Jetsettersblog

Luxury accommodation marketing brand, Select Hotels & Resorts International offers sensational package deals this Spring from several Member Properties across Asia-Pacific. See below for packages from a diverse range of Select experiences including the family friendly Couran Cove Island Resort, Queensland, Spring skiers choice Edgewater Resort, Lake Wanaka and Thailand jewel Mom Tri’s Villa Royale, Phuket.

Couran Cove Island Resort, Sth Stradbroke Island, Queensland, Australia
Couran Cove Island Resort, located just 40 minutes by ferry from the Gold Coast mainland, is an idyllic holiday destination where you can find your space… your time… to escape, explore, relax and unwind.

Select Special:
Stay for 3 nights and receive a AU$150 cash-card to spend at the resort.

Package Inclusions:
3 nights accommodation in a Marine Deluxe Room
Full buffet breakfast daily
Return ferry transfers
Daily Bike Hire
AU$150 cash-card to spend

Valued from AUD$555.00 per person/twin share.

Terms and conditions:
Promo valid from 01 April - 26 December 2008 and 05 January - 31 March 2009.
Subject to availability at the time of booking.
AUD$150 cash-card is non-transferable and can not be redeemed for cash

Bookings: www.selecthotels.com or charlotte@selecthotels.com

Edgewater Resort, Lake Wanaka, New Zealand
The days are longer, sunnier and warmer, just perfect for a September ski holiday in Wanaka. Enjoy the spaciousness of our one-bedroom suites for almost a week. Check the snow reports daily from the comfort of your phone and choose where to ski. Not a skier? No problem in Wanaka with its choice of attractions, boating, walks, golf and fun activities.

Select Ski Package

Package includes:
Six night’s accommodation in a one bedroom suite
2 continental breakfasts per day package
Children 12 and under stay FOC when using existing bedding.

Price: NZ$1,600.00 per suite includes GST

Terms and conditions:
Valid until 31 October 2008.
Subject to availability at the time of booking.

Bookings: www.selecthotels.com  or charlotte@selecthotels.com

Mom Tri’s Villa Royale, Phuket, Thailand
The elusive pleasures of traditional Thai calm and elegance are often advertised and rarely found. But cordoned off from the crowds of Phuket is an exception, a true sanctuary of Thai style: Mom Tri’s Villa Royale

Platinum Royale Package

Package includes :
8 days 7 nights Accommodation in our Beach Wing Suite
Airport round trip transfer by a private limousine
A complimentary Villa Royale selection Wine in suite
Daily Royale breakfast
Two Thai set dinner per Guest at Mom Tri’s Kitchen
Two hours of Villa Royale Thai massage per Guest at Mom Tri’s Spa Royale

Price: THB 48,500 (double)

Terms and conditions
Valid until 31 October 2008.
Subject to availability at the time of booking.

Bookings: www.selecthotels.com or charlotte@selecthotels.com

For Media Information:

Kate Gilfillan
kate@davcomm.com.au
+61 (0)2 9907 0020

Celebrate Spring with Select Hotels and book today!

Select Member properties for 2008 are:

AUSTRALIA: Q Station, Sydney; The Observatory Hotel, Sydney, NSW: Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa, Katoomba NSW; Tower Lodge, Hunter Valley, NSW; Kims Beach Hideaway, Toowoon Bay, NSW; Arajilla Retreat, Lord Howe Island, NSW; Meadowlake Lodge, Milton, NSW; Hotel Lindrum, Melbourne, VIC; Select Burnham Beeches, Dandenong Ranges, VIC; Hotel Pension Grimus, Mount Buller, VIC; Kangaroo Island Wilderness Retreat, Kangaroo Island, SA; The Lodge at Tarraleah, Tarraleah, TAS; Couran Cove Island Resort, South Stradbroke Island, QLD; Paradise Bay Eco Escape, Whitsundays, QLD; Lindenwarrah, Milawa; Lindenderry

NEW ZEALAND: Carrington Resort, Karikari Peninsula, Northland; Kourawhero Country Lodge, North Auckland; Mangapapa Petit Hotel, Hawke’s Bay; Select Braemar Lodge and Spa, Hanmer Springs; Grasmere Lodge, Arthur’s Pass; Huntley House, Christchurch; Millbrook Resort, Queenstown; Fiordland Lodge, Te Anau; The Points Villas, Lake Taupo; Queenstown Park Hotel, Queenstown

PACIFIC ISLANDS: Toberua Island Resort, Fiji;

ASIA: Saman Villas, Bentota, Sri Lanka; The Regency Wing of Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka; Mom Tri’s Villa Royale, Phuket, Thailand; Veranda Resort and Spa, Hua Hin, Thailand; Wanakarn Beach Resort & Spa, Phuket, Thailand

CHINA: 88Xintiandi Executive Residences, Shanghai

MIDDLE EAST: Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai, UAE

In conjunction with Children’s Day, Singapore Airlines has begun serving children’s meals with specially designed lunch boxes adorned with highly popular characters from Cartoon Network shows such as PowerPuff Girls and Ben 10. Junior travelers will also be able to take their lunch boxes home with them at the end of their flight.

