Jetsettersblog

In a world first for low cost airlines, Jetstar and AirAsia announced today they would form a new alliance that would reduce costs, pool expertise and ultimately result in cheaper fares for both carriers.

The alliance brings together the Asia Pacific’s two leading low cost, low fare carriers and will focus on a range of major cost reduction opportunities and potential savings – to the benefit of customers throughout the region.

Key to the agreement is a proposed joint specification for the next generation of narrow body aircraft, that will best meet the needs of the low fare customer of the future. Both airline groups will also investigate opportunities for the joint procurement of aircraft.

Qantas Airways Chief Executive Officer Alan Joyce, Jetstar Chief Executive Officer Bruce Buchanan and AirAsia Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes finalised the agreement in Sydney today.

Qantas Airways Chief Executive Officer, Mr Alan Joyce, said the historic non-equity alliance would give Jetstar and AirAsia a natural advantage in one of the world’s most competitive aviation markets.

“Jetstar and AirAsia offer unmatched reach in the Asia Pacific region, with more routes and lower fares than their main competitors, and this new alliance will enable them to maximise that scale,” Mr Joyce said.

“Just as both carriers have pioneered the development of the low cost, long haul airline model, today’s announcement breaks the mould of traditional airline alliances and establishes a new model for achieving reduced costs and increased efficiency.

“The aviation market in Asia is a growth market, and has proven resilient over the past 12 months, despite the tough operating environment, with significant growth in passenger numbers forecast in the region.

“This partnership will ensure that both airlines can capitalise on these growth opportunities.”

The agreement includes the development of cooperation in areas such as:

Future fleet specification – both carriers will investigate opportunities for joint procurement of the next generation of narrow body aircraft. A collective goal is to achieve cost reductions in terms of order volume and influencing design specification to deliver more efficient, low cost operations;

Airport passenger and ramp handling services – developing cooperative arrangements for the provision of passenger and ground handling in Australia and within Asia at overlapping airports by leveraging scale;

Shared aircraft parts and ‘pooling’ – pooling inventory arrangements for aircraft components and spare parts;

Procurement – Joint procurement, with a focus on engineering and maintenance supplies and services, with Jetstar maintaining its existing use of and commitment to Australian facilities; and

Passenger disruption arrangements – reciprocal arrangements for passenger management (i.e. support for passenger disruptions and recovery onto the other airline’s service) across both the AirAsia and Jetstar flying networks.

Jetstar Chief Executive Officer, Mr Bruce Buchanan, said the cooperative approach was a result of the two organisations’ strong focus on costs.

“Jetstar and AirAsia are passionate about offering consistently low fares,” Mr Buchanan said.

“Year on year, Jetstar is reducing its controllable costs by up to five per cent annually. This agreement will enable a further step-change in our cost position and ensure sustainable low fares.

“In coming years Jetstar and AirAsia want to work with manufacturers on the next generation aircraft to ensure it best meets our business requirements.”

AirAsia Group CEO Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes hailed the agreement as another step in the airline’s strategy to maintain its global leadership as the lowest-cost airline operator.

“AirAsia strongly believes the strategic tie-up will help the airline maintain its position as the lowest-cost airline in the world despite rising costs associated with the fledgling global economic recovery,” Mr Fernandes said.

“It is key for us to keep our costs as low as possible. This is what enables us to provide the low, low fares that our guests have enjoyed, and will continue to enjoy.”

Mr Fernandes said a common aircraft type specification in terms of the next generation narrow body offering should be proactively pursued by both airlines because of the many efficiencies it would bring.

“With joint purchasing power it means that we can potentially work with airline manufacturers on the right configuration and design of an aircraft specifically for AirAsia and that best suits our operational needs for the future,” Mr Fernandes said.

“A strategic arrangement with Jetstar focussed on investigation of operational synergies is a logical development for us. AirAsia and Jetstar share the same philosophy of low cost, low fares and high quality customer service.

