Jetsettersblog

Bud Light is returning to the Super Bowl in February for the third annual Bud Light Hotel, a complete rebranding of a downtown Indianapolis hotel that will host parties, concerts and events leading up to Super Bowl XLVI.

The 180-room Bud Light Hotel will officially open its doors on Feb. 2, 2012, at 105 S. Meridian St., in downtown Indianapolis. The property will play host to a lineup of concerts and exclusive events.

In addition, the brand is launching an exclusive job offer among Bud Light Facebook fans. Bud Light is seeking applicants through an open video casting call on its Facebook page to find the official Bud Light Hotel correspondent.

The successful candidate will receive a salary from Bud Light to star in a series of exclusive videos for the brand’s Facebook and YouTube pages throughout the week, ranging from unique Super Bowl week experiences, to red carpet interviews and behind-the-scenes looks at the EA Sports and Playboy parties at the Bud Light Hotel.

Correspondent videos can be uploaded on the Bud Light Facebook page through Jan. 20, 2012, and fans will be able to “like” their favorite videos through a special tab. Candidates will be evaluated on both the overall quality of their submission, on-screen presence and how the Bud Light Facebook community responds to them.

One Package. Two Privilege Cards. Hundreds of Shopping Offers.
Thousands of Dining Discounts

Anderson Retail Tourism Marketing recently announced the expansion of Shop & Dine London, a cooperative tourism programme that provides privileges and special offers at select shopping centres, retailers and restaurants located in and around London to tourists from around the world. The Shop & Dine London programme was launched in 2010. This year, at World Travel Market in November, the company introduced a unique new product, The Shop & Dine London + Tourist tastecard Package.

The Shop & Dine London + Tourist tastecard Package is the only package of its kind that provides tourists with a Privilege Card entitling the cardholder to hundreds of pounds in special offers from select shopping destinations and retailers located in Central London and within a day trip of the city. Visitors can receive discounts at designer shops such as Alexander McQueen and Coach at Bicester Village, or Calvin Klein and Brooks Brothers on Regent Street. Travellers can also save at traditional British shopping venues offering vintage jewellery, cashmere and custom tailored shirts at Burlington Arcade and Piccadilly Arcade. Harrods offers a complimentary gift with purchase, while the ever-popular Westfield London offers an exclusive VIP Pass worth up to 20% off at many of its famous retailers.

The Tourist tastecard is a personalized card valid for a two-week time period at over 5,000 restaurants in the UK to receive either 50% off a visitor’s food bill or two meals for the price of one. Travellers can select from signature restaurants by famous chefs including Marco Pierre White’s MARCO, unique Mayfair restaurants such as Butler’s and Grieg’s Grill, historic dining venues such as the Hispaniola Restaurant Ship on the Thames River, and popular casual eateries such as La Tasca and Pizza Express.

“We are excited to partner with the Tourist tastecard to offer such a dynamic shopping and dining package to the millions of tourists who will visit London during it’s many events and festivities in 2012” said Kathy Anderson, President and Director of Shop & Dine London. “We recognize that according to research by London and Partners, shopping is the number one activity of all travellers to London. We work with many of London’s leading retailers and shopping districts as well as Global Blue to promote the outstanding selection of shopping and dining offerings the city has to offer along with its tax-free programme for non-EU residents.”

The Shop & Dine London + Tourist tastecard Package includes a printed guide with detailed information and maps on participating shops and restaurants. The Package is sold through major international tour operators, local ground handlers and group planners, hotel concierges and online at www.ShopAndDineLondon.com. Net rates are available to travel trade. Once purchased, travellers receive a printed voucher, which is redeemable for the Shop & Dine London Guide, Privilege Card and Tourist tastecard at the Golden Tours Visitor Centre in Central London near Leicester Square.

Shop & Dine London also partners with ARC Show Your Card and Save programme, the international travel club organization promoting travel deals and packages to hundreds of countries worldwide. “ARC is proud to offer the Shop & Dine London + Tourist tastecard Package to its members from around the world.” said Amanda Patchett, National Programme Manager, AA ARC Show Your Card.” We realize how much international travellers love to shop, so the Shop & Dine London + Tourist tastecard Package is the perfect scheme for them.”