Available on all flights lasting seven hours or more, the special lunch box contains burgers, chicken nuggets and spaghetti with meatballs, which are available on Singapore Airlines children’s Book-The-Cook program, Yummy. In addition, drinks will be served in an attractive, children-friendly paper cup, also dressed in Cartoon Network livery.

The lunch box is already available on flights leaving Singapore and will be available on flights departing from all other destinations from Nov. 1.

Children will also continue to enjoy the much-loved Cartoon Network giveaways available on all Singapore Airlines flights (with the exception of the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur services). The giveaways, which include activity kits and plush toys, are catered to various age groups. Further enhancing their in-flight experience is the wide range of entertainment options available on the new KrisWorld, Singapore Airlines’ in-flight entertainment system.

This includes the especially dedicated Young Ones section, featuring Cartoon Network shows such as Ben 10, Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends, Hi Hi Puffy Amiyumi and many others. Junior flyers can also tune in to the children’s audio channel and listen to audio stories as well as the latest selection of children’s music, which include albums such as Camp Rock and The Jonas Brothers.

They can also watch the most current children’s movies such as Speed Racer and Kung Fu Panda. In addition, they can enjoy one of the largest games selections in the sky, which include popular games such as Bookworm Deluxe! and Mojo Muncho.

For more information, visit www.singaporeair.com

www.MekongTourism.org

A downloadable digital version of “The Guide to Responsible Tourism in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam” will be available soon at the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) website,

 The fast-growing tourism destinations of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam published the 148-page guide book in August showing where and how to enjoy responsible tourism activities in the three countries.

Over 25 activities in each country are profiled in the publication. Each activity creates income for local people, minimizes potential negative tourism impacts, involves members of the local communities in running the business, conserves natural and cultural heritage, provides meaningful experiences for tourists, helps people with physical disabilities, and builds respect between visitors and hosts.

The color guide book describes 82 tourism experiences from the tourist’s perspective, and how that activity helps local people while respecting local culture and the environment.

The book contains full contact and booking information for all the recommended activities. The book also contains profiles of the three countries, practical information for travelers, and a list of useful resources and organizations involved with heritage, conservation and responsible tourism.

Part of Asian Development Bank’s Mekong Tourism Development Project, the guide was written by Mekong subregion experts Guy Marris, Nick Ray and Bernie Rosenbloom, and edited by Ken Scott.

For more information, visit www.MekongTourism.org

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

Asia specialist Travel Indochina is introducing a collection of vacation packages to Cambodia. Participants in the seven-day Inside Cambodia small-group journey will visit Angkor Wat via a short tuk tuk ride at dawn in time to watch the sun rise over the temple. A ride in a fixed cable balloon enables travelers to view the temple from a height of 600 feet. Travelers will also ride to King Suryavarman II’s 11th century Boeng Mealea Temple. Business Development Manager David Rothschild explains, “We pride ourselves in offering tours which enable our customers to experience the authentic diversity of Cambodia — whether it’s a visit to the ancient temples, a pedi-cab tour of the constantly self-reinventing city of Phnom Penh or exploring the seldom-visited South Coast.”

The Cambodia Collection also includes itineraries ranging from the five-day Temples of Angkor to the 12-day Cambodia Revealed, and includes several itineraries that combine Cambodia with Vietnam and Laos, including the new Cycling Cambodia and Vietnam journey. Prices for the Temples of Angkor small-group journey start from $735 per person and include accommodation, all road transportation, all sightseeing, Western tour leader and local English-speaking guides, arrival and departure transfers and a daily breakfast and one lunch. For more information, call 866-459-6152 or visit www.travelindochina.com/cambodia

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

New 2009 Brochure

Leading Asia specialist, Travel Indochina, has launched its new ‘Essence of Asia’ brochure for 2009, an upmarket, tailor-made programme of inspiring experiences and journeys throughout Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, India and China, featuring some of the regions most luxurious five and six star resorts, plus chic boutique retreats.

“We’re delighted to be launching Essence of Asia” says Travel Indochina’s General Manager Chris Orme. “We are seeing more and more requests for flexible, tailor-made holidays and this brochure is designed to cater to this need. The featured products and ideas provide an excellent starting point from which we can create unique itineraries or match to one of our deluxe small group journeys.

”We aim to inspire customers with the diversity of what we can offer throughout Indochina, in the wonderful absence of crowds of tourists,” he added.

NEW BROCHURE HIGHLIGHTS:

Expanded Cambodia programme – Travel Indochina stands out from other tour operators as a result of the fact that they have offices on the ground, enabling their team to keep their finger on the pulse and hunt out hidden gems and new product offerings.

