Jetsettersblog

Lion World Tours is offering a special package to Kenya from $2,199 per person including international airfare and fuel surcharges valid on select departure dates in March and April 2011. The package includes roundtrip international airfare to Nairobi on Ethiopian Airlines from Washington Dulles airport, as well as six nights in luxurious accommodations in Kenya, game viewing, guides, meals, transfers and more. In addition, there is no single supplement fee for passengers traveling alone.

The lodges include Serena Mountain Lodge, Sarova Shaba Lodge, Lion Hill Lodge and Sarova Mara Game Camp. The nine-day trip includes roundtrip international economy class airfare from Washington, D.C. (Dulles) to Nairobi, Kenya, aboard Ethiopian Airlines on new 777LRs featuring an award-winning spacious interior design; fuel surcharges; one night at Serena Mountain Lodge; two nights at Sarova Shaba Lodge; one night at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge; two nights at Sarova Mara Game Camp; game drives as specified in itinerary; six breakfasts, six lunches and six dinners; Lion World Tours representative meet-and-greet upon arrival; and transfers.

The price of $2,199 per person is valid for departures on March 17, 24, 31 and April 7. There is no single supplement fee for single passengers traveling on these departure dates. This package is also available at the slightly higher rate of $2,499 per person on Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24 and March 3 and 10. The single supplement fee for these departure dates is $650. Roundtrip add-ons from U.S. cities include Boston, Chicago, Dallas and New York, $125; Houston and Miami, $180; and Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle: $230.

Lion World Tours specializes in group and individual tours to Southern and East Africa, and is a member of The Travel Corporation, which also includes Trafalgar Tours, Contiki, Brendan Vacations, Red Carnation Hotel Collection, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection and Insight Vacations. For more information, call 800-387-2706 or visit www.lionworldtours.com

As spas evolve from sanctuaries of physical relief to sanctums of mental restoration, one burgeoning wellness enterprise is anticipating the next progressive step with services and facilities that recalibrate the soul. Scheduled to launch March 1 at The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort in the Malaysian archipelago of Langkawi, V Integrated Wellness offers all the staples of a modern-day holistic center, and then some.

The spa is adding such activities and amenities as meditation retreats, guided nature walks, sunrise yoga classes and a food menu inspired by the “Tree of Life,” a symbol that serves as a metaphor for how the universe is connected. A butterfly farm, an intimate relaxation garden within the confines of a 10-million-year-old rainforest, is in the works, too.

Located 18 miles off the northwest coast of peninsular Malaysia, Langkawi is known for its combination of ancient tropical woodlands and white-sand beaches. In 2007, it became the first Southeast Asian destination to win entry into the Global UNESCO Network of Geoparks. Set on the big island’s northwest tip between the Mat Chincang Mountains and Datai Bay Beach, The Andaman is the first V Integrated Wellness center (another is slated for the region by 2012). The spa, ranked sixth among overseas spas in this year’s Conde Nast Traveller (U.K.) Readers’ Travel Awards and rebranded V Botanical Spa, is perched on a hillside with views of the bay. For more information, call 011-60-4-959-1088 or visit www.vintegratedwellness.com

Sceptre Tours is offering a five-star vacation in Ireland with its Adare Villa in Summer package, which includes accommodations for six nights in a three-bedroom villa on the grounds of Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort, roundtrip economy class airfare to Shannon or Dublin, and a weekly manual car rental from $899 per person (based on four people traveling). Total savings for this package versus if travelers were to book the individual components on their could be as much as $4,400.

Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort is an 840-acre destination where guests can enjoy an 18-hole championship golf course, luxurious spa treatment rooms, world-class dining facilities, fishing, shopping, sightseeing, and a host of other estate activities that appeal to travelers young and old. It is adjacent to Adare Village, considered to be one of the most picturesque towns in all of Ireland. The luxurious villas at Adare Manor feature three bedrooms (each with its own private bath), a full kitchen, living room, dining room, laundry facilities, sitting room with its own private bath, patio, and sun room.

