hotel brand, Dorchester Collection will introduce the first Wolfgang Puck restaurant in Europe to the London dining scene with the opening of ‘CUT at 45 Park Lane’, a modern American steak restaurant.

Scheduled to open in spring 2011, Wolfgang will bring his popular, award-winning CUT concept to London featuring innovative cuisine in a contemporary and dynamic environment.

From prime dry and wet aged beef to succulent pan-roasted lobster and sautéed and roasted whole fresh fish, the menu will provide wide appeal.

A carefully crafted wine list will complement the menu with distinct international selections.

“London has some of the very finest restaurants in the world,” said Wolfgang Puck. “I’ve been waiting for the right time and the right partner to bring CUT to the city’s residents and visitors.

With its sharp design and incomparable service, Dorchester Collection’s 45 Park Lane will be the perfect address for CUT in London.”

Commenting on the collaboration, Christopher Cowdray, CEO of Dorchester Collection, said; “Wolfgang Puck’s CUT restaurant is critically acclaimed in exceptional locations in America.

This is an exciting development in our vision for Dorchester Collection to be synonymous with offering the best and most popular restaurants in each hotel’s location.”

Located in Mayfair, nearby Dorchester Collection’s iconic hotel,

The Dorchester, 45 Park Lane will have 45 contemporary style rooms and suites, and a penthouse, all with views of Hyde Park. CUT at 45 Park Lane will occupy the ground floor with dining for 76 alongside a separate lounge area.

A destination bar, Bar 45, with seating for approximately 30 additional guests, will be on a mezzanine level accessed via a striking staircase.

World-renowned designer, Thierry Despont has been appointed to work on the project interiors.

A short film introducing Wolfgang Puck’s vision for CUT at 45 Park Lane will shortly be available at

www.45parklane.com

The Radisson Royal Hotel, Moscow, named the best luxury hotel in Russia at the World Travel Awards.

The Radisson Royal Hotel, Moscow, has received the Oscar of the travel industry, as the World Travel Awards named the luxury landmark and former ‘Hotel Ukraina’ as Russia’s Leading Luxury Hotel in the year 2010.

The World Travel Awards are an international organization that stimulates innovation and creativity, and encourages hotels to strive to provide travellers with the best price-quality ratio, thus facilitating competition in the sphere of tourism all over the world.

The World Travel Awards were founded in 1993 and are today considered the top accolade with which a business working within the tourist industry can be recognised.

The association’s jury is made up of professionals who work within the travel and tourism industry, including 183,000 tourist organizations, travel agencies and transport companies from 160 countries.

“For us, luxury means attention to every detail, it means fulfilling all our promises to our guests, and anticipating their every desire. It is above all a general impression, the ambiance of the hotel, and we are proud that our efforts have been recognized with such an award,” said Wolfgang Nitschke, general manager of the Radisson Royal Hotel, Moscow.

This excellent award also recognizes the 3-years of assiduous work which was completed to renovate the hotel and provides a note of thanks in recognition to the motivation of the 1,500 staff members who have succeeded in making the hotel the epitome of beauty, comfort and excellent service among the world’s best properties.

The elegant Radisson Royal Hotel, Moscow was built between 1953 and 1957 as part of Stalin’s Seven Sisters project, boasts landmark status in the heart of the capital city and showcases the impressive styling of Soviet Neo-classicism architecture. Soaring at 206 metres high, this hotel was the largest European hotel of its day.

The five-star Fairmont St Andrews resort has been recognised as Scotland’s best golf resort and spa by the World Travel Awards.

The awards have been dubbed the travel industry’s Oscars and the Fife venue fought off competition from a host of high-profile rivals to scoop the prestigious accolade.

Charles Head, general manager of Fairmont St Andrews, said: “It’s is fantastic to receive this recognition and everyone at the resort is delighted.

“Over the years we have collected many awards but to receive one that recognises both the golf and spa sides of our operation is particularly special.

“I know everyone works very hard to maintain consistently high levels throughout the resort and things like this make it all-the-more worthwhile.

The World Travel Awards is the most comprehensive and prestigious awards programme in the global travel industry and was established in 1993 to acknowledge and celebrate excellence in travel and tourism.

With thousands of votes cast by travel professionals from 183,000 travel agencies in more than 160 countries globally, winning a World Travel Award has become one of the highest accolades a travel product can receive.

The five-star Fairmont St Andrews resort boasts two championship golf courses, the Torrance and Kittocks, and has played host to a number of prestigious events, including both the Open Championship’s final local qualifying and the Scottish Senior Open.

A recent £17m redevelopment has benefited the entire resort, including the sumptuous spa complex which offers a range of treatments including locally-themed massages, facial and relaxation therapies and exclusive Kerstin Florian treatments in 12 chic treatment rooms.

For more information on Fairmont St Andrews or to book a stay call 01334 837000 alternatively email standrews.scotland@fairmont.com  or visit www.fairmont.com/standrews

The Lake District’s Wordsworth Museum is set to host an introductory event for newcomers to the celebrated Romantic poet.

