Jetsettersblog

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc and its Sheraton brand will open seven more hotels in China before the end of September. News of these openings coincides with a month-long relocation of Starwood’s global headquarters to Shanghai. In the next two years, nearly half of all new Starwood hotels slated to open in China will fly the Sheraton flag. This summer, Sheraton will open its second hotel in Beijing, its second in Xian, and its first in Chongqing, Yantai, Guangzhou, Zhenjiang, Wanning and Hangzhou. With the addition of these hotels, Sheraton will grow its portfolio to 42 hotels in China by year’s end, moving Starwood closer to its goal of operating 100 hotels in China by the end of 2012.

Sheraton expects China to play an outsized role in global travel over the next decade, with 100 million outbound travelers expected by 2015. China also continues to be the richest source of new loyal travelers for Starwood, as evidenced by the 71 percent jump in Chinese enrollment in Starwood Preferred Guest last year. Starwood’s first-mover advantage in China dates back to 1985 with the landmark debut of The Great Wall Sheraton Hotel in Beijing, the first international branded hotel in China.

The 491-room Sheraton Xian North City Hotel will be the second Sheraton in Xian. The 441-room Sheraton Beijing Dongcheng Hotel will open on Beijing’s north Third Ring Road and will be the second Sheraton in Beijing, where the brand first debuted more than 25 years ago. The 289-room Sheraton Zhenjiang Hotel will be the first Sheraton in Zhenjiang. The 307-room Sheraton Shenzhou Peninsula Resort-Wanning on Hainan Island to the southeast of Wanning City will feature a Shine Spa. The 383-room Sheraton Hangzhou Wetland Park Resort will be located near Hefang Street, a pedestrian street lined with shops and teahouses, museums and numerous corporate offices. The 445-room Sheraton Guangzhou Hotel will be located in the Tianhe central business district as part of Tee Mall, the leading commercial and shopping complex in the city. The 100-room Sheraton Guangzhou Huadu Resort will open in Beixin Town in the northeastern part of Huadu city and will sit at the Li Zui Reservoir, surrounded by mountains and lakes.

The Rembrandt Hotel invites Opera lovers to the revival of Somtow’s most popular Opera, Mae Naak, at Chalerm Krung theatre during July 12-13, 2011. Tickets are available at Thai ticket major or Bangkok Opera Foundation.

BANGKOK, THAILAND, — As a proud sponsor of the Siam Opera, Rembrandt Hotel would like to invite all Opera lovers to Mae Naak, “the most popular opera of Somtow.” Mae Naak is a Thai folk-legend assumingly based on true story of a young beautiful lady who dedicated her life and true love to her husband.

The revival of this original production is a prequel of more to comes as the performance prepares for its London tour in September 2011. Somtow Sucharitkul, the artistic director of the Bangkok Opera and Siam Philharmonic Orchestra, has brought the show up to international standards and has prepared to share this traditional Thai story with the world. The show has been a huge success in its past two performances in Bangkok and the third performance is looking to top that success.

Starring Nancy Yuen as Mae Naak with Kyu Won Han as her deluded lover, the performance features a star-studded international cast at Chalerm Krung theatre from July 12-13, 2011 on 8 p.m. Tickets are available at Bangkok Opera Foundation +66(0)2231-5273 or Thai Ticket Major +66(0)2262-3456.

The Rembrandt Hotel is happy to live up to its name as a patron of the arts and proud to maintain its position as official sponsor of the Opera Siam. Supporting local business, environmental initiatives and charitable causes are all engrained in the vision of the Rembrandt Hotel providing for a stronger and more unified community.

About Rembrandt Hotel & Towers
Rembrandt Hotel offers luxury, outstanding services, and facilities to satisfy all travellers to Bangkok, Thailand. The property is conveniently located in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit district, near the central business district as well as shopping attractions, city landmarks and vibrant nightlife. This quality Bangkok Hotel is just a short 5 minute walk to the Asoke skytrain (BTS) and Sukhumvit metro (MRT) system. It is a great location for both tourists and business travellers, who will find easy access to all of Sukhumvit and Bangkok.

