Jetsettersblog

Enjoy 20 Percent Off Rates And Free In-Room Internet Access at 15 Loews Hotels Destinations

NEW YORK – Why shop at crowded retailers on Black Friday when the online shopping excitement of Cyber Monday is at your finger tips? Travelers seeking value and convenience for their holiday dollar can get both with the Loews Hotels Cyber Monday sale!

Timed to launch just past midnight on the Monday after Thanksgiving – November 28, 2011 – the Cyber Monday sale will be offered online only at www.loewshotels.com , where a countdown clock will tick off the moments until the savings begin.

“Friends and family are just a click away this holiday season,” said Nancy Mendelson, Senior Vice President Branding & Communication “and Loews Hotels provide the perfect environment to decompress from the stress of holiday travel.”

The Cyber Monday sale will run from 12:01 am – 11:59 pm (EST) only on November 28, 2011. Those who book on Cyber Monday will receive:

20 percent off Loews Best Rate at 15 Loews Hotels
Free in-room Internet access during length of stay
Cyber Monday reservations are subject to availability at 15 Loews Hotels in the U.S. and Canada with rates starting at $104. For more information or to arrange your stay, visit www.loewshotels.com.

*Offer available on www.loewshotels.com only and must be booked on November 28, 2011 between 12:01 AM and 11:59 PM (EST) for travel between November 29, 2011 and March 31, 2012; subject to availability. Not available at Orlando hotels. 20% discount based on Loews Best Rate. Taxes and gratuities not included. Not applicable to groups, negotiated or third-party rates. Can not be combined with any other promotional offers. Not applicable to existing reservations. Blackout dates apply.

About Loews Hotels
Headquartered in New York City, Loews Hotels owns and/or operates 18 hotels and resorts in the U.S. and Canada, including the newest 414-room Loews Atlanta Hotel opened April 1, 2010. Located in major city centers and resort destinations from coast to coast, the Loews portfolio features one-of-a-kind properties that go beyond Four Diamond standards to delight guests with a supremely comfortable, uniquely local and vibrant travel experience. Loews boasts some of the industry’s most innovative and successful travel programs, including Loews Loves Kids for families and Loews Loves Pets for discerning animals on the road. For reservations or more information on Loews Hotels, call 1-800-23-LOEWS or check www.loewshotels.com.

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Enjoy A Festive Getaway to Upstate New York Filled with Spa, Spirits, Santa and Savings

