Jetsettersblog

The special relationship women have with chocolate has been taken to dizzier heights.

Virgin Atlantic has shaped the airline’s drinks order based on this finding.

For the first time, Virgin Atlantic is providing passengers with hot drinking chocolate – because so many women demanded it.

So great is the trend, that the airline is having to increase its initial hot chocolate order – just two weeks after launching the service!

Now, they can carry out their guilty pleasure at 35,000ft.

Said Virgin Atlantic spokeswoman, Janine Doy: “The good news is that women have finally discovered a place where they can have chocolate free from guilt. The bad news is that it only occurs at altitudes above 35,000ft.

“Hot drinking chocolate is, by far, the most popular item of food that we’ve ever introduced on board any of our aircraft.”

Virgin launched the new Hot Chocolate service on November 1st, to help passengers sleep during night flights.

Said Virgin’s Janine Doy: “We knew that women love chocolate, but the sheer scale of that love has taken everyone by surprise.

“There is a clear divide between men and women. While men will often choose tea or coffee as soon as women see hot chocolate on the menu, they all opt for that.

“Our aircraft provide passengers with a cosy, secure environment, high above the earth. It’s clear that all of the barriers and guilt that women feel about loving chocolate stay firmly on the ground. It’s a time for sheer pleasure.”

Being on board our aircraft at 35,000ft could be one of the world’s most guilt free places for women to indulge in their love of chocolate.”

From 23rd – 28th April 2012, the Six Senses Spa at the stunning Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay Bodrum, Turkey will be hosting a yoga retreat with Julien Balmer, a renowned practitioner and yoga teacher.

On this exclusive retreat you will learn and experience what traditional Hatha Yoga is all about. There will be daily yoga and meditation practice as well as sun salutations in one of the most beautiful locations on the coast of the Aegean Sea. Daily classes will focus on the flow and awareness of energies and are designed to assist with your physical, emotional and spiritual development. These will be complemented by daily educational talks and inspirational movies.

Whether you are a complete novice or a more seasoned yoga practitioner, this programme offers you the perfect opportunity to improve your skills, strengthen the body, clear the mind and escape from the stresses of everyday life.

Julien, who after completing his Masters degree in Finance & Economics faced a life-changing experience, decided to turn his life around and commit himself fully to practicing yoga and discovering the mysteries and spiritual traditions of the East.

Serving as a senior resident teacher at the Agama Yoga Thailand headquarters, Julien facilitates an extensive array of transformational mind and body retreats at some of the world’s best spiritual health and healing resorts. He is a dedicated and passionate yogi bringing almost a full decade of experience in yoga, the healing arts and consciousness studies.

The 6-night yoga retreat includes:
6 nights’ accommodation with guaranteed early check-in and check-out Daily breakfast, set menu lunch and open buffet dinner Airport transfers An initial private consultation with Julien Balmer 5 days of group yoga classes with Julien Balmer Daily sun salutations Daily satsang and “Q&A” sessions Daily morning meditation class (optional) Optional daily spiritual cinema, including inspirational movies 1 x 50min Six Senses Signature massage 15% discount on additional spa treatments Access to spa facilities – sauna, steam bath and indoor pool

The Julien Balmer yoga retreat starts from €1,388 per person based on single occupancy in a standard room, for more information and reservations please contact Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay Bodrum, Turkey on Tel: +90 (252) 311 0303 or visit www.kempinski.com/bodrum

South Australia’s (www.southaustralia.com ) events calendar is filled each year with an impressive selection of diverse events ranging from major international sporting occasions like Santos Tour Down Under (www.tourdownunder.com.au) to the downright unusual like Tunarama featuring tuna tossing (http://www.tunarama.net). However, it is perhaps the following quartet of Adelaide based festivals which best typify South Australia’s vibrancy, zest for life and sheer artistic thirst:

- THE ADELAIDE FRINGE: 24th February – 18th March 2012
- THE ADELAIDE FESTIVAL: 2nd – 18th March 2012
- WOMADELAIDE: 9th – 12th March 2012
- ADELAIDE CABARET FESTIVAL: 8th – 23rd June 2012
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THE ADELAIDE FRINGE: 24th February – 18th March 2012 (www.adelaidefringe.com.au)

Celebrating its 52nd year, the Adelaide Fringe is the largest arts festival in Australia, having seen record ticket sales of 334,000 in 2011. The Adelaide Fringe provides the opportunity for local and international artists to showcase their talents and, with around 3,500 artists performing almost 5,000 shows at 325 venues last year, it is only rivalled by the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

The Adelaide Fringe, which ran alongside The Adelaide Festival every other year until 2007 when it became an annual event, features cabaret, circus, comedy, dance, film, music, puppetry, theatre, visual art and word among the myriad art forms. And, with venues as diverse as traditional theatres, function rooms in pubs, churches, vacant buildings, shop fronts, a railway station and temporary outdoor locations, the combination creates a carnival atmosphere. The diverse locations also mean that The Fringe is truly accessible to all.

