Jetsettersblog

The new Morocco Mall will open in Casablanca, Morocco, Dec. 5. An inaugural event will take place Dec. 1. Morocco Mall is a joint project carried out by AKSAL and Al Jedaie Groups.

The mall will open with 98 percent of its commercialized space sold, much greater than the global average not surpassing 80 percent. The project represents an investment of $242 million.

With the opening of Morocco Mall, 21,000 indirect jobs and 5,000 direct jobs will be created. The dozen contracts needed for a project of this scale, the many hours of labor and the participation of over 100,000 employees in four years have all contributed to boosting the economic activity and strengthening the country’s image as a key economic player of the future.

Bordering the Atlantic Ocean on the Casablanca Corniche coast, Morocco Mall stretches over 24,700 acres with 2,691,000 square feet of construction, 323,000 square feet of outdoor space and 14,000 square meters of landscaped gardens. With 753,500 square feet of commercial space and 350 stores, Morocco Mall brings together 600 brands, including Galeries Lafayette, FNAC and IMAX cinema. For more information, visit www.moroccomall.net

Bright Sky Press is set to publish a book about the Middle Eastern nation of Qatar called “Qatar: Sand, Sea and Sky,” by Diana C.K. Untermeyer. The book will appear on the market in January 2012. It is an intimate account of the culture, the people and the landscape of the Muslim nation.

Against the backdrop of the Arab Spring, Qatar has emerged as an important partner to the U.S. and stands as a stable and open society in an era of seismic regional change. This prescient book depicts the dramatic landscape, Qatar’s ancient history and the country’s thoughtful path to the future. Untermeyer spent three years in Qatar as the wife of a U.S. ambassador. Her experience frames the anecdotal account of a geographically and politically significant nation as it grapples with change. Henry Dallal’s photographs tell the story visually. The book includes an introduction by Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the current chair of the Qatari Foundation Reach Out to Asia and daughter of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the current Emir of Qatar.

Untermeyer lived in Qatar from 2004 to 2007. In Qatar, she served as an active volunteer and participated in numerous equestrian sports, particularly endurance horse racing. Born in Wyoming, she graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Virginia in 1984. After graduation, she became an avid whitewater kayaker and worked in the White House. She currently lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband, Chase, and their daughter, Elly. “Qatar: Sand, Sea, and Sky” is her first book.

Dallal has been passionate about photography since the age of 9, when his father gave him a Box Brownie. He has received commissions to photograph Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Anne, and his work has been exhibited at Windsor Castle, Kensington Palace, Blenheim Palace, the Naples Museum of Art (Florida), the Royal Geographic Society and the Smithsonian Institution. Born in Iran, he has made London his home since moving there from Colorado in 1994. For more information on Dallal’s work visit www.henrydallalphotography.com.  For more information on Bright Sky Press, visit www.brightskypress.com

The Star’s new five-star Darling Hotel and Spa will officially open its doors on Friday, Oct. 28 in Sydney, Australia. The first new hotel in Sydney since the 2000 Olympic Games, The Darling has 171 rooms and suites, a 16-room spa, an infinity pool and is home to the new Japanese restaurant and bar, Sokyo.

With integrated bars, lounge areas and a custom made billiard table, the lobby has been designed as a gathering point for both Sydney residents and hotel guests, bringing the concept of “lobby socializing” to Sydney. For more information, visit www.thedarlinghotel.com.au

The Hilton Arc de Triomphe Paris is offering a new package running in conjunction with the Giacometti Et Les Etrusques exhibition at La Pinacothèque, one of Paris’ biggest fall art exhibitions.

The Pinacothèque Package provides VIP access to the show along with hotel amenities and extras. An art deco masterpiece nestled among iconic Parisian landmarks and just a short walk from the museum, Hilton Arc de Triomphe Paris guests can also indulge in the 463-room hotel’s Spa Mosaïc, sip champagne at Purple Bar and take in the panoramic views of the Paris cityscape. The Hilton Arc de Triomphe Paris is just over a mile from La Pinacothèque museum, making the Giacometti Et Les Etrusques exhibit a short walk or cab ride away.