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – This holiday, the Gideon Putnam Resort & Spa in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., invites travelers to celebrate the season at the historic resort, with savings of up to 25 percent on the entire stay, including accommodations, dining and spa services. With the Holiday Traditions Package, guests who stay three nights, Dec. 19 – 30, receive 25 percent off on accommodations, spa treatments at the resort’s landmark Roosevelt Baths & Spa, and dining at the onsite Putnam’s Restaurant and Bar. Can’t get away for three nights? Book two nights during this time period and receive 15 percent off your entire stay. Room rates at the Gideon Putnam in December start at just $99 per night. For reservations, visit www.gideonputnam.com or call (866) 890-1171. Surrounded by the rolling hills and natural beauty of Saratoga Spa State Park, the Gideon Putnam offers a stress-free holiday retreat. Guests enjoy charming festivities here like cookies with Santa and toast the season with inspired beverages like the Holiday Hopper spiked with Midori, green creme de menthe and white creme de cocoa. There are special holiday menus too, including a Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas brunch, serving traditional favorites like Honey Glazed Ham, Leg of Lamb and Seafood Newburg as well as seasonally inspired dishes like Pecan Chicken, Roasted Chestnut Risotto and Eggnog Bread Pudding. For special pampering, guests treat themselves to a relaxing day at the resort’s Roosevelt Baths & Spa, offering a full menu of treatments, including massages, facials, manicures, pedicures and rejuvenating mineral spring baths. The 19,000-square-foot spa has drawn guests for more than 75 years to its baths, believed to have restorative powers from the region’s effervescent natural spring waters. Fun, festive activities abound throughout the area. Not far from the Gideon Putnam, families enjoy caroling and other celebrations in historic downtown Saratoga Springs, where streets are lined with boutiques and unique restaurants decked out with twinkling holiday lights. They also take magical journeys aboard the Polar Express with Santa and elves, departing minutes from the resort at the Amtrak Saratoga Springs Station. Built in 1935, the Gideon Putnam has played host to such distinguished guests as Fred Astaire, Cary Grant, Liza Minelli, Robert Redford, Dave Matthews and Yo Yo Ma. This past spring, the National Historic Landmark Hotel completed a renovation of its guestrooms as part of a multi-million-dollar renovation project aimed at preserving the property’s historic character, while adding modern comforts and amenities. The resort now houses 124 newly refurbished guestrooms and suites, updated restaurant and bar, spa, fitness center, business center and elegant meeting and event spaces. The hotel’s complimentary shuttle service provides easy access to the boutiques, nightlife and vibrant culinary scene of downtown Saratoga Springs and to the excitement of world-class harness racing at Saratoga Casino and Raceway, all just five minutes away. For more information, visit www.gideonputnam.com or call (866) 890-1171 for reservations. # # # About Gideon PutnamGideon Putnam Resort & Spa is a National Historic Landmark Hotel managed by Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts in partnership with Saratoga Casino and Raceway. Located in the heart of Saratoga Spa State Park, the 120-room property houses a full-service restaurant and bar, gift shop, fitness center and the historic Roosevelt Baths & Spa. Since opening in 1935, the spa has drawn guests to its legendary baths for the believed restorative benefits of the region’s famed natural mineral spring waters. The Gideon Putnam also offers 12,000 square feet of meeting and event space, a business center, and Wi-Fi access throughout the property. Guests enjoy complimentary shuttle services to take in the excitement of horse racing at the nearby thoroughbred and harness race tracks or visit historic downtown Saratoga Springs, only five minutes from the resort. The State Park offers golf, museums, outdoor pools, miles of woodsy path for hiking and biking and world-class entertainment at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. For more information, visit www.gideonputnam.com

AND A DRINK – THAT WOULD BE CRIMINAL TO PASS UP

Toast the anniversary of Prohibition’s demise with the Good to be a Gangster Package at the Blackstone and special cocktails at Mercat a la Planxa on Repeal Day, December 5
(CHICAGO) – What will you be doing on Repeal Day 2011? The same thing they were doing on Repeal Day 1933 – having a drink! Celebrate the anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition with the Good to be a Gangster Package at the Renaissance Blackstone Chicago Hotel, complete with stylish accommodations, a DVD copy of Ken Burns’ recent documentary Prohibition, and an official Gangster Tour where guides named “Al Dente” and “Shoulders” traverse some of the city’s most infamous sites of that laughably “dry” era.

Fortunately it doesn’t take mob connections to score a great hotel deal in Chicago these days. Inspired by fabled stories of notorious rum-running criminals past, the Renaissance Blackstone is offering the Good to be a Gangster package, including:

Overnight accommodations
Two tickets to the Gangster Tour
A copy of Get Capone signed by author Jonathan Eig
A copy of Ken Burns’ Prohibition on DVD
A Prohibition Cocktail in the hotel’s Mercat a la Planxa restaurant
The Good to be a Gangster package starts at $189, valid through March 2012, based on availability. To book, go to www.theblackstonehotel.com  or call 1 800-468-3571 and mention rate code ZJL.

Toast the crazy days of Prohibition on Repeal Day, December 5. Upon check in, guests will receive a wink, a nod, and a card good for one drink at Mercat a la Planxa. The restaurant will be shaking and stirring special cocktails just for the anniversary of Prohibition’s 1933 repeal, including the “Mint Julep,” fashioned with whiskey or gin, and the “Snowball Cocktail,” prepared with gin.

