Jetsettersblog

Summit Hotels & Resorts™, a brand of Preferred Hotel Group™, is pleased to announce its first member property in Papua New Guinea – Grand Papua Hotel. The collection includes more than 150 internationally acclaimed hotels and resorts that celebrate local luxury.

Opening on 1 December, 2011, Grand Papua Hotel will be the flagship hotel and the 9th property in the Coral Seas Hotel group collection. Located in the city centre of Port Moresby, the 161-room hotel will offer the latest in technology with innovative paperless check-in system using tablet technology. As the first newly built hotel in Port Moresby in over two decades, it will be the most technically advanced building in the country with a fully integrated building management system to maximize energy efficiency.

Situated on the highest point in the city, the hotel is ideal for both corporate and leisure guests with only a short walk to Ela Beach, the craft market and the city’s business and commercial centre. Guestrooms and suites are contemporary in feel with local indigenous accents and features a 32-inch LCD screen cable TV, Wi-Fi internet connection and other international standard amenities. Balconies at every room offers spectacular views of Ela Beach and Fairfax Harbour. The most exclusive executive lounge in the country is housed in Grand Papua Hotel providing all the standard benefits and services as well as three executive boardrooms.

Equipped with state-of-the-art audio visual equipment, there are 6 conference rooms that can accommodate meetings and private functions for up to 200 participants. The hotel’s facilities also include three levels of underground secured parking, 24-hour security, 330sqm of spa and beauty treatment services, outdoor Jacuzzi, a 15-metre swimming pool and a fully-equipped fitness centre. Two atmospheric venues offer a creative modern menu with Asian influences and drinks in a colonial setting.

Opening offer: 20% discount off Best Available Rate including breakfast for one person. Valid to 30 June 2012.

Discover Fiji from your desk – Best Western’s new Fiji website introduces you to the culture, experiences and accommodation options available in Australia’s favourite playground.

The website offers cultural tips in everything from race and religion, to etiquette for a village visit and even how to pronounce Fijian words.

Visitors to the new website can also view Best Western’s three Fiji hotels in Nadi and Suva – with fantastic travel deals available all year round, like the “Internet Saver Rate”, which can only be booked online.

Kimi Anderson, General Manager of Sales and Marketing said, “The new website also features a direct link to view live rates, availability and to book the Fiji hotel you want”.

Best Western’s Fiji hotels, which joined the global brand in June 2011, offer unique Fijian friendliness, global quality standards and affordable prices for families, business or leisure travellers.

Visit www.bestwestern.com.fj  for more.

This summer, the Gold Coast welcomes its newest adventure experience, SkyPoint Climb, Australia’s highest external building walk, taking climbers on a guided journey reaching 270 metres into the sky atop the iconic Q1 resort building.

An awe-inspiring open air adventure, SkyPoint Climb is a 90 minute experience allowing guests to walk among the clouds and admire unobstructed 360 degree views of Queensland’s beautiful South East region.

Starting on the ground floor at Mission Control, Climbers will received a full safety briefing and be fitted with their full body Climb suit and harness, before stepping into one of Australia’s fastest elevators for a 43 second journey to SkyPoint Observation Deck, 230 metres above the ground.

Each Climb is an intimate experience with a maximum of 10 people per group.

Once inside the glass airlock room on level 77, the Climb Leader will attach each member to the safety rail, which uses a specially designed harness system, securely locking the Climber onto the rail from the moment they leave the Observation Deck until their return.

Along the journey the Climb Leader will highlight major landmarks and share some of the region’s best kept secrets as the group admires spectacular uninhibited views of the Gold Coast’s stunning beaches, city skyline and lush hinterland.

Walking along the glass crown which frames the top of the Q1, Climbers can enjoy the security of an internal hand rail that guides them up to the summit whilst the more daring can walk along the edge of the Climb experiencing the heart racing thrill of a 270 metre sheer vertical drop.

Close to 140 stairs will guide Climbers to the summit, where guests will take an extended pause to experience the 360 degree surrounds from the Climb’s highest vantage point, before the group descend to level 77 on the opposite side of the building.

After returning back to SkyPoint Observation Deck, Climbers will be able to enjoy some time on the inside of the glass, continuing to admire 360 degree views of the Gold Coast offered by SkyPoint, with the option to relax with a coffee or a light meal, freshly prepared by one of SkyPoint’s Chefs.

Climbers will take home some unforgettable mementos including a complimentary group photograph, a signature SkyPoint Climb Cap, and a Climb Certificate.

