Jetsettersblog

The staff at &Beyond’s Mnemba Island has discovered 39 endangered green turtle nests in 2011. Only 10 miles in circumference, Mnemba Island is home to a number of conservation coups that have had a profound impact on three specific animal species — green sea turtles, Zanzibari suni (native deer species) and Ader’s duikers (the rarest antelope species in Africa).

“&Beyond Mnemba Island Lodge is the only marine lodge in the company’s portfolio and one of the smallest in terms of guest numbers. By contrast, the benefits of its conservation measures and successes are substantial — and far-reaching,” said &Beyond’s group conservation manager, Les Carlisle.

Mnemba is one of only two protected nesting sites in Zanzibar for the endangered green turtle. Last year, teams recorded 45 nests and supervised the hatching of approximately 3,150 baby turtles. In 2005, five Ader’s duikers were introduced to the island. Working with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), employees at Mnemba are working to increase the global population, which is estimated at just 300 to 600 remaining in the wild. Zanzibari suni live unmolested on Mnemba Island, due to the absence of predators, In January 2011, a record 96 suni were relocated to Jozani.

The staff at &Beyond Mnemba Island Lodge also host conservation lessons for school children from mainland Zanzibar every year. Their day on the island includes lessons about the importance of coral reefs and snorkeling lessons, which give many of the children their first glimpse of the amazing ecosystem of which they are the future custodians.

&Beyond owns and operates more than 35 lodges and camps in Africa and India’s wilderness. The company is also one of Africa’s major inbound tour operators, designing luxury safaris and personalized travel itineraries in 16 African countries and India. Established in 1991, &Beyond is committed to sustainable responsible travel and community empowerment is world renowned. For more information, visit www.andbeyond.com

Jordan’s Wadi Rum has been named by UNESCO as a new World Heritage Site, receiving distinctions under the cultural and natural categories. Wadi Rum satisfied three specific criteria (criteria 3, 5, & 7), with criterion 5 being one that requires the site to be of “superlative natural phenomena and aesthetic importance.” Wadi Rum joins Petra, Quseir Amra and Umm Ar-Rasas on Jordan’s list of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites.

Jordan needed to provide evidence of the site’s outstanding universal value. Former Jordan Minister of Tourism and Senator Akel Biltaji praised this accomplishment, stating that it meant that Wadi Rum is important to all of humanity and it is another responsibility for Jordan to be the custodian of another World Heritage Site.

Wadi Rum was first made famous in the Western world by the movie “Lawrence of Arabia,” serving as a major military point during the Great Arab Revolt of 1916, led by sharif Hussein bin Ali, the great grandfather of Jordan’s King Abdullah II.

The desert landscape extends approximately 42 kilometers from north to south, and approximately 33 kilometers from east to west. Wadi Rum is a major feature within the Hisma desert lying to the east of the Jordan Rift Valley and south of the steep escarpment of the central Jordanian plateau. For more information on Jordan, visit www.visitjordan.com

This summer Shanghai’s Fairmont Peace Hotel will celebrate its 82nd anniversary and first anniversary since reopening last year with a selection of new amenities and packages. To help celebrate, the 82 Years of Elegance Package includes one night in an Art Deco-inspired room, daily access to the Fitness Centre at Fairmont’s Willow Stream Spa and a guided tour of the hotel with the on-site historian. Rates start at CNY 1,700 ($262) from July 1 to Aug. 31. An additional CNY 82 ($13), in honor of the anniversary, will let guests choose one added amenity per room such as daily breakfast at The Cathay Room, a guided Tai Chi session on the rooftop, High Tea at Jasmine Lounge or a cocktail at the Jazz Bar.

