Jetsettersblog

Sofitel Luxury Hotels has reopened its venerable Old Cataract hotel in Aswan Egypt following a three-year closure and extensive renovation program.

Perhaps most famous for inspiring author Agatha Christie’s ‘Death On Nile’ novel, penned while in residence, the hotel has been both preserved and updated as a result of the renovation. The result is a new look and new name to become the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan, joining Sofitel’s illustrious ‘Legend’ collection of historically significant hotels around the world which includes the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Vietnam, and the Sofitel Legend The Grand in Amsterdam.

Located in the Nubian Desert on the banks of the Nile River across from Elephantine Island, the revived Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan has risen again after its closure to continue a long story that began back in 1899 in the heart of sparkling Aswan. It’s very name was taken from the marriage of the river and the granite wall that forms the first cataract of the Nile. More than a hotel, Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan is a destination unto itself.

Sofitel entrusted French interior designer Sybille de Margerie with the task of bringing the luxury of the myth to life once again while conserving the original beauty of the Victorian building. A true challenge, given the weight of history that every wall bears and the rich memories of the legendary visitors who once crossed its threshold. The soul and splendor of the place are preserved, and the architecture updated for a decidedly contemporary face – Sybille de Margerie has risen to the challenge by bringing together Victorian, Middle Eastern and French styles.

From its rose granite plateau rising above the sacred river, the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan offers visitors two different experiences in the hotel’s rooms and suites[1]. The historic charm of The Palace pervades its 76 accommodations, including 45 suites.

From Agatha Christie to Sir Winston Churchill and including Agha Khan, many famous faces have stayed here, movie stars, heads of state and crowned heads. Once a legend always a legend, and here that has held true through the extravagant transformation that managed to preserve the site’s heritage in such touches as the Byzantine-style striped arches.

The two most spacious suites, named the Agatha Christie Suite and the Winston Churchill Suite offer their own private terraces and amazing views.

The contemporary and elegant new The Nile wing features 62 rooms, 37 of which are suites. All offer a balcony and a view of the famous Nile river. Each room also boasts intricate artwork (friezes) and chandeliers, reproducing and reflecting the historic aspects of the original historical wing to inextricably link the two buildings. Particular attention was paid to the bathrooms; some rooms even offer guests the luxury of taking a bath while gazing out over the Nile. The biggest suite in this wing is the Agha Khan Suite.

Some moments seem to exist out of time. Tea served in the setting sun, a ritual as Agatha Christie experienced it, is a must while visiting.

Emblematic spa and hammam created

The Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan unveils a brand new 1200m² So SPA that is a temple of well-being with 8 treatment booths, 3-room hammam and indoor pool. Impressive views, and elegant, original décor along with French cosmetic expertise from Cinq Mondes makes this So Spa space one of the finest new additions to the hotel.

So Spa treatments are an original well-being concept from Sofitel that draw inspiration from gastronomical French cuisine, another of Sofitel’s areas of expertise. The Starters, lasting 30 minutes, are aimed at active young urban dwellers seeking a moment’s rest after a full day. The Main Dishes and Desserts last an hour and include full massages, facial care, hot rock massages and other luxuries that will nourish you body and soul.

A veritable icon of fashion and cinema, Marisa Berenson has created a beauty ritual just for Sofitel that includes her secret to beauty and youth – Soin Sublime with precious prickly pear oil. A unique beauty ceremony, made truly stunning by the use of gold and crystal accessories from the maison Saint-Louis.

So SPA has also developed its own products, So Exhilarating and So Rejuvenating, exclusive treatments that become classics when accompanied by Sofitel music played on So SPA iPods for the full experience. Every massage table offers an adapted version of the famous Sofitel MyBed concept, the bedding used in all Sofitel Luxury Hotels, for optimum comfort and complete relaxation.

