Jetsettersblog

Preferred Boutique, the premier brand for intimate hotels and resorts, is pleased to announce its first and newest member in Malaysia – Gayana Eco Resort. At the heart of the Preferred Boutique experience is inspiration, that elusive characteristic that sifts the extraordinary from the ordinary. The four Preferred Boutique categories - Classic, Design, Adventure and Resort – encompass eclectic properties from palaces to tent camps, from hip urban hotels to private islands. Gayana Eco Resort is part of the Resort and Adventure category.

Recently reopened after major renovation in July, Gayana Eco Resort is located in the wilderness of Gaya Island, just 10 minutes boat ride from the city of Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, East Malaysia. True to its name, the resort – as it is on the largest of the five coral reef islands that make up the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park - is dedicated to conserving its marine life with a Marine Ecology Research Centre on site. Guests can participate in its coral regeneration programme and learn about its efforts in the propagation of giant clams, having spawned seven out of the world’s eight giant clams.

With its prime location on pristine waters, the 44 over water luxury villas feature balconies in which to enjoy the view. Some of the villas also offer direct steps into the lagoon to cool off and access to the special breakfast boat to deliver breakfast to your balcony. Three restaurants and bar offer the ideal island atmosphere with spectacular views of the jungle and ocean. The seafood is a speciality and cultivated in the hotel’s own sea farm. Guests can relax in the infinity pool overlooking Malohom Bay or indulge in a traditional Borneo Urut massage. Adventure seekers can dive at the hotel’s dive centre, take guided kayak trips through mangrove forests or see the wildlife in the jungle trek.

“It is wonderful for the Preferred Boutique brand to have a hotel member in Asia Pacific that is truly committed to preserving its environment. Gayana is a great addition to the brand,” said Lynne Ireland, Managing Director - Preferred Boutique.

“The fast growing resort destination of Kota Kinabalu is an ideal location to add to the Preferred Hotel Group portfolio and Gayana Eco Resort is a great example of how resorts can provide luxury with an eco theme,” said Mark Simmons, Managing Director - Asia.

“Gayana Eco Resort offers guests unrivalled 5-star quality in a unique eco-adventure, tropical island setting. As a Preferred Boutique property, we are confident that our branding exercise will reach its target markets.

Our partnership with the Preferred Hotel Group is therefore an exciting beginning to our overall vision in becoming Asia’s No.1 eco resort,” said Nilakrisna James, spokesperson and PR Consultant for Gayana Eco Resort

About Preferred Boutique
Preferred Boutique is a member of the Preferred Hotel Group™ family of brands which also includes: Preferred Hotels® & Resorts, Summit Hotels & Resorts™, Sterling Hotels™ and Historic Hotels of America®. For reservations and a complete description of the Preferred Boutique collection, please visit www.preferredboutique.com.

Preferred Boutique guests are eligible to enroll in the I Prefer Global Guest Benefit Program, featuring benefits such as early check-in/late check-out, space-available upgrades and more.

 For more information, please visit www.iprefer.com

joins Preferred Boutique

Preferred Boutique, the premier brand for intimate hotels and resorts, is pleased to announce its first and newest member in Malaysia – Gayana Eco Resort. At the heart of the Preferred Boutique experience is inspiration, that elusive characteristic that sifts the extraordinary from the ordinary. The four Preferred Boutique categories - Classic, Design, Adventure and Resort – encompass eclectic properties from palaces to tent camps, from hip urban hotels to private islands. Gayana Eco Resort is part of the Resort and Adventure category.

Recently reopened after major renovation in July, Gayana Eco Resort is located in the wilderness of Gaya Island, just 10 minutes boat ride from the city of Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, East Malaysia. True to its name, the resort – as it is on the largest of the five coral reef islands that make up the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park - is dedicated to conserving its marine life with a Marine Ecology Research Centre on site. Guests can participate in its coral regeneration programme and learn about its efforts in the propagation of giant clams, having spawned seven out of the world’s eight giant clams.