The debut of the Nine Nation Suites and Sassoon Presidential Suite marks the culmination of the extensive three-year restoration. With three rooms on each floor, each offers panoramic views of the river and the city. The Chinese, Indian, English and American suites have been preserved, while the French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese and German suites have been redesigned in keeping with their original concepts. For more information, call 800-441-1414 or visit www.fairmont.com

BANGKOK — Thai Country Club is mixing business and golfing pleasure, in equal parts, through new reciprocal links in Hong Kong, Vietnam and Malaysia.
The Bangkok facility, regarded as one of Asia’s foremost golfing tests, has established partnerships with two equally compelling layouts, The Montgomerie Links in Central Vietnam, and Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club in the Malaysian capital.
Aware that golfers are often as concerned with social and business opportunities as they are with on-course endeavours, Thai Country Club (www.ThaiCountryClub.com ) has also bonded with Butterfield’s, of Hong Kong, and Hong Kong Banker’s Club, two private, city clubs. Each is among the most prestigious in HK and offers a host of services ranging from top-end dining to state-of-the-art business conferencing.
“With flight connections and business links bringing the component parts of this region ever closer, we wanted to spread the net as widely as possible to reap maximum benefit for our members,” says T.W. Hughes, general manager at Thai Country Club (TCC).

“The reputation of a club has always extended beyond the property. Increasingly, the benefits of club membership follow members in their travels abroad. That’s why we felt it appropriate to forge partnerships not just with golf clubs, but with the Hong Kong clubs, as well.

“The arrangements in Vietnam and Malaysia allow our members discounted access to two of the finest golfing facilities in the region. Equally, however, if they happen to be in Hong Kong for business, as many of them often are, they have at their disposal a pair of establishments considered to be among the best of their genre.”

Situated amid a verdant tropical landscape of coconut palms and lakes on the outskirts of Bangkok, Thai Country Club has earned itself an enviable reputation since opening for business back in 1996. Yet while their home track is justly celebrated across the region — this Denis Griffiths design served as site of four consecutive Volvo Masters Asia, from 2005 to 2008 — TCC members are unlikely to feel short-changed when visiting either of their new partner courses.

• Located on the famed coastal strip between Vietnam’s third largest city, Danang, and its premier tourist town, Hoi An, The Montgomerie Links is every bit as impressive in a golfing sense as its creator, European legend Colin Montgomerie. Utilising the Scot’s design trademarks of heavy bunkering, massive greens and rippled fairways to full effect, the course is a formidable-but-fair test fully deserving of its reputation as one of Vietnam’s best. Indeed, Asian Golf Monthly magazine recently named it Vietnam’s Best Course.

• Completely different in character yet equally revered is the golf on offer at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club. The facility – just 20 minutes from the centre of the Malaysian capital – boasts two celebrated golf courses (East and West) which both play across undulating parkland. The West Course at Lumpur G. & C.C. is particularly highly regarded and is the current host of the Malaysian Open.

TCC members will pay only members’ guest green fees at The Montgomerie Links and Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club, and may bring up to three guests who will enjoy the same discount. The discount can be used up to 14 times in a calendar year at The Montgomerie Links and up to 6 times at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.
In Hong Kong, golf isn’t part of the equation but the benefits of access to the two private members clubs are just as attractive.

• Located on the 43rd, 44th and 45th floors of the Gloucester Tower overlooking the harbour, the Hong Kong Banker’s Club offers two gourmet (western and Chinese) restaurants, a bar, and state of the art business services and conferencing facilities.
• Butterfield’s, meanwhile, is located in the fast-growing Island East area, which has been specially created to cater for the needs of the business community. It provides dining, business and leisure facilities.

“It’s easy to mix business with pleasure at these places,” says Hughes. “That’s why we picked them!
“Seriously, we’ve worked hard and put a lot of thought into arranging these deals for our members. We’ve got the Malaysian Open venue, one of the hottest courses in Vietnam and two of the most prestigious private members clubs in Hong Kong in the bag. That’s not bad going.”

Macau’s newest destination resort knows the way to guests’ hearts with top chefs, impeccable Asian and international dining, comfort food, exclusive offerings and much more

Galaxy Macau™ today unveiled its full roster of 50 food and beverage outlets, stoking the appetites of gourmets everywhere who are counting down the final days until Macau’s most eagerly anticipated integrated destination resort opens its doors on 15 May 2011.

Ms Gillian Murphy, Senior Vice President – Non-Gaming Operations of Galaxy Macau, says the resort aims to become nothing less than the number one culinary destination in Macau. “Good food is one of the most fundamental parts of a memorable holiday. As the first truly authentic Asian resort of its kind in Macau, we realize how important it is to offer the absolute best in Asian cuisines to make our guests from around the region feel right at home, and to provide our international guests with the most genuine Asian dining experience possible.”