Knai Bang Chatt is such an example and new to the Essence of Asia programme - one of Cambodia’s most exclusive resorts that was originally a weekend home for French colonials in the early 20th century. The main part of the house was built in 1962 by a renowned Khmer protégé of Le Corbusier.
The resort is nestled on Kep’s stunning coastline in the undeveloped yet fascinating region of Cambodia’s south coast. Both elegant and eye-catching, its three villas, housing 11 stylish bedrooms, have been restored in keeping with their former 60’s grandeur and perfectly complement the property’s other key attractions, the infinity-edge swimming pool, wooden dining pavilion and newly-opened beach restaurant.

Knai Bang Chatt is also available as part of Travel Indochina’s popular “Cambodia in Style” itinerary, a tailor-made programme enabling guests to stay at a selection of Cambodia’s finest boutique properties, as a base for seeing the main sites, from the temples of Angkor and the captivating capital of Phnom Penh.

For true decadence, Amansara in Siem Reap, provides Travel Indochina’s customers with a modern contrast to the more traditional resorts and historical sights that Siem Reap and the temples have to offer. Situated within a former royal guest house, the personalised service, beautiful pool, spa and stunning dining area take sophistication to an entirely new level. Other guest facilities include rooftop yoga classes and a walk-in wine cellar.
‘Three-day Toum Teav Boat Cruise’ from £295 pp. For a novel way to travel from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap or vice versa guests can treat themselves to a ‘three-day Toum Teav Boat Cruise’.
This leisurely adventure in a traditional wooden boat, visits local villages, ancient temples and hilltop shrines while travelling across Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, Tonle Sap. It’s an excellent way to witness real everyday life as this lake is the lifeblood of Cambodia.
Discover secluded luxury in Vietnam – Vietnam is where the Travel Indochina story began and its programme offers a wide variety of trips from the mountainous north all the way down to the Mekong Delta in the south.

• The Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam offers six-star secluded luxury a short drive from the historic World Heritage Listed town of Hoi An. Popular with celebrities due to the discreet nature of its staff, the Nam Hai boasts 60 one-bedroom villas and 40 pool villas each with top-of-the-range fittings.

Vietnam’s first five star hotel Sofitel Metropole Hanoi. This recently-renovated landmark colonial hotel has been attracting ambassadors, writers, heads of state and many celebrities since it opened its doors in 1901, with guests as diverse as Fidel Castro, Ralph Fiennes, Robert De Niro, Stephen Hawking and Queen Noor.

Guests can enjoy some of the best French cuisine and wine in the city as well as partake in the afternoon chocolate buffet, a long tradition of the hotel.
For more information and further inspiration visit

www.essenceofasiatravel.co.uk

With offices in Asia and over 15 years experience in the region, Travel Indochina’s local knowledge makes us uniquely positioned to discover and offer the latest in travel experiences – be it on a Small Group Journey where you will share your experience with up to 15 fellow travellers, or on a private tailor-made itinerary with your own driver and local guide.

Building on established expedition voyages to the Antarctic, Australia’s Kimberley and Papua New Guinea, Orion Expedition Cruises’ 2009-2010 Calendar of Sailings adds three inaugural Voyages of Discovery to the islands of Asia, a visit to Norfolk Island and new sub-Antarctic island wildlife expeditions.

Brand new for 2009 are Orion’s Spice Islands, Gulf of Siam and Vietnam Explorer expeditions to Asia. Depending on the chosen voyage these nine-, 10- and 11-night itineraries, available in September and October 2009, include Bali plus expeditions to the exotic coasts and islands of Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam (including an optional side trip to Angkor Wat in Cambodia).

Departing late October 2009 is a 10-night cruise between Bali and Cairns. This Forgotten Islands expedition will feature the island of Komodo, famous for its dragons, Maluku, Yamdena Island and Thursday Island in the Torres Strait before arriving in Cairns.

In 2009 dedicated Sub-Antarctic Wildlife Adventure expeditions are planned focusing on the extraordinary wildlife found on the islands of World Heritage Macquarie, Campbell, Auckland and Snares Islands and New Zealand fjordlands. Ten voyages between May and September 2009 feature the highlights of the Kimberley coast including the Opera Under the Stars voyage (a one-off voyage on Aug. 21, 2009 that includes a night at the Opera in Broome as a guest of Orion) and a Guide to the Southern Skies voyage.

This 11-night voyage from Darwin to Broome will have a special astronomical focus when Professors Fred Watson, astronomer in charge of the Anglo Australian observatory at Coonabarabran, and David Malin, astronomical photographer, writer and lecturer, reveal the ancient legends and modern science of the universe to Orion’s guests.

Also available will be the seven-night Art of Arnhem Land Voyage, the 19-night Norfolk and Melanesian Islands Discovery voyage, the five-night North Queensland Tropical Reefs and Culture voyage, or the six-night Great Barrier Reef voyage.

For more information, visit www.orioncruises.com.au

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.