The Renaissance Blackstone Hotel is a fitting address to mark the end of Prohibition. Ten years before repeal, Charles “Lucky” Luciano gathered a group of gangsters at the Blackstone for the first-ever “Crime Convention” in 1923, or so the story goes. Luciano wasn’t the only shady character to find comfort at the hotel. The godfather of crime, Al Capone, was a regular in the Blackstone’s barbershop, and Brian De Palma’s The Untouchables, based on Scarface’s rise to power in the Second City, was filmed within the Blackstone’s walls.

# # #
The Renaissance Blackstone Chicago Hotel

The Renaissance Blackstone Chicago Hotel is located in the heart of Chicago’s arts and theater district and adjacent to Grant Park. The historic property, which has accommodated 12 U.S. presidents, is a Beaux-Arts architectural landmark offering 332 stylish rooms, among them the fabled Presidential Suite and legendary “Smoke-Filled Room”; the award-winning destination restaurant, Mercat a la Planxa, an original concept by Sage Restaurant Group serving Catalan-inspired cuisine; an extensive collection of contemporary art by emerging artists; a 23rd floor Concierge Lounge with sweeping views of Lake Michigan; and 12,000 square feet of meeting space, including the lavishly restored Crystal Ballroom. Opened in 1910, closed in 1999, and reopened in 2008 following a $128 million showcase restoration by Sage Hospitality, The Blackstone’s décor is a dynamic mix of historic architecture and savvy design combined with luxury amenities and thoughtful guest services. For reservations: 1 888-236-2427; www.theblackstonehotel.com

Company’s Central Concierge and Reservations to be based in Hot Springs, Virginia with a selection of exquisite vacation cottages located throughout The Homestead Preserve

UK-based hospitality company Natural Retreats has staked its claim to one of the most beautiful regions in the southeastern U.S. with the launch of Natural Retreats US, Inc. and Natural Retreats Virginia Hot Springs. Surrounded by the Allegheny Mountains on the southwest edge of the Old Dominion, the Hot Springs region offers the perfect foundation for the company’s US-based office and second destination location.

Launching today, the selection of luxury-residence locations are set to re-establish the Hot Springs region as one of the country’s most prominent historical holiday destinations. Virginia Hot Springs was originally bought to life in 1888 when JP Morgan headed a group of investors who helped bring prosperity to the region by rebuilding the resort from the ground up. Natural Retreats now has the intention to establish this heritage and help bring the region back to its former glory and believes that Virginia Hot Springs will become a top destination for US travellers over the next 10 years. In conjunction with real estate agents, Clarkson Wallace and Associates, Natural Retreats plans to operate and expand a portfolio of luxury residences in the area. The launch follows close on the heels of the May 2011 opening of Natural Retreats South Fork Lodge, on Idaho’s legendary Snake River.

“We are thrilled to continue our U.S. expansion in this stunning and iconic area of Virginia,” said Matthew Spence, Founder and Managing Director of Natural Retreats. “The location’s historical significance, natural beauty and abundant lifestyle and wilderness activities assure an extraordinary stay for family and leisure travellers of all types; precisely what we look for with every Natural Retreats destination.”

Natural Retreats Virginia Hot Springs opens with its first four residences within the 11,500 acre tract of the Homestead Preserve, arrayed with luxury furnishings and contemporary technologies. These first four residences include:

Shepherd’s Cottage: This natural fieldstone and lovingly reassembled antique log cabin located in the Sheep Meadow area of the Homestead Preserve features a large living room with wood-burning fireplace, lofted ceiling, a gourmet eat-in kitchen and three bedrooms. The covered front porch has swing seating and rockers, and the back porch is arrayed for grilling and dining in any weather. Follow the stone path and footbridge to a fire circle in the woods – the perfect spot for roasting marshmallows.

Trailview Cottage: This antique log cabin is located in the Delafield Rise neighbourhood of Hot Springs. Set with room for six people amongst three bedrooms, the cabin has a large kitchen and living room with 18-foot vaulted ceiling and stone-hearth wood-burning fireplace. The master bedroom features an in-suite bath, while a second ground floor bedroom has two twin beds. The upstairs “sleeping loft” has a queen bed, and two additional day beds surrounded by a stone fireplace and wet bar in the media room. This cottage also comes comfortably equipped with an outdoor fire pit.