A once in a lifetime experience, SkyPoint Climb, is excellent value and an experience the family can enjoy together. $99 per adult and $79 per child for a Day Climb, or $129 per adult and $109 per child for a Twilight Climb where participants experience a magnificent sunset 80 storey’s above the ground.

Family and friends, keen to keep their feet on terra firma, can watch their adventure seeking loved ones through the glass ceiling while admiring the views from SkyPoint Observation Deck. Admission is only $21 per adult and $12.50 per child.

Once launched, SkyPoint Climb will be open every day, except Christmas day, and will also take into consideration weather conditions, which may result in temporary Climb delays. Climb participants must be 12 years and over, and participants under 15 years must be accompanied by an adult.

SkyPoint Climb is a moderate thrill experience and requires Climbers to be moderately fit with the ability to walk up a set of stairs and remain standing for the duration on the Climb experience.

For more information or to register your interest in a SkyPoint Climb visit www.skypoint.com.au  or phone (07) 5582 2700.

Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral Brings “Style at a Steal” to KL Sentral

One of Asia’s style capitals is getting a hotel to match. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT), today announced plans to open its first Aloft hotel in Kuala Lumpur. The Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral will soon infuse sizzling ‘style-at-a-steal’ with a splash of urban chic into the bustling transportation hub of KL Sentral in early 2013. The signing of the Hotel Management Agreement was recently inked between the hotel owner, Iringan Flora Sdn Bhd (a subsidiary of Ireka Corporation Berhad’s associate company, Aseana Properties Ltd, ‘Aseana’) and the Starwood Asia Pacific Hotels & Resorts Pte Ltd.

“Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral will bring a dynamic mix of urban style and social interplay to the KL Sentral area. The Aloft brand’s bold design and social atmosphere is a big draw for the next generation of travellers, who expect their lodging to reflect their constantly evolving lifestyle,” said Chuck Abbott, Regional Vice President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, South East Asia.

Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral is ideally located in KL Sentral area with connection to the city’s transportation network including the Light Rail Transit (LRT), Monorail as well as the Express Rail Link (ERL) to the KLIA. The hotel will feature 482 rooms within a 31-storey tower, several function rooms and a Ballroom which can accommodate up to 700 persons. Guests will be welcomed at the Aloft front desk and warmly hosted in the Re:mix lobby lounge. Hotel guests can also expect a unique, urbanely experience from its wide range of amenities namely the “w xyz” theme bar, the Re:fuel bar, “nook” all-day-dining restaurant, Re:charge fitness centre, Chill Out Sky Bar, infinity sky and wading pools as well as the Touch & Go kiosk providing Internet-based services.

The hotel tower is located next to the upcoming NU Sentral Mall, which is part of Lot G that forms a mixed commercial project comprising two other Grade A Office Towers in KL Sentral. Both the hotel and office towers are developed by Excellent Bonanza Sdn Bhd [a 60:40 joint venture between Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (‘MRCB’) and Ireka’s associate company, Aseana]. The development manager for the hotel is Ireka Development Management Sdn Bhd (‘IDM’), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ireka Corporation Berhad.

“Indeed, we are very excited to bring in the brand new ‘Aloft’ brand to Malaysia. Aloft is a lifestyle brand which epitomises a unique, personalised experience that urbanites long for as they travel, be it on business or for leisure. We are confident that Aloft Sentral will serve the niche market, given its strategic location, strong branding and unique product offering.”Commenting on the partnership, Lai Voon Hon, President / CEO of Ireka Development Management Sdn Bhd said.

COMO Hotels and Resorts, the award-winning five-star hotel group based in Singapore, is to develop and manage a new property on the Yamu peninsula of Phuket in Thailand. Located in Phang Nga Bay on the northeast coast of Phuket, this property is the ninth member of COMO’s family of unique destinations and is scheduled to open in September 2012.

The key partners in this project are property development company Campbell Kane, the KS Group and Hotel Properties Limited. COMO’s multi-year management role encompasses full branding, sales, marketing and operational responsibilities. COMO is also playing key roles in the concept, development and execution of design and cuisine, to bring the signature COMO experience to guests.

Located at the very headland of Yamu peninsula, the new property offers 129 rooms with panoramic views of the cape and the surrounding Andaman Sea. Guests can use the resort as a base to explore the dramatic limestone islands and calm turquoise waters of Phang Nga Bay. Just 20 minutes from Phuket International Airport, the hotel will be an attractive proposition for Asia-based guests looking for a short break to rejuvenate as well as long-haul guests seeking a comprehensive escape from city life.