The Pinacotheque Package starts at 300 euros ($418) per night and runs while Giacometti’s sculptural artwork is on display through Jan. 8. The Pinacotheque Package includes VIP Pass for the exhibition at La Pinacothèque, one guestroom accommodation with upgrade upon availability, breakfast for two at Le Safran restaurant, spa access for two at Spa Mosaïc, and glass of champagne at Purple Bar. For more information, call 011 33 (0) 1 58 36 67 16 or visit www.hiltonarcdetriomphe.com

This holiday season, Dublin’s The Merrion is highlighting a selection of special offers from a family-themed getaway to a post-Christmas racing-festival package. This year’s packages include: Winter Escape is a special overnight rate of 240 euros ($350) for a Standard Queen room. Based on double occupancy, the rate includes full Irish breakfast. The package is valid Nov. 1 to Feb. 29.

The Winter Family Getaway offers two interconnecting double and twin rooms at a rate of 495 euros ($715) per night. Based on two adults and two children sharing, the offer includes full Irish breakfast. Kids under 12 dine free (from the children’s menu in The Cellar Restaurant) excluding Dec. 24, 25 and 31. The package is valid Nov. 1 to Jan. 31.

The Merrion Christmas begins at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve when all children are invited to meet with Santa Claus around The Merrion’s Christmas tree in The Front Hall, where each child receives a Christmas gift. Parents gather around for a glass of mulled wine and mince pies. The celebrations continue Christmas morning as guests are served breakfast in the comfort of their room or in The Cellar Restaurant. A traditional Christmas lunch or dinner in The Cellar Restaurant is then followed by a glass of mulled wine in No. 23.

For guests wishing to extend the celebrations into St. Stephen’s Day (Dec. 26), The Merrion offers two Top Level tickets to the Leopardstown Christmas Race Festival, with coach transfers to and from the hotel. Guests who prefer to stay indoors can opt for a one-hour treatment (per person) in The Tethra Spa.

From Dec. 24 to 26, a two-night stay is priced at 425 euros ($615) per person sharing. From Dec. 24 to 27, a three-night stay is priced at 645 euros ($930) per person sharing.

The Post-Christmas Racing Break features an overnight stay at The Merrion between Dec. 26 and 29 and receive two Top Level tickets for the Leopardstown Christmas Race Festival. This offer is priced at 170 euros ($246) per person sharing a luxurious double or twin room and includes full Irish breakfast; 270 euros ($390) per person with private car transfers.

The Post-Christmas Pampering Getaway feature a one-hour treatment in The Merrion’s Tethra Spa, followed by an overnight stay in a luxurious double or twin room, with a full Irish breakfast included. The package is valid Dec. 26 to Feb. 29, and is priced at 197.50 euros ($285) per person sharing a double room.

The New Year’s Getaway Celebration features a New Year’s Jazz Dinner for two in The Cellar Restaurant, two nights’ accommodation in a luxurious room in the Garden Wing, full Irish breakfast each morning, a bottle of Champagne and seasonal treats in room on arrival. The package is valid Dec. 30 to Jan. 1 at 397.50 euros ($575) per person sharing a double or twin room. For more information, visit www.merrionhotel.com

The Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort and Spa on the Gold Coast of Australia was re-launched after an extensive $20 million refurbishment. The resort’s makeover included an upgrade to all guest rooms including the opulent Presidential Suite, lobby area, lagoon pool area, front entry and a new all-day dining interactive restaurant, Citrique.

This winter a new attraction will open on Switzerland’s slopes — Nira Alpina, a glass-and-timber-built mountain sanctuary from hotelier MPS Puri and the only one in the Engadin Valley to offer guests a true ski in, ski out experience, with views over Lake Silvaplana, three miles from St. Moritz in the small hamlet of Surlej.

Located in the mountainside, with a private, glassed-in covered walkway leading straight to the adjacent Corvatsch cable car, guests have quick and easy access to the mountain peaks, allowing them to reach virgin powder snow before the crowds. Inside, panoramic views illuminate a variety of intimate and cozy spaces that welcome guests to relax and unwind after a day exploring the pistes.