• Donald Ross Trail: Located in the Homestead Preserve’s Sheep Meadow neighbourhood, this stately brick home is just a short walk away from The Homestead Resort. The perfect gathering place for large families or executive retreats, this exquisitely appointed home features a gourmet kitchen, a formal dining room that seats 10, a great room with fireplace, flat screen tv, lounge with bar, a quiet library with television, five supremely comfortable bedrooms (four with king size beds and one with two twins) each of which have their own private bath, plus covered porches for outdoor entertaining. The lower level entertainment area is an ideal private sports pub complete with large flat screen televisions, bar, pool table and table football. The fully-integrated sound system includes radio channels and an I-Pod docking station that can broadcast throughout the entire house.

• Overlook Manor: The house and the grounds reflect the direct influence of its English heritage, Victorian sensibility while appreciating the ruggedness and sense of mountain living in the wilds of Virginia. The home comfortably sleeps 12 in five bedrooms, each with private bath. There is a convenient half bath on the main floor for guests. The cosy family room with large screen TV and gas fireplace is the perfect place to watch a movie or the big game while fabulous meals are prepared in the gourmet kitchen. Off the kitchen, the conservatory is a quiet place for reading and soaking in the sun or the perfect place to enjoy afternoon cocktails from the bar area there.

Natural Retreats guests can enjoy access to many of the amenities of the historic Homestead resort – a sprawling, 3,000-acre hotel and spa. Founded in 1766 and visited by Thomas Jefferson, the resort is now awash in recreational possibilities from three championship golf courses to the family oriented ski/snowboard and tubing area to sporting clays and horseback riding. Guests of these first four residences can also enjoy access to the private facilities of the Old Dairy Community Centre in Warm Springs, with a gourmet market, fitness centre, spa, pool, complimentary mountain bikes, and more.

The development at Virginia Hot Springs will also include the launch of a Natural Retreats Outfitters, with professional guides available for guests to experience a range of outdoor activities. From wilderness safaris, world-class fishing, guided hiking, boating, wildlife viewing and water sports Natural Retreats Outfitters will be able to organise any activity to meet every visitor’s needs.

Natural Retreats also will be working to help redevelop Main Street Hot Springs in a number of exciting projects to again bring the region back to its former glory. And, with an additional Residence Club ownership opportunity soon to be available to anyone enjoying the Virginia Hot Springs vacation experience, Natural Retreats will firmly be establishing itself in the region.

Nightly rates at Natural Retreats Virginia Hot Springs (www.naturalretreats.com) start at $350 (*£227)per night plus tax in Shepherd’s Cottage; $400 (*£259) per night plus tax in Trailview Cottage. For reservations and further information, please call 0844 384 3166 or email the Concierge team at concierge@naturalretreats.com

Family of four to win a trip to Wintergreen Resort, complete with airfare, lift tickets and lessons-

(Richmond, Va.) Virginia has just announced the mother of all snow sports sweepstakes for moms and dads looking to share a love of the slopes with the kids. Starting today, families can go to www.Virginia.org/sweeps and enter to win the Virginia Snowmotion Sweepstakes. One lucky family will win a “Learn to Ski and Snowboard” trip to Virginia’s winter wonderland.

This prize trip includes a three-night, four-day stay at Wintergreen Resort for a family of four in a luxurious, two-bedroom condo. The family will spend their time at Wintergreen learning the ropes of the slopes with a free ski or snowboard lesson, as well as complimentary rental equipment and lift tickets for the entire stay. Add in a $200 gift card which can be used for dining at any of Wintergreen’s three restaurants, and it’s the perfect winter getaway. The trip prize winner will receive round-trip airfare for four and a rental car to explore the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and nearby destinations in and around Wintergreen Resort. The sweepstakes is open to U.S. residents 21 and over and runs through January 16, 2012 at www.Virginia.org/sweeps.