The new COMO resort will offer a 100-metre swimming pool, a COMO Shambhala Retreat with yoga studio, two restaurants and a private beach.

Founded by Christina Ong, COMO Hotels and Resorts is known for its handpicked, intimate, and individually curated properties, including The Halkin in London, two Metropolitan hotels in London and Bangkok, Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos, Cocoa Island in the Maldives, and two Uma experience resorts in Bali and Bhutan. It also manages, in partnership with its sister brand in wellness, the COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali.

‘”The addition of this Phuket property is aligned with COMO Hotels and Resorts’ expansion plans within the region, supporting our growth strategy to include key destinations within the COMO portfolio,” says Harry Apostolides, Vice President of Business Development, COMO Hotels and Resorts. “This new COMO resort will be our second Thai property, after the Metropolitan in Bangkok. These two properties will, in concert, showcase both the vibrancy and serenity of Thailand. Phuket is one of the top tourist destinations in the region, and we have focused on its east coast — an area of outstanding natural beauty and great biodiversity. The location perfectly frames the COMO experience of service and cuisine, complemented by a wellness focus delivered by our award-winning COMO Shambhala Retreat.”

“We are pleased to be working with COMO Hotels and Resorts on this venture” states Peter Hamilton, Managing Director at Campbell Kane and developer of the new hotel. “COMO’s range of properties and the experiences they offer continue to redefine luxury travel.”

Hilton Worldwide and Hillcrest Resorts (Samui) Co. Ltd., the developer of Conrad Koh Samui, celebrated the official grand opening of the resort in Thailand this weekend with a high profile schedule of events and ceremonies featuring several VIPs to commemorate full operation of the iconic resort.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Suwat Liptapanlop and Former Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban cut the ribbons to commemorate the official grand opening of the Conrad Koh Samui Resort and the Conrad Koh Samui Residences at the ceremony held at the resort along with several other guests of honour and officials from the two companies on Sunday afternoon.

“Having worked tirelessly for the last five years to bring this project to fruition, we are delighted to have partnered with Hillcrest Resorts (Samui) Co. Ltd. in what we believe will become the jewel in the crown of Thailand resorts. I specifically would like to thank the efforts of Hillcrest for their leadership and bold vision, without which, we would not be standing here in celebration of the opening of this amazing resort today,” said Martin Rinck, President, Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide.

Powered by a wonderful team of local hospitality professionals trained to offer service with a smile that Thailand has become renown for, the Conrad Koh Samui officially opened 1st September, 2011 and has been receiving a reputation of delivering excellent guest experiences that follow suit to the vision of the founder, Conrad Hilton, to “fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality.”

“After a year of extensive planning and design, plus four years of construction and development, and thanks to the combined efforts of our partners and associations, today that vision has become a stunning reality,” said Lyon Lau, Executive Director of Hillcrest Resorts (Samui) Co. Ltd.

The event consisted of a vibrant cocktail reception on Saturday night complete with live music, traditional Thai entertainment, and displays that showcased both the resort’s features and selling points as well as the history and project completion of the monumental building project. Sunday’s itinerary consisted of a Gala lunch celebration and a ribbon cutting ceremony with several top VIPs from throughout Thailand and a host of media and journalists.

With six operating properties in Thailand, Hilton Worldwide continues to expand its strong presence in the region by opening the second Conrad property in Thailand following the Conrad Bangkok, both of which cater towards the luxury traveller seeking a world of style, service, and connection that personifies the Conrad brand.

Located 28 kilometres from the airport, Conrad Koh Samui is the only west-facing luxury resort in Koh Samui that offers guests breathtaking sunset views from every villa.

The luxurious resort features 98 freestanding villas with private plunge pools and sundecks, comprised of 65 one-bedroom villas, 32 two-bedroom and three-bedroom Residences, and a Royal Villa, integrated within 25 acres of tropical features and dramatic cliff-side landscapes.

For a unique dining experience, Conrad Koh Samui offers innovative restaurant concepts: private in-cellar dining at The Cellar, fine Thai-influenced dining at the cliff-side specialty restaurant, Jahn, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine cooked from live action stations in the all-day dining restaurant, Zest, and a casual pool bar Azure. Guests can also enjoy the beautiful sunset views while sipping on cocktails at Glow | Lounge.