The Adare Villa in Summer package includes six nights’ accommodation in a private three-bedroom villa on the grounds of Adare Manor; roundtrip economy class airfare to Shannon or Dublin; weekly manual car rental. The package is priced from $899 from New York, $919 from Boston, and $969 from Chicago and Orlando for departures from June 16 to Aug. 31, 2011 (rates for Boston are $949 per person for travel July 1 to Aug. 22). All rates are per person, based on four people traveling. This package is also available for two to six travelers. The package is available from May 1 to June 15 and also Sept. 1 to 30, 2011, at lower/off-season rates (priced from $699 per person). This package is also available flying into Dublin with additional gateways and pricing. All rates exclude government taxes/fees/facility charges of up to $180 per person and the September 11th Security Fee of $2.50 for U.S. enplanements. This package is subject to availability. Sceptre Tours offers travel to Ireland, Britain, Italy, as well as river cruising. For more information, call 800-221-0924 or visit www.sceptretours.com

Lion World Tours is offering a special package to Kenya from just USD $2,199* per person including international airfare and fuel surcharges! This “Kenya On Sale” package is valid on select departure dates in March and April 2011 (specific dates below). This package includes round-trip international airfare to Nairobi on Ethiopian Airlines from Washington Dulles airport, as well as six nights in luxurious accommodations in Kenya, game viewing, guides, meals, transfers and more. In addition to this unbelievable price, there is no single supplement fee for passengers traveling alone! This is a rare opportunity for single travelers!

The Lodges:
At Serena Mountain Lodge guests awake to the trumpeting of elephants, fall asleep to the symphony of the African night or sit in stillness and observe the fascinating interplay of the animals as they arrive to drink, bathe, spar and forage around the water hole.

Sarova Shaba Lodge is built around natural springs and offers an oasis of green in the midst of this beautiful but harshly arid landscape. Sarova Shaba Lodge is located high above the Shaba Game Reserve, and it cleverly incorporates the beautiful natural springs as one of its special features.

Lion Hill Lodge impresses every guest with its panoramic view of the pink shoreline created by millions of flamingos on Lake Nakuru. The Lodge is situated within the Lake Nakuru National Park Rift Valley Province and is surrounded by natural flora and fauna in its beautiful grounds.

Sarova Mara Game Camp is set in the African bush but the luxurious tents all have permanent roofs, zip-up fronts, and electricity and en-suite facilities. Relaxing outside your own tent listening to the orchestra of rasping cicadas, croaking tree frogs and the intermittent call of birds and monkeys is a memorable symphony.

“Kenya On Sale”, starting at just USD $2,199* per person is a Nine-Day trip which includes:

• Round trip international Economy Class airfare from Washington, DC
(Dulles) to Nairobi, Kenya, aboard Ethiopian Airlines on brand new 777LRs
featuring an award-winning spacious interior design
• Fuel Surcharges
• One night at Serena Mountain Lodge
• Two nights at Sarova Shaba Lodge
• One night at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge
• Two nights at Sarova Mara Game Camp
• Game drives as specified in itinerary
• 6 Breakfasts / 6 Lunches / 6 Dinners
• Lion World Tours representative Meet and Greet upon arrival
• Transfers

This package at the price of just USD $2,199* per person is valid for departures in 2011 on: March 17th, 24th, 31st and April 7th. There is no single supplement fee for single passengers traveling on these departure dates.

This package is also available at the slightly higher rate of USD $2,499* per person on the following select departure dates in February and March of 2011: February 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and March 3rd, 10th. The single supplement fee for these departure dates is USD $650.

Round Trip Add-ons from US cities:
Boston, Chicago, Dallas, New York: $125
Houston, Miami: $180
Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle: $230

Please check with a Lion World Tours consultant for add-ons from other cities.

To book your trip, call Lion World Tours at 1-800-387-2706 from the USA or 1-800- 668-9968 from Canada, or visit www.lionworldtours.com  to view the full itinerary.

Outrigger Koh Samui Resort and Spa to open 1 February 2011

HONOLULU, OAHU, HI – Outrigger Hotels and Resorts Asia this week signed an agreement to open and manage the Outrigger Koh Samui Resort and Spa in Bhoput Beach, Koh Samui, Thailand, on February 1, 2011. The 81-key luxury villa and suite resort is currently operating as the Destination Beach Resort & Spa.

The new five-star full service Outrigger Koh Samui Resort and Spa will offer a range of accommodations including luxurious pool villas, spacious pool access suites and Beach Deco rooms. Guests will enjoy a full array of services and amenities, including a beachside restaurant, a Navasana Wellness Centre, a fitness centre, three swimming pools, including one beachfront pool, two bars and a Kids Club.

“We are excited to add Outrigger Koh Samui Resort and Spa to our growing collection of luxury properties throughout Asia,” said Darren Edmonstone, Outrigger’s Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific. “The resort is a perfect fit for us and we look forward to providing the very best in service and amenities to our guests and patrons.”