Shop & Dine London is a member of Visit London, UK Inbound and the International Culinary Tourism Association. Anderson Retail Tourism Marketing co-founded the Shop America Alliance in the United States and manages tourism programmes for America’s Premier Shopping Places, a collection of shopping and dining destinations owned and managed by General Growth Properties, Shop LV3 – Fashion Show, The Grand Canal Shoppes and The Shoppes at The Palazzo in Las Vegas, and for Westfield San Francisco Centre in California. For further information on retail and restaurant participation in Shop & Dine London, contact Kathy Anderson, Kathy@retailtourism.com. Travel trade interested in selling the Shop & Dine London + Tourist tastecard Package, contact Renée Ward, Renee@retailtourism.com

On Dec. 15, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, in association with the Department of Intellectual Property and the Municipality of Karon, Phuket, announced the “Phuket Electronic Music and Dance Festival 2011 and Creative IP DJ Hunt 2011 Southern Region,” which will be held on Karon Beach, Phuket, Dec. 30 and 31.

The festival, which will feature a number of well-known international DJs, will boost tourism following the flooding crisis in Thailand earlier this year. Many famous Thai and foreign artists have been invited to the festival, including Mark Brain, DJ Slick D, and Domination, the winner of the Best Video DJ of the World Contest in Dubai in 2011. Famous Thai DJs Dom Pakornlum, J Monthon, and over 20 DJs from top Phuket clubs, such as Seduction, Sanook Club, White Room and Tiger Club, will be performing on two stages from 7 p.m. Dec. 30 and 31 to ring in the new year.

British Airways parent company IAG has won its bid for BMI from Lufthansa, meaning it gets as many as 56 more slots at Heathrow, Europe’s busiest airport, which has limited capacity. Virgin Atlantic, which had sought to buy BMI as well, is blasting the deal, saying that it will give BA’s owners more than half of the slots at Heathrow, giving BA the power to drive up fares.

BMI has been losing money and Lufthansa decided to sell it after 223 million euros ($291 million) of operating losses following a forced takeover in 2009.

IAG, formed when BA and Iberia merged, said that BMI was an opportunity it couldn’t pass up. The $271 million deal will allow BA to add routes to emerging markets such as Korea, Vietnam and Indonesia. Willie Walsh, IAG’s chief executive, said there will be job cuts. BMI employs 3,600 people. But, Walsh said, more jobs would have been lost had BMI shut down.

Heathrow is operating at 99 percent capacity.

Virgin Atlantic has vowed to fight the deal. Virgin Atlantic owner Sir Richard Branson said that the deal “screws the traveling public.”

Walsh said that BA will work with regulators to clear any anti-trust hurdles.

BA will pay less for the airline if Lufthansa fails to sell the BMI Regional and low-cost bmibaby units before the close of the deal, which should happened toward the end of the first quarter, IAG said.

Italy will host the Umbria Jazz Winter Festival from Wednesday, 28 Dec. 2011 through Sunday, 1 Jan. 2012 – The 19th concert series and celebration features a number of musicians and musical groups in live performances.

LONDON, ENGLAND– Most of the concerts will be held at the Arena Santa Giuliana on either the main stage or restaurant stage. Other venues include the Teatro Pavone and the Giardini Carducci Conad Stage and restaurant. This year’s theme emphasizes the Latin sounds of jazz, delivered by international and Italian jazz and gospel soloists and groups. Among the many featured performers this year are Stan Tracy, Michel Camilo, the Gonzalo Rubalcaba Trio, Chano Dominguez, Fabrizio Bosso, The Harlem Jubilee Singers and la Lydian Sound Orchestra.

Travel to the Umbria Jazz Winter Festival from nearly any part of Europe is straightforward, and many visitors come through Rome and London. Those going to the festival have a choice in transportation, including plane, train and car. Several airlines serve the many London airports with direct and indirect flights from London to Rome and Orvieto. Those without layovers take about two hours from departure to arrival. Travel time is as long as seven hours with layovers included. Rome is about 60 miles from Orvieto; shuttle bus, train travel and car hire are the best modes of transportation to the smaller city.

Train travel takes about five to six hours from London to Rome, not including layover time in Paris. The trains from Roma Tiburtina and Roma Termini in Rome to Orvieto take up to an hour and 15 minutes, depending on the day and time of travel, point of origin and type of train. Visitors can walk or ride a shuttle bus from the train station in Orvieto to the concert venues or their hotel accommodations.