Legendary 1902 Gourmet Restaurant

Sofitel Legend Old Cataract now boasts a choice of four restaurants, including the legendary 1902, made famous by its Qualaun crypt. A majestic 20-metre high dome with décor worthy of the Thousand and One Nights theme evoked by the region. A true experience is to have dinner in this breathtaking outlet, as in ancient times, and indeed there is still a dress code to get in. Wooden floors, beautiful lights and chandeliers, delicate and elegant table settings make it an unforgettable dining experience.

In addition, guests can enjoy Sofitel’s new Mediterranean restaurant Oriental Kebabgy and its superb terrace overlooking the Nile. Le Palms, located poolside, beckons with light snacks throughout the day. Lastly, a gem of the renewed hotel is new restaurant Al Saraya offering exceptional breakfasts and dinners with a breathtaking view of the eternal Nile.

As if it were still the Belle Epoque, four bars provide four different experiences and many more unforgettable moments, beginning in La Terrasse, with its famous “King Fouad’s Corner”. La Promenade on the rose granite walkway offers a first-class view of Elephantine Island, making it THE place in Aswan to meet for a cocktail or a traditional tea. In the lobby, THE BAR has all the magic of a piano bar amidst the elegance of Middle Eastern décor. The Yasmin Vitamin Bar & Lounge overlooks the pool and gardens.

From its early beginnings in the 17th Century high tea has always been synonymous with high society and class. Every Saturday and Sunday Tower Lodge offers high tea where guests and visitors to the Hunter Valley can indulge in this long standing tradition amongst the luxurious surroundings of the Lodge.

High tea has made a resurgence and has once again become fashionable, with its opulent setting, Tower Lodge’s high tea is a truly decadent experience and one of the only traditional high teas offered in the Hunter Valley.

Tower Lodge’s chef Carla Wile has an Italian background and a love of creating delicate pastries which is reflected in her high tea menu. Carla’s inspiration and her menu changes daily, some of her decadent sweet and savoury treats include raspberry macarons, lemon curd meringue tartlets, friands, asparagus and goats cheese frittata, selection of gourmet sandwiches, melting moments and gourmet pies. Tower Lodge can cater for most dietary requirements, which needs to be requested at the time of booking.

High tea is served using the traditional three tier cake stand, and guests can choose to have a traditional high tea paired with a range of traditional black, herbal, or Tower Estates own special blend, and for those who want something a little more special champagne high tea served with a glass of sparkling Petaluma Croser Pinot Noir Chardonnay.

“High Tea is just an extension of the unique dining experiences you can indulge in here at Tower Lodge, wether that be dining under the stars, in the private library, in restaurant nine or next the open fire place. It’s something different and definitely unique,” said. Andreas Breitfuss, Maître de Maison.

For those who truly want to indulge and enjoy a Hunter Valley weekend, Tower Lodge has packages which include the following:
2 night’s accommodation in a Lodge room
Dinner for 2 guest in Roberts Restaurant
Dinner for 2 guests dining in restaurant Nine
Complimentary upgrade to high tea
Breakfast
Pre- dinner beverages daily
Private wine tasting at Tower Estate Winery
Prices are based on twin share and start from $1,035 per room per night.

High tea at Tower Lodge is offered every Saturday and Sunday from 2.00pm to 5.00pm $42 for traditional high tea and $56 for champagne high tea.

Tower Lodge’s high tea can cater for up to 30 guests on each day so bookings are essential and can be made by calling (02) 4998 7022.

About Tower Lodge
Opened in May 2001, and situated on the grounds of Tower Estate, Tower Lodge is the only 5-star boutique luxury lodge in the Hunter Region.

Tower Lodge won Best Luxury Lodge in Australia at the 2011 World Luxury Hotel Awards and Best Global Luxury Lodge at the 2010 World Luxury Hotel Awards.

The Lodge features 12 rooms including two suites accommodating up to 24 guests. Room rates start from $720.00 per night mid week and include accommodation for two, full buffet and a la carte cooked breakfast, complimentary afternoon tea, a pre-dinner drink and an evening turn down service

Website www.towerestate.com

Tower Lodge is a member of Relais & Châteaux.

