Jetsettersblog

Emirates is making matrimony even more blissful for ‘Wedding World Tour’ newlyweds Jason and April Niedle. Deciding to discover the meaning of marriage in different cultures, the Niedles, married in Los Angeles on February 11, are en route to explore culturally unique, distinct wedding ceremonies in Thailand, Kenya and Greece. The couple will experience the use of elephants in a Thai ceremony; a traditional Masai village ceremony in Kenya; come face to face with a Greek Orthodox minister and experience an exciting 24-hour “honeymoon” in Dubai. To follow Jason and April’s Wedding World Tour on Emirates, visit Jason Niedle’s blog at: www.jasontopia.com.
The “Wedding World Tour” highlights Emirates’ extensive network of over 100 cities worldwide, perfect for couples looking for luxury, comfort and superior service as they embark on life’s most exciting journey.

Travel the globe in search of adventure, romance or laid-back luxury with Anantara. Surreal landscapes in the Arabian desert. Heavenly sunsets in Seminyak, Bali. Endless azure waters in the lap of Maldivian luxury. Ocean, mountain or metropolis in Thailand, who wouldn’t want an extra day’s holiday?

As part of the ‘Extra Night on Us’ campaign, 15 Anantara luxury resorts worldwide are giving the opportunity to be pampered with 5 star luxury for one extra day in the paradise of your choice. From a rejuvenating spa treatment on the misty hilltops, to camel trekking through the desert dunes or simply relaxing on the pristine shores, enjoy an extra night compliments of Anantara!

The ‘Extra Night on Us’, campaign is available for all bookings and stays from now through to 15th April, 2011. Reserve a minimum of 3 nights* and get a complimentary additional night.

For more information on the campaign please visit www.anantara.com/extranight   or call the Anantara of your choice.

Terms & conditions:

• Available for bookings and stays from 15th February, 2011 – 15th April 2011
• All rates are subject to service charges and applicable government and local taxes
• Offer is subject to availability at each of the resorts
• Offer is not combinable with any other promotion

*Different length of stay applies to Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa, Maldives, Desert Islands Resort and Spa by Anantara and Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara – please check www.anantara.com for full terms and conditions

If you are thinking of travelling to Korea in the future, get the latest edition of the 230page Korea guidebook. It’s a great tool to help plan your travels throughout the country and what’s more it’s FREE!

The full colour guidebook is packed with information for travellers planning a holiday to Korea detailing Korea’s history, culture, attractions, popular cuisine, where to shop and how to get the best deals and much more.

If you are looking at making your Korean holiday exciting and memorable, the guidebook gives great ideas on how to experience the best that Korea has to offer. Explore the history of Korea through its UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritages including royal palaces, ancient shrines and royal burial tombs, temples and historic villages.

A good way to truly make your trip to Korea memorable is to take part in some of the experiential programs specially developed for tourists. Stay overnight in a Buddhist temple and experience the life of a monk, take one of the taekwondo martial arts programs conducted in the beautiful setting of the Gyeonghuigung Palace in Seoul or learn how to prepare kimchi, Korea’s most iconic dish served at every meal.

The guidebook lists all the many festival events that take place throughout the year in Korea and 2011 is set to be a bumper year for festivals. From ice-fishing and snow festivals in winter to spring festivals like the Hi Seoul Festival and the Traditional Drink and Rice Cake Festival in the ancient city of Gyeongju Korea offers festival fever all year round. The famous Lotus Lantern Parade that lights up Seoul’s city streets on Buddha’s Birthday is a magical sight to see.

Enjoy getting mud in your face at the Boryeong Mud Festival where visitors can enjoy mudslides, mud massages, mud baths and all things mud. The Boryeong Mud Festival has grown to be one of Korea’s most popular festivals with young revellers coming from around the world to enjoy the event.

If visiting Korea during Autumn, festival visitors can enjoy the stunning Autumn scenery as well as a huge range of festivals including the Seoul Drum Festival, Andong International Mask Dance Festival, Gwangju World Kimchi Culture Festival and Busan International Film Festival.

Special events for Visit Korea Year 2011 are also planned including the Gyeongju Hallyu Dream Festival in September, Jeonju Korea Food & Tourism Festival in October , Busan International Fireworks Festival and the Jeju Olle Walking Festival on Jeju Island in October.