With its prime location on pristine waters, the 44 over water luxury villas feature balconies in which to enjoy the view. Some of the villas also offer direct steps into the lagoon to cool off and access to the special breakfast boat to deliver breakfast to your balcony. Three restaurants and bar offer the ideal island atmosphere with spectacular views of the jungle and ocean. The seafood is a speciality and cultivated in the hotel’s own sea farm. Guests can relax in the infinity pool overlooking Malohom Bay or indulge in a traditional Borneo Urut massage. Adventure seekers can dive at the hotel’s dive centre, take guided kayak trips through mangrove forests or see the wildlife in the jungle trek.

“It is wonderful for the Preferred Boutique brand to have a hotel member in Asia Pacific that is truly committed to preserving its environment. Gayana is a great addition to the brand,” said Lynne Ireland, Managing Director - Preferred Boutique.

“The fast growing resort destination of Kota Kinabalu is an ideal location to add to the Preferred Hotel Group portfolio and Gayana Eco Resort is a great example of how resorts can provide luxury with an eco theme,” said Mark Simmons, Managing Director - Asia.

“Gayana Eco Resort offers guests unrivalled 5-star quality in a unique eco-adventure, tropical island setting. As a Preferred Boutique property, we are confident that our branding exercise will reach its target markets. Our partnership with the Preferred Hotel Group is therefore an exciting beginning to our overall vision in becoming Asia’s No.1 eco resort,” said Nilakrisna James, spokesperson and PR Consultant for Gayana Eco Resort

About Preferred Boutique

Preferred Boutique is a member of the Preferred Hotel Group family of brands which also includes: Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Summit Hotels & Resorts™, Sterling Hotels and Historic Hotels of America.

For reservations and a complete description of the Preferred Boutique collection, please visit www.preferredboutique.com

Preferred Boutique guests are eligible to enroll in the I Prefer Global Guest Benefit Program, featuring benefits such as early check-in/late check-out, space-available upgrades and more.

For more information, please visit www.iprefer.com

Jet Airways is happy to announce a Jet Value Pass - a scheme wherein you can purchase the pass and travel in Club Premiere or in Economy class. This scheme is valid until further notice.

Jet Value Pass in Club Premiere:

No of Coupons Passenger Type Booking Class Base Fare
04 Coupons Adult I USD 1,100
06 Coupons Adult I USD 1,550
08 Coupons Adult I USD 1,950

Jet Value Pass in Economy:

No of Coupons Passenger Type Booking Class Base Fare
04 Coupons Adult U USD 500
06 Coupons Adult U USD 700
08 Coupons Adult U USD 850

Website: www.jetairways.com

Purchase with MasterCard,

Traveling within the period of 2008/4/1~2008/12/31, purchase with MasterCard on www.evaair.com flights from 20 Asia Pacific cities will enjoy 5% additional exclusive discount.

Traveling within the period of 2008/4/1~2008/12/31, purchase Economy Class flights with MasterCard on www.evaair.com from New York or Los Angeles to Taipei will enjoy 5% additional exclusive discount.

Terms and conditions apply. During promotion period (“Promotion Period”) from 2008/4/1 to 2008/12/31, MasterCard® branded credit cards primary and supplementary cardholders who use MasterCard® branded credit cards (issued by MasterCard Worldwide) at www.evaair.com and satisfy the eligibility requirement are eligible to receive offers provided by EVA Airways Co. To meet the eligibility requirement for program participation, each transaction has to be made in full by a MasterCard® branded credit card. To meet the eligibility requirement for program participation, cardholders must purchase tickets to Taipei, Taiwan or transfer at Taipei, Taiwan to other cities flied by EVA Airways at www.evaair.com during the promotion period and departure from the following countries (cities):

Japan (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sendai, Chitose, Miyazaki, Komatsu)、Korea (Seoul)、Hong Kong、Macau、Singapore、Thailand(Bangkok)、Vietnam (Ho Chi Ming City)、Philippines(Manila)、Cambodia(Phnom Penh)、Indonesia(Djakarta, Bali, Surabaya)、Malaysia(Kuala Lumpur).
To meet the eligibility requirement for program participation, cardholders must purchase Economy Class tickets to Taipei during the promotion period and departure from the following cities in U.S.A:

BR 31/BR 32 from Newark airport of New York,
BR 167/BR 168 from Los Angeles airport and transfer at Osaka,
Internet booking conditions:

This benefit is limited for e-ticket on internet booking except class H and R.
This benefit only applies to tickets booked through internet booking system for the itinerary provided in this program and departing within the designated period. Tax (including airport tax、security check tax fuel tax) is not included for this benefit.
This benefit can not be combined with other promotion.
Other terms and conditions provided by EVA Airways should apply.