“There is clear sense in finding the right cost solution for a range of airline and associated services which support AirAsia’s expanding route network.”

The two largest airlines in the Asia Pacific in revenue terms, Jetstar and AirAsia jointly earned nearly AUD3 billion in revenues in the 2009 financial year.

These arrangements are, where required, subject to regulatory approval.

KUALA LUMPUR – Tune Hotels.com –Tune Hotels.com, the limited service hotel brand providing a “5-star sleeping experience at a 1-star price”, has entered into a strategic partnership with Evolution Capital Public Company Limited to franchise a roll-out of 44 Tune Hotels.com hotels across Thailand, China, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Indonesia.

Evolution Capital, listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, is a real estate investment advisory and management firm focused on the hospitality and branded residential sectors, with ownership interests in resorts currently under development in Thailand.
Under the terms of the strategic partnership, the first 24 Tune Hotels.com hotels are targeted to be in development by early 2010 and operational by 2012 with staggered roll-out of the subsequent 20 hotels to be completed by 2013.

Mark Lankester, Group CEO of Tune Hotels.com said, “This expansion affirms our confidence in Thailand’s tourism and strong commitment to the Thai market. Despite its recent troubles, Thailand remains a great prospect for both leisure and business travelers. With its combination of lower living costs together with an increase in the number of flight deals, it is no surprise it is consistently ranked ‘Best Value for Money’ by the Country Brand Index (CBI).

Thailand has become the globally leading tourism destination for those seeking to stretch their hard-earned income, and it’s a natural fit for Tune Hotels.com to expand our limited-service brand of hotels here. An investment in building hotels is never to be made with a short term view, and while there have been challenges, we believe the Thai government is committed to promoting tourism as one of the most important sectors within the Thai economy and we’re delighted to have found the right local partner in Evolution Capital to work with Tune Hotels.com in assisting the government in that effort. “
Simon Gerovich, Managing Director & President of Evolution Capital, said, “With the proliferation of low-cost air carriers such as AirAsia, passengers are now able to travel, in many cases for the first time, between Asia’s major cities at incredibly competitive prices, but they are challenged by having to pay ‘full service’ prices for hotel accommodation when they arrive.

Travellers these days are more savvy and inquisitive – they want to get out and about, and see as much as they can and because they are spending less of their time in their rooms, they are understandably opting to spend less of their budget within the hotel itself and more on and at the destination’s attractions.

The economy sector of the market in Thailand, and indeed in most parts of Asia, is largely dominated by domestic chains and individual hotels that have variable standards, lacking the consistency of service and facilities that all travelers demand.

There remains a huge demand for clean, safe branded low-cost accommodation in Asia’s most popular destinations.

The Tune Hotels.com limited service model has proven itself to cater very well to this demand and we are very excited to partner with TuneHotels.com in spreading this fresh concept throughout a growing number of destinations in Asia.”
Gerovich continued, “Evolution Capital has always sought out unique investment opportunities in the hospitality industry. The Tune Hotels.com model really stands out in many ways, but particularly in how it gives consumers far greater right over the management of their resources, not just financially but also environmentally. With the spread of environmental conscientiousness there is a corresponding interest in ecologically-responsible consumption.

The Tune Hotels.com pay-as-you-use system for air-conditioning, laundered towels, and other energy-consuming amenities allows travelers to opt in or out of services which have an impact on the environment.

These add-ons are available for a small fee, and should guests choose not to take these options, not only do they save money but also contribute to preserving mother earth’s resources. This directly encourages a less wasteful, more conscientious lifestyle, which an increasing number of travelers and consumers are keen to adopt. TuneHotels.com is an extremely exciting hospitality model and we are delighted to be rolling out this new experience across the region.”

Mr. Gerovich concluded, “Tune Hotels.com’s branded limited service concept presents a great opportunity for Evolution Capital to tap into the value-based travel boom.

Unlike in North America and Europe, here in Asia there has been relative under-investment in the budget hospitality sector, which is a proven business model worldwide.

