Jetsettersblog

Kipling & Clark unveiled its 2009 Luxury Family Travel Itineraries: Cambodia-Laos-Thailand for Families, 17 Days; Thailand-Laos-Cambodia Family Tour, 16 Days; Cambodia-Thailand Family Expedition, 13 Days; Japan Spring Break Family Tour-Tokyo-Takayama-Kyoto, seven Days;

Thailand and Laos Travel for Families, 12 Days; Cambodia and Vietnam for Families, 16 Days; India Travel for Families-India Highlights, 11 Days; China Summer Luxury Adventure for Families, 17 Days;

China Summer Tour for Families-Hong-Kong-Yunnan, 17 Days; Chengdu-Yangzi River Cruise-Beijing-Shanghai, 17 Days; China-Hong Kong Summer for Families, 14 Days; and China & Japan Cultural Contrasts for Families, 16 Days.

Kipling & Clark provides high-touch, private, luxury travel arrangements to greater China, Japan and Southeast Asia. Long-standing, intimate relationships and extensive experience with the finest hotels, resorts, restaurants and guides enables Kipling & Clark to create custom, unique journeys for discriminating travelers who want to immerse themselves in the culture, food, art and architecture of the beautiful and exotic Pacific Rim.

For more information, call 312-836-9071 or see www.kiplingandclark.com

The first edition of the Hong Kong-Macau Michelin guide was released last week. The 26th in the Michelin series, it marks the guides’ expanding coverage of Asia.

For its first venture into Hong Kong, the Michelin guide offers a selection of the best hotels and restaurants in the city in several comfort and price categories. Reflecting the great diversity of the gastronomic scene in Hong Kong (more than 30 different types of cuisine are represented in the guide), the list includes 202 establishments, of which 169 are restaurants and 33 are hotels.

A restaurant that receives one or more stars is considered not only one of the best in its country but also one of the best in the world.

Hong Kong’s starred restaurants are as follows:

Three stars - exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey:
Lung King Heen

Two stars - excellent cooking, worth a detour:
Amber
Bo Innovation
Caprice
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon
Shang Palace
Summer Palace
T’ang Court

One star - a very good restaurant in its category:
Fook Lam Moon (Wanchai)
Forum
Hutong
Lei Garden (IFC)
Lei Garden (Tsim Sha Tsui)
Ming Court
Petrus
Pierre
Regal Palace
Shanghai Garden
The Golden Leaf
The Square
Tim’s Kitchen
Yung Kee

As in all destinations covered by the guides, a consistent selection is ensured by awarding stars based on the same criteria: product quality, preparation and flavours, the chef’s personality as revealed through his or her cuisine, value for money, and consistency over time and across the entire menu.

The guide also includes 24 Bib Gourmand restaurants, which offer a high-quality dining experience at an affordable price, a full three-course meal for HK$300 (around £25) or less.

For further information on the Michelin guides visit http://www.michelin.com . For more information on visiting Hong Kong please go to http://www.discoverhongkong.com

Hilton Hotels Corp. announced that its subsidiary signed an agreement with Shanghai New Union Building Co. Ltd. to manage the Waldorf-Astoria on the Bund Shanghai. The hotel will be located in the heritage building on the Bund in Shanghai and is scheduled to open in 2011. The property will be the first Waldorf Astoria hotel in the Asia Pacific region. The 266-room Waldorf Astoria on the Bund Shanghai will comprise two buildings.

The main entrance at the heritage building will be located at No 2 on the Bund which housed the Shanghai Club, an exclusive Gentlemen’s Club in the 1920s. This building will be connected by a courtyard to a new-build modern tower located behind the Bund on Sichuan Road.

The hotel will have an array of restaurants and bars, with four restaurants, two bars, a patisserie and a lobby lounge, extensive banqueting facilities, a swimming pool, health club and spa. For more information, visit www.waldorfastoriacollection.com

Setting sail from Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas the idyllic capital of the US Virgin Islands, you will find yourself in shopping heaven before embarking upon a 5 night journey around the Caribbean. Widely known as the duty free shopping capital of the world – Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas combines rich history with some of the world’s best shopping.