Among the many highlights of its restaurant offerings, Galaxy Macau will feature:

Nearly 50 restaurants upon opening with more outlets to come …meaning guests could eat at Galaxy Macau once a week for a year and almost never eat at the same place twice

Macau’s widest selection of Pan-Asian cuisine under one roof

Leading chefs from around the world, including the Banyan Tree Macau’s Matías Martinez, an award-winning chef who has worked at some of Europe’s leading Michelin-starred restaurants; Executive Chinese Chef Simon Tho, a veteran with more than 20 years of experience in Chinese and Asian cuisine, most recently with Shangri-La; and many more

Renowned partnerships with the legendary Japanese restaurant Yamazato from Hotel Okura Macau, Michelin-recommended Cantonese restaurant Laurel, highly regarded Chiu Chow restaurant Pak Loh, and many more

High-end concepts specially built for Galaxy Macau, including signature Mediterranean restaurant Terrazza and the Banyan Tree Macau’s Belon Oyster Bar & Grill

Galaxy Macau will also feature a number of ethnic Chinese eateries, including Cantonese, Chiu Chow, Taiwanese and Shanghainese. According to a 2008 AC Nielsen survey, nearly 60% of Chinese feel that food is an important factor in choosing a leisure destination, making it the second-most important consideration after price. A Euromonitor study showed that Chinese tourists spent 12% of their trip budget on food in 2009 …second only to shopping.

Ms Murphy added, “It’s no secret that Asians love to eat when they travel. There’s even a saying that the Chinese follow their stomachs on holiday! We believe that by serving the best range of Asian food in town – from fine dining to comfort food like noodles, dumplings and congee – we can make Galaxy Macau feel like a home away from home, and the kind of place that people who love Asian food will want to return to time and time again.”

Beverages are also a critical component of Galaxy Macau’s culinary offering. Features include the world’s first and only The Macallan Whisky Bar & Lounge, with Macau’s largest selection of whisky at over 360 labels, including the complete range of The Macallan single malts dating back to 1937; Sakazuki Sake Bar by Hotel Okura Macau, which will offer a wide range of Japan’s finest sakes; and the ultra-exclusive China Rouge, a hybrid nightclub, bar and restaurant conceptualised by renowned Hong Kong designer Alan Chan, serving professionally mixed cocktails as well as fine and rare wines.
Galaxy Macau has paid particularly close attention to its wines, enlisting leading expert Jeannie Cho Lee to serve as the property’s Master of Wine. Ms Lee will oversee the development of the property’s carefully selected wine list, food pairing aspects, and a series of dinners, seminars and other special events. Galaxy Macau will have not only blue-chip Bordeaux from top vintages and top cult Californian, Australian, Spanish and Italian wines, but it will also carry an impressive collection of Burgundy and Pinot Noir because of its friendliness with Asian cuisine. In addition, the property will carry a wide range of Asian wines, including bottles from China, India, Thailand and Japan.

Galaxy Macau, the city’s most eagerly anticipated integrated destination resort, aims to deliver authentically Asian service style and offerings at an international level through its hospitality ethos of “World Class, Asian Heart”. It will be focused on Asian tastes, sensibilities and design influences to attract visitors from around the region as well as international guests seeking an authentic Asian resort holiday experience.

“When we hold our Grand Opening on 15 May 2011, every aspect of our food and beverage offerings will be open too,” said Ms Murphy. “Whether you’re a serious foodie, or simply someone who appreciates a really well prepared yum cha, Galaxy Macau is going to be the place to be.”

「澳門銀河™」盛大開幕日已進入最後倒數階段，這個萬眾期待的大型綜合渡假城將於2011年5月15日隆重揭幕。今日「澳門銀河」正式公布渡假城內為賓客提供世界各地美食的逾50家餐飲食肆名單，凸顯其打造美食天堂的決心。

「澳門銀河」綜合渡假城非博彩業務高級副總裁麥佩欣表示，「澳門銀河」決心打造為澳門首席美食天堂：「美食絕對是成就開心難忘假期的重要元素，『澳門銀河』作為首個真正以亞洲風情為發展藍本的渡假勝地，我們既為來自亞洲地區的旅客送上賓至如歸的體驗，亦為世界各地賓客準備最正宗的亞洲風味，盡享各款特色美食。」