By placing branded limited service hotels in strategic locations, we shall cater not only to international long-haul travelers but also to the short-haul Asian travel markets.

This is part of the travel market which is underserved by hotel developers, even though this particular market sector is less susceptible to unforeseen adverse global events and economic volatility.

This under-investment creates an opportunity for Evolution Capital to deliver a branded, demand-driven, quality product to the public while also generating attractive financial returns. By leveraging Tune Hotels.com’s proven brand, team expertise, and operational model, Evolution Capital expects that such investment will present significant growth in the near future.”
Mrs. Juthaporn Rerngronasa, Deputy Governor Marketing Communications, Tourism Authority of Thailand, applauded the strategic partnership between Tune Hotels.com and Evolution Capital PCL to bring the limited service hotel brand Tune Hotels.com into Thailand.

Mrs. Rerngronasa said, “The TAT believes that Tune Hotels.com’s arrival into Thailand will do much to grow the pie of tourism dollars in total, non-Thai as well as Thai. With the Tune Hotels.com limited service concept encouraging guests to spend less within the hotel itself, more spending power will be activated outside the hotel, within the local business ecosystem.

With more consumers opting to have a ‘5-star sleeping experience at a 1-star price’ so that they can spend their hard-earned income on shopping, dining and recreational pursuits outside the hotel, I can only imagine that this partnership will be lauded not only by consumers, but also Thai companies catering to both the leisure and business tourism markets.”

Mrs. Rerngronasa continued, “We have studied the Tune Hotels.com model, and its optimised use of all resources, right from its space-efficient building design, to the omission of costly, underutilized full service facilities, all the way through to Tune Hotels.com’s innovative pay-per-use concept for energy consuming amenities like air-conditioning and laundered towels.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand commends Tune Hotels.com in-built commitment to responsible tourism, welcomes Tune Hotels.com’s new pay-per-use concept and hopes the propagation of such conscientious consumerism will further develop Thailand’s responsible tourism strategy. ‘’

Similar to low-cost carrier airlines, Tune Hotels.com employs a self-service online booking system that encourages guests to book as far in advance as possible on www.tunehotels.com to enjoy exceptionally low prices.

Tune Hotels.com’s rates are kept low by employing a ‘limited service’ concept where underutilized hotel-operated facilities like swimming pools and gyms are omitted and cost savings are passed on to the guest.

For more information email michelle.iking@tunehotels.com , biresh@tunehotels.com  or info@evolution.co.th , and for hotel bookings visit www.tunehotels.com

Mr & Mrs Smith Hotel Collection: Australia/ New Zealand
New guidebook hits shelves this Winter RRP £19.95

The latest guidebook in the bestselling series from the world’s boutique travel experts featuring 33 extra-special properties in Australia and New Zealand

We’ve combed white-sand beaches, climbed snow-capped mountains, camped in sun-drenched deserts and scoured cosmopolitan cities in pursuit of the sexiest boutique and luxury hotels down under.

Undercover reporting: each hotel has been visited personally by the Smith team and then reviewed anonymously by a local tastemaker, hand-selected by us.

Our incognito fashion, theatre, design and food and wine style-seekers include actor Sigrid Thornton, chefs Christine Manfield and Andrew McConnell, media luminary Deborah Hutton, and events guru David Grant. Each shared with us an unbridled account of their escape with their own Mr, Mrs or Ms Smith.

Follow in our reviewers’ footsteps and taste pigeon and white chocolate in one mouthful at the Royal Mail’s world-class restaurant in the Grampians; spy dolphins and whales from super-hip Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island or sign up for a ‘happy ending massage’ at Pretty Beach House on New South Wales’ Central Coast. And don’t worry, we’ll give you a heads-up on how to pronounce Wharekauhau Lodge in Wairarapa on New Zealand’s North Island. (Try ‘forry-coe-hoe’).

Specially commissioned photography: this glamour-strewn guidebook also features original images from leading Australian photographer Earl Carter.