Oberoi Hotels & Resorts for the first time is extending its popular Exotic Vacations package to include the peak season time frame of Oct. 1 to 31 and Nov. 16 to Dec. 19, 2008.

The “Oberoi Exotic Vacations” package offers a great opportunity to experience some of the best hotels in the world and enjoy exceptional value. Priced at $4,194 for a six-night stay and $2,796 for a four-night stay, the package includes accommodation for two persons, breakfast and dinner daily and return transfer from the nearest airport or railway station.

Valid from Oct. 1 to 31 and Nov. 16 to Dec. 19, 2008, this package is available at The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra; The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur; The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur and The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambhore (the package is priced at $4,644 for a six-night stay and $3,096 for a four-night stay in a Luxury Tent). Booked independently of the package the room tariff for a night’s stay for two persons starts from $656.

For more information or reservations, call 800-562-3764 or visit www.oberoihotels.com

Silversea’s 2009 Voyage Atlases Now Available Silversea Cruises has published its new full-color, 120-page Voyage Atlas for 2009, a visually captivating brochure with a focus on luxury and exotic destinations for its four all-suite ships, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper, and the company’s new expedition ship, Prince Albert II.

Now available in print and online at www.silversea.com, the comprehensive guide contains over 130 imaginative itineraries offered aboard the line’s classic fleet as well as 26 exciting expeditions set for the Prince Albert II. The 2009 schedule features all seven continents, over 80 countries, and more than 300 distinct destinations.

The new Atlas opens with an easy-to-read, voyage-by-voyage summary followed by a section revealing the hallmarks of Silversea’s unique luxury lifestyle. The balance of the brochure provides detailed worldwide cruise itineraries by region, including highlights of shore excursions, descriptions of land programs, deck plans, savings programs and general information.

“Our new Voyage Atlas provides a window into an exclusive world where easygoing luxury, exploration and discovery blend together to create the most enriching travel experience,” said Steve Odell, Silversea’s Senior vice president of Asia Pacific. “For our guests, luxury travel is a lifestyle of countless indulgences — from the serenity of breakfast on a private veranda or a soothing body wrap and massage, to an exciting adventure by Zodiac craft to discover an isolated culture. With Silversea, the possibilities are endless.”

GRAND PACIFIC VOYAGE

A highlight of Silversea’s 2009 season is the company’s first-ever Grand Pacific Voyage, a 92-day extended odyssey timed to coincide with prime regional seasons of the Pacific Ocean. Departing Los Angeles on March 7, 2009, Silver Shadow will follow the mild trade winds of spring as they dry the skies south of the equator, find northern Japan’s cherry blossoms in full bloom, and arrive in Alaska as the region awakens from its winter slumber with warmer, longer days. On this epic journey, guests will visit 45 ports, 15 countries and two hemispheres, enjoying overnight stays in Bora Bora, Sydney, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong and Tokyo.

In addition to the US$2,000 per suite onboard spending credit, other special amenities available to guests sailing the full voyage include complimentary hotel accommodations in Los Angeles on the eve of departure, plus transfer and baggage handling between airport, hotel and ship. Fares start at US$53,453 per person, based on double occupancy.

FRENCH POLYNESIA

Also on next year’s schedule is an enticing collection of expedition cruises to French Polynesia aboard Prince Albert II, which will be deployed in Papeete from mid-March to late October 2009. These new itineraries will feature the less-traveled regions of Polynesia ranging from the southernmost Austral Islands to the sprawling Tuamotu Archipelago and the northernmost Marquesas Islands. Other South Pacific voyages of Prince Albert II will include such off-the-beaten-path destinations as the Cook Islands, Tonga, Fiji, Pitcairn Islands and mysterious Easter Island.