Enjoy the special benefits during 2011 such as the long-stay discount program which offers visitors a night FREE when they book and pay for three nights or more. Visitors can also enjoy FREE buses from Seoul to the major tourist cities of Gyeongju, Jeonju and Busan during 2011. There are discount coupons for savings on restaurants, shopping, sightseeing and more. For more information on the special events and discount programs for Visit Korea Year 2011 visit the website: www.visitkoreayear.com

The Korea guidebook provides useful information of the attractions of every region of Korea and has detailed maps and information on how to get around, Korea railpass and transportation as well as a complete list of all accommodation from five star hotels to budget style guest house and local accommodation.

With the latest edition of the Korea guidebook Australians wishing to visit the country will find it much easier to plan an exciting and memorable holiday and benefit by utilising the discount programs set up for Visit Korea Year 2011. The guidebook will assist visitors to truly experience the best that Korea has to offer.

Get your FREE copy of the latest edition of the Korea Guidebook today by contacting Korea Tourism Organization Sydney office by email: visitkorea@knto.org.au , ordering online at www.visitkorea.or.kr  or by phoning 02)9251-1717

The people of Macau and the thousands of visitors who flock there to celebrate Chinese New Year have opened their hearts to two adorable new residents – giant pandas Kai Kai and Xin Xin.

In English, the names translate to “happy” and “very happy”. And that’s how they look as they playfully wrestle and dine on bamboo in their new home, the Giant Panda Pavilion, on Coloane Island, a short drive from Macau’s giant resorts on the ritzy, neon-lit Cotai Strip.

Good news is that entry to see the newcomers in their swish enclosure is less than A$2.

Opened in time for the Chinese New Year celebrations, the sophisticated indoor and outdoor habitat, in Seac Pai Van, is part of a 3000 square metre park which cost around A$14 million to design and build.

Kai Kai and Xin Xin, born and raised in Chengdu in Sichuan Province, were a gift of China’s Central Government, arriving in Macau by air in December to go into 30-day quarantine before taking up their new home. Staff from the Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Centre provided training to the Macau personnel on how to care for the playful couple.

“We hope Kai Kai and Xin Xin (the pandas’ Mandarin name) grow healthily in Macau and bring unlimited joy to its population, particularly to children and youngsters,” said the State Forestry Administration of China vice minister Yin Hong.

Those views were mirrored by Helen Wong, managing director of the Macau Government Tourist Office (Australia and New Zealand) who said during a recent visit that the pair would play a vital role in drawing visitors from Australia and New Zealand.

“They are yet another attraction to a Macau which is rapidly growing in holiday appeal,” she said. “Little wonder Australians and New Zealanders spend three to four nights on each visit. The attractions, activities, sightseeing (UNESCO World Heritage sites) and dining options are far many to cover in shorter time.”

The China Government decided to send the pair of giant pandas during Macau’s 10th anniversary of becoming a Special Administrative Region in 2009.

More than 12 months later and authorities say the settlement of Kai Kai and Xin Xin has created “panda-mania” in Macau, drawing large crowds of residents and tourists. The giant pandas’ presence in Macau has also provided a boost to public awareness of the conservation of rare and precious wildlife.

The Macau SAR government is confident that the pair will bring “lasting joy to the region and its people” and will “lead a happy and healthy life, and that breeding efforts will be successful in Macau”.

Details: Macau Government Tourist Office, (02) 92641488, www.macautourism.gov.mo

THE Singapore Girl wants to remind the world all over again that she is a great way to fly.

After taking a back seat in its marketing strategy over the last five years, she is gliding back to the front of Singapore Airlines’ new multimillion-dollar advertising campaign.

This is the first time Singapore airlines have implemented a video seeding and distribution strategy into one of their campaigns. Unseen Tv is to deliver 300,000 + targeted views throughout APAC with multiple Youtube home pages honors.

- Grab 2011/12 High Season Dates At Low Season Rates -

For a sophisticated safari experience in Tanzania at an affordable price, The Selous Safari Company (www.selous.com) is offering a limited selection of safari vacations during high season dates at low season rates. Valid for travel until mid-March 2012 at the Selous Safari Camp in the Selous Game Reserve and Jongomero Camp in the Ruaha National Park, savvy safari enthusiasts can benefit from sensational savings of almost $1,435 when visiting during popular peak periods.