Signing the agreement on behalf of the hotel owner, Dungfun Co., Ltd., Ms. Pilaipan Chavalrut said that Outrigger was “just right” for Samui. “Outrigger brings over 60 years of tropical beach resort experience to the island of Koh Samui. We also chose Outrigger because of their excellent distribution channels and their commitment to creating a sense of place that matches perfectly with our resort. We have a fantastic luxury beach resort and we look forward to a long and successful partnership with Outrigger.”

Bhoput Beach in the northeast corner of Samui Island is known for its tranquility, family-focused activities, dramatic sunsets and Big Buddha temple statue overlooking the sea. Bhoput is five minutes away from Samui airport and 20 minutes from the main tourist area at Chaweng.

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Koh Samui attracts around one million tourists a year. The island has daily direct flight connections with Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi and Utaphao (Pattaya). Samui is known today for its large variety of beach activities, water sports, ecotours, and sightseeing into the island’s picturesque interior and to the islands and reefs of the adjacent Angthong marine national park.

Editors can download high resolution images of Outrigger Koh Samui Resort and Spa and Outrigger management at: www.scottasia.net/clients/outrigger/media/index.htm

About Outrigger Enterprises Group
Outrigger Enterprises Group is one of the largest and fastest growing privately-held leisure lodging and hospitality companies in the Asia Pacific and Oceania regions and continues to expand its presence throughout the area. A family-owned company with more than 60 years of hospitality experience, Outrigger runs a highly-successful, multi-branded line of hotels, condominiums and vacation resort properties, including Outrigger� Hotels & Resorts, OHANA� Hotels & Resorts, Outrigger Condominium Collection�, Embassy Suites�, Best Western� and Wyndham Vacation Ownership�. Currently, Outrigger operates and/or has under development 42 properties with close to 11,000 rooms located in Hawaii, Australia, Guam, Fiji, Bali, Phuket, Thailand, Vietnam and China. Outrigger Enterprises Group also operates and develops hotel properties and hospitality-related retail and real estate opportunities for partners in Hawaii, the Pacific, the mainland USA and Asia. For on-line information, log on at www.outriggerenterprisesgroup.com  and www.outrigger.com

The Beach House Maldives, A Waldorf Astoria Resort’s customized seaplane landed on Jan. 3 for the first time. A DeHavilland Twin Otter seaplane will be outfitted with leather seats, custom-made tables and furnishings with an amenities bag that includes an iPad and Bose noise-canceling headphones. The exterior of the plane will be painted a stylish elegant white, gray and black livery. Frederic Lebegue, general manager of Beach House Maldives, said, “With the launch of our customized seaplane into the Maldivian skies, we’re putting the glamour back into travel, ensuring that our guests can begin their Maldivian holiday from the moment they reach the airport. The seaplane flight offers a ‘private jet’ experience making this an inimitable way to travel with picture-postcard aerial views of the islands below.”

All guests traveling to the resort will be welcomed at Male International Airport, whisked through to a private lounge where spa treatments, refreshments and air-conditioned comfort await them before transferring to the resort’s own seaplane for the one-hour flight to the tropical retreat. To pass the time, guests on board will have a customized iPad, Bose noise-canceling headphones, a pair of binoculars, fan and a pampering pack that includes face fresheners and hand wipes. The seaplane can be booked privately by individuals wishing to travel in complete privacy and will also be used to transfer groups of guests to the resort from Male International Airport.

Beach House Maldives is the only resort in the atoll to offer seaplane transfers to its guests. Set in the far north of the country, Haa Alifu Atoll is usually reached by a domestic flight followed by a boat trip. The seaplane transfer reduces traveling time by half, ensuring that guests can enjoy more time on the beach. For more information, call 011 960 650 0408, email reservation@beachhousemaldives.com  or visit www.beachhousemaldives.com

Immerses Guests in Centuries of History and Culture from Lisbon, Portugal, to Dover, U.K.
Tweet: Hurtigruten Immerses Guests in History & Culture on 9-Day “Spring in Western Europe” www.hurtigruten.us

New York, NY – Hurtigruten’s “Spring in Western Europe” visits nine fascinating ports in as many days, including Porto, Portugal, a bustling city that retains its old world charm; Bordeaux, France, one of the world’s greatest wine regions; and the English city of Dover, famous for its chalky white cliffs. Optional excursions in each of the stops – from a visit to the Saint-Emilion & Pomeral Vineyards to independent cycle exploration in Sark – give guests the opportunity to personalize their cruising experience and start at only $30. Prices for the April 7, 2011 voyage range from $1,276 to $3,598.