The restaurant Vertigo on the 61st floor atop the Banyan Tree Bangkok is offering a special three-course set menu in July consisting of the restaurant’s most wanted dishes, starting with tuna tartar, followed by a choice of roasted snow fish or roasted chicken breast, and baked cheesecake. The menu is priced at THB 3,000 ($99) per couple. Vertigo is open 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Vertigo’s Moon Bar is open from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. For more information, visit www.banyantree.com

Cape Town and the Western Cape are promoting special packages that include two nights accommodation, flights and car hire, from R999 per person double occupancy. The special is available as part of Cape Town Routes Unlimited’s (CTRU) esCape to the Cape — whatever the weather campaign.

The campaign aims to attract more domestic travelers to the Western Cape, and encourages people from Cape Town and the Western Cape to take time out to travel and explore the myriad activities and events available for their enjoyment during the winter months.

On the dedicated campaign website at www.tourismcapetown.co.za/escape,  users have access to among others special offers for accommodation, activities and experiences.

The campaign will run until September 2011 and portrays the a vacation to the Cape as an experience of escaping from the grind of daily routine to a safe, welcoming, scenic and culturally rich destination. The site includes an adjustable weather dial that prospective visitors to Cape Town and the Western Cape can learn about different activities available in different parts of the province depending on the weather conditions. The activities and experiences include wine tastings, spa getaways, and events like the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival or the Franschhoek Bastille Festival. Bookings on the special offers can be made through www.kulula.com  or www.gotravel24.com. For more information, visit www.tourismcapetown.co.za/escape   For total package planning to Capetown and all of South Africa visit African Travel Inc. at www.africantravelinc.com and they will arrange hotels, safaris, wineland tours, garden route tours and more. Or visit your travel professional.

The festival is heading to Barrow’s Forum venue on July 15th and 16th.

LAKE DISTRICT, ENGLAND — Barrow’s annual Zircus Plus circus festival will return next month, featuring a double-header of top acts from the UK and France.

On Friday July 15th and Saturday July 16th, Gallic ensemble DeFracto and England’s own PanGottic will take the stage at the Cumbrian town’s Forum venue.

DeFracto’s new production, Circuits Fermes – which translates as Closed Circuits – features two men, numerous white juggling balls and a sizeable wooden board.

All these factors come together to create one entertaining performance, which manages to highlight the skill of the participants and also be extremely funny.

Meanwhile, PanGottic’s latest effort Full Twist mixes silent visual comedy with classic and contemporary circus, while telling the story of a quirky couple who fall in love.

Described by the organisers as an “epic tale of pathos and absurdity”, audiences can expect to see baby juggling, wine tasting, glass smashing and more.

The show is due to kick off at 19:30 on both nights, with full-price tickets costing GBP6.

People travelling to The Forum via public transport will find the venue is around ten minutes’ walk from Barrow railway station.

Circus lovers can use LateRooms.com to choose from a wide array of Lake District accommodation, including the Sharrow Bay Hotel Lake District.

For more information, visit http://www.theforumbarrow.co.uk / or call 01229 820000.

It’s a fact that many golfers are keen gardeners, one thing both have in common being a love of the natural environment and the rural delights of the countryside.
Now, Kent — known as the Garden of England — is inviting golfers to sample a region that epitomises the ‘green and pleasant land’ with a golf break that also takes in some of the county’s world-renowned gardens.
Golfers booking golf breaks to the county, venue of the Open Championship this summer, can now log on to www.visitkent.co.uk/golf, the county’s official tourism website, and not only find out about more than 100 outstanding golf courses, but the 180 gardens that are open to the public.