Virginia’s mountain resorts are the ideal place for loved ones to completely connect on a winter vacation together. Families with young children who are just starting to ski or to show an interest in winter sports will love the pace and speed of the slopes at Wintergreen Resort, the Homestead, Massanutten and Bryce Resort. Snow sport enthusiasts also enjoy skiing and snowboarding year-round at Snowflex in Lynchburg. Each of these destinations features world-class instructors, special lessons for children and family-friendly programing and staff. Virginia’s winter provides snow but on the times Mother Nature is light on the powder, snow making machines take over and provide the perfect coat on the mountain slopes.

Go to www.Virginia.org/sweeps and enter to win the Virginia Snowmotion Sweepstakes. Visit www.Virginia.org/winter to learn more about winter vacations in Virginia or call 1-800-VISITVA to request a free, Virginia is for Lovers Travel guide. Love is at the heart of every Virginia vacation.

Affordable luxury, room upgrades, treats or complimentary suite stays this winter

The Peninsula Hotels’ commitment to enriching guests’ experiences and their lives with family and

friends continues with personalised Winter Escapes and Suite Life programmes, valid from now

until 31 March 2012, offering exciting value-added benefits ranging from room upgrades,

rejuvenating spa treatments, culinary choices, airport transfers and more.

With the aim of enhancing the guest experience in each of The Peninsula Hotels, the group

developed “Enriching Your Life”, an innovative programme that further defines not only its

customers’ experiences, but those of their friends, family and the community – in short, a theme that

provides guests and those important to them with activities that enrich their lives.

These include healthy eating, caring for body and mind through wellness programmes, learning new

facts and skills through cultural and cooking classes, celebrating special,enjoying quality family

time and raising funds for community charities.

Each of these activities has long been part of The Peninsula’s philosophy, and now with the

groupwide theme of “Enriching Your Life”, The Peninsula Hotels focuses on experiences and

choices from the Winter Escapes and The Suite Life programmes, meant to be shared and enjoyed.

The Suite Life

For the ultimate in luxury accommodation, enjoy The Suite Life at select Peninsula Hotels. Stay in a

suite at a Peninsula hotel for one night, and enjoy a complimentary second night stay, along with a

host of special benefits. For more details, rates and reservations, please visit peninsula.com.

Winter Escapes

Winter Escapes offers are available at all Peninsula Hotels worldwide. Guests can invite family and

friends to share the experience and choose one of three delightful options ranging from spa

treatments, room upgrades, culinary choices, traditional Afternoon Tea for two and so much more.

Benefits include:

• Special rates in each hotel

• In-room wired and wireless broadband Internet access

Rates and offers for Winter Escapes Package

The Peninsula Hong Kong

Room Type Rate Suite Type Rate

Superior Room HK$ 4,300 Superior Suite HK$ 7,500

Deluxe Room HK$ 4,500

Deluxe Courtyard Room HK$ 4,900

Grand Deluxe Kowloon View Room HK$ 5,200

Choose one value-added benefit from the following selection:

1) One-way airport transfer

2) Upgrade to the next room category

3) Holistic Body Massage for two at The Peninsula Spa by ESPA

Offer also includes:

- Traditional Peninsula breakfast for two at The Lobby

- Complimentary local calls, in-room wired and wireless broadband Internet access

- Complimentary use of fitness centre and swimming pool

The Peninsula Shanghai

Room Type Rate

Superior Room RMB 2,100

Deluxe Room RMB 2,500

Deluxe Garden Room RMB 3,000

Choose one value-added benefit from the following selection:

1) RMB 650 dining credit for use at all hotel restaurants and bars

2) Upgrade to next room category

3) RMB 650 spa credit for any treatment at The Peninsula Spa by ESPA

Offer also includes:

- Daily American breakfast for two at The Lobby

- Complimentary extra bed when travelling with a child under 12

- Complimentary local and international VOIP calls

- In-room wired and wireless broadband Internet access

- Complimentary use of fitness centre and swimming pool

The Peninsula Tokyo

Choose one value-added benefit from the following selection:

1) Upgrade to next available room category

2) Dining credit for JPY 10,000 to be used in the hotel’s restaurants or room service (excluding

Kyoto Tsuruya)

3) Complimentary extra bed, including daily American breakfast

Offer also includes:

- Daily American breakfast for two

- In-room wired and wireless broadband Internet access

- Complimentary use of fitness centre and swimming pool

Room Type Rate from Suite Type Rate from

Deluxe Room ¥ 47,000 Executive Suite ¥ 52,000

The Peninsula Beijing

Room Type Rate Suite Type Rate

Deluxe Room RMB 1,288 Executive Suite RMB 2,500

Grand Deluxe Room RMB 1,488 Duplex Suite RMB 3,000

Beijing Suite RMB 3,500

Choose one value-added benefit from the following selection:

1) Round-trip airport transfers

2) Afternoon tea for two at The Lobby Lounge

3) RMB 400 spa credit per person per stay for any treatment at The Peninsula Spa by ESPA

Offer also includes:

- Daily buffet breakfast for two at Jing

- Complimentary in-room wired and wireless broadband Internet access

- Complimentary use of fitness centre and swimming pool

The Peninsula New York

Room Type Rate from Suite Type Rate from

Superior Room US$ 695 Junior Executive Suite US$ 995

Deluxe Room US$ 795 Junior Suite US$ 1,095

Grand Luxe Room US$ 895

Choose one value-added benefit from the following selection:

1) Upgrade to next available room category

2) US$ 100 hotel credit for incidentals

3) Chocolate fondue and a glass of Champagne for two at Gotham Lounge

Offer also includes:

- Daily Continental breakfast for two

- Complimentary in-room wired and wireless broadband Internet access

- Complimentary use of fitness centre and swimming pool

The Peninsula Chicago

Room Type Rate Suite Type Rate

Superior Room US$ 425 Executive Suite US$ 850

Deluxe Room US$ 525 Junior Suite US$ 950

Grand Deluxe Room US$ 625 Deluxe Suite US$ 1,150

Choose one value-added benefit from the following selection:

1) Upgrade to the next available room category

2) US$ 100 spa credit at The Peninsula Spa by ESPA

3) US$ 100 dining credit

Offer also includes:

- Daily continental breakfast for two

- Complimentary local calls, in-room wired and wireless broadband Internet access

- Complimentary use of fitness centre and swimming pool

The Peninsula Beverly Hills

Room Type Rate

Superior Room US$ 585

Deluxe Room US$ 665

Grand Deluxe Room US$ 765

Choose one value-added benefit from the following selection:

1) Upgrade to the next available room category

2) US$ 100 spa credit for any treatment at The Peninsula Spa

3) US$ 100 dining credit to be used at The Belvedere, The Roof Garden or through Room Service

Offer also includes:

- Daily Continental breakfast for two

- Complimentary local calls, in-room wired and wireless broadband Internet access

- Complimentary use of Business Centre, fitness centre and swimming pool

- Early check-in and late check-out available

The Peninsula Bangkok

Room Type Rate

Deluxe Room Baht 9,600

Grand Deluxe Room Baht 10,600

Grand Deluxe Suite Baht 15,500

Choose one value-added benefit from the following selection:

1) One-way airport transfer

2) Upgrade to the next available room category

3) THB 1,000 dining credit per person at any of the hotel’s restaurants or through Room Service

Offer also includes:

- Daily buffet breakfast for two at the River Café and Terrace

- Complimentary in-room wired and wireless broadband Internet access

- Complimentary Peninsula boat transfers between the hotel and Skytrain station

- Complimentary use of fitness centre and swimming pool

Note: A minimum stay of two nights is required.