International multi-award winning Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji’s, Bebe Spa Sanctuary is in the awards spotlight again after receiving the prestigious Best Destination Spa 2011 award at the annual Australasian Spa Association (ASPA) Spas of Excellence Awards.

Presented at a Gala Dinner on Friday night at the Outrigger Noosa on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, the award was presented in recognition of Bebe Spa Sanctuary’s excellence.

Bebe Spa Sanctuary Manager, Praveena Dewan accepted the award on behalf of her team and said that the accolade is as much for the beautiful Coral Coast of Fiji as it is for Bebe and Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji.

She said, ‘I’m enormously proud to accept this award on behalf of Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji and the Bebe team. What sets Bebe Spa Sanctuary apart is not only the sanctuaries ability to instil a sense of total peace and tranquillity, but our entire Spa team who all share the same passion and dedication to ensure that we offer a world class spa experience.’

‘It is also incredibly satisfying to win an award that is judged based on service excellence which combines the culture, magic and incredible beauty of Fiji,’ said Mrs Dewan.

The award which was judged and determined by the ASPA board recognised Bebe Spa Sanctuary’s high achievement in the industry and its outstanding contribution to the spa industry. The judging process is based on 50 percentage points towards the submission and 50 percent towards a first person review of the facility and services.

Situated above the resort on a hill known by locals as Heavenly Hill, Bebe Spa, pronounced behm-beh, a Fijian word meaning butterfly, enjoys exceptional views over Outrigger’s coral fringed lagoon, Pacific Ocean and the lush, undulating hills surrounding the resort.

The spa’s concept is based on a traditional Fijian village which also transcends through to the spa menu which focuses on uniting ancient Fijian therapies and beauty rituals with world renowned products.

An adults only domain, here you can enjoy the purity of an outdoor balcony spa, salute the sun with early morning yoga or indulge in champagne and canapés set against the Pacific’s finest sunset views.

More than 100 guests attended the 2011 ASPA Spa Awards ceremony which attracted over 70 entries. Bebe Spa Sanctuary also won the prestigious Pevonia Spa Design of the Year Award (Oceania) for the second consecutive year in August 2011.

For additional information visit: www.outriggerfiji.com, www.bebespafiji.com

About ASPA
Aspa is a non-profit association that represents, supports and promotes the spa and wellness industry throughout Australasia. For more visit: www.aspaassociation.com.au

Mercure has added one of the NSW South Coast’s most popular boutique resort hotels – Bellachara – to its growing network. The hotel will be re-branded to Mercure Resort Gerringong by the Sea.

Located just over 90 minutes’ drive from Sydney and situated on a hill overlooking Werri Beach, the boutique hotel provides a stylish and relaxed setting, with 52 luxuriously appointed rooms, a rooftop day spa, two pools, a tennis court, an award-winning restaurant and function facilities for up to 180, including dedicated wedding services.

The Mercure is the perfect base for exploring some of NSW’s finest beaches as well as beautiful nature areas including Minnamurra Rainforest, Kangaroo Valley and Jervis Bay. It is also well-located to many of the South Coast’s wineries, the Jamberoo Action Park and championship golf courses.

To celebrate the rebrand, the Mercure Resort is offering a special rate of $189 per night with a free upgrade to a balcony room for stays on Sunday – Thursday until 22 December 2011.

“The hotel’s intimate size gives it a genuine boutique feel, which makes it ideal for couples,” says hotel manager Michael Eggers. “We have one of the South Coast’s best day spas and a restaurant that showcases the finest South Coast local produce.

“The nearby beaches offer golden sands and safe swimming without the crowds normally associated with such beautiful spots. Alternatively, we have two swimming pools, including an adults-only pool, around which guests can relax and enjoy a cocktail.”