Some of the most scenic and popular gardens – many of them ornamental – include the National Trust-owned quartet of Scotney Castle (voted among the top 10 best English gardens to visit), Emmetts, Sissinghurst and Smallhythe Place along with Leeds Castle, Goodnestone Park, Walmer Castle, Lullingstone World, Hever Castle, Penshurst Place, Mount Ephraim, Bedgebury National Pinetum, Yalding Organic, Brogdale Farm and the Secret Gardens of Sandwich.

Golfers planning to enjoy the many and wonderful delights of Kent’s magnificent gardens, once they have completed a round of one of the county’s many celebrated golf courses or visited the Open at Royal St George’s in Sandwich from July 14-17, can do so at a number of special events this summer, including:

• Mount Ephraim (Faversham) – Cherry Day, July 10

• Leeds Castle (Maidstone) – Live at the Castle outdoor music concert, July 17

• Lullingstone World (Eynesford) – Plant Hunter Weekend, July 30-31

• Bedgebury National Pinetum (Cranbrook) – Wildlife Safari, August 2, 9 16 & 23

• Sissinghurst Castle (Cranbrook) – Smallholding Fair, 13 & 14 August

• Secret Gardens of Sandwich – Sandwich Festival/Art Exhibition, August 22-29

All these gardens are situated within reach of the celebrated ‘Regal Golf Coast’ links golf courses of Royal St George’s, Prince’s (home of the 1932 Open), Royal Cinque Ports (venue of the 1909 and 1920 Opens), Littlestone (an England Top 100 Course) and North Foreland – all located along Kent’s picturesque south-east coastline – along with fantastic downland, parkland, castle and championship courses, such as London Golf Club (a European Tour Destination) and Chart Hills (a UK Top 100 Course, designed by Sir Nick Faldo).
Many excellent-value golf-break packages in the Garden of England are offered through a recently announced partnership between Visit Kent, Golfbreaks.com – Europe’s largest golf travel company – and Shepherd Neame, the renowned Kent-based brewer, pub and hotel operator. The county boasts a plethora of other top tourist attractions, and high quality, graded accommodation and restaurants.
Sandra Matthews-Marsh, Chief Executive of Visit Kent, said: “Many golfers are also keen gardeners and they could find no better place than the Garden of England in which to indulge their twin loves. Kent boasts many stunning and quaint gardens of all sizes, and we invite golfers enjoying golf breaks in our county to discover these magnificent treasure troves – as well as take away hundreds of ideas to incorporate in their own gardens.”

For more information on golf breaks in Kent, visit www.visitkent.co.uk/golf

Casa Velas, an adults-only hotel and ocean club in Puerto Vallarta, has proudly cut the ribbon on the remodeled Spa Casa Velas, complete with innovative new treatments. Spa Casa Velas, a member of The Leading Spas of the World, looks to provide guests with an even more relaxing, enriching experience with its new look and offers including the revolutionary QuiroGolf Massage. The hotel, ranked in the top 10 of three Trip Advisor® 2011 Travelers’ Choice® categories including luxury, relaxation/spa and hotel for romance, will now offer a European Plan alongside the hotel’s original Luxury All-Inclusive concept.

Spa Casa Velas features stunning contemporary Mexican décor and offers couples suites as well as private single rooms. Among the numerous treatments offered is the revolutionary new QuiroGolf Massage. The QuiroGolf Massage is a unique deep body massage performed with golf balls using maneuvers based on four pillars that act in synergy: relaxing, warming the muscles, therapeutic massage and improving flexibility. This massage is excellent for the relief of nerve pressure, soothing muscle and joint discomfort, improving flexibility, eliminating stress and anxiety, and recovering physical and psychic energy.

Guests can also enjoy their treatments outdoors amid the resort’s tropical gardens or on the shores of the private Ocean Club. The spa also offers a beauty salon, boutique and a garden-view fitness center equipped with state-of-the-art exercise equipment.