The Peninsula Manila

Room Type Rate

Superior Garden Room Peso 11,500

Deluxe Room Peso 12,500

Deluxe Garden Room Peso 13,500

Grand Deluxe Room Peso 14,000

Choose one value-added benefit from the following selection:

1) One-way Mercedes-Benz airport transfer

2) Guided Jeepney Tour to the Walled City – The Intramuros, inclusive of lunch or dinner for two

3) Two glasses of Champagne and snacks at Salon de Ning

Offer also includes:

- Daily buffet breakfast for two at Escolta

- Complimentary local calls, in-room wired and wireless broadband Internet access

- Complimentary use of fitness centre and swimming pool

Note: A minimum stay of two nights is required.

*Additional terms and conditions apply, and for more details, please visit

peninsula.com/winterescapes.

The Peninsula Hotels in Asia and the USA are world-renowned and are widely recognised as among

the world’s best, with accolades and honours from the readers of top international travel and

lifestyle publications.

Prestigiously located in the heart of each of the nine cities, each Peninsula hotel is ideally situated

close to major business centres and is well placed for visiting major tourist attractions, shopping,

dining and entertainment. The Peninsula Hotels combines traditional service excellence and

luxurious comfort with intuitive in-room technology and world-class amenities.

The Gourmet Restaurant at Grand Resort Bad Ragaz Shines In Michelin’s 2012 Switzerland Guide

Äbtestube, the gourmet restaurant helmed by Chef Roland Schmid at Grand Resort Bad Ragaz in Switzerland, is now the proud owner of its first Michelin star, as awarded by the Michelin Guide on the 15th November 2011.

Michelin stars are bestowed only on those restaurants that deserve a traveller’s special attention. A select group of 11 restaurants were awarded their first star in the Michelin Guide to Switzerland 2012, bringing the countries’ total number of starred restaurants to 96. Switzerland is among the European countries with the most Michelin stars per capita.

The Äbtestube is the culinary flagship at Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, the five star resort in Switzerland. With a cosy yet sophisticated alpine design, the restaurant seats up to 30 diners in three intimate dining areas. The space housing the restaurant was originally built in 1774 for local abbots, giving rise to the name Äbtestube, meaning “abbot’s room“. With simple wooden furnishings and arched ceilings, the space has a welcoming, traditional Swiss feel.

Roland Schmid’s mission is to delight diners with elegant, authentic dishes, with a strong focus on carefully selected, high quality ingredients. Guests might expect “Swiss Prim“ meat sourced from the very best local suppliers, the freshest Zander fished from Lake Constance and regionally grown vegetables to be amongst the highlights of Schmid’s menu. Combining tried and tested techniques with new and innovative concepts, the Chef demonstrates dishes that mix tradition with a touch of the avante-garde, drawing upon both Swiss and international flavours. A starter might be Six Snails from Freiamt, served with snail ravioli, parsley puree and shiitake sabayon, followed by Trianon of “Swiss Prim“ veal, served with truffle and black salsify for main course, and finishing with a Chocolate, Pear and Pumpkin Cube or a selection of cheeses, selected by Maïtre Fromager Bernard Antony.

“I would like to thank the guests that have visited our restaurant from across the globe, and my dedicated team who work hard to ensure diners experience nothing less than the very best in culinary magic. I am honoured to receive this prestigious award from Michelin and look forward to continue evolving our gourmet cooking at Äbtestube and to offering some of the very best cuisine in Switzerland“ commented Roland Schmid.

Äbtestube

Grand Resort Bad Ragaz

7310 Bad Ragaz

Switzerland

Open Tuesday – Sunday, 18.30 – 22.00

Call +41 (0) 81 303 30 30 for reservations or email vermittler@resortragaz.ch

Jacket Required

Nightly rates at Grand Resort Bad Ragaz start from €327 (£275) staying in a Double Room. Rates include breakfast, welcome aperitif, use of the To B. Wellbeing & Spa area and Tamina Therme, fresh fruit and Ragaz water each day and daily fitness and relaxation lessons as well as VAT.

For further information and reservations please contact Grand Resort Bad Ragaz on +41 81 303 30 30 or visit www.resortragaz.com

Getting There:

Swiss International Airlines (www.swiss.com/uk; 0845 601 0956) offers up to 20 daily flights a day to Zurich from London Heathrow, London City, Birmingham and Manchester. Return fares, including all taxes and charges, start from £107 in economy class and £376 in business class.