Ticket prices for each musical performance vary, ranging from 10 to 180 euros. Some events are concerts only, while others include a wine tasting, a jazz dinner or additional snacks at the venue. For more information about tickets, travel and accommodations, visit the Umbria Jazz website at http://www.umbriajazz.com

Leave a dreary winter behind and embrace all things spring with a seven-day culinary and wine luxury vacation at Frelon’s La Ferme de la Lochère, a 400-year-old private estate nestled in Burgundy’s countryside, with accommodations for up to ten. Both seasoned chefs and culinary novices can learn from host owner/chef Katherine Frelon’s hands-on culinary instruction, which focuses on incorporating spring offerings from the estate’s own garden – such as crisp asparagus and aromatic Gariguette strawberries – and locally-sourced ingredients into classic French recipes. Aside from her culinary expertise, Katherine’s years in Burgundy garner yet another benefit: an insider’s knowledge and connections. Guests are privy to a number of exclusive opportunities, from private wine tours and tastings at vineyards normally closed to the public, to dinner at the Michelin three-star Le Relais Bernard Loiseau in Saulieu. An array of optional excursions, which range from golf to spa treatments to private cooking lessons with a Michelin-starred chef, can be added to personalize the itinerary. The holiday, regularly priced at 2,600€ ($3,483*) per person, double, is offered with an early booking discount of 10% for guests booking by Jan. 31, while those booking by March 31 receive a discount of 5%.

Guests arriving at Frelon’s La Ferme de la Lochère are greeted with a flower-filled courtyard, bountiful garden, state-of-the-art kitchen and spacious, meticulously-designed rooms, all tucked away in a landscape of undulating farmland, canals and vineyards. A welcome day wine tasting led by renowned wine aficionado Brendan Moore, paired with a Gougère demonstration, sets the tone for the days to follow. As the week progresses, guests are introduced to Katherine’s innovative take on classic French cuisine with three spring-themed, hands-on cooking lessons – the core of each Frelon’s itinerary. The holiday navigates the unique gastronomy of the region with a visit to the Dijon Market, where handwritten labels adorn wares ranging from artisanal cheeses to rare cuts of meat; a croissant making lesson with a local baker; a cooking demonstration by Chef Laurent Peugeot at Michelin-starred Le Charlemagne; and a choice between visiting a local snail farm or indulging in a private chocolate tasting. Guests learn about the region’s rich wine culture with a visit to Flavigny, where the film Chocolat was created, and exclusive tours at Côte de Beaune, where owners offer access to rare wines and barrel tastings, and Côte de Nuits, a mecca for pinot noir enthusiasts. The holiday ends with a sumptuous farewell dinner at the Michelin three-star Le Relais Bernard Loiseau.

A selection of optional excursions allows guests to customize their spring holiday by delving further into the unique culture of Burgundy. Guests can get a bird’s eye view of the patchwork landscape of canals, vineyards, farmland and rolling hills dotted with white cattle during a hot air balloon ride, accompanied by a bottle of champagne; receive a private cooking lesson with Jean-Michel Lorain, who received three Michelin stars at the record-breaking age of 27; or play a round of golf at the Château de Chailly. Prices start at 100€ ($134).

Spring weeks are based on the estate having a minimum of four guests and include accommodations; all meals prepared on the property; culinary instruction and ingredients; transfers to and from the Montbard train station; attractions specified in the itinerary; set menu at Le Relais Bernard Loiseau designed with seasonal ingredients by the head chef and complimented with wines selected by the sommelier; and a complimentary cookbook and apron from chef and host Katherine Frelon. All itineraries are subject to change and availability.

La Ferme de la Lochère is a 400-year-old private estate in the heart of Burgundy, conveniently located four hours from London and one hour from Paris by train, and has been meticulously restored to reflect the rich history of the area while providing guests with modern amenities. The property includes several charming courtyards, an extensive library, mezzanine lounge area, heated swimming pool, a spacious state-of-the-art kitchen and five individually-designed, airy bedrooms with gorgeous views of the hillside – each with private bath, fresh flowers, L’Occitane products and Wi-Fi. Each itinerary offers free time for guests to lunch on the rolling hillsides, bike along the Canal de Bourgogne, stroll through the scenic countryside or shop in the unique towns.

Frelon’s La Ferme de la Lochère provides culinary and wine luxury vacations in Burgundy from April through October. Information, brochures and reservations can be obtained from Frelon’s Fabulous France, 6 Rue de la Lochere, 21150 Marigny le Cahouet, France; +33 672 865 609; or, visit www.lafermedelalochere.com

New for next summer are their ‘Seven Capes’ and ‘Dalyan’ flotillas which will compliment their popular Lycian and Carian flotillas in Turkey.