Other resort features include an on-site diving and sailing centre, a 120-metre floating jetty, a sea view fitness centre and an outdoor yoga pavilion.

For further information on the resort, visit www.conradkohsamui.com

Brisbane is set to come alive this Summer with plenty to see and do, including world-class entertainment and cultural events, international sporting events, Christmas festivities and loads of Christmas shopping opportunities.

Located in the heart of Brisbane, Metro Hotel Tower Mill is the perfect place to stay for visitors wishing to take advantage of Christmas shopping while also visiting the many attractions and events being held in the city over Summer.

And Metro Hotel Tower Mill is making your stay even more attractive with a special Shop and Explore Package at $130*, which includes overnight accommodation in a queen or twin room, full buffet breakfast for two and complimentary 24hr wifi.

Just a 10 minute walk away, Queen Street Mall, home of the popular Myer Christmas window display, offers around 700 specialty stores, while many of Brisbane’s up-and-coming fashion designers can be found nearby in the Elizabeth Arcade. Stroll across the river to Southbank for lunch and explore the Southbank Young Designers Market, or take the bus to Fortitude Valley and New Farm to experience young artists and emerging fashion designers, along with the trendy retailers along James Street.

On December 10, the annual Lord Mayor’s Carols in the City will be held a short distance from the hotel on the Riverstage in the City Botanic Gardens, while the blockbuster musical Mary Poppins will fly into the Queensland Performing Arts Centre on December 30 – a must see stage event for both young and old.

At the Gallery of Modern Art, the Matisse: Drawing Life exhibition will run from December 3 to March 4, while the Brisbane International 2012 will be played at the Queensland Tennis Centre from January 1-8. For those who prefer watching sport to shopping, head to the Gabba for the Australia versus New Zealand five day test match from December 1-5.

Metro Hotel Tower Mill is a distinctive cylindrically shaped hotel and a well known landmark on the inner city Brisbane skyline. It has 80 guest rooms many with their own private balconies that take in panoramic views extending across Brisbane. The hotel offers a variety of rooms from twin, queen bed and family rooms (accommodating up to four people), to executive suites. Limited complimentary parking is available for guests.

The Mill Hotel Bar and Restaurant provides a perfect setting for guests to enjoy a leisurely meal or drink after a day’s sightseeing or business meetings, with a new outdoor dining area ideal for the sunny Brisbane weather. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and evening meals, and also provides room service.
*$130 per night
* valid from December 1st, 2011 to February 29, 2012
*subject to availability

The Shop and Explore package at Metro Hotel Tower Mill on Wickham Terrace is available online at www.metrohotels.com.au  or guests can book by calling the toll free Central Reservations line on 1800 806 553 or the property direct on 07 3832 1421.

For more information on Metro Tower Mill on Wickham Terrace, please contact Sarah Peattie, Peattie Public Relations on (02) 9487 6555.

Metro Hotels is the public face of Transmetro Corporation, an Australian owned public company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. The Group currently provides a national accommodation network of properties, with over 1000 rooms in key locations and major cities across Australia.

With its world renowned multi-day hiking tracks and walking trails now open for summer, Queenstown is buzzing with visitors keen to explore the magnificent scenery.

New this season is the spectacular 8.5km Gibbston River Trail which takes in stunning views framed by the Kawarau River on one side and Gibbston vineyards on the other, with easy access to prominent wineries and historic and archaeological sites.

Another popular new walk just 20 minutes’ drive from Queenstown is the Manse Road trail which provides an easy way to explore picturesque Arrowtown and the historic Chinese Village. Ten minutes away, the 8km Lake Hayes Loop offers 360-degree lake and mountain views and stunning lakeside picnic spots.

Queenstown’s surrounds are also a haven for more adventurous hikers with a number of New Zealand’s Great Walks, such as the world-famous Milford, Hollyford, Routeburn, Dart/Rees, Caples and Greenstone tracks, within a short driving distance of Queenstown. Some have guided options with the luxury of showers, beds and three-course meals, or can be walked independently using Department of Conservation huts or campsites which need to be booked well in advance.

Mr Everitt said Queenstown was considered one of New Zealand’s most popular walking and hiking destinations and, together with its range of activities, provided the perfect mix of action and relaxation for an unforgettable summer holiday.

“With dawn as early as 5am and dusk settling around 10pm, the long days and evenings are perfect for enjoying the outdoor lifestyle, diversity of landscapes and vast range of things to do.