Departing from Portugal’s capital city of Lisbon, built on seven hills along the shores of the River Tejo, the MS Fram sails to the city of Porto, an eclectic mix of old world charm and lively modern commerce. A short stop in Villa Garcia gives guests an opportunity to tour the stunning Galacia region before arriving in La Coruña, a Spanish port nicknamed “The Crystal City” for the glass and white facades of its harbor-facing buildings. Navigating the Bay of Biscay, the ship stops in the famous wine region of Bordeaux – a fascinating city comprised of wide avenues, beautiful parks and neo-classical architecture – before continuing on to the idyllic island of Sark and the bustling harbor town of St. Peter’s Port in Guernsey. After spending a day in Honfleur, a picturesque town on the Normandy coast, the voyage disembarks at Dover.

The optional excursions in each port provide wonderful opportunities to delve deeper into the areas visited, returning with a greater understanding of the histories and current attractions. Offerings include a tour and river cruise on a typical Rabelo Boat – traditionally used for transporting wine – in Porto, Portugal; a guided bus tour to Santiago de Compostela, a magnificent example of medieval town building; a visit to the Saint-Emilion region, including a guided tour of a local vineyard, lunch in a traditional local restaurant and a tour of the town; a walking tour of the picturesque fishing town of Honfleur, France, with a stop at the Eugene Boudin Museuml; and a tour of medieval Canterbury and its famous cathedral.

Fares include accommodation in the cabin grade of your choice; fixed transfers from the Lisbon airport to port of departure and from the Dover port to London Heathrow Airport; all meals on board, including a selection of drinks for those in suites; and a wind and water proof jacket. International flights and optional excursions are additional.

The deluxe MS Fram is named after the polar ship built and used by Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen in the late 1800s — the only wooden ship to venture out on explorations of both the North and South Poles. The modern intimate design sets it apart from other ships making port in Europe. Its size, with only 318 passengers on these sailings, allows easier access in ports and up close views of wildlife, and its deluxe status provides more of a yacht environment versus the more common mega ship experience. The ship boasts excellent conference and meeting facilities, a large glass-enclosed observation salon offering panoramic views of the outside scenery, restaurant with ocean views, wellness center with saunas, work-out room and two glass-screened heated outdoor whirlpools, a bistro, a guest bridge for viewing selected data from the ship’s bridge and a ship’s library. Its specially equipped tender lobby makes expeditions to shore in Polarcirkel boats both safe and comfortable.

Hurtigruten is a world leader in expedition cruising, sailing to the most remote of destinations including Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic’s Spitsbergen as well as year round along Norway’s coast and Europe in the spring. Additional information on all of these adventures, as well as brochures and reservations, can be obtained from travel agents or Hurtigruten’s visitor-friendly web site, www.hurtigruten.us  or by phone: (800) 323-7436; fax (888)-524-2145; for brochures (800) 582-0835, 24 hours a day.

Award winning boutique beach resort Putahracsa Hua Hin has just launched its new chic & trendy beachside venue: the Oceanside Beach Club & Restaurant, a one of its kind in central Hua Hin.

Originally known as the Oceanside Restaurant, the expanded venue now extends onto the beach with comfortable large sofa beds, strewn with plump, lush cushions. This together with the clever use of glass-box candles help create a warm & cosy ambience from Lounge music in the daytime to World, Latin & Acid Jazz in the evening, providing the ideal chill-out destination for the young, hip & trendy seeking a place where they can relax by the beach and enjoy the Hua Hin sunset along with the sounds of waves crashing against the beachfront.

Positioned as the place to be seen in Hua Hin, the Oceanside Beach Club & Restaurant’s food & beverage offerings promises to tantalize your taste buds & delight your senses. The revamped dining menu incorporates bestsellers from its past menus with a focus on Mediterranean cuisine such as Paella & Mediterranean Seafood Soup with Pesto. For those looking for local fare, the menu also features a Thai Section featuring favourites such as Kashmir (Tiger prawns in yellow curry with banana and pineapple) and Tuna Tataki (Seared Tuna with spicy Pomelo Salad) along with an extensive seafood and grill section. For those with a sweet tooth, indulge in desserts such as Cr�me Br�lee or La Coupe Glacee (coconut coupe with banana cake, coconut, chocolate, vanilla & raspberry ice cream) to finish off your meal. The beach club’s drinks menu on the other hand features innovative cocktails created by the well-honed skills of its mixologists such as Pineapple & Ginger margarita & Asian Caipirovska, signatures such as Maxximo’s Secret (inspired by the Caribbean islands) & Nano Crush (A fashionable concoction) and exotic blends such as Twister (Passion fruit and orange) and Apple Pucker (Apple, ginger and spice).