For their Ionian flotillas in Greece they have announced a new base at Lefkas Marina and will also be featuring some new yachts in the Ionian, Saronic Gulf, Turkey and Croatia.

Their small and friendly beach clubs in the Ionian at Nikiana in Lefkas, Greece and at Selimiye in Turkey, offer a unique, friendly, taverna style atmosphere with more dinghies and windsurfers added for next summer. New for 2012 is the well known Nautica Bay Beach Club in Porto Heli, Greece which can be combined with their Saronic Gulf Flotilla. Their excellent ‘Share a Sail’ holidays in the Grenadines will operate together with their Caribbean flotilla, whilst in the stunning Cyclades in Greece they have added Santorini to the itineraries.

Early booking offers can be booked in advance of the London Boat Show. These include early booking discounts of between 10-25%, with even greater discounts on selected dates and destinations. Also, some great ‘kids stay free’ offers at their Beach Clubs, giving massive savings on selected dates.

Managing Director Chris Lorenzo commented: ‘We are delighted with our new summer 2012 brochure which yielded a record day for us on our first day on sale. On behalf of all the team here at Seafarer, I would like to extend our best wishes for the festive season and the New Year’.

For more information contact Chris Lorenzo or John Connolly on 0208 324 3118

Join a unique celebration of Spanish culture…

Frontier Holidays are hosting the Andalucian International Walking & Cultural Festival in co-operation with the Town Hall of El Burgo and the Sierra de las Nieves Nature Park. This event will take place from February 26th to March 4th and promises to be an unforgettable holiday experience.

The white mountain village of El Burgo, close to Sierra de las Nieves Nature Park is the glorious setting for the festival. This area has select status as a member of the EDEN project, recognising areas of outstanding natural beauty and cultural importance across the European continent.

The Andalucian International Walking & Cultural Festival is packed with an exciting range of activities such as Olive Harvest & Virgin Oil Production, Andalucian Cookery Classes, Pottery, Bodega Wine Tasting Tour, Paella Evening Oil Painting and several more.

Each day there will be a choice of two walks of different grades in and around the nearby Sierra de las Nieves Nature Park. The festival also coincides with two local fiestas – Andalucia Day and El Carnaval of El Burgo – a fantastic opportunity for festival goers to immerse themselves in traditional Spanish culture.

The fun of the Festival continues into the evening with entertainment laid on such as, live music, a paella night and an astronomical night walk.

For more information on this one of a kind event, please call 0141 956 1569 or visit the website: http://frontierholidays.net/andalucias-1st-festival-of-walking-and-culture.htm

The Singapore Airshow 2012 will be held from 14 to 17 February 2012 for Trade Visitors and 18 to 19 February 2012 for Public Visitors.

The Singapore Airshow 2012, Asia’s biggest aviation event in Singapore is coming again. This time round, it will be held from 14 to 17 February 2012 for Trade Visitors and 18 to 19 February 2012 for Public Visitors. It is organized once in every two years and the event attracts travelers from around the world. Be sure to expect the town to be busy with visitors just for the show.

The six hotels from Far East Hospitality is offering an Early Bird Discount of 20% off our Best Available Rates if you book your stays online from now to 13 January 2012 for stays from 14 to 17 February 2012. The Singapore hotels participating in this offer include Orchard Parade Hotel, The Elizabeth Hotel, Oasia Hotel Singapore, The Quincy Hotel, Albert Court Village Hotel and Landmark Village Hotel.

Terms & Conditions apply:

To enjoy Early Bird Promotion rates, booking must made by 13 January 2012
Stay period from 14 to 17 Feb 2012
Rates are applicable for Single/Twin-sharing, subjected to availability
Pre-payment and non-refundable conditions will be imposed
Rates will be subjected to 10% service charge and prevailing government taxes
Cancellation and no show policy apply
Other terms & conditions apply

For online reservations, please visit www.fareasthospitality.com/airshow 

For telephone bookings or enquiries, please call Far East Hospitality – Hotels Central Reservations at +65 6496 7699 or email reseasy@fareast.com.sg

in Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List 2012

Readers of Condé Nast Traveler have again honored four Red Carnation Hotel Collection properties as “the world’s best places to stay.” The Milestone Hotel, 41 , and Egerton House Hotel in London; and The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa in South Africa were all named on Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List for 2012. This year, as a way to mark 25 years of Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast also celebrated the “superstars” of the Gold List in their Platinum Circle, which includes list members such as The Milestone that have made the Gold List every year for the past five years.