「澳門銀河」食肆眾多，特色處處，當中最值得為大家留意的包括：

近50家食肆於開幕日即投入服務，更多佳餚美饌將陸續加入，賓客即使每星期光臨一次，花上一年時間亦未必可以嘗遍所有餐廳食肆
「澳門銀河」提供泛亞洲特色美食， 選擇之多堪稱全澳門之冠
國際頂級名廚匯聚，包括澳門悅榕莊 的Matías Martinez 大廚，他不但曾於歐洲多家米芝蓮餐廳任職，而且屢獲國際大獎；此外，擁有逾20年豐富入廚經驗的Simon Tho，擅長炮製亞洲及中式美食，加盟「澳門銀河」前為香格里拉酒店行政總廚；還有更多廚藝界精英，未能盡錄

著名料理包括澳門大倉酒店殿堂級和式料理「山里」日本餐廳、高級粵菜食府丹桂軒，以及享負盛名的百樂潮州酒樓等等
「澳門銀河」亦設有高級特色餐廳，包活庭園地中海餐廳以及位於澳門悅榕莊內的貝隆蠔吧及扒房

「澳門銀河」更引入各式各樣的中式特色食店，包括粵菜、潮州菜、台灣菜及上海菜。根據
2008年 AC Nielsen調查結果，接近60%華人在選擇渡假勝地時，美食往往被列為主要考慮因素之一，重要程度僅次於「價錢」。一項Euromonitor研究報告亦顯示中國遊客雖然花費最多的是在「購物」方面，但在美酒佳餚方面的消費亦不相伯仲。排名第二的「吃喝美食」，佔總旅費開支12%，支出絕對不菲。

麥佩欣女士補充說：「眾所周知，亞洲旅客對美食享受的追求甚為殷切，所謂『民以食為天』，尤其中國人在享受假期時，也會犒賞自己，盡情大吃一番！我們深信『澳門銀河
™』所提供的亞洲美饌絕對是全城之冠，由提供極品佳餚的高級特色餐廳至普羅大眾的麵食、雲吞及粥品，無一不備。『澳門銀河』深信旅客能享受賓至如歸的體驗，吃盡亞洲滋味，將會再次重遊。」

美酒配佳餚向來被視為缺一不可，所以「澳門銀河」 極重視餐酒及佳釀的選擇，並特意搜羅世界各地的美饌，為賓客提供無可媲美的享受。特色酒吧包括世界唯一兼全球首家的麥卡倫威士忌吧
(Macallan Whisky Bar & Lounge)，珍藏全澳門最多的威士忌種類，超過360款，更提供始於1937年釀製、享譽全球的麥內卡倫單一麥芽全系列極品；另外澳門大倉酒店清酒杯 (Sakazuki Sake Bar) 匯聚一系列頂級日本清酒；由香港著名設計師陳幼堅設計，集酒吧、會所及餐廳於一身的「紅伶」，則提供特色雞尾酒及矜貴罕見的佳釀。

「澳門銀河」 為賓客呈獻極致的品味之選，特別誠邀世界頂尖葡萄酒品鑑專家之一 ── 李志延出任為「澳門銀河」的葡萄酒大師及顧問，為渡假城精心挑選藏酒名單，親自為不同晚宴、講座及特別活動選配美酒。「澳門銀河」 亦珍藏了極品波爾多名釀、優質且廣受追捧的加洲、澳洲、西班牙及意大利葡萄酒，同時更帶來叫人一試難忘的布根地（Burgundy）及黑皮諾 （Pinot Noir） 紅酒，與亞洲美食匹配得天衣無縫。當然少不了一系列亞洲地道特色美酒，包括來自中國、印度、泰國及日本等地的名釀。

眾人翹首以待的「澳門銀河」 本着「傲視世界 情繫亞洲」的發展理念，無論設計、待客精神等每項細節，都以亞洲心出發，令來自亞洲以至世界各地的旅客，深深感受亞洲式的窩心誠摯的待客之道。

麥佩欣女士表示：「於2011年5月15日『澳門銀河』開幕盛典當天，旗下所有食肆將會準備就緒，竭力為賓客帶來非一般的美食體驗。無論你是愛好美食的朋友，或優閒地享受一盅兩件，『澳門銀河』都絕對是不二之選。」

Arrival at the Romantik Hotel Muottas Muragl, located in the city of Samedan in the Upper Engadine region of Switzerland, is done via a solar-powered cable car that takes guests up to the first plus-energy hotel in the Alps. Energy is generated by a variety of systems that, over an entire year, produce more energy than the hotel actually needs.