Two restaurants treat diners to local Swiss favorites as well as international cuisine using fresh, local ingredients.

Puri’s food and beverage expertise is evident throughout the hotel’s offerings at the two restaurants, from classic Engadin-style dishes at Stalla Veglia restaurant, to bread and pastries, baked fresh daily at the in-house Bakery.

Several chill-out areas and a stylish bar, with cigar lounge, outdoor terrace for starlit dining and central open fireplace, offer stunning views of the surrounding valley.

With 70 rooms, all with a balcony, terrace or garden space, guests can make the most of the surrounding nature and fresh mountain air.

Throughout the layered wooden building, modern minimalism sits alongside traditional local materials such as wood and granite.

All rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and offer an eclectic interior design with the latest technology such as iPod docks and HD TVs.

Under the wood-paneled headboards, cotton sheets and pillows made by Swiss firm Schwob, pioneers of organically grown cotton, invite guests to snuggle up and relax.

For families or larger groups there are 14 connecting rooms and 10 large junior suites, all decorated with local Swiss artifacts.

The Nira Spa promotes well-being through a range of innovative and authentic treatments such as a Swiss chocolate body wrap.

The relaxation room, striking mosaic-lined whirlpool with underwater beds and large sauna guarantee a luxury spa haven. Treatment rooms are available for clay wraps, sports and hot stone massages, exfoliation treatments, pedicures and manicures year round.

A gym fitted out with the latest technogym equipment is also available. For more information, visit www.designhotels.com/nira_alpina

The Hotel Hassler Roma is offering a new Family Escape Package, available from Nov. 1, 2011, through Oct. 31, 2012. The package includes three nights’ accommodation in two Deluxe or Grand Deluxe rooms; private check-in for children with a special gift (a Bukowsky stuffed bunny); daily buffet breakfast; milk and cookies before bedtime; “Ice Cream Pleasure,” a selection of the Hassler’s home-made ice cream; in-room movie for the entire family; and an optional babysitter for four hours per day.

Guests may also opt for additional family-friendly activities arranged by the Hassler’s concierge, including a private lunch or dinner in an ancient alley or piazza within the city, a trip to the Museo dei Bambini (Children’s Museum of Rome), or a carriage or helicopter ride. Based on double occupancy for a family of four and priced from 614 euros to 934 euros per night ($845 to $1,285). Extra children can be added at an additional cost. For more information, visit www.hotelhassler.com

The Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau (TCVB) has launched a free service to lend production sections of overseas media and travel agencies its collection of video stock footage featuring 155 scenes of Tokyo, including tourist attractions, events, festivals, food and entertainment. The videos come with music and are narration-free, and comprise basic, undirected material to enable users to edit and process the footage freely. TCVB greatly encourages the use of the footage to enhance and enrich travel programs, promotion videos, and works set in Tokyo. All 155 videos are available to be downloaded at www.tokyo-footage.com

The Rezidor Hotel Group, Carlson’s strategic partner in Europe, Middle East and Africa, introduced a new extension of the loyalty program Club Carlson. Club Carlson for Business is designed for Small to Media Enterprises (SME) — businesses which do not have a global or national sales agreement with Rezidor or Carlson.

With immediate effect, participating SMEs can save on their travel budgets, get rewards for their company, and benefit from recognition and rewards at 1,000 hotels worldwide. SMEs which enroll in the program at www.clubcarlson.com/business  earn loyalty points for their businesses and travelers for each hotel booking, and benefit from a 5 percent discount at Radisson Blu, Radisson Edwardian, Park Inn by Radisson, Park Plaza, and Country Inns & Suites hotels across the globe.

They can change their collected points for Award Nights or MasterCard prepaid cards to pay for events, dinner or office supplies. Or, they can donate points to Rezidor and Carlson’s corporate charity organization, the World Childhood Foundation.

Club Carlson for Business is currently available in Australia, Brazil, China, Denmark, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Singapore, Sweden, the U.K., Germany, France and the U.S. In a second phase, companies listed in other countries in Europe, Middle East and Africa will also be able to join.

For more information, visit www.rezidor.com