THE ADELAIDE FESTIVAL: 2nd – 18th March 2012 (www.adelaidefestival.com.au)
Focusing on the contemporary, The Adelaide Festival highlights the best in opera, theatre, dance, music, cabaret, new media events, literature, outdoor entertainment and the visual arts, while also featuring master classes, forums and a purpose-built late night club.

Highlights for 2012 include British Tony award winner Jonathan Pryce performing Harold Pinter’s “The Caretaker” in his Australian debut. Legendary film composer, Ennio Morricone, is another major draw performing live at a once-in-a-lifetime premiere at Elder Park where he will lead the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, six Italian soloists and a massed choir through his iconic film scores from The Good The Bad & The Ugly to The Mission.

The Adelaide Festival, which has been running since 1960, also incorporates Adelaide Writers’ Week (3rd- 8th March 2012), as well as a comprehensive and contemporary visual arts programme.

WOMADELAIDE: 9th to 12th March
(www.womadelaide.com.au)
WOMAD – World of Music, Arts and Dance, is the internationally established festival co-founded by Peter Gabriel, bringing together artists from all over the globe, celebrating the world’s many forms of music, arts and dance. First presented in Australia in 1992, WOMADelaide celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2012 and, with more than 81,000 visitors over the four-day festival in 2011, it is one of the country’s most popular outdoor music events.

The 2012 programme will feature performances and workshops on seven stages by some of the world’s best musicians, dancers and DJs, alongside street theatre and visual artists, the popular Taste the World cooking events, Artists in Conversations sessions and an All-Star Gala finale. In addition, there will be around 100 food, crafts and display stalls, as well as KidZone for children.

THE ADELAIDE CABARET FESTIVAL: 8th-23rd June 2012 (www.adelaidecaberet.com)
This, a major annual event in the international and Australian Arts calendar, is the world’s most comprehensive cabaret festival with a reputation of highlighting the best local, national and international artists with classic and contemporary cabaret performances.

Whilst the programme for 2012 has yet to be announced, a 2011 highlight included an intimate evening of music with Chita Rivera. A living legend of musical theatre and two-time Tony award winner, Chita performed songs from her outstanding career on Broadway with numbers such as “America” from West Side Story, “Big Spender” from Sweet Charity and “All That Jazz” from Chicago.

Situated in one of the most beautiful and romantic locations in the world, qualia resort (www.qualia.com.au ) on sun-drenched Hamilton Island in the Great Barrier Reef has announced a special Valentine’s package. And, whether it’s used as a surprise mid-summer getaway, or given as a gift on 14 February that can be used year-round, the trip is sure to provide a welcome romantic retreat.

qualia, (pronounced kwah-lee ah) recently included in the UK Condé Nast Traveller Gold List, is located on the secluded northern-most point of Hamilton Island. This stunningly beautiful luxury resort features 60 elegant one bedroom pavilions and a Beach house with postcard views of the blue green waters of the Coral Sea in the Whitsunday Islands.

With its sense of calm and sophisticated, yet casual style, qualia offers a private and relaxing experience where couples can be as active or relaxed as they wish. As the main gateway for visiting the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island offers a full complement of recreational activities including a new Yacht Club, Golf Club and two spas. It is an ideal escape for Valentine’s Day or romantic escapes all year-round.

One of the highlights of the package is a one and half hour helicopter trip to Whitehaven Beach where the couple is “dropped” off for a romantic picnic lunch on the 7km stretch of white silica sand beach.

Priced from $4,218 AUD per pavilion* (twin share), the ‘Romance on the Reef’ package http://www.qualia.com.au/luxury-resort-accomodation/holiday-package-deals  includes:

• 3 nights accommodation at qualia resort
• A la carte breakfast, dinner and non-alcoholic beverages consumed at qualia
• Whitehaven Beach by helicopter including a picnic and sparkling wine
• VIP Return Hamilton Island airport/marina to hotel transfers
• VIP chauffeur service around Hamilton Island
• A two-seater electric golf buggy for use on the Island
• Use of non-motorised watercraft
• Beach drop-offs to selected local beaches and surrounding islands
• Sunset cruise on the Coral Sea on the “Atomic” – qualia’s luxury power boat

While at qualia, guests can also indulge in the offerings at Spa qualia. Particularly designed for couples is the Wine Lovers treatment. A chardonnay massage gives way to a vinothérapie body scrub that is followed by a detoxifying pinot noir body mask and burgundy bath that allows the couple to soak and purify their energy while sipping champagne. A moisturising treatment completes this romantic two and a half hour escape.