Insider secrets: as well as evocative photographs and entertaining reviews, there are destination guides covering every practicality from getting around to sniffing out the finest vineyards, shops and galleries, plus in-the-know details such as the best rooms to book, the top tables in the most special restaurants and the most secluded beaches.

And, there’s even that all-important Smith tidbit, ‘something for nothing’, where we suggest great gratis activities.

Luxe for less: each book comes with an exclusive Smith Card, which entitles holders to a year’s free membership (worth £15), fast-tracking you to upgrades, hotel discounts, exclusive on-arrival gifts and other life-enhancing extras and money-can’t-buy privileges.

Simon Westcott, co-founder of Mr & Mrs Smith Asia Pacific:

‘We had the challenging task of seeking out the most charismatic and stylish boutique hotels in this rich, varied and vast continent, for the many Mr & Mrs Smiths now scattered around the world,’ he explains.

‘We wanted to cater to highly informed locals looking for a different kind of getaway as well as international visitors who’d like to see the very best of Australia and New Zealand.

Our books take the guesswork out of booking somewhere best in class. We think what Mr & Mrs Smith does better than any other travel guide in the world is identify the wow-factor – that boutique-travel something special – a take-your-breath away location, incredible food and wine, unique spa treatments or simply the old-word charm of a remote and beautifully restored homestead.’

Mr & Mrs Smith Hotel Collection: Australia/ New Zealand is the fifth book in the collection of travel guides that has become elemental to savvy hotel lovers around the world. Previous editions of the best-selling guidebooks have signposted us to special stays throughout the UK and Europe

The book will be available in all good bookshops, on www.mrandmrssmith.com

• Mr & Mrs Smith AsiaPac launched in May with a local version of www.mrandmrssmith.com curated by our Melbourne office

• There are close to 60 hotels and self-catering properties in Australia and New Zealand in the full online Smith collection, and 550 around the world

• Book a hotel almost round-the-clock through the Smith Travel Team on 0845 034 0700

• Follow the Smiths at www.Twitter.com/smithhotels

• Read our Blog at www.blog.mrandmrssmith.com

Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts Shines At Asia’s 1st Culinary Cup

At the inaugural Asia’s 1st Culinary Cup last month, Swissôtel Le Concorde, Bangkok emerged as the overall Asian winner, clinching the Asia’s Best Participating Establishment trophy along with 12 other awards. Swissôtel Le Concorde, Bangkok was also part of the Thailand National Culinary Team that secured a second place in the National Gourmet Team Challenge. In addition, Swissôtel Nai Lert Park, Bangkok, took top position in three categories.

Panom Muekhuntod, Assistant Artist of Swissôtel Le Concorde, Bangkok, was named the Best Culinary Artist for earning the highest points with one gold, two silvers and a bronze in three categories.

He won the individual Ice Carving category and came in second with the team. His third placing in the Freestyle Showpiece individual category and a further team silver for the Fruit & Vegetable Carving category boosted him to the top of the leaderboard.

Swissôtel Nai Lert Park, Bangkok dominated three individual categories to win the Best Sandwich-Making, Best Dress-the-Cake and Best Petit Fours titles.

As part of Food & Hotel Thailand 2009, one of the Thailand’s largest hospitality trade exhibitions, the Asia’s 1st Culinary Cup is the first international culinary art contest and convention.

Teams from national and regional culinary associations as well as individual professionals from countries including Australia, Austria, China, UAE, Holland, South Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Slovakia, Taiwan and Thailand, flew in to showcase their talents at Royal Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon from 2 – 5 September.

Organised by the Thai-Swiss Culinary Consultants in association with the Thai Chef’s Association, the Thai Hotels Association and the Thai Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the Asia’s 1st Culinary Cup saw experts from World Association of Chef’s Societies (WACS) as consultants.

