Jetsettersblog

The Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the fastest growing hotel companies in the world, is pleased to bring you a special edition of its quarterly newsletter, focusing on winter getaways including viewing the Northern Lights and winter sports.

AT A GLANCE
Most northern serviced hotel in the World New Park Inn for Trysil, Norway Two new resort properties opening in late 2011 – Park Inn by Radisson Rosa Khutor in Russia and the Radisson Blu Resort Bukovel, Ukraine

NORTHERN LIGHTS
NASA has predicted that this season (September 2011 – March/April 2012) will be the best for viewing the Northern Lights for 50 years.

NORWAY

Head to the World’s most northern serviced hotel:
RADISSON BLU POLAR HOTEL, SPITSBERGEN
Located in the heart of Longyearbyen, on Spitsbergen in the Svalbard archipelago, the hotel is just 1,333 kilometres from the North Pole. The island is home to impressive glaciers, majestic Polar bears and a landscape rich in beauty and wildlife.

The hotel offers 95 guestrooms, including 27 apartments and a suite, with breathtaking views of the Arctic surroundings.

A range of winter sports and safari options can be arranged from the hotel including dog sled trips, snowmobiling and an ice grotto tour and, of course, Northern Lights spotting.

For something a little less remote, but still prime Northern Lights viewing head to:

RADISSON BLU HOTEL TROMSØ, NORWAY
Centrally located in the heart of Tromsø and close to excellent shopping and the lively restaurant area. Nature lovers can enjoy Arctic excursions that include cross-country skiing, dog sledding, ice fishing, sea rafting, and whale watching. During winter months, guests can also try their hand at alpine skiing, ice skating and snowmobile safaris.

ICELAND

Iceland’s capital city is a unique mix of enchanting hidden gems, cozy bars and friendly people. Spend your days in the City’s art museums and galleries, restaurants and shops – and then drive half an hour or so out of town for some Northern Lights hunting. If they don’t make an appearance, you can warm up in the City’s bars and clubs.

Stay at:
RADISSON BLU 1919 HOTEL, REYKJAVIK, ICELAND

This historic hotel, housed in the former offices of Iceland’s first shipping company, constructed in 1919, is known for its elegant blend of historic architecture and sleek interiors. It is located next to the main shopping street, close to art galleries and museums. The striking décor includes designer furnishings and hardwood floors.

Or at:
RADISSON BLU SAGA HOTEL, REYKJAVIK, ICELAND

Take in stunning views of the city, sea or glaciers from all rooms at this true Icelandic landmark, situated in the heart of the city.

SKI AND WINTER SPORTS

NORWAY

Trysil is Norway’s largest Alpine resort, with 65 slopes. Favourite activities include alpine or cross country skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding and sleigh rides in 100-year-old horse-drawn sleighs with torches.

Stay at:
RADISSON BLU RESORT TRYSIL

Located in the heart of the ski resort area, the hotel provides ski in ski out access. After a hard day’s skiing, guests can thaw out at the hotel’s Water Adventure Complex, with several indoor swimming pools and Norway’s only indoor surfing wave. The exclusive spa and wellness centre is equipped with Aroma and Turkish steam baths, two Finnish saunas and nine treatment rooms.

Or:
PARK INN TRYSIL MOUNTAIN RESORT

Opening this December, the resort, which is minutes from the slopes, will comprise 369 rooms, suites and apartments with up to 3 bedrooms, making it the ideal destination for family or friends travelling together. Further services will include a restaurant, bar, wellness area, including indoor swimming pool, sauna and 12 treatment rooms.

With Olympic-quality facilities and guaranteed year-round snow with onsite snow-making facilities, Lillehammer in Norway, promises a unique ski experience. As well as dozens of green, blue and black runs, get an adrenalin kick when you race down the Olympic Luge Track at speeds of up to 80 km/hr at Hafjell Alpine Centre.

Stay at:
RADISSON BLU LILLEHAMMER HOTEL, NORWAY

Located just a few hundred metres from the Olympic Park, in an eight acre private park, the Radisson Blu Lillehammer Hotel offers over 300 well-appointed rooms and suites.

Located just 40 km from Fagernes Airport, Beitostolen provides skiers and snowboarders the opportunity to learn new skills within a safe and relaxed atmosphere. Daily family activities run throughout the winter season offering a break from the slopes. The centre of Beitostolen is located at the base of the slopes, next to the lifts, just a few metres away from the hotels and apartments, featuring a good selection of shops and restaurants.