For more information or to make reservations, visit http://www.qualia.com.au/luxury-resort-accomodation/holiday-package-deals,  www.qualia.com.au  or please contact the Luxury Specialist team by email: luxuryspecialist@hamiltonisland.com.au

 *This package is not available as a bed and breakfast option. Prices are based on twin share. The ‘from price’ above is for a Leeward pavilion. Valid for travel: 1 Apr 2011 – 31 Mar 2012. Prices are in AUD. For new rates from 1 Apr 2012 onwards, please view www.qualia.com.au  Blackout dates: Festive Season: 22 Dec 2011 – 4 Jan 2012 inclusive.

About qualia resort: www.qualia.com.au
qualia, Australia’s world class luxury resort on the Great Barrier Reef, is located on the secluded and breathtakingly beautiful northern-most point of Hamilton Island. qualia has 60 elegant one-bedroom pavilions and a Beach House, each set among eucalyptus trees with postcard views of the idyllic blue, green waters of the Whitsundays. Two superb restaurants and Spa qualia cater exclusively to guests of the resort. Hamilton Island can be accessed directly from all east coast international gateway cities in less than three hours. ‘qualia’ is deliberately spelled with a lower case ‘q’ as it is a reflection of the relaxed, understated nature of this property.

Peking Opera has long been a major attraction for many Beijing visitors. While the city has many opera houses to choose from, the Huguang Guild Hall is one of the oldest and most reputable places to watch the ancient Chinese art form.

Built in 1807, the Huguang Guild was originally a club for important officials and businessmen from southern provinces. A theater and teahouse were added later to provide entertainment for the elite who attended the club. Throughout its history, the Guild has held performances by some of China’s most famous Peking Opera stars. Later in 1912, Sun Yat-sen chose Huguang Guild as a meeting place for revolutionaries to start the Kuomintang party.

Today, Huguang Guild Hall is a testament to old Beijing. The opera house still holds regular performances and also houses a small museum dedicated to Peking opera.

For discount tickets for a Huguang Guild performance and other performances around Beijing email book@thechinaguide.com

The China Guide web page on the Huguang Guild has photos and ticket information:

http://www.thechinaguide.com/shows/peking_opera_huguang_guild_hall.html

The China Guide is an American-owned travel agency based in Beijing.

INDULGE IN UNLIMITED SPA TREATMENTS AND ENCHANTING ACCOMMODATION AT THE LANGHAM XINTIANDI FROM RMB2,700+

Shanghai, China, December 2011. Ever wanted to just spend your time being totally spoilt with unlimited spa treatments? Well now The Langham Xintiandi, Shanghai is offering guests the chance to do just that with a ‘Spa Indulgence’ package to celebrate the opening of the hotel’s new Chuan Spa.
Guests can now enjoy unlimited spa treatments* as well as luxurious accommodation across all room types including daily breakfast for two, when they book our new ‘Spa Indulgence’ package available from now until 29 February, 2012.

Located in the heart of Shanghai’s vibrant Xintiandi entertainment district, The Langham Xintiandi is now fully open and offers guests luxurious accommodation, international dining and is also surrounded by luxury shopping.

Now guests can not only experience the luxury of The Langham Xintiandi but also indulge in pampering spa treatments throughout their stay to rejuvenate their mind, body and soul.

The hotel’s new Chuan Spa which opened in November, incorporates Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) into its signature treatments, ambience and décor. Chuan Spa is Langham Hospitality Group’s global luxury spa brand and is continually recognised as one of the premier spa concepts around the world.

Guests can choose from a selection of blissful massages including our signature Harmony Massage, facials or body scrub treatments. Accommodation packages including unlimited spa treatments start from RMB2,700 + per room per night for a Grand Room; however for a truly indulgent stay, guests can book one of the hotel’s new Langham Club Junior Suites for RMB4,050 + which also includes access to the hotel’s newly opened The Langham Club Lounge offering spectacular views of Xintiandi, all-day refreshments and complimentary mini-bar.