The four-day Culinary Cup saw about 600 participants competing in more than 20 team and individual categories, including fruit and vegetable-carving, ice-carving, Thai cuisine, Asian cuisine, Western cuisine, US turkey-cooking, modern sandwich-making, breakfast-cooking, cake-dressing, meat and poultry-cooking, Italian pasta dishes, petits fours/pralines/tea pastry-marking, dessert-making, East-meets-West cuisine, a Gourmet Team Challenge and the Hans Bueschkens Junior Chefs Challenge.

List of Awards:

Titles
1. Asia’s Best Participating Establishment: Swissôtel Le Concorde, Bangkok
2. National Gourmet Team Challenge, 1st Runner-up: Represented by Willment Leong of Swissôtel Le Concorde, Bangkok, Thailand National Gourmet Team Manager (Gold)
3. Best Culinary Artist: Panom Muekhuntod, Swissôtel Le Concorde, Bangkok
4. Best Modern Sandwich-Making Contestant: Nuttaphol Lipiphan, Swissôtel Nai Lert Park, Bangkok
5. Best Dress-the-Cake Contestant: Sutee Navawuttiwat, Swissôtel Nai Lert Park, Bangkok
6. Best Praline and Petit Fours Display Contestant: Jamsai Srichubaung, Swissôtel Nai Lert Park, Bangkok
7. Special Appreciation Award – Best Logo Design for Asia’s 1st Culinary Cup: Raywat Gatgoson, Swissôtel Le Concorde, Bangkok

Gold
• Modern Sandwich-Making (Individual), Overall 1st
Nuttaphol Lipiphan, Swissôtel Nai Lert Park, Bangkok
• Ice Carving (Team), Overall 2nd
Raywat Gatgoson, Panom Muekhuntop and Jaray Katelarng, Swissôtel Le Concorde, Bangkok

Silver
• Ice Carving (Individual), Overall 1st
Panom Muekhuntop, Swissôtel Le Concorde, Bangkok
• Petit Fours / Pralines / Tea Pastries (Individual), Overall 1st
Jamsai Srichubaung, Swissôtel Nai Lert Park, Bangkok
• Fruit & Vegetable Carving (Team)
Panom Muekhuntop, Den Fongkaew and Tinnapat Munpian, Swissôtel Le Concorde, Bangkok

Bronze

• Dress-the-Cake (Individual), Overall 1st
Sutee Navawuttivat, Swissôtel Nai Lert Park, Bangkok
• Freestyle Showpiece (Individual), Overall 3rd
Panom Muekhuntop, Swissôtel Le Concorde, Bangkok
• Fruit & Vegetable Carving (Individual)
Wanyen Promcome, Swissôtel Le Concorde, Bangkok
• Freestyle Dessert-Making (Individual)
Baby Kangngloouam, Swissôtel Le Concorde, Bangkok
• Modern Sandwich Making (Individual)
Kazamasak Junrat, Swissôtel Le Concorde, Bangkok
• Western 5-course Set Menu (Team)
Virachai, Sompong and Chid, Swissôtel Le Concorde, Bangkok

Diploma

• Freestyle Showpiece (Individual)
Ging Oon Nog, Swissôtel Le Concorde, Bangkok
• Live Dress the Cake Display (Individual)
Pastry Chef Dexter Villamin, Swissôtel Le Concorde, Bangkok
• Fruit and Vegetable Carving (Individual)
Piyawan Ketkeaw, Swissôtel Nai Lert Park, Bangkok
• Italian Hot Pasta Dish (Individual)
Jirawat Wanaonthornwong, Swissôtel Nai Lert Park, Bangkok
• US Hot Turkey Cooking (Individual)
Munin Thitichairat, Swissôtel Nai Lert Park, Bangkok

About Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts

Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts is a distinctive group of deluxe hotels for today’s discerning business and leisure travellers, combining the renowned Swiss touch with a fresh, contemporary and modern design. Each Swissôtel hotel offers personalized service with charm and efficiency. Located in main gateway destinations and city centres, the hotels have convenient access to business and shopping districts, and local attractions. Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts worldwide have won prestigious awards and accolades.