Stay at:
RADISSON BLU RESORT BEITOSTOLEN

The Resort is situated 900m above sea level, surrounded by spectacular nature, but within walking distance of shops, restaurants, ski lifts and other attractions. Guests have access to the resort’s fitness centre with aerobic workout facilities and a Spa treatment and wellbeing centre. The hotel also has a 25-metre swimming pool, sauna, solarium and indoor tennis and squash hall. The hotel restaurant serves both international and local dishes à la carte and is known for its excellent smorgasbord.

FRANCE

Les Arcs has the reputation of being one of the original French “mega-resorts”. All of which have a convenient, large and varied network of pistes. The five areas are situated at an altitude spanning from 810 to 3225 metres, although the best skiing is to be found above 1200 metres. The ski area consists of 106 runs and 54 lifts.

Stay at:
RADISSON BLU RESORT, ARC 1950

An entirely pedestrian resort, this ski-in, ski-out residence is accessible via an underground car park. The resort offers one, two, three and four bedroom apartments, perfect for families or groups of ski buddies. The on-site Brasserie Le 1950 and its bar serve delicious French cuisine and cocktails in a distinctly Parisian brasserie atmosphere. Guests enjoy complimentary access to the residence’s heated outdoor swimming pools, fitness rooms, Jacuzzis, saunas and steam bath rooms.

RUSSIA

Dubbed the Switzerland of Russia, Sochi amazes visitors with dreamy, snow-capped mountains and warm sunny beaches during the winter months.
Spend one day racing down the challenging slopes in Krasnaya Polyana, which sees an average annual snow fall of 1.5 metres, thanks to its position high in the Caucasus Mountains, and the next lounging by the sea.

Other activities include snowboarding, helicopter skiing, paragliding, snow mobile rentals, and hot air balloon rides.

Stay at:
RADISSON LAZURNAYA HOTEL, SOCHI

Challenging skiing, snowboarding, mountain safaris and rafting are just an hour’s drive from the hotel. Guests have unlimited access to a Fitness Centre with indoor/outdoor swimming pool, saunas, Russian and Turkish baths, whirlpool, gym and massage facilities. Traditional Russian cuisine is available at the casual Russian Riviera restaurant or guests can opt for a spot of fine dining at the resort’s ‘Peter the Great’ restaurant.

Just 50km east of Sochi lies the brand new resort of Rosa Khutor. Spread over a 537 hectare Alpine location, the resort boasts 40 different ski runs and a ski school, as well as a variety of dining venues and retail outlets. Hosting the XXII Olympic Winter Games in 2014 this world class resort is not to be missed.

Stay at:
PARK INN BY RADISSON RESORT, ROSA KHUTOR

Situated just a few minutes’ walk from the gondola at the heart of the resort village, is the Park Inn Resort. Due to open in late 2011, this 200 room development is a young and vibrant addition to Rosa Khutor. As well as featuring an on-site restaurant, guests will have complimentary access to the leisure and meeting facilities of the nearby Radisson Resort, scheduled to open in 2012.

UKRAINE

Ukraine’s most modern ski resort, Bukovel, situated in the Carpathian Mountains offers dramatic views of snow-capped peaks and untouched nature. A wide range of slopes are available for skiers of all abilities, from Beginner to Black Diamond level. For the non-skiers there is the opportunity to experience hot springs and mineral waters, ideal for both recreational enjoyment and health benefit.

Stay at:
RADISSON BLU RESORT, BUKOVEL

Scheduled to open in the 2011/12 Winter season, the Radisson Blu Resort features 252 rooms, as well as a range of retail shops, restaurants, bars and for those who want to enjoy après ski to the full, a nightclub. For families with young children there is a kids club and games room facilities. Guests also have access to a spacious and well-equipped spa & wellness complex, featuring an indoor pool, steam room and sauna, fitness suite and treatment rooms, perfect for relaxing after a long day on the slopes.

SWEDEN

Exciting and trendy, Hammarby Sjostad is just five kilometres from Stockholm’s city centre. It has recently undergone major regeneration and provides one of the World’s highest profile examples of Sustainable City Development. Situated on the edge of a lake, the use of glass in the buildings allows for low impact, almost uninterrupted views of the scenery.

Stay at:
PARK INN STOCKHOLM HAMMARBY SJOSTAD

The ski slope is directly outside the hotel’s front door and shops and the Ericsson Globe event arena are a few minutes away. The hotel provides 178 bright, colourful guest rooms; a bar integrated into the lobby and reception, an RBG Bar & Grill and indoor parking facilities.