In keeping with the company’s commitment to promote the use of environmentally responsible products, the Atlas is printed on paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The brochure displays the FSC’s “Mixed Sources” label, certifying the paper comes from well-managed forests, controlled sources and/or recycled material.

Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard four intimate vessels, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, and Silver Whisper, all designed to offer an atmosphere of all inclusive conviviality and casual elegance. With the addition of the regal expedition ship Prince Albert II in 2008, the company’s itineraries encompass all seven continents.

Silversea Cruises has recently announced major dry-dock refurbishments are planned for its 296-guest sister ships Silver Cloud and Silver Wind to bring their interiors in line with the style of its newest ship, the 540-guest Silver Spirit (scheduled for delivery in December 2009). For Silver Wind , the month-long refurbishment will take place in November 2008 and Silver Cloud’s in May 2009.

For the past four consecutive years Silversea has been named Best Cruise Line by readers of Australia’s Luxury Travel and Style magazine. For nine consecutive years, Silversea has been named “Number One Small Ship Line” in the Readers’ Choice survey conducted by Conde Nast Traveler magazine in the USA and in 2007 was the only cruise line named in the UK edition of Condé Nast Traveller’s “Top 100 Luxury Travel Experiences” at the same time topping the Small Cruise Line award for the eighth time. Silversea has been selected as “World’s Best Small Ship Line” in the US Travel + Leisure readers’ poll for the past seven years, and “Best Luxury Cruise Operator” twice in the TravelWeekly Asia Industry Awards, 2007 and 2008.

Borneo To Be Wild - Tropical Sky Offers Accommodation Upgrades To New Eco-Resort With Departures From Dublin

Shared by Malaysia, Indonesia and the Sultanate of Brunei, Borneo has long been famous for wildlife in the trees as well as under the water, and the newly rebuilt five-star Gayana Eco Resort places guests squarely in the middle of both. Waking up under crisp white sheets in one of the 40 thatched bungalows, listening to waves breaking on the shore below, it’s hard for them to remember that they got here from Kota Kinabalu in just 20 minutes in a speedboat.

Situated off the coast of Sabah in the north west lie five coral reef islands which make up the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, named after the first Prime Minister of Malaysia. And it’s on one of these islands, Pulau Gaya, that the retreat is hidden away.

Under the water, the diving is excellent, with turtles, rays, barracuda and coral reefs to explore. This is one of the few sites in Asia where the endangered giant clams still live in the wild and the nearby MERC (Marine Ecology Research Centre) has seven of the eight species in the world. They actually grow and release them back into the sea. Guests never know what they will find there on a visit, from injured turtles to a passing nurse shark with a damaged fin receiving medical attention, and it is excellent for educating people about the challenges the sea and its inhabitants face.

The rooms, positioned on stilts over the sea, are available in four categories: Rimba, Pantai, Bakau and Bayu. Rimba rooms offers an excellent view of the jungle and hills, Pantai rooms look over the resort, which looks beautiful at night when the lights come on, Bakau rooms have a view of tropical mangroves and Baya rooms have ever-changing views out across an endless sea. Room service orders are delivered by gondola to visitor’s private deck, the bathrooms are wonderful and all the furniture is made using Malaysian hardwood. The Bakau and Bayu suites come with their very own floating deck, and the only way to start the day is for a quick swim from the private balcony.

Back at the resort, the Solace Spa has four treatment rooms and a relaxation room with views of the pool and lagoon, along with traditional therapies and remedies. Afterwards, guests can float along to one of the two restaurants. The Alu Alu Restaurant has a magnificent view of Malohom Bay over well presented plates of delicious seafood, and the Fusion Poolside Restaurant, in front of the infinity pool and the sea, offers a more informal culinary experience.

If all the fine food calls for activity there are plenty of options, including the dive centre, kayaking, jungle trekking, underwater fish feeding and private beach drop-offs for travellers who like a bit of solitude. There is also golf, trips to the local market and tours of Kota Kinabalu if they can tear themselves away from the resort and its restful surroundings.