Mandarin Oriental’s group-wide seasonal offer,

Festive Breaks, provides travelers with the opportunity to enjoy luxury accommodation at the best available rates worldwide.

Festive Breaks are available from Nov. 12 to Dec. 30, 2009.

Bookings are for a minimum of two nights, and provide guests with a hotel credit of up to $100 per day in a room and up to $200 per day in a suite.

Daily credits can be redeemed against rejuvenating spa treatments and award-winning dining experiences. With relaxing options to celebrate the festive season,

Festive Breaks are available in all Mandarin Oriental hotels located in key city and resort destinations. Bookings can be made via the group’s website at www.mandarinoriental.com  and include a daily hotel credit from $25 to $100 per day depending on hotel booked, or a daily hotel credit from $50 to $200 for suite bookings depending on hotel booked.

A minimum two-night stay is required.

This offer is not available for single nights or for group bookings, and cannot be used with any other promotions. The offer is subject to availability and black-out dates may apply. For more information, visit www.mandarinoriental.com

CNNGo is the ultimate insider guide for Asia’s greatest cities. Set to be the definitive, indispensable city lifestyle resource, it harnesses the unrivalled experience, integrity and excellence of the CNN brand in a unique digital destination.

Updated dozens of times throughout the day, CNNGo initially focuses on six cities — Bangkok, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, and Tokyo — with more to be added in the coming months.

For the most discerning local, the cultural voyeur and the visitor (travelling for business or pleasure) alike, CNNGo compiles the best each city has to offer, often dishing up the unexpected and opening up these cities like never before.

While the convenient Eat, Shop, Sleep, Drink and Play sections cover the essentials, like places to go, things to see, must-do events, hidden gems or city secrets — the site goes beyond that to provide real insight and experiences of these cities and their surrounds.

Importantly, the CNNGo content is provided by insiders. The editorial management team is based in Hong Kong and each city section is run by locally-based City Editors whose on-the-ground expertise and insider knowledge is unsurpassed. They in turn work with local professional writers, journalists, video/photographers, bloggers and more — the very people that form the soul of a city.

 The site also reaches out to CNN’s vast resources of regional anchors and correspondents.

Video and other multimedia are a key constituent of this site, and combined with the frequency of daily content updates, provide plenty of reasons to make this site a daily visit. Access daily and weekly newsletters for each city and the region, in addition to substantial compatibility across social networking platforms, allowing users to send details of favorite destinations to their PDA, blog and more.

Nick Wrenn, Vice President, digital services, CNN International comments: “CNNGo is an exciting and timely addition to the CNN Digital Network, delivering unrivalled insights through editorial excellence and local knowledge. We look forward to it becoming the definitive lifestyle destination for our global audience.”

Andrew Demaria, Editor in Chief, CNNGo says: “Simply, CNNGo is meant to be fun — an enjoyable daily visit — that celebrates from an insider’s view all that makes up these amazing cities. The good, the not so good and the outright strange. It’s for anyone that is interested in these places, not only for things to do or places to go, but for really discovering more about the city’s true character.”

CNNGo will be visible across CNN’s platforms including on-air, online and mobile in coming months.

CONTENT HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

Daily Hitlist

The regular morning dietary intake of ‘must dos, sees and experiences’ — the latest news, topics, blog posts, events of the day — pertinent to CNNGo’s audience of city dwellers, travelers and cultural voyeurs who are curious about life, and its many perspectives, in the city.

Cool.
Precisely that. Cool.(stop) is a regular weekly gallery post highlighting what simply is cool. Fashion, style, art, design, scenes, sights, locations, things, people occasions and more can make up Cool.

City Pulse

To cover the world the way it demands to be covered, we need you. Your experience, your local insight, your unique view of the world. After all, you make up the lifeblood of your city and no one knows your city better than you. Check out City Pulse to find out how you can be one of our guest contributors.