Available on a first-come, first-served basis and bookable through various tour operators, packages include a seven-night safari vacation in June, September and October from $4,998 per person (a saving of $1,435 per person) with Aardvark Safaris (www.aardvarksafaris.com / 858 523 9000). The price includes internal air transfers, accommodation and all meals with three nights at Jongomero and four nights at the Selous Safari Camp with daily game-drives in open sided 4×4 vehicles, all national park and concession fees. The price excludes international flights to and from Tanzania.

In June, the camps re-open after the rainy season and it is a stunning time to visit Tanzania. Through to October, rainfall is unusual and temperatures remain hot and sunny but without too much humidity. Animals are in abundance as they make their way in droves in search of the nearest water. While flying above, keep a pair of binoculars to hand, and spot the extensive birdlife which includes various types of kingfisher, hornbills, weavers and bee-eaters.

The 13-tent, Selous Safari Camp boasts unrivalled views, privacy and luxury in the heart of the Selous Game Reserve. Selous is Africa’s largest Game Reserve and has the highest concentration of African wildlife, countless birdlife and is home to over a million large animals and half of Tanzania’s elephant population. In addition to the game drives in private 4×4 Land Rovers, guests at the Selous Safari Camp also benefit from boat safaris on the Rufiji River enabling them to get up close and personal to the largest crocodile and hippo population in Africa.

With just eight tents, Jongomero, the only camp situated in the remote central south-western sector of the Ruaha National Park, is a hidden gem promising unmatched privacy and a great vantage point from which to take in the sights and sounds of the African bush. Ruaha’s greatest secret lies in its extraordinary diversity of animals, plants and birds with elephant, huge herds of buffalo, giraffe, zebra, impala, eland, hippo, crocodile and lion to mention a few.

Accommodation at Selous Safari Camp and Jongomero is in luxuriously-appointed en suite tents which are built on raised platforms with thatched roofs. Each comes with a king-size bed and a private verandah, ideal for watching the animal world saunter past – which they frequently do – by day or night!

Royal Zambezi Lodge Honeymoon Offer saves £916 per couple
Bride goes for 50%

The exquisite Royal Zambezi Lodge in Zambia provides the perfect bush honeymoon for couples looking to make their trip of a lifetime extra special. Not only do they offer firm favourites such as indulgent dining, couple’s spa pampering and game adventures, Royal Zambezi Lodge goes above and beyond expectations to ensure couples enjoy a truly magical and unforgettable honeymoon.

Together, couples can experience the wonders of the Zambezi while drifting down the river in a canoe, picnicking on a private island or simply by watching the elephants and hippos pass by from their veranda whilst sipping a G+T. Royal Zambezi Lodge is world famous for its fishing, with guides on hand to help couples test their skills at catching the elusive tiger fish.

Royal Zambezi Lodge is the perfect place for couples to enjoy the natural wilds of Africa. Guests can enjoy a vast array of exciting activities or spoil themselves at the heavenly bush spa with treatments such as the Ukuchina Zambian massage or refreshing and soothing facials. The spa is inspired by the natural beauty surrounding the lodge and is Zambia’s first and only bush spa. The minimalist design offers couples a chance to feel peace and tranquillity and to restore the body, mind and spirit.

The team at Royal Zambezi Lodge organise private honeymoon bush dinners on a secluded private island in the middle of the Zambezi River. Guests dine on the delicious local food whilst listening to the sounds of the African night and watching the pods of hippos pass by. Alternatively guests can have dinner served on their private deck or dine under the stars by a romantic roaring fire.

At night, couples retreat to their tented suite or chalet, each with a thatched canopy and spacious bathroom. Both the suites and chalets assure guests a blissful night’s rest, with extra length sprung mattresses, pure cotton linen and the finest down pillows. The deluxe chalets are the epitome of luxury safari elegance with private sala, outside shower and bath and revitalizing plunge pool overlooking the river.

Royal Zambezi Honeymoon Offer saves £916 per couple.
£1925 per person for 5 nights. International flights with BA and all internal flights included + accommodation, meals and safari activities.
Contact Details; www.ImagineAfrica.co.uk  on 0207 622 5114.