The Muottas Muragl is in one of the most beautiful points in the Engadine, in the triangle between Zurich, Milan and Munich, and where an undisturbed view across the Upper Engadine lake plateau can be enjoyed. The hotel’s pure modern interior includes pine and nut wood in its design. Two restaurants have large panoramic terraces. In winter, Muottas Muragl is known as a paradise for sledding, snowshoeing and hiking, and in summer alpine nature offers adventure trails and the most beautiful mountain road of the Engadine, winding elegantly around the Schafberg mountain. For more information, visit www.romantikhotels.com/Samedan

The Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo debuted a new sushi restaurant, Sushi Sora. Sushi Sora — “sora” means “sky” in Japanese – is located on the 38th floor and features large floor-to-ceiling windows that offer views of the city panorama and the soon-to-be-completed Tokyo Sky Tree.

The sushi chef appointed to the new restaurant is Yuji Imaizumi, who has 18 years of experience and promises to enchant his audience with his gracious and elegant hand movements that can be observed when preparing sushi. Imaizumi is a master of Tokyo’s authentic “Edo-mae” style of traditional sushi cuisine. The hotel is located in Nihonbashi, an area often regarded as the birthplace of sushi. The restaurant will offer set lunch from $152 and set dinner from $190. An a la carte menu is also available. For more information, call 011 81 (3) 3270 8188, email motyo-fbres@mohg.com  or visit www.mandarinoriental.com

The three Courtyard by Marriott resorts in Phuket are offering deals to customers dining at the brand’s MoMo Cafés. The swimming pool at the Courtyard by Marriott Phuket at Surin Beach is open for unlimited use to guests of the MoMo Café who spend more than THB500 ($17) . Customers at MoMo Cafés at the Patong, Surin and Kamala beach resorts will receive free access for their children to Courtyard by Marriott’s signature Kids World, plus access to the resorts’ swimming pools, for each table spending a minimum of THB500 ($17) on food and beverage at the MoMo Cafés.

Kids World, available at all three of the Courtyard by Marriott resorts in Phuket, is a thrilling amusement and edutainment play zone, with a dedicated Teen Zone. For 4- to 12-year-olds, there’s a mix of experiences in the Play Zone, ranging from cushioned ball houses, arts and craft corners, dress-up areas, cinemas and science labs, while baby cots and a professional babysitting service will take care of the little ones.

Elsewhere, teens between 13 and 18 can use the Kids Worlds’ Internet corners, Sony PlayStation area, pool tables and table football. There are also waterslides in the large swimming pools at all three of Courtyard by Marriott’s Phuket resorts. For more information, visit www.courtyard.com  or www.marriott.com

Park Hotels in India will expand its collection of five-star boutique properties with new openings (new builds from the ground up) in Goa in the last quarter of 2011 and Kochi in first quarter of 2012. This will grow The Park’s portfolio to 11 distinctive design-driven hotels in the country, spanning city and resort locales, for both leisure and business travelers.

“Following our expansion last year with properties in Hyderabad and Kerala, we decided to bring our ambitious growth plans to two exceptional India locations that are rising in popularity with U.S. travelers — the beach paradise of Goa and the major port city of Kochi,” said Priya Paul, chairperson of Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels. The 33-room Park on Candolim Beach is located on Goa’s Candolim Beach with a pool deck, bar and restaurant to extend out onto the beach and offer views, sunsets and breezes from the Arabian Sea. Additional facilities include a full-service spa and beauty center and indoor meeting space for private social gatherings or business meetings.

The Park Kochi will reflect “modern Kerala” by fusing traditional and contemporary styles and cultural elements. One of the largest tower hotels in the city with a helipad, The Park Kochi will feature 175 rooms and suites, including a special Residence floor to provide enhanced service, comfort and convenience for business travelers. Three restaurants, meeting spaces and an Aura spa (featuring spacious private spa suites and a diverse menu of treatments drawn from the ancient healing traditions of Ayurveda) will add to the facilities. For more information, email sales.usa@theparkhotels.com  or visit www.theparkhotels.com