Urban Safari

With Urban Safari, CNNGo proves the know-all, access all areas, insider that finds and guides our audience to discoveries in and around the city. Hidden gems, city secrets, new takes on old haunts, tours wild and wonderful — Urban Safari inspires by opening up the city like never before.

Love & Other Catastrophes

From tears to laughter, from joy to angst, life on the road brings with it all kinds of tales that make travel experiences much more than just the journey or an album of scenic photographs. Each week we bring the best tales of Love & Other Catastrophes and revel in the experiences of our viewers.

The Week Ender

Get off the couch and engage with the town. From events to shows, to shops, to scenes and sights, CNNGo works for your weekend, trawling through the multitude of offerings to land the choicest options with The Week Ender.

Master Concierge
Master Concierge is high-end tailored travel for those that demand and appreciate the very finest of life, things and places.

Trendcatcher
Each week, Trendcatcher profiles the innovation, business idea, new and exciting concept or latest inspirational people-drawing trend in each city or country. Find out how this trend is moving and shaking, how it could take hold locally or abroad, or how overseas ideas and trends are finding a home here.

Snack Nation
It’s hot and then it’s gone. Japan is gripped by trends and fads that come and go in a blink of an eye. Snack nation serves up the latest unusual craze.

My Hong Kong (and Bangkok, Tokyo, Shanghai, Mumbai, Singapore)

The local voice. Each week, a city local outlines the city according to them — what they love about it, what makes them so passionate, what connects them to it and it to them.

Click www.cnngo.com  to visit CNN’s unique new digital destination, CNNGo.

Online travel agent ZUJI Australia  and our hotel partners across the globe are offering the chance to stay at all the places you’ve dreamed of visiting – at massive savings up to 70% off! So get out your bucket list and start booking (and saving) with ZUJI.

Go global or stay local- but be quick! Savings are for those who can book by 31 October and stay by 30 November 2009. The more you stay the more you save.

See sample below for destinations and savings for hotels stays which will send you packing.

The world awaits; so choose from more destinations and great hotels at the banner ad at right.

Save even more when you book flights, hotels and cars together with TripSaver on zuji.

Visit the banner ad at right  to book hotels and save a bundle.

Validity: book by 31 October for stays until 30 November 09 or until sold out.

Advertised prices are correct at time of publication and include taxes and surcharges.

Exclusive hotels association’s guide to well-being in Asia

With a fast-expanding network in Asia, Relais & Châteaux is now promoting a unique ‘Journey of the Soul’ for well-being through the region’s different massages and traditional medicines.

Traditional massage and healing is the oldest and simplest form of medical care, dating back to ancient times in Asia.

The ‘roadmap’ to balancing body, mind and soul extends from India, China and Thailand to Indonesia, Cambodia and Malaysia.

Among the best-known, the Traditional Thai Massage, or Nuad Phaen Boran, draws significantly from India’s ancient Ayurvedic traditions. Therapists use their hands, knees, legs, and feet to move you into a series of yoga-like stretches. Many say Thai massage is like doing yoga without doing any work!

Benefits include relief from stress, deep relaxation, warmed and stretched muscles, healing energy flow, greater flexibility, increased and focused energy levels, prevention of injury, relief from sore and aching muscles and joints, detoxification, and a feeling of confidence and well-being.

To experience a truly authentic Thai massage, Relais & Chateaux recommends:

The Rachamankha in Chiang Mai, a haven of peace in the centre of the ancient walled city; The Eugenia, a late 19th century colonial-style haven in the heart of Bangkok; and Phuket Pavilions in Phuket, the island’s most seductive all pool villa resort.

India’s Ayurvedic Kalari Massage is the ‘mother of all healing’. Much more than a wellness programme, it offers rejuvenation, better flexibility, reduction of fat tissues and treatments for rheumatism, arthritis, back pain, headache and stress related disorders.

Kalari Massage is naturally practiced at Malabar House, a Relais & Chateaux property in Fort Cochin, in the heart of Kerala – the birthplace of Ayurveda.