The Beach Club has planned a series of exciting events to keep in line with its hip & trendy concept. Enjoy Sundays with live BBQ stations, sumptuous spread of International & Thai cuisine and listen to renowned DJ Kennys spin hits. Also featuring midweek parties and monthly theme nights.

With the perfect beachside location, laid back atmosphere, delectable food & refreshing drinks, the Oceanside Beach Club & Restaurant promises a sensorial experience that will put it at the top of Hua Hin’s dining scene.

ABOUT PUTAHRACSA HUA HIN

Putahracsa Hua Hin is a 59 rooms luxury resort set amidst beautiful lush, green foliage, designed for guests to relax and escape on the sensual and quiet shores of the charming beach town yet without compromising modern luxuries and comforts. The resort features both rooms and private villas with stunning views and full amenities, 2 dining venues, 3 swimming pools, a spa, library & function and meeting room facilities. It is ideally located in the idyllic resort town of Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan, the holiday destination of the royals.

In an effort to heighten guests experience, in December 2010, All La Canna Villas will include amenities such as iPad, Playstation 3, Home Theatre surround system, free non alcoholic mini bar, daily fresh fruit juice service , daily afternoon teas, bed sheet selection farewell Gift set, pre-reserved parking lot, beach kits & toys, complimentary day pass to local gym and a choice of Branded toiletries, making these villas the epitome of luxurious living.

The resort, which is under the management of The Unique Collection of Hotels & Resorts, recently was awarded the coveted Luxury Coastal Hotel award at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2010.

For more information, please visit www.putahracsa.com

ABOUT THE UNIQUE COLLECTION OF HOTELS & RESORTS
Formed in 2005, The Unique Collection of Hotels & Resorts was established to meet the growing trend of boutique hotels and resorts, providing guidance and assistance from concepts and design through to opening and ongoing in all areas of hotel and resort management to deliver a unique and personalised experience.

For more information, please visit www.theuniquecollection.com

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises’ Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley itinerary is one of their most popular programs for a multitude of reasons. The Douro River Valley is considered one of the most breathtaking areas in the world and as such a declared UNESCO World Heritage region. The Douro River is recognized by National Geographic Traveler as one of the World’s Great Places in their annual Destination Survey. Uniworld is the only North American cruise line catering to an English-speaking clientele in this region. And Uniworld is introducing a beautiful new ship, Douro Spirit, in 2011 to take their guests to all of this region’s spectacular sites.

Due to the increasing popularity and demand of people wanting to travel to this area, Uniworld has added new departure dates in 2011, including August 14, November 6, and November 13, 2011. Uniworld’s 11-day Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley Cruise includes: three nights in Lisbon at a deluxe hotel with breakfast; a 7-night cruise in a stateroom with a French balcony onboard the new Douro Spirit; all meals with complimentary fine wine, beer, and soft drinks served with dinner onboard; 10 fully-hosted shore excursions by English-speaking local guides; and all transfers on arrival and departure days.

For more information, please contact your Preferred Travel Professional,. Call Uniworld at 800-733-7820 or visit www.uniworld.com

Silversea Cruises has announced that 10 voyages this year will feature the Relais & Châteaux L’École des Chefs interactive cooking school. Through this partnership, Silversea will offer the only Relais & Châteaux L’École des Chefs cooking school at sea. The program offers guests a culinary curriculum and events hosted by Silversea culinary trainer Chef David Bilsland. The curriculum for each of these cruises is designed to celebrate the cultural flavor of the ship’s itinerary.

Workshops cover a range of topics, including basic knife skills, kitchen terminology, sauces, baking, cooking demonstrations with wine pairings, interactive Q&A sessions, cooking competitions between Bilsland and the ship’s culinary team, a Lunch and Learn event, and Take It Home recipes.

Also offered on certain voyages, when the itinerary permits, is a Market to the Plate program, which includes an escorted tour of a local market, followed by a cooking class and a Culinary Outing to a local restaurant, hotel or other venue. The cooking school voyages cover several destinations, including Africa, Arabia and the Indian Ocean; the Caribbean, Panama Canal and Mexico; the Far East and South Pacific; the Mediterranean; and transoceanic cruises. Fares range from $5,198 to $17,638 per person, double, depending on the itinerary. For more information, call 877-215-9986 or visit www.silversea.com