Before the children fly the nest for pastures new, college or university, there’s time for one last great family holiday together. For a truly unforgettable experience, take them on a safari adventure-of-a lifetime and go in search of elephants, wild dogs, lions and zebra with The Selous Safari Company in Tanzania. What’s more, with low-season rates available during certain high-season dates, rest assured of a great price for a holiday the family will talk about for years to come.

The Selous Safari Company (www.selous.com) offers two very different boutique, tented camps in southern Tanzania, each unfenced so guests can sit back and watch the African bush unfold from their verandah, while eating breakfast or from the swimming pool.

For the ultimate off-the-beaten-track experience, the whole family will love Jongomero, the only camp situated in the remote central south-western sector of the Ruaha National Park. A hidden gem with just eight tents, a swimming pool and fabulous food, Jongomero promises a great vantage point from which to take in the sights and sounds of the African bush.

The Ruaha’s greatest secret lies in its extraordinary diversity of animals, plants and birds with elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, impala and lion to mention a few. Due to its isolated location, the daily game drives in specially adapted open 4×4′s are often the only vehicles for miles around so families are privileged to have so much amazing game viewing all to themselves.

Head south-east and situated within an open palm forest on the shores of Lake Nzerakera is the 13-tent Selous Safari Camp, which is in one of the most prolific and thrilling game viewing areas of the Selous Game Reserve. In addition to daily game drives, guests can take a boat safari on the Rufiji River and see the largest crocodile and hippo population in Africa. For larger families, a section of the camp can be exclusively booked and comes with use of safari boats, vehicles and walking guides as well as a private dining and lounge area and separate pool.

From the Selous Safari Camp, those aged 16 and over can try a new bush walking safari experience with a night at a satellite camp. Explore the terrain on foot and see the animals in an authentic and unobtrusive way, then dine under the starry sky around a fire as the sun sets – the perfect way to share a family safari experience with memories that will be treasured forever.

To round-off the safari adventure head to the beach and to Ras Kutani, an exclusive retreat on the shores of Tanzania. Offering a true family castaway experience with long stretches of unspoilt white sand beaches and lagoon forests to explore, the nine cottages, four suites and family house all have views of the Indian Ocean. There’s the chance to see dolphins, whales, turtles hatching (in season) and even a shipwreck. Complimentary snorkelling equipment, kayaks and boogie boards are also available. A perfect end to the last, great family holiday.

Rainbow Tours at W&O Travel (www.rainbowtours.co.uk  / 020 7226 1004) is offering an unforgettable ten-night bush safari and beach experience in Tanzania from £3,445 per adult and £3,280 per teen (saving a total of up to £2,720) – based on two adults and two teenagers aged 12 – 16 sharing. Available for selected departures from July until October, the package includes flights from Heathrow with Kenya Airways, three nights’ accommodation at the Selous Safari Camp and three nights at Jongomero Camp on a full-board basis, with daily game drives in open sided 4×4 vehicles; and four nights in a cottage at the exclusive beach retreat of Ras Kutani. Also included are internal flights, taxes and surcharges.

Safari and beach holidays are becoming increasingly popular but the logistics of getting from remote game reserves to pristine beaches can be tiring. Why not enjoy a refreshing alternative – the new 13 night ‘Zambalawi’ itinerary from Kamili (www.kamili.co.uk  ), pairing Zambia’s best game viewing and secluded safari spots with the warm hospitality, pristine wilderness and tropical lake waters of neighbouring Malawi.

The new ‘Zambalawi’ package provides a simple solution for the best of Southern Africa. Get your game fix at Zambia’s top wildlife viewing spots then discover Malawi’s unspoilt wilderness and beautiful ‘calendar lake’. The trip includes a visit to Malawi’s hottest new luxury eco venture, Tongole Wilderness Lodge, set to open its doors on 1 April. With just four chalets overlooking the Bua River, Tongole offers a luxury lodge experience in the heart of the unexplored and scenically diverse Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve.