Tui Na, Chinese Acupressure is a fundamental part of Chinese medicine, not only at spas and massage centers but also medical clinics and hospitals. It emphasizes pressing and kneading of the energy points and channels.

Complementing Tui Na is foot reflexology, which treats the foot as a microcosmic map for the whole body. For example, the heel is connected to organs in the lower abdomen, while the toes correspond to eyes and other regions of the face. Thus, a Chinese foot massage not only relieves foot fatigue, but revitalizes the entire body.

In Guilin, HOMA’s therapists are trained extensively in these ancient techniques.

Indonesia is the archipelago of massage techniques Urut, Pijat and Boreh.

For Urut, therapists use fingers, palms and sometimes the whole body to manipulate muscles and energy pathways, improving blood circulation and eliminating toxins. This technique is quite intense and can be uncomfortable at first.

Pijat massage is far gentler, with repetitive squeezing and kneading to relax tense muscles and calm the body. Boreh incorporates a traditional Balinese spice body mask to warm the body, improve blood circulation and relieve muscular aches and pains, chills and headaches.

To experience these treatments in Bali, visit Matahari Beach Resort & Spa or Bali Pavilions.

Traditional Malay Massage uses touch, tone and aromatherapy for a memorable and sensory experience. Massage starts with long kneading, pushing and stroking to ease muscle and joint pain, targeting pressure points.

Treatment uses oil made from herbs blended to invigorate circulation.

Treatment concludes with an ancient aromatherapy remedy of local herbal roots and flower buds mixed in an earthen pot.

Japamala Resort in the small island of Tioman offers a wide selection of massages in the Samadhi Spa, overlooking the South China Sea.

Cambodia’s Traditional Khmer Massage combines acupressure points, pushing, pressing and light stretching movements. It helps to recover a smooth energy flow and increases flexibility.

Tradition Khmer massages are the specialty of Bodia Spa at the Heritage Suites Hotel in Siem Reap.

until 6 Sep 2009

THAI’s Mid-Winter Global Sale is now on : Fares are available to Thailand, India, Middle-East, China, Japan, Europe, Vietnam, Cambodia, Nepal : book and ticket by 6 September, 2009, travel until December 2009 (travel validity varies according to chosen destination).

THAI is offering a limited seat sale in Economy Class and Royal Silk Business Class for travel from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth to Thailand plus other popular destinations across the network in Indo-china, the Indian Sub-continent and Europe.

The sale is on until 6 September 2009 – contact travel agents to finalise your plans today. (Special offer is available via travel agents only)

Fares from $575* return to Bangkok or Phuket plus taxes (approx $340 return).

Choose from a huge list of destinations across the THAI network – in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, India, Pakistan, Nepal, the Middle East and to all THAI’s destinations in Europe.

Royal Silk Business Class fares start from $3,265 return to Bangkok plus taxes.

Special fares are also available for Seniors (60 years plus) from $2,939 per person plus taxes.

SPECIAL OFFER for Business Class travellers : Stopover in Thailand from only $9 per person. For more information about THAI’s Thailand Plus promotion, log on to www.thairways.com.au

Emirates airline is expanding its presence in West Asia with additional services to Colombo and Malé from Dubai.

The expansion also marks the resumption of Emirates’ flights on the Malé-Colombo route.

In total, Emirates will add four flights to Colombo and five flights to Malé, bringing its total frequency to 18 flights per week to Sri Lanka and 14 flights per week to the Maldives.

An additional 1,800 seats per week, per direction will be made available for business and leisure travelers.

EK 654 will operate a circular route, Dubai-Malé-Colombo-Dubai, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday using a modern Airbus A330 aircraft in a three-class configuration of 12 first, 42 business and 183 economy class seats.

Emirates will also introduce an additional direct connection between Dubai and Colombo every Friday on EK 650, and another two connections between Dubai and Malé on Wednesday and Friday with EK 658.

These services will be operated with the technologically advanced Boeing 777 series.