The hotel is one of the South Coast’s most popular wedding and honeymoon venues, offering a complete service for brides-to-be.

Families are also well catered for with a Kids Club operational during school holidays and a child-friendly pool.

“Having worked on the NSW South Coast for a number of years, I think the region is relatively unsung,” said Mr Eggers. “What makes it so special is that it offers a remarkable diversity of attractions. Within a short drive you can have completely different coastal, forest, mountain and rural experiences.

“The South Coast also takes pride in the richness of our cultural assets. From our many festivals; our extensive and quality artistic scene; our several craft and artisan villages as well as our unique indigenous and European heritage, the region offers a much broader dimension to the visitor, to complement the attractions of our beautiful natural environment.”

Mr Eggers said that the hotel would make an ideal Mercure because the brand’s hotels were renowned for providing an authentic experience that makes the most of the local environment. This would be reflected particularly in the hotel’s food and wine offering.

The hotel’s rooms feature contemporary décor including chocolate leather lounges, plasma TVs, Playstation 2 systems, super comfortable beds and stylish bathrooms, some with spa baths.

Mercure Resort Gerringong by the Sea joins other resort-style boutique Mercure properties including the Mercure Yarra Valley Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort & Spa, the Mercure Clear Mountain Lodge Spa and Mercure Hunter Valley Gardens.

For bookings phone (02) 4234 1359.

For business or leisure, Mercure offers a real alternative to hotel chains and independent hotels. Mercure is the only midscale hotel brand that combines the strength of an international network of 700 hotels with guaranteed quality standards and the genuine experience of hotels, all different, rooted in their local community and managed by passionate hoteliers. Located in city centers, by the sea or in the mountains, the Mercure network welcomes you in nearly 50 countries across the World.
More information at www.mercurehotels.com

Holidaymakers can escape to the nation’s capital, experience the magic of the Renaissance years and relax in stylish comfort with Mantra and Breakfree on these fantastic art-lovers escapes.

The exclusive Renaissance exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra from December 9 through to April 9, 2012 offers audiences an unparalleled chance to see paintings by some of the greatest European artists.

From Raphael and Botticelli, to Bellini and Titian, more than 70 works on canvas and panel will be on display, made between 1400 and 1600 by painters in northern and central Italy.

For the ultimate cultural escape this summer and autumn Mantra and BreakFree can put you in the picture.

Perfectly located in the CBD with shopping and nightlife at your doorstep, Mantra on Northbourne has a Renaissance Experience Package including accommodation in a Hotel Room, two tickets to the exhibition and a bottle of wine on arrival, all from $199* until January 31, or from $219* after February 1, 2012.

Mantra on Northbourne offers a choice of hotel rooms or superior one or two bedroom apartments, restaurant, 24 hour room service, gymnasium, indoor heated pool and sauna. Call 13 15 17 or visit www.mantra.com.au.

Alternatively BreakFree Capital Tower has family packages which include accommodation in a spacious Two Bedroom Lakeside Apartment, family pass for two adults and two children to the exhibition and complimentary parking from $359* per night until January 31, or from $399* after February 1, 2012.

BreakFree Capital Tower is located on the picturesque northern foreshore of Lake Burley Griffin and enjoys stunning views over the lake, the towering Brindabella Ranges and the sparkling lights of Canberra City.

The property boasts one, two and three bedroom apartments with most boasting spacious balconies and a range of leisure facilities such as a swimming pool, sauna, gym, squash court, tennis court and BBQ area. Call 132 007 or visit www.breakfree.com.au.

Exhibition tickets included in all accommodation packages can be utilised anytime within the opening hours of the gallery. For exhibition information visit www.nga.gov.au/renaissance.

*Conditions apply, subject to availability.

Qantas has announced the introduction of a brand new category of Frequent Flyer recognition – Platinum One.

Platinum One will only be available for a select group of the airline’s most loyal customers.