Long-haul tour operator, Tropical Sky Ireland is offering a guaranteed upgrade to a beachfront room till 19 December on all bookings and 10% off spa treatments. Prices in November are from €1,844 per person and include flights from Dublin, seven nights’ accommodation on a B&B basis, resort transfers, taxes and surcharges.

 For further information visit www.tropicalsky.ie  or telephone 068 56800 / 01 526 2566.

Orient Lines, the destination cruise specialists, has announced that its new flagship – Marco Polo II – will carry 650 guests in 325 staterooms, two thirds of which are outside. The cruise liner, which most recently sailed as Maxim Gorkiy, will make her maiden voyage for Orient Lines in April 2009.

Marco Polo II is rich in character and history with proven ocean-going capabilities, including an ice-strengthened hull, deep draft, Denny Brown fin stabilizers, bow thrusters and ample provisional stores, essential for cruising to all seven continents. The vessel has a classic interior décor and handsome exterior profile with a raked bow and traditional cruiser stern.

At nearly 25,000 tons Orient Lines’ new flagship is larger in size then Marco Polo yet carries nearly 200 fewer guests. The added space translates to a greater number of public areas and amenities including an indoor spa pool and four separate dining venues, six bars, a show lounge, cinema, casino, library, Internet center, card room, state-of-the-art fitness center and outdoor pool. Marco Polo II will maintain the line’s proven service formula with European officers, American and British social staff, and a friendly and gracious Filipino crew.

“We’re delighted to introduce Marco Polo II to Orient Lines’ large and loyal family of past guests,” said Wayne Heller, Orient Lines’ president and CEO. “In the very near future we will announce her maiden voyage and inaugural cruise schedule.”

Marco Polo II was originally built in 1969 for the German Atlantic Line. She underwent multi-million-dollar refurbishments in 1988 and 1995 and will receive additional enhancements to be fully compliant with Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) 2010 requirements.

To receive additional ship and itinerary news electronically or by mail, please register at www.orientlines.com or call toll-free 800-333-7300.

Pacific Delight Tours grouped five of its most popular tour packages in one easy-to-read “2009/10 Quick Guide,” with offerings suitable for every level of traveler. To kick off this new brochure, Pacific Delight is giving early-booking savings of up to $500 per couple for bookings made by Dec. 31.

Program choices include major highlights of China: magnificent Yangtze River scenery on three- and four-night cruises; imperial Beijing’s Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City; the Great Wall and the Ming Tombs; Shanghai’s Shanghai Museum and Jade Buddha Temple; Xi’an’s famed legions of terra-cotta warriors; Lhasa, Tibet’s mountainous capital; and the vibrant city of Hong Kong.

Prices range from $1,588 to $7,588 per person, double, before the early-bird savings. One of Pacific Delight’s most sought-after trips is the 17-day Classic China & Yangtze River Gold Experience — an intimate, one-of-a-kind perspective into the country’s ancient history and culture, escorted by knowledgeable guides exclusive to the company.

This deluxe vacation, limited to just 16 guests, features accommodations in Asia’s best hotels; Junior Suites with balconies aboard Victoria Cruises’ newest and most luxurious ships; private shore excursions; superb meals; front section seats to many performances; and exclusive sightseeing. Cities include Beijing, Xi’an, Chongqing, Shanghai, Guilin and Hong Kong.

Land-only prices are $6,788 to $7,588 per person, double, with 12 departures between April and October 2009; early-bird savings are $500 per couple. With no more than 26 participants, the upscale, fully escorted 13-day Historic Cities & Yangtze River Imperial Experience, provides an in-depth view of each city visited: Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Great Wall and a pedicab ride through Beijing’s old Hutong area; Xi’an’s 2,200-year-old terra-cotta warriors and horses, the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, which includes a Pacific Delight exclusive – a white-glove handling of treasures in the private artifact room; and Shanghai’s Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai Museum and renowned acrobatic show.

Special meals include a Beijing Duck welcome dinner, Defachang Restaurant dumpling lunch and Tang Dynasty dinner and show. March 2009 to March 2010 departures are $2,918 to $3,688 for land only; early-bird savings are $300 per couple.