LAKE DISTRICT, ENGLAND — A forthcoming event in the Lake District should appeal to anyone who is keen to learn more about one of England’s most famous poets.

On Thursday December 2nd, the Wordsworth Museum in Grasmere will host the latest in its series of Introduction to Wordsworth events.

Designed to educate those who are new to the work of William Wordsworth and the Romantic poets, the talks are free to attend and followed by refreshments for the attendees.

Guests of Lake District accommodation heading to the museum on December 2nd will be able to participate in a discussion of Wordsworth and his manuscripts.

The Wordsworth Museum is situated close to Dove Cottage, the famous house on the edge of Grasmere that was once home to the celebrated writer and his sister Dorothy.

Acquired by the Wordsworth Trust in 1890, the Grade 1 listed building remains largely unchanged from the early 1800s, when the Wordsworths were in residence.

The influence of the stunning Lakeland landscape on the poet’s verse is well-documented, with thousands of people visiting Grasmere every year to learn more about his life and work.

Although the Introduction to Wordsworth events in the museum’s Jerwood Centre are free, people are advised to book in advance because spaces are limited.

For more information on this event, visit the Wordsworth Museum website or contact the venue on +44 (0) 15394 35544.

LateRooms.com recommends a range of accommodation in the Lake District, including the Sharrow Bay Hotel Lake District.

one of the world’s most exclusive private members’ clubs.

Situated in the beautiful Scottish Highlands, the Skibo Estate is located in the county of Sutherland on the shore of the Dornoch Firth.

Presiding over 7,500 acres of stunning Scottish countryside, the Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle offers its members their very own Highland retreat – complete with luxurious hospitality, traditional country sports, the finest local cuisine and some of the very best golf in Scotland.

A Brief History

The site of Skibo Castle has been occupied since Viking times – according to local legend, Skibo was a gift from the Gaelic fairies!

The first castle was built in the late 12th century by the Bishop of Caithness and Sutherland on the remains of a Norse stronghold.

In 1545, the estate was given to John Gray and it has been privately owned ever since.

In 1898, Skibo Castle was acquired by Andrew Carnegie, the son of a Dunfermline weaver who went on to become a steel magnate in America.

Carnegie would return to his native Scotland for his summer holidays, making Skibo his Scottish retreat, spending lavishly on the castle’s reconstruction.

Carnegie hosted legendary house parties where figures such as Rudyard Kipling, John D Rockefeller and King Edward VII would mix with Carnegie’s friends and family and enjoy the comforts and outdoor pursuits of Skibo together.

The Club Today

The Carnegie Club was purchased in 2003 by one of its members, who then embarked on a programme of refurbishment, spending over £16 million on the castle, lodges, golf course, spa and most recently the renovation of the original 100 year old swimming pavilion.

Their aim is to continue Skibo’s reputation as the most luxurious private members’ club in the world, whilst ensuring that the special atmosphere of Skibo remains unchanged.

Accommodation

The castle offers 20 grand bedrooms, each enjoying stunning views over the Skibo Estate.

Some rooms still have the original Edwardian furniture and fittings and several have four-poster beds and decorative fireplaces.

Some bathrooms come complete with original mosaic floors and roll-top baths, from which guests can lie back and enjoy the vistas, whilst others feature fantastically grand showers and under-floor heating.

Alternatively, guests can choose to stay in one of the 12 lodges, nestled in the grounds of the estate not far from the castle.

Built from local stone, the lodges are fully serviced by the castle and are full of character. All come with a 4×4 vehicle or golf buggy, although guests can be chauffeured to and from the castle if they wish.

All rooms have recently been carefully renovated and sympathetically restored to their original style.

Dining

Skibo is perfectly placed to enjoy the rich harvest of land and sea, such as fresh local shellfish, wild salmon and seaweed-fed mutton from Orkney. Head Chef, Craig Rowland, uses seasonal produce from the estate’s own gardens to create daily menus influenced by local Scottish cuisine.

Golf

The Skibo Estate offers the 18-hole Carnegie Links course, designed by the renowned Donald Steel and Tom Mackenzie.

The entire golf course has undergone a multi-million pound refurbishment programme and is now better than ever before. The most unique feature of the course is the absence of tee times. Members and guests may tee off whenever they want, playing at their own pace when it suits them.

During the summer, members have been known to play a full 18 holes after dinner.

Activities

Most of the traditional sporting activities available at Skibo are included in the daily charge, such as tennis, fly fishing on the loch, clay pigeon shooting, archery, mountain biking, falconry displays and guided walks of the estate and gardens.

Additional activities include private golf tuition, horse-riding and spa treatments at The Spa.

Members can also now enjoy a dip in Andrew Carnegie’s recently renovated heated indoor swimming pool – a dazzling stainless steel pool filled with ozone-treated water.

Excursions off the estate include trips to John o’Groats, Loch Ness and the Islands, dolphin watching, deep sea fishing, stalking and grouse shooting.