Qantas Frequent Flyer Chief Executive Officer Simon Hickey said he was very pleased to be launching the Platinum One program.

“Qantas Frequent Flyer has introduced Platinum One based on feedback from many of our Platinum members,” he said.

“Platinum One will offer members access to an outstanding range of benefits as well the exceptional service delivered by a dedicated Platinum One Special Service team.”

From 7 November 2011, Platinum One member benefits will include:

• A dedicated contact number to link members to the Platinum One Special Service Team, which will monitor, support and enhance their travel experience every step of the way;

• Assistance with access to additional Qantas Classic Awards and Flight Upgrade Awards, on Qantas operated flights (with a Qantas flight number on their ticket);

• Confirmation of successful upgrade requests as early as seven days prior to departure (for Qantas operated services with a Qantas flight number on their ticket),

• Complimentary membership of epiQure by Qantas Frequent Flyer, the recently launched premium food and wine club;

• Personalised gifts and experiences, from a ticket to a Qantas sponsored event to an experience inside a Qantas flight simulator and more.

Inaugural Platinum One members will be notified of their inclusion in the program by 7 November 2011. Each inaugural member will qualify for the exclusive new tier status based on flight activity throughout the year prior to 1 November 2011. Subsequent to 1 November 2011, Platinum One membership will be assessed based on flight activity during their membership year.

In addition to the introduction of Platinum One, Qantas has also announced the following additional improvements to Flight Upgrade Awards:

International services (from December 2011):

• The ability to register for a Flight Upgrade Award at any time from booking up until 24 hours before a scheduled departure;

• Platinum members may receive successful Flight Upgrade Award confirmation from up to 48 hours before their departure date;

• All Frequent Flyers will be notified via SMS if their Flight Upgrade Award is confirmed to allow customers to maximise their time to prepare for their upgraded Qantas journey;

• Flight Upgrade Awards will also be processed closer to the time of departure, meaning fewer empty First, Business and Premium Economy seats on the aircraft on many occasions. For example, if another customer changes their plans and decides not to travel, Qantas will be able to upgrade a member registered for a Flight Upgrade Award into their seat.

Domestic Services (from early 2012)

• As per the existing international process, a domestic registration process will be introduced for Flight Upgrade Awards (for Qantas operated services with a Qantas flight number on their ticket) where a member’s Flight Upgrade Award can not be immediately confirmed. Confirmation of a successful domestic Flight Upgrade Award from the point of booking, as well as the ability to request ‘on departure’ Flight Upgrade
Awards will remain available;

• SMS notification will commence domestically in line with the introduction of the registration process.

Ever since sailors discovered the tropical paradise that is Tahiti, cruising has been one of the most spectacular ways to enjoy these 118 islands and atolls spread across an area the size of Europe.

A range of international cruise ships will visit the islands on world migrations from the Northern Hemisphere during 2011, including Royal Caribbean International’s Radiance of the Seas, Princess Cruises’ Sea Princess and the boutique Seabourn Odyssey on her way to Australia.

For travellers keen to spend more cruise time in the magical Tahitian archipelagos, Paul Gauguin Cruises offers all-inclusive voyages of up to two weeks from capital Papeete to the Society Islands as well as expeditions to the far-flung Marquesas, Tuamotus and Austral Islands.

Aranui 3 offers a simpler Tahitian adventure, taking up to 200 passengers on a mixed passenger/cargo ship delivering essentials to the remote Marquesas Islands on its regular 14-day round trips.

Smaller ships provide the chance to pristine bays and beaches inaccessible to larger vessels, among them Haumana Cruises’ three-to seven-day sojourns around Rangiroa and Nomade Yachting Bora Bora, which takes just 32 passengers around the Society Islands in its luxurious Australian-built yacht, Tu Moana.

Australians also have the chance to sail to Tahiti from their doorstep when Princess Cruises sends its ships into the vast South Pacific to visit the popular Society Islands.