It’s also easy to travel from London to Zurich by train, taking Eurostar to Paris, then a direct Paris-Switzerland high-speed TGV. The TGV from Paris to Zurich are run by Lyria, a consortium of the French and Swiss national railways. From Zurich, Bad Ragaz is an easy train ride away – it takes 1 hour and the trains run about every 30 minutes.

Air travellers will not be allowed to opt out of body scanners at airports, the Government announced today.

But in the future machines, rather than security staff, will see the apparent ‘naked’ images of passengers, Transport Secretary Justine Greening said.

Ms Greening also said that she would consider carefully the EC report on the health risks of scanners, amid concerns that the backscatter scanner, which is being trialled at Manchester airport, emits ionising radiation.

Manchester, with Heathrow and Gatwick, has been trialling body scanners following the Christmas Day transatlantic flight incident when a would-be terrorist had an explosive device concealed in his underwear.

In a Parliamentary written statement, Ms Greening said she believed, in principle, that scanners should be rolled out more widely at UK airports.

But she added that the precise timing of future installations of such devices would depend on how quickly the new generation of scanners can be developed.

Il Pagliaio (Sleeps 6)- http://www.essentialitaly.co.uk/sardinia_villas_il-pagliaio.php

Villa Il Pagliaio is surrounded by acres of countryside and offers a little bit of paradise with a good sized swimming pool and a characteristic restaurant serving breakfast and dinner. This original barn has been transformed into a stone-clad independent “villa” that is located close to the pool and comprises a spacious and comfortable lounge / dining area, kitchen 2 double bedrooms, a twin bedroom and two bathrooms. A private patio located at the back of the house ensures that you can relax under the fantastic dark blue starry sky.

Location: Arzachena 1.5km, nearest beach – Cannigione 10km, Pevero 18 hole golf course 15km, Olbia airport 35 kms, Alghero airport 150 kms

Prices: From £1380 per week

Lo Stazzo (sleeps 6) – http://www.essentialitaly.co.uk/sardinia_villas_lo-stazzo.php

Lo Stazzo is an old traditional farm building which offers wonderful accommodation for up to 6 guests. The original wooden beams and stone walls all add to the charm of this independant house and the accommodation comprises of a large lounge / dining area, a real country kitchen complete with original stone fireplace, 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Going for perfection, Lo Stazzo has a great private external area at the back of the property with access to the gorgeous private pool sunk between the rocks.

Location: Arzachena 1.5km, nearest beach – Cannigione 10km, Pevero 18 hole golf course 15km, Olbia airport 35 kms, Alghero airport 150 kms

Prices: From £1665 per week

Essential Italy

Tel: 01223 460100

info@essentialitaly.co.uk

www.essentialitaly.co.uk

The annual Festival of Angels brings festive ice sculptures to York’s Minster Quarter.

YORK, ENGLAND– A collection of dramatic ice sculptures will be seen on the streets of York next month, when the city’s Festival of Angels returns for 2011.

Held during the run-up to Christmas each year, the event is a popular winter celebration that also includes snow showers, street entertainment, shopping stalls and plenty of food and drink.

This year’s festival is due to take place on Saturday December 10th and Sunday December 11th.

The ice sculptures are the main attraction of the event, which has been held in York since 2000.

Illuminated by the city’s Christmas lights, these elaborate creations are positioned throughout the network of cobbled streets that make up the Minster Quarter.

People who attend the event on the Sunday will also have a chance to witness the parade of angels, which will be led by the beautiful golden angel.

The festival is just one of several seasonal celebrations due to take place in York this winter, with the St Nicholas Fayre occurring at the end of November and the Christmas markets opening on Saturday December 3rd.

LateRooms.com recommends a wide range of hotels in York that could appeal to festive visitors, including The Churchill Hotel.

For more information on this event, visit http://www.yorkfestivals.com