Casa Velas is world-renowned for their commitment to quality guest services. The European Plan offers lodging, à la carte daily breakfast at Emiliano gourmet restaurant, Ocean Club full access, luxury amenities, special offers on 3 nearby Pro Golf Courses, 25% off on Spa and much more. European Plan rates start at $200 per night in a Master Suite, plus taxes and gratuity charge. All-Inclusive rates start at $275 per night. For more information or reservations, please call 1-866-529-8813 or visit http://www.hotelcasavelas.com/.

About Casa Velas:

Casa Velas, a boutique hotel and ocean club nestled on the greens of Marina Vallarta’s 18-hole golf course, is a member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World and a recipient of the AAA Four Diamond Award. Located just five minutes from Puerto Vallarta Airport and only 15 minutes from the popular downtown area, art galleries and “El Malecon” (the boardwalk), the hotel features 80 suites, some with private pools and Jacuzzis. Emiliano a la carte fine dining restaurant is at the hands of one of the area’s leading chefs serving Mexican and international cuisine.

Hotel Brings Stunning Views, Stellar Service and Sensational Gathering Spots To Emerging Neighborhood

New York, NY – The July 1 opening of Z New York Hotel brings an exciting new addition to the city’s hospitality scene – in Queens, naturally. The Z is just over the 59th Street bridge, not far from P.S. 1, right by the iconic Silvercup Studios, and within walking distance of 2011’s biggest culinary hot spot, M. Wells Diner. Z New York Hotel is poised to join these Long Island City touchstones as a must-visit destination on city’s ever-growing map, and its friendly, laid-back feel. It offers incomparable views of the skyline, a signature rooftop bar, and a central location with easy access to some of the finest shopping, dining and sightseeing in town.

Celebrating the Art of Travel (Figuratively and Literally)

Almost everything you need to know about the Z’s unique take on the contemporary hotel is evident the moment you enter the lobby, a small space that makes an outsized impression. An original installation by Serett Metalworks on the main wall depicts the train station departure board of the dedicated traveler’s dreams, with points familiar (France, Germany, Spain) and exotic (Israel and Iceland) wilkomming arrivals. A custom check-in desk repurposes vintage luggage, behind which is a one-of-a-kind mural depicting the gloriously ornate City Hall subway station. This “soliloquy to travel” is the vision of the hotel’s owner, Henry Zilberman, who came to New York with $2,000 in his pocket and the kind of prescience that defines a born entrepreneur.

From the lobby, there are two choices: head upstairs to your room (or one of the jaw-dropping outdoor gathering places), or run downstairs to the lounge and restaurant below. At the bottom of the loft-like staircase you’ll glimpse a baby grand piano; a not-so-baby-grand black crystal chandelier is suspended overhead. Depending upon your arrival time, the musical accompaniment could be The Rolling Stones on stereo or a Cuban jazz combo jamming live. Either way, you’ll probably decide to descend immediately for a drink in the buzzing “Z Hotel Lounge,” spelled out in mosaic tile, New York subway-style.

Designer Andre Escobar, working in close collaboration with Zilberman and Managing Director Jon Eklund, has created an eclectic, inviting and stimulating environment. Along with burled walnut floors, glazed brick, and enormous second-story windows that shed western light on the subterranean space, there are rustic-chic pieces from Restoration Hardware, inviting banquettes, and a one-of-a-kind bi-level bar topped with black Caesar stone. Oh, and many, many more eye-catching chandeliers. Zilberman and team understand the all-important mood-enhancing power of great lighting. You will look good at the Z – as will all of those interesting strangers.

Gimme Shelter

The remarkable thing about Z New York Hotel is how democratic the room situation is. Two sizes, depending on your needs, each designed with the kind of flair that generally comes at twice the price. Rather than wallpaper, there are three bespoke murals of iconic New York experiences – Billie Holiday singing, the Rockettes kicking, a taxi cab cruising. You might interpret them (respectively) as celebrations of nuance and originality, energy and the desire to please, efficiency and excitement. The murals perfectly capture the Z’s values, spirit and hospitality goals. The high-end mattresses, high-thread-count Egyptian 100% cotton sheets, and flat-screen TVs Sony.