Two of Pacific Delight’s Deluxe SuperValue Tours, offering value and variety, are highlighted in the Quick Guide. The 12-day Historic Cities & Yangtze River provides travelers with an affordable way in which to delve into China’s Imperial cities — Shanghai, Xi’an and Beijing — and receive a strong understanding of the country’s history, art, archeology and architecture. The land portion of the tour is complemented by four nights of Yangtze River cruising aboard Victoria Cruises’ Premier Series five-star fleet, sailing the most spectacular portions of this legendary waterway. Land-only prices are $1,588 to $2,288 for departures between March 2009 and March 2010; early-bird savings is $100 per couple.

The 11-day Golden Route SuperValue is similar to the Historic Cities & Yangtze River but substitutes the Yangtze River cruise with a two-night stay in Guilin, a city set among some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. While there, guests visit the magnificent rock formations at Reed Flute Cave and Fu Bo Hill and take a cruise on the Li River, passing lush green landscapes and picturesque villages.

The land-only prices range from $1,648 to $2,188 on year-round departures; early-bird savings is $100 per couple. Pacific Delight’s China Escapade Series of vacations offer off-the-beaten-path itineraries to some of China’s most exotic regions. The 15-day Tibet & Yangtze River Escapade is an escorted journey that takes adventurous travelers to Tibet’s 1,300-year-old capital city of Lhasa, nearly 12,000 feet above sea level.

Guests explore the many monasteries and palaces, including Norbulingkha, Sera or Drepung Monastery, Jokhang Temple, and the greatest architectural structure in Tibet, the 1,000-room Potala Palace, once the living quarters of the Dalai Lama. A Tibetan dinner and show includes the traditional Yak Dance. Other special sites include the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, with its Imperial Vault of Heaven; the terra-cotta warriors and Small Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi’an; and the Giant Pandas at the Chongqing Zoo.

A three-night Yangtze River cruise and three nights exploring Shanghai conclude the adventure. Land-only prices for the April-October 2009 departures are $3,918 to $4,388; early-bird savings is $100 per couple. The programs include pre-confirmed hotels, intra-Asia air/land transportation, most meals, sightseeing, local guide or tour escort, transfers, hotel taxes, service charges and baggage handling. Transpacific air is available at attractive rates. Prices are subject to change. Pacific Delight Tours offers escorted and independent tours to China, the Orient and Southeast Asia.

For more information, call 800-221-7179 or visit www.PacificDelightTours.com

Passengers have ranked EVA Air’s Elite Class cabin to be the Best Premium Economy Class in Skytrax’s annual World Airline Survey 2008. UK based Skytrax invited 15,500,000 airline passengers from over 97 countries to participate in its annual airline ranking survey. This is the first time Skytrax has ranked premium economy classes.

Participating passengers were surveyed by telephone, email questionnaires and through Skytrax’s website during an 11-month period. Respondents rated airlines’ class categories on cabin comfort, including cleanliness and amenities, airport and cabin-staff service. The survey examined the smallest details of air travel, asking passengers about inflight safety procedures, catering and onboard shopping as well as specifics relating to seats and service. The overall survey listed more than 170 airlines.

EVA Air was one of the first in the industry to create a distinctive premium economy cabin in-between economy and business and to give its passengers an attractive, affordable and very comfortable travel option. The airline launched this innovative cabin on its first flight to North America in 1992 and further upgraded the cabin as Elite Class in 2005 with the launch of its first brand-new Boeing 777-300ER. EVA’s Elite Class is comparable to many domestic carriers’ business class in service, comfort and amenities, yet typically costs only about 25 per cent more than the price of economy.

As early as 1992, every one of EVA’s premium economy passengers had individual, adjustable, seatback-mounted entertainment systems. Today, the personal touch screen audio/video on demand (AVOD) entertainment systems in Elite Class have expanded 8.4-inch touch-screens offering movies, features, music, video games and shopping.

Fully adjustable ergonomic seats in Elite Class are 18.5 inches wide and have a roomy 38-inch pitch. The also have leg and footrests, moveable headrests, tray tables that fold into extra-wide armrests and added conveniences such as personal coat hooks.

For more information on Skytrax World Airline Awards visit www.worldairlineawards.com