The package costs from US$5795 (approx £3620) per person and includes:
• Three nights at Kafunta Lodge – eight private chalets set on the banks of the Luangwa River in the game rich South Luangwa National park. Get your safari fix with day and night game drives as well as walking safaris.
• Two nights at Island Bush Camp – a small, personalised camp constructed afresh each year, located in a remote area in the very South of the National Park ideal for exploring the unspoilt wilderness on foot.
• Two nights at Luangwa Wilderness Lodge – the only property in Luambe National Park, offering an unrivalled private wilderness experience. Accommodation is provided in five safari style tents built on wooden platforms.
• Three nights at Tongole Wilderness Lodge – Malawi’s newest luxury lodge, set in Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve. Accommodation will consist of four luxurious, thatched riverside suites, each with large sunken baths and spectacular raised wooden decks overlooking the Bua River. Activities will include guided walks, day and night game drives, fly camping, canoeing and fly fishing.
• Three nights at Ngala Beach Lodge – situated on the Northern Lakeshore of Lake Malawi, one of the few places on the lake that offers a view of both sunrise and sunset over the water. Guests can swim in the lake or the new infinity pool, go snorkelling, sailing or indulge in a sunset ‘swimdowner’ cruise.

Arrangements include full board accommodation and road transfers throughout, starting from Mfuwe in Zambia and ending in Lilongwe in Malawi. For details on booking this with a tour operator visit www.kamili.co.uk

Sublime Thai hideaway is the first private residence in the network of region’s finest luxury travel experiences

The Elite Resorts of Asia Pacific is pleased to welcome SURALAI, a stunning holiday villa in the scenic northern hills of Koh Samui as the first private residence to join the region’s premier internet showcase for sublime luxury resorts and travel experiences.

The six-bedroom tropical hideaway (www.suralai.com) is now part of an elite collection of 40 of the Asia-Pacific’s finest luxury experiences in 12 countries.

Taking its name from the ‘residence of the angels’ in Thai mythology, SURALAI joins an exclusive network of beach and island resorts, destination spas, lodges and mountain retreats – as well as a small ship, expedition voyager and luxury train – on the luxury online showcase.

The unique concept (www.eliteresortsofasiapacific.com) is a “popular hub for those searching for luxury resort accommodations chosen with excellent taste”, said Chief Executive and co-founder Mark Greedy.

The network includes such exclusive brands as Mandarin Oriental , Banyan Tree , Oberoi and Capella.

On a hilltop in Bophut commanding breathtaking panoramic vistas of Thailand’s popular island and the Bay of Siam, SURALAI is styled as an ultra-exclusive boutique resort; accommodating parties, families or groups of up to a dozen.

The luxury residence features an expansive sun-terrace, 20-metre infinity swimming pool, private gym and lush landscaped gardens. Six spacious contemporary bedrooms all feature elegant en suite bathrooms.

Guest services include a resident manager, housekeepers and private chef, serving daily continental or full international-style breakfast and both Thai and western cuisine. An optional driver is also available for exploring the idyllic island, browsing local markets or experiencing Koh Samui’s eclectic nightlife and popular tourist spots.

SURALAI is owned by Samui Concepts, a joint venture company comprising Paul Hicks and Lynn Grebstad, founders and partners of Hong Kong-based public relations agency Grebstad Hicks Communications; and the villa architects, Hong Kong architectural firm MAP Architecture and Planning (www.maphk.com ); with their Thai partners.

“We are delighted to become part of one of the most exclusive collections of luxury travel experiences in the Asia-Pacific,” said co-owner Mr Hicks.

“Elite’s portal gateway to unique luxury experiences immediately suggests to online visitors ‘Wow, I must go there!’. SURALAI is such a destination, leaving lasting memories of a magical experience.”

Elite co-founder Jim Smith said: “SURALAI is a welcome addition to our network of experiences embracing the spirit of individuality as an ultra-exclusive private boutique resort in one of the region’s most desirable destinations.”
SURALAI is just 15 minutes from the main shopping and entertainment area of Koh Samui, Chaweng – with its stunning white sand beach and busy, mile-long strip of beachfront resorts, countless restaurants, bars, shopping arcades, open-air markets and eclectic nightlife.

Koh Samui is also one of Thailand’s newest golf destinations with two championship courses, Santiburi Samui Country Club and Royal Samui Golf & Country Club, plus the fun 9 hole, par 3 Bophut Hills Country Club which is just minutes walk from the residence.

Koh Samui is easily accessible via daily direct flights on Bangkok Airways from Hong Kong or Singapore, as well as frequent direct flights from Bangkok.