Z Floors have radiant heat for post-shower comfort; showers are double-sized and equipped wonderfully sleek chrome fixtures and Gilchrest & Soames bath products.

The over-bed wall sconces, custom created for the Z by Brooklyn’s Ecostruct, channel “Steampunk,” mixing sleek contemporary filament bulbs with classic Mason jars. Dashes of shiny silver fabric are chicly mixed in with the predominantly brown, black and grey aesthetic; bright red leather chairs add punctuation. For sale on chic boutique shelving: flip flops replace standard slippers; hard hats accompany requisite baseball caps. Even the mini-bars offer something almost unheard of nowadays: reasonable prices. But all of this exceptional attention to detail and focus on the user-experience ultimately takes a back seat to the rooms’ most remarkable feature: floor-to-ceiling windows framing the full sweep of that island across the way.

Gazing, Grazing, Lazing: Gathering Together, Z-Style

If possible, the views are even better above the Z, where you’ll find what is destined to be the (end-of-conversation) best of New York’s hotel rooftop restaurants. Twinned aviator-style bars by Serrett Metalworks and sleek Design Within Reach furniture create a suitably stylish foundation for sunset cocktails, romantic dinners, and festive nightcap toasts. A pizza oven turns out fabulous blistered-crust personal pies at reasonable prices, accompanied by terrace-friendly greatest hits of rustic American fare from the signature restaurant downstairs. This is a destination that’s destined to be on every New Yorker’s list, for it turns out you can’t really see an island’s full glory while you’re standing on it.

Says Zilberman, the man who recognized the glory of his up-and-coming borough before almost anyone else: “The service industry is in my blood. Back in Israel, I opened a very successful restaurant in an unlikely spot – so I guess I have a history of finding promise in the unexpected. But that’s a lot more fun than following an already established formula.” Fun is a big word for the Z Hotel team – rather than a somber temple to design and quiet good taste, they’ve gone for eclecticism, liveliness and community. Consider, for example, the layout of the upper floors. In good weather, they are completely open, with balconied walkways clad in multi-colored panels. In the colder months, glass panels slide down, preserving the views of Silvercup and the rest of the borough. Chic lounges are central to each floor – adding yet another common space that encourages relaxation and even socializing.

Let’s Get Lost

While the Z is literally focused on Manhattan, it’s not actually in it. But it is incredibly well situated for shopping Madison Avenue, visiting the Fifth Avenue museums, having Breakfast at Tiffany’s (or, more likely, one of the celebrated restaurants in the area), and rambling around Central Park. “The hotel is nearer than most places on the Upper West Side,” says Zilberman. “And much, much closer than the downtown hotels.” (This is a man who knows his distances, having started his New York life as a gypsy cab driver.)

“I know what I’m looking for when I travel,” he adds. “And I’m surprised I don’t encounter more of it. I want a place that’s inclusive, familial, a place where you can be yourself. I want casualness with comfort. Not stiffness. I want convenience and I want adventure – in the place and in the people. I want a hotel that’s taking chances, but only chances that are calculated to make things better for the customer. I want to get lost in the excitement of being somewhere completely unexpected.”

For additional information or to make a reservation, please visit www.zhotelny.com  or call 212-319-7000.

It’s summer – the perfect time to fire up the grill for an al fresco picnic or barbecue. Visitors can also order a gourmet, pre-made meal from many of LA’s restaurants or pick up a picnic to go from area delis and grocery stores.

A variety of scenic settings from ocean views to mountain majesty, feature perennially gorgeous blue skies and balmy temperatures.

Sweeping views of the Pacific coastline and Catalina Island, tree-shaded lawns, pergolas and colorful gardens make memorable picnics for groups of 100 or more people at Point Fermin Park in San Pedro.