Children

Younger guests enjoy a warm welcome at Skibo, with plenty of activities to keep them entertained including pony trekking, golf lessons and swimming.

The wonderfully equipped Children’s Barn is fully stocked with games, toys and musical instruments and there is a fantastic outdoor play area featuring a fort, slide and sunken trampoline.

There is a team of trained attendants present all day and child-sitting services are provided in the evening.

Families with children under 16 are accommodated in the lodges.

Membership

The Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle is a private members’ club. Non-members interested in joining can stay at the club by special arrangement only.

Membership is attained on application and members pay an initial joining fee and an annual fee which entitles them to visit Skibo as frequently as they wish.

When staying at the club there is a daily charge which includes accommodation, meals, beverages, golf and other sporting activities.

Marriott International, Inc. reached an agreement with Brazilian real estate developer PDG Realty to develop 50 Fairfield by Marriott hotels throughout Brazil, the companies announced.

The hotels will feature environmentally friendly designs that focus on saving energy and minimizing each property’s impact on the environment. Marriott and PDG will also make contributions to support Amazon rain forest preservation through the Amazonas Sustainable Foundation (FAS).

“Introducing the Fairfield brand in Brazil couples our focus on expanding into new markets with a wider range of development opportunities for hotel investors, as well as our goal of building environmentally friendly hotels meeting the needs of Brazilian guests,” said Arne Sorenson, president and chief operating officer of Marriott International.

For more information, call 800-228-2800 or visit the banner below.

In September 2010, The Grand Del Mar Resort in Del Mar opened a new adults-only hangout, Club M. Part restaurant, part nightclub and part sports lounge,

Club M offers a menu of global tapas, sophisticated cocktails, wine and beer along with live entertainment in a luxury setting.

Signature drinks include Raspberry-Champagne Mojitos and Gin and Jello Martinis; the tapas menu includes savory dishes like Duck Confit Flatbread and Roasted Mussels with chorizo. Every Thursday through Saturday night, a line-up of live performers and guest DJs entertain guests with everything from jazz and lounge tunes to classic rock and more. For more information, visit www.thegranddelmar.com

In fall 2010, Solace and the Moonlight Lounge will open in Encinitas in San Diego’s North County as the sister restaurant of the popular Urban Solace restaurant in North Park.

The Solace and the Moonlight Lounge will feature Urban Solace menu favorites like their Famous Warm Cheese Biscuits and Skillet Shrimp and Chili Grit Cake along with new coastal dishes.

The restaurant will also feature a special tasting bar serving a small plates menu of cheeses, salumis, oysters and other seafood, in addition to a full service bar.

The upstairs Moonlight Lounge will be available for private dining and event space. For more information, visit www.eatatsolace.com

In October 2010, the former Zócalo Mexican restaurant in Old Town San Diego opened as Miguel’s Cocina.

Moving away from Zócalo’s former Nuevo Latin menu, Miguel’s Cocina now serves Baja-styled Mexican dishes including its famous Original Fish Taco.

For more information, visit

www.brigantine.com

In September 2010, Café Sevilla , the authentic Spanish tapas bar, restaurant and nightclub in downtown San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter, closed its doors in preparation for a re-opening in a new location, just a few block away.

Café Sevilla will reopen in winter 2010 in a newly constructed building on Fifth Avenue, the main thoroughfare of the Gaslamp Quarter.

The new facility will provide more space for dining, live music and Café Sevilla’s famous Flamenco show and salsa dancing.

For more information, visit www.cafesevilla.com

MPUMALANGA, SOUTH AFRICA – Following four months of construction, Selati Camp’s Ivory Presidential Suite at Sabi Sabi, an internationally renowned private game reserve in the greater Kruger National Park area, South Africa, is open and ready for guests. The suite has been closed because of an accidental fire in July of this year.

Upgrades at the newly redesigned Ivory Suite include an even larger bathroom, complete with a magnificent chaise lounge, oversized stone bath and large walk-in shower.

Huge sliding glass doors lead to an outdoor shower, accompanied by an intimate patio and private plunge pool, all of which enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding bushveld.

Renowned South African designer Stephen Rich was recruited to recreate the beauty and sense of history for which the original suite was famous.

Rich used antiques, Persian rugs and decadent fabrics in the suite, complemented by authentic railway memorabilia, to create an old world ambiance. The heart of the suite is the carved-wood bed covered in heavy linen and draped with sheer netting.

Guests staying in the Ivory Suite are treated to their own ranger and private Land Rover for safaris.

Intimate, exclusive and wildly romantic, Selati Camp is ideal for couples looking to escape back in time to an era of colonial elegance and safari adventures.

Named after the historical Selati Railway line that ran through the eastern section of the private reserve and a legendary female chief of the ancient Tebula tribe, the camp’s old world charm, design and spirit strikes a contrast to the modern game lodges found in the area today.

The Ivory Suite at Selati Camp starts at $1,179 per person per night.

For more information please visit the website at www.sabisabi.com , or call Warren Green at (804) 767- 8770 or email warren@warrengreenandassociates.com

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