“It’s easy to fit in a solid day’s walk and then come back and enjoy all that the town has to offer or, alternatively, do a multi-day hike and tack on a few extra days for some time out. If you’re after adrenaline pumping action there’s a multitude of world-renowned adventure activities to choose from or there are plenty of more leisurely pursuits like spa treatments, a round of golf or a tour of award-winning wineries to sample local produce and some of the world’s finest pinot noir.”

To view footage of some of the region’s great walks and what hikers say about them visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99QUyidSVrM&feature=youtube  For more information about Queenstown visit www.queenstownNZ.co.nz.

Influential travel authority Lonely Planet has chosen New Zealand’s Southern Lakes region of Queenstown, Lake Wanaka and Fiordland as one of the world’s Top 10 Regions to visit in 2012 for its year-round activities and spectacular scenery.

Tech-savvy travellers can now check their flight status via Twitter with the new “tweet bot” service launched by Virgin Atlantic.

The “tweet bot” @VAAInfo, a first for any airline takes a customer query about a flight status and tweets back within seconds giving real-time flight departure and arrival information. This new tool is perfect for passengers looking to check their flight status on the go as a quick, single line tweet will generate an immediate reply.

Fergus Boyd, Head of E-commerce commented: “We now have over 50,000 Twitter followers worldwide and we know that many of them use the social network to keep abreast of travel news and updates. We are finding that many travellers are using the tool simply to confirm when their flight departs and others to check details when picking up friends and family from the airport”.

How to use the airline’s new Twitter flight status checker:

Just tweet the flight number and departure date to the airline’s new Twitter account @VAAInfo.
For example: @VAAInfo VS3 3110
For the majority of flights passengers will immediately receive a tweet in return confirming the departure and arrival times.

If, like Sydney flights, it’s a multi-leg journey, the tweet requests that travellers include the departure airport.

Passengers will then receive their flight status in true Virgin style.

For example:@ RogerFlysalot – Hello gorgeous! The @VirginAtlantic VS3/30Oct left London LHR at 10:50 & is expected in New York JFK at 13:51

Travellers can also check flights even when they are still up in the air.

Perhaps if the flight you’re after is still in the air – perhaps you(a colleague or family member returning from abroad, say), you’ll get up-to-the-minute flight status

Fergus Boyd added:

“This service, although used by many on a day to day basis, will really come into its own during times of disruption when we get high peaks of customer queries, many of which are simply asking for an update on the status of their flight.”

Chef and TV personality Michael Moore named as Visit California Ambassador to promote California’s culinary appeal to Australian travellers.

Visit California announces the appointment of popular chef Michael Moore as the Golden State’s first official ambassador for the new ‘Taste California’ campaign created specifically for the Australian market.

“We are thrilled to join forces with the talented chef Michael Moore to showcase California’s culinary riches to Australians,” said Caroline Beteta, Visit California President & CEO. “Food and wine are integral elements of the California lifestyle and Chef Moore is the ideal ambassador to bring those experiences and compelling stories to life.”

Owner of Sydney’s Summit Restaurant and author of numerous cook books, Michael is one of Australia’s most experienced and respected chefs. He has been entertaining Australian audiences for over seven years through TV appearances on Junior MasterChef 2011, Mornings with Kerri-Anne, Today Show, Domestic Blitz, Sunrise, The Morning Show, The Boss Is Coming to Dinner, The Circle and as a co-host of Fresh.

Most recently, Michael’s efforts have focused on launching his US brand. The release of his first cook book written specifically for the American market, Blood Sugar, ignited Michael’s love affair with California and positioned him as an ideal candidate to promote the Golden State’s culinary appeal to Australians.

“California is the leading US producer of wine and agricultural products and it’s got such broad culinary appeal,” says Michael. “For me, food is about quality, engagement and fun, with an underlying integrity. California represents all of those things and is an inspiring place for a chef to be.”

Michael’s role in the new ‘Taste California’ campaign is as the host of an online video series that will appear exclusively on the Visit California Australia website, www.visitcalifornia.com.au

 from Tuesday 6 December 2011. Filmed in San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Napa, the series will take viewers on a culinary journey throughout the state, revealing authentic experiences that are not only unique to California, but accessible to travellers of all budgets.

“I had such a great time making the series,” says Michael. “Part of great food is the discovery.

“To be able to visit some of California’s iconic foodie destinations and organically discover them on screen was such an honour.”