Ocean Princess will set sail from Sydney on December 3, 2012, for a 16-night cruise visiting Bora Bora and Moorea ahead of disembarkation in Papeete, Tahiti.

For more information on cruising in Tahiti visit www.tahitinow.com.au  or follow Tahiti Tourisme at www.facebook.com/TahitiTourismAU  or www.twitter.com/TahitiTourismAU.

Continuing its notable growth in the South Pacific, Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific and Wyndham Hotel Group, both part of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies (NYSE:WYN), has announced the purchase of a combination of hotel rooms, holiday apartments and penthouse suites together with the management rights for Wyndham® Resort Torquay.

The beachfront property located at 100 The Esplanade, Torquay, near Melbourne, Victoria was developed by Massey Pty Ltd as OnShore Torquay and formerly carried the Crowne Plaza flag. It will operate as Wyndham Resort Torquay starting today.

“The Asia Pacific region continues to be a key area of focus for our company’s development,” said Barry Robinson, managing director Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific and also managing director for Wyndham Hotel Group in the South Pacific. “We are pleased to introduce the Wyndham brand to Torquay further strengthening our presence in the Victoria region.”

Wyndham Hotel Group was launched in the South Pacific region in 2010 with the acquisition of Wyndham Surfers Paradise, the hotel division’s first mixed use property in collaboration with Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific. The company’s rapid expansion includes the recent purchase and management rights of Ramada® Resort Port Douglas and franchise agreements for two Ramada properties in New Zealand.

Wyndham Resort Torquay will be a mixed-use property featuring 149 rooms, a combination of hotel rooms and one and two bedroom self-contained holiday apartments. In addition to management of the resort, Wyndham has contracted to acquire a selection of hotel rooms and apartments to be transferred into WorldMark South Pacific Club by Wyndham, for use by its 44,000 Vacation Owners of Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific’s Vacation Ownership club.

Torquay, one of Victoria’s favourite beachside towns, is located in the south-west, a 20 minute drive from Geelong, 90 minutes from Melbourne and approximately half an hour from Avalon airport. It is home to one of Australia’s most famous surf beaches, Bells Beach and is the gateway to the world-renowned Great Ocean Road.

“Wyndham Resort Torquay is a significant addition to our portfolio as we continue to expand into Australia and the South Pacific region through franchising and management agreements,” added Mr. Robinson.

Sofitel So Bangkok, scheduled to open in late 2011 as Bangkok’s first truly urban design hotel, has collaborated with its sister property, Sofitel So Mauritius, to produce a double music CD that introduces the two addresses through music styling under the theme of When Mauritius Meets Bangkok. Titled “Urban by Nature” and compiled by famed DJ Ravin from the Buddha Bar in Paris, the mix combines Chill Lounge music for the resort with the more upbeat sounds of an urban lifestyle.

Born in Mauritius and brought up in a traditional Hindu family, then later moving to Paris to develop his passion for music, Ravin was the perfect choice to mix and produce the So Urban by Nature CD.
In the late 1980s, Ravin was resident DJ at the Rex, Boy and Bains Douches, where he immersed himself in the exciting high-tech wave that would engulf the world. Later, in 1997, the opening of the Buddha Bar marked a turning point in Ravin’s musical direction, with the magical atmosphere of this temple-like place harmonising perfectly with his personality and artistic taste.

Today, while remaining at the Buddha Bar, an ultra-cool Parisian nightspot that is seen as one of the places to be, Ravin has a number of compilations to his credit, including the Buddha Bar series, Siddharta, Fashion TV Club Session, and Clubbing with DJ Ravin. Notably he gained a double gold disc as author of Buddha Bar III, VI, VII and IX.

Commission by Sofitel Luxury Hotels, Ravin has now given musical expression to the Group’s new So label, which personifies a vision of a design hotel that is decidedly contemporary, blending design and pleasure, style and soul, while capturing the essence of the destination.