The Langham Xintiandi’s ‘Spa Indulgence’ package is available until 29 February 2012 and gift vouchers for Christmas or Valentine’s Day are also available. For more information on The Langham Xintiandi visit www.xintiandi.langhamhotels.com or to book please call reservations on (86 21) 2330 2299.

With no other show on earth like it, one of Australia’s most legendary stories is retold as Australian Outback Spectacular celebrates the courageous spirit of the Australian horse and commemorates the legend that is Phar Lap with the launch of the new show, ‘Spirit of the Horse with a Tribute to Phar Lap’, on Wednesday 7 December, 2011.

Village Roadshow Theme Parks Chairman John Menzies said that after a hugely successful run of ‘Heroes of the Light Horse’, it was time to introduce something completely new and exciting to Australian Outback Spectacular.

“We wanted a show that would be original, highly entertaining and emotive, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats while still creating the fun and exciting atmosphere that Australian Outback Spectacular is renowned for.

“We decided to dedicate this new show to the legendary Australian story of Phar Lap, further enhancing our cultural heritage and paying tribute to one of Australia’s most courageous and spirited horses,” he said.

Australian Outback Spectacular’s ‘Spirit of the Horse’ brings to life this iconic Australian story in a specially designed world class arena, featuring an amazing cast of larger than life characters, stunning special effects and magnificent animals including the spirited Australian stockhorse.

The highly entertaining show demands everyone is well fed with forty stockmen and women serving up a gourmet Aussie feast with beer, wine or soft drink to all 1000 guests in record time.

The new show has been directed by one of Australia’s most celebrated film and television directors, Simon Wincer, who is best known for movies, ‘The Man from Snowy River’, ‘The Lighthorsemen’, ‘Phar Lap’ and ‘Free Willy’. In ‘Spirit of the Horse with a Tribute to Phar Lap’, Wincer adds a new element to the show by blending extracts from his movie with live Phar Lap action in the foreground, further enhancing the amazing show and introducing high definition movie vision to many scenes.

The show, whilst celebrating one of the most remarkable stories in our history, still contains all the modern day fun and competitive spirit of the outback and its people which everyone thoroughly enjoys.

Presenting partner, R.M.Williams is proud to continue their support for Australian Outback Spectacular.

R.M.Williams Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hamish Turner, said the show continues to present Australia’s Outback heritage in an authentic format which is exciting for all audiences.

“Our company founder, Australian legend Reginald Murray (‘RM’) Williams was a passionate and proud Australian. We know RM would have shared our view that Australian Outback Spectacular is important because it communicates the culture of the outback to a whole new generation of Australians and visitors,” Mr. Turner said.

Since its grand opening in April 2006, Australian Outback Spectacular has entertained over one million people from around the world, celebrating the proud Australian culture. Audiences have learned about Australia’s history, marveled at demonstrations of world class riding skills, laughed at the gags and enjoyed the friendly competition that develops between the stockmen and women from rival stations in the true Australian spirit.

For further information please visit: www.myfun.com.au

Following announcements earlier this month of a newly renovated hotel in St. Martin and a new hotel in Russia, Brussels-based Rezidor Hotel Group opened its first resort hotel in Georgia — the Radisson Blu Hotel, Batumi. Featuring 168 rooms, the property is located in the center of the city, alongside Batumi Boulevard.

The hotel is located in the main business district of Batumi and is within 10 minutes’ drive from Batumi International Airport and 15 minutes’ drive from the Railway Station. The Radisson Blu Hotel, Batumi offers rooms including standard rooms, suites and business class rooms, all equipped with complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi Internet access along with amenities from the Anne Semonin cosmetics brand. The majority of the rooms offer views over the Black Sea.

The Batumi hotel’s two restaurants and three bars consist of Medea, serving Radisson Blu’s signature “Super Buffet Breakfast” as well as lunch and dinner. It also offers a live cooking station and a sea-facing terrace. Medea Bar is located at the hotel’s lobby level. Clouds, the grill Restaurant & Bar is located on the 19th floor. In addition to meeting space, the Radisson Blu, Batumi also features a large casino, spanning over 1,500 square meters. The hotel also has a Wellness and Spa Center by the Anne Semonin cosmetic brand.

The most dangerous race in the world – the Isle of Man TT – is now more accessible to Australians spectators than ever thanks to Sportsnet.

Commonly regarded as the greatest motorcycle race in the world, the Isle of Man TT takes place between the islands of Great Britain and Ireland, and is the ultimate challenge for ride and machine.