Griffith Park in Los Angeles, offers six distinct picnic areas among its 4,210 acres of natural and landscaped terrain. Crystal Springs is one of the largest, with four sections for up to 100 picnickers each, and barbecue facilities.

The Bette Davis picnic area, near the Los Angeles Zoo, has a huge lawn filled with picnic tables and groups can bring their own grills. Smaller Griffith Park picnic areas include Mineral Wells, near the Harding Golf Course; the Old Zoo, featuring tables around the historic cages of LA’s original zoo; and Park Center, ideal for families with the nearby historic Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round and playground.

Water play splashes up the fun in the San Fernando Valley’s Lake Balboa Park.

The 27-acre man-made lake is surrounded by shady trees and three picnic pavilions, each with table seating for about 32 people.

Paddleboats and other watercraft add to the fun.

Boating, fishing, swimming, horseback riding and golf on an 18-hole course complement small to medium-sized group picnics at Hansen Dam Park, also in the San Fernando Valley. Citrus groves, towering oaks and a beautiful rose garden make the Orcutt Ranch Horticultural Center, in the San Fernando Valley, idyllic for outdoor events of up to 175.

Boston, Massachusetts,– With breathtaking views of the harbor, a location in the heart of Boston’s historic North End, a luxurious Exhale Spa and new Italian restaurant, Aragosta Bar & Bistro, Fairmont Battery Wharf is the perfect location for a summer getaway.

Take a walk along the Freedom Trail, take to the seas to seek out lobsters or whales or simply relax with man’s best friend.

Strap on your sea legs and experience the only Lobster boat tour in Boston with Fairmont Battery Wharf’s exclusive Keep the Catch Boston Harbor Lobster Package.

Board an authentic lobster boat and set out on a private excursion with one of Fairmont’s chefs.

Learn how to bait, drop, and haul in lobster traps.

Take in the awe-inspiring views of Boston Harbor while learning about its great history.

After a day at sea, guests return to Aragosta Bar & Bistro where award-winning Chef David Daniels will prepare the lobster catch to the guest’s liking.

This package includes the lobster tour, lobster dinner at the Aragosta Chef’s Counter, a welcome gift and overnight accommodations. Available through October 31, 2011, rates start at $529.

Boston is one of the top ten places in the world to go on a whale watching tour.

This summer Fairmont Battery Wharf partners with New England Aquarium to present the Whale of a Tale Package.

This package includes two tickets on New England Aquarium’s whale watching tour. Enjoy this three to four hour tour on a high-speed catamaran that sails 30 miles east to Stellwagon Bank.

Guests are likely to encounter majestic whales, dolphins, sea birds, and other marine life.

In addition, this package includes overnight accommodations and breakfast for two. Available through October 30, 2011, rates start at $329.

A visit to Boston must include a walk along the Freedom Trail, and Fairmont Battery Wharf offers its guests The North End Freedom Trail Package.

An 18th century costumed guide will escort guests on the 2.5-mile walk that connects the history of Boston with the present. Be enlightened by tales of brave Bostonians such as Paul Revere, Sam Adams, and John Quincy Adams, and learn how they challenged Britain to help establish the birth of a nation.

This package includes two tickets for the Freedom Trail guided tour and accommodations.

This package is available through December 31, 2011, and rates start at $289.

Furry friends enjoy a summer escape in the lap of luxury and whether a pint sized pooch or a big cuddly canine, Fairmont Battery Wharf offers the Dog Days of Summer Package.

This experience is available for dogs of all sizes and includes overnight accommodations, use of a dog bed and bowls and welcome doggie treats.

This package is available through September 30, 2011, and rates start at $259.

Dog sitting services can be arranged at an additional fee.

Guests may upgrade to Fairmont Gold, the hotel’s exclusive lifestyle offering for an additional $100 per night. All packages are based upon availability and do not include tax or gratuity.