Sofitel So Mauritius, the first of the family, is a radiant oasis situated at Bel Ombre on the southern coast of this Indian Ocean island. Here, in suites and villas, the inimitable architecture of Lek Bunnag is complemented by Kenzo Takada’s exclusive collection of iconic decorative items. Giving the ultimate experience of comfort and privacy are gently curving architectural lines that outline inviting, flowing spaces, seamlessly connecting indoors and outdoors and affording an ambience that is soothing yet vibrant, elegant and naturally sophisticated.

Similarly design driven but in an urban environment, Sofitel So Bangkok is a unique masterpiece of collaboration between a leading Thai architect and top interior designers, enhanced by exclusive designs elements by Monsieur Christian Lacroix.

As creative as the architecture is the interior design, which revolves around the Five Elements – Water, Earth, Wood, Metal, and Fire. Each is given individual expression by a top Thai designer, with the first four elements defining guestrooms spread respectively over different floors, while Fire is the theme of the public areas and restaurants, most emphatically the signature Red Oven, a showcase kitchen representing passion for the culinary arts. Combined the Five Elements frame and form a refuge of sense energy at the heart of vibrant Bangkok.

Matching design creativity is advanced technology, and Sofitel So Bangkok is Asia’s first hotel to offer a fully connected lifestyle, with all of the 238 rooms and suites equipped with fully integrated Apple Mac mini that offers an unprecedented range of media entertainment and guest services at the touch of a button.

The individual characters of Sofitel So Bangkok and Sofitel So Mauritius are symbolised in the properties’ emblems, both of which are featured on the Urban by Nature CD cover.

A stylised flower by Kenzo evokes a sense of luxuriance and natural comfort, along with the idea of eco chic that typifies Sofitel So Mauritius. For Sofitel So Bangkok, Monsieur Christian Lacroix has designed the Tree of Life that is the centerpiece of all, encapsulating the Five Elements into one and creating a harmonious balance.

Essentially, Sofitel So is about coming together, places where design meets pleasure, where technology meets comfort, and where people meet people. With Urban by Nature, Bangkok vibrations meet with Mauritian vibes in a music mix that so perfectly captures the experience of two unique hotels.

The double CD Urban by Nature is available on iTunes, Amazon.com,

Fnac.com, and cduniverse.com.

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is celebrating its latest arts alliance with the Art Gallery of NSW, signing on as the official hotel partner for PICASSO: Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris.

The exhibition is the most significant Picasso display to ever be held in Australia.

Exclusive to the harbour city as part of an extensive world tour, the exhibition features in the Sydney International Arts series and will run from 12 November 2011 until 25 March 2012.

It draws from the permanent collection of the Musée National Picasso, Paris, the largest and most significant renowned repository of the artist’s works in the world.

Capturing every phase of his extraordinary career – including masterpieces from his Blue, Rose, Expressionist, Cubist, Neoclassical and Surrealist periods – the exhibition features more than 150 important paintings, sculptures, prints and drawings created by Pablo Picasso and from his personal collection.

Showbiz is offering Stay and See Picasso Packages in association with the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth available from A$161.50 per person, twin share.

The package includes a ticket to PICASSO: Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris and overnight accommodation at the Sofitel.

For more information on the package and to make an online reservation, visit www.showbiz.com.au/picasso.

For information on the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth visit www.sofitelsydney.com.au

Sofitel: re-inventing French elegance in luxury hotels
Sofitel creates unique luxury hotels in the world’s most attractive destinations, by the artful blending of its French origins with the very best of local cultures. Sofitel forges a privileged bond between its staff of devoted service professionals and its cosmopolitan guests who expect and appreciate beauty, quality and excellence. Sofitel offers the best of French elegance, from food and wine rituals to bedding, design and personal care products. Hotels where life can be savoured, shared with others, lived in harmony with oneself; transforming every stay into a unique and unforgettable experience.

www.sofitel.com