After increasing public interest in the event in 2011, Sportsnet has teamed with local official operator – Regency Travel – and launched the very first Isle of Man TT escorted tour, departing Australia.

A fully escorted adventure, Sportsnet spoke to TT fans in Australia and specifically designed the itinerary based on feedback to include return airfares with world renowned Emirates Airline, 9 nights accommodation, transfers and tickets to see the racing action on days 1-4.
For more than a decade Sportsnet has been providing an opportunity for sports fans around the globe to travel to their favourite sporting events. Sportsnet’s CEO and Founder, Rob Cecconi, says that Australian’s love of sport and travel continue to play a big part in the success of his business.

“Aussies are renowned for being equally passionate about sport AND travel.” Cecconi says. “We aim to always provide a unique and memorable experience, one that our clients will talk about with friends and family for a lifetime”, he says. “The Isle of Man TT presents us with yet another opportunity to make many people’s dreams of travelling to their favourite sporting event a reality”, Cecconi concludes.
Sportsnet’s exclusive escorted tour including Emirates airfares to Manchester, 9 nights w/breakfast, race tickets and transfers throughout starts from $6395- twin share.

To BOOK NOW or receive further information, FREE-CALL 1300 888 858 or drop us an email at travel@sportsnethoholidays.com

The 2011 Australian Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards, announced Tuesday 29th November, have crowned Melbourne Australia’s favourite city with Margaret River the best town in Australia.

Lauded by readers as the “culture capital of Australia”, Melbourne won Best City for its history, sporting events, shopping and dynamic laneway bars and cafés.

Fierce rival Sydney was not completely overlooked by the more than 1000 Australian travellers who voted in 18
categories. “A Weekend in Sydney” was declared Favourite Travel Experience in 2011. Sydney also collected gongs for Best Restaurant (Quay), Best Bar Or Pub (The Ivy) and Best Guided Tour (BridgeClimb Sydney).

Western Australia also received several awards. Margaret River won Best Town for its revered wineries, restaurants and farm gates, not to mention its rural charm and fierce surf breaks. Broome’s Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa won Best Resort.

The awards are the only consumer awards for tourism in Australia. “These awards are voted for by the most important people in the industry – the travellers themselves. It’s a real mark of what travellers really think about travelling in Australia,” said Australian Traveller Editor Elisabeth Knowles.

“Despite all the doom and gloom about domestic travel, our readers tell us a very different and positive story,” Knowles continued. “They are travelling regularly in Australia.” The survey respondents reported travelling an
average of 3.25 times for leisure in the first nine months of 2011 in Australia.

In good news for the embattled national carrier, Australian travellers voted Qantas Best Major Airline.

More than 1000 Australian Traveller readers nominated their all-time favourite travel destinations and experiences throughout Australia in 2011 in a survey conducted by the magazine over the past three months. The results are published today in Australian TravellerMagazine.

Also in the issue:
• State-by-state: 104 must-do’s this summer
• Australia’s Greatest Surf Breaks
• Hot List 2011 – our favourites for 2011 and what’s hot for 2012

Australian Traveller Reader Awards
WINNERS

FAVOURITE AUSTRALIAN TRAVEL EXPERIENCE
A Weekend in Sydney

BEST CITY IN AUSTRALIA
Melbourne

BEST TOWN IN AUSTRALIA
Margaret River

BEST RESORT IN AUSTRALIA
Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa

BEST LUXURY HOTEL IN AUSTRALIA
Palazzo Versace

BEST AFFORDABLE HOTEL BRAND IN AUSTRALIA
Novotel

BEST B&B IN AUSTRALIA
Glass on Glasshouse

BEST SELF-CATERING STAY IN AUSTRALIA
Peppers Balé Salt Kingscliff

BEST CARAVAN PARK IN AUSTRALIA
Clarkes Beach Holiday Park

BEST ADVENTURE HOLIDAY DESTINATION IN AUSTRALIA
Overland Track

BEST GUIDED TOUR IN AUSTRALIA
BridgeClimb Sydney

BEST RESTAURANT IN AUSTRALIA
Quay

BEST BAR OR PUB IN AUSTRALIA
The Ivy

BEST ROAD TRIP IN AUSTRALIA
Great Ocean Road

BEST CRUISE/YACHTING EXPERIENCE IN AUSTRALIA
Bareboating in the Whitsunday Islands

BEST TRAIN JOURNEY IN AUSTRALIA
The Ghan

BEST MAJOR AIRLINE IN AUSTRALIA
Qantas

BEST REGIONAL AIRLINE IN AUSTRALIA
Regional Express