In addition to being named a member of the Platinum Circle, The Milestone was distinguished as a property with the Best Hotel Amenities and received a special distinction as “The Best Sugar Rush.” According to Condé Nast Traveler, “Even the most dentist-averse won’t be able to resist the fleets of sweets heaped on guests at The Milestone Hotel in London: Housekeeping stops by twice a day, depositing different treats – butter fudge, toffee whirls, and Turkish delight.”

In Condé Nast Traveler’s 2011 Readers’ Choice Awards, The Milestone Hotel, 41, and Egerton House Hotel all earned high ratings and spots among the Top 40 Hotels in the British Isles. Among the Top 20 Hotels in Africa, The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa in South Africa was ranked 4 th with scores in the high 90s for rooms and service and a perfect 100 for activities.

Red Carnation strives “to provide exceptional, memorable hospitality by meeting or exceeding guest expectations and creating an environment where guests, as well as employees, refer to the hotels as their “home away from home.” “No request is too large, no detail too small” is the ethos that inspires this luxury collection, clearly reflected in the stellar ratings their hotels continue to receive year after year.

The Red Carnation 2012 Gold List Hotels

Situated in the heart of Kensington, the quiet and understated elegance of The Milestone is celebrated for its style, comfort, and exalted levels of personal service. Earning an impressive 97.6 for service, this five-star hotel opposite Kensington Palace and Gardens has 56 individually designed rooms and suites, and six two-bedroom apartments, lavishly decorated with the finest fabrics and furnishings. Boasting 24-hour butler service, restaurants’ offerings ranging from traditional afternoon tea to full course dinners, this exquisite hotel is a short stroll to the Royal Albert Hall, and in easy reach of Knightsbridge and the West End.

An intimately elegant townhouse, The Egerton House Hotel in Knightsbridge is a shopper’s delight with Harrods and Harvey Nichols a short stroll away, and the West End theatres ten minutes from the hotel. This luxury five-star hotel boasts 28 individually designed rooms and suites, breakfast dining room, and a 24-hour menu to enjoy in room, lounge or bar. Renowned for its impeccable levels of service, charm and attention to detail, it is the perfect place to stay while enjoying the best of London.

41 is a discreet, haven of style and comfort, residence only hotel overlooking The Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace . A chic black and white design scheme is complemented by the plentiful rich mahogany throughout the hotel, and the Executive Lounge where natural daylight floods in from the glass roof. This intimate club-like property offers the height of five-star luxury: 30 rooms and beautiful suites including two unique hospitality suites, butler service, 24-hour room service, the latest in-room technology, full concierge service, “plunder the pantry” whenever you wish, and an outstanding level of personal service.

The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa is a peaceful sanctuary nestled at the edge of the world, with staggering views of the majestic Twelve Apostles mountain range and the Atlantic Ocean. This five-star Cape Town hotel is only 5 minutes from Camps Bay and 15 minutes from the City Centre and V&A Waterfront. Guests can experience the best of both worlds – vibrant Cape Town, and a haven of natural beauty. Facilities include 70 sea- and mountain-facing bedrooms and suites including the Presidential Suite; two pools; the award-winning Sanctuary Spa; Azure restaurant; Café Grill; Leopard Bar; and a 16-seater private cinema.

The Red Carnation Hotel Collection

The Red Carnation Hotel Collection is an award-winning collection of five and four star family-run boutique hotels in London, Dorset, Guernsey, Geneva and South Africa. Each property has its own individual character and unique location that reflects the local environment, culture and cuisine. They all share the qualities central to the Red Carnation’s ethos that win them so many prestigious awards – splendid luxury, generous hospitality, inventive and traditional cuisine, private art collections, passionate service and loyal staff committed to creating richly rewarding experiences for all their guests. For more information about these award-winning hotels and the rest of the Red Carnation Collection, please go to www.redcarnationhotels.com 

For more information about these award-winning hotels and the rest of the Red Carnation Collection, please call Toll Free from the USA/Canada 1.877.955.1515; contact the Central Reservations Service toll free from almost anywhere in the world: + 800.1698.8740; and visit us at www.redcarnation.com  or book@rchmail.com