SeaDream I is an exclusive & intimate mega-yacht which hosts just 56 couples who are serviced by a team of 95 crew, providing a truly 5 star luxury experience.

Leading cruise holiday specialists ecruising Asia Pacific are providing you with this dream opportunity at a saving of up to 65%. Through ecruising you can enjoy 5 nights aboard luxury mega-yacht SeaDream I for only HK$19,249.00 usually HK$61,000.00

ecruising Asia Pacific is a fully registered and licensed travel agency who are specialists in cruise holidays. Recently launching their regional centre for Asia Pacific in Hong Kong, their team of dedicated customer service agents are providing Asia with a gateway to the world of cruising.

This exclusive package on SeaDream I includes all main meals, complimentary beverages, personal refreshment bar and entertainment. The mega-yacht also features an Award-winning Thai certified Spa (massage rooms, steam shower and sauna), Fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment, Outdoor whirlpool, pool and spa facilities.

Caribbean Itinerary

18 Jan - Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

19 Jan - Cruz Bay, St. John

20 Jan - Anguilla, British West Indies

21 Jan - Gustavia, St. Barthelemy

22 Jan - Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

23 Jan San Juan, Puerto Rico

Details
For sale until: 16 January 2009
Destinations: Caribbean
Ship: SeaDream I
Embarkation Port: Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
Duration: 5 Nights
Departure Dates: 18 Jan 2009

Other great cruise holidays available through ecruising Asia Pacific include:

China, Vietnam & Thailand HK$13,499.00
14 nights on board Costa Allegra from Hong Kong to Singapore. Departing 21 Feb 2009
For sale until: 21 February 2009
Destinations: Asia
Cruise Line: Costa
Ship: Costa Allegra
Embarkation Port: Hong Kong, China
Duration: 14 nights
Departure Dates: 21 February 2009

ecruising Asia Pacific can be contacted for information about cruise holiday products here and world-wide by simply visiting

 www.ecruising.travel/hk

or phoning (852) 3711 3238.

STILLER WINNER

Nestled in Shanghai’s “new Xintiandi”—the Cool Docks, at the southern end of the Huangpu River—the recently opened Stiller’s restaurant makes its mark as the city’s first upscale German restaurant. The brainchild of celebrity chef Stefan Stiller, the airy eatery dishes up hearty mains alongside an indulgent degustation menu with all the trimmings. And if you like what you see, you can pick up a few tips at Stiller’s regular cooking classes, held in the kitchen onsite.

DO VISIT DOMUS

Down a small hutong alleyway adjacent to the Forbidden City in Beijing, Domus is as stylish as it is tasty. The new duplex restaurant (located opposite its sister establishment, long-time favourite Tiandi Yija) offers creative international cuisine: the upstairs café focuses on finger food and quick bites, while downstairs the divine degustation menu can be enjoyed with a side of live entertainment courtesy of energetic chefs in the open kitchen. After your meal, take to the lounge and relax in uber-modern sofas and armchairs courtesy of Italian designers.

THE KEE TO THE CITY

One of two high-rolling membership clubs to open in Shanghai in recent months (the other being M1NT), Kee Club follows in the footsteps of its older sister in Hong Kong, inviting the bold and the beautiful to become part of an exclusive new party set. Located in a 1920s mansion, the club is a fusion of antiques and modern art. The food is equally eclectic, ranging from French fine dining to Chinese banquets and Japanese kaiseki.

AQUATIC ADVENTURE

A quartet of new establishments round out the offerings at Beijing’s stylish Legation Quarter, all from Hong Kong-based restaurateurs, Aqua. First off the bat is avant-garde Japanese restaurant Shiro Matsu, adjoining Goth-styled Hex Bar. Head up to the first floor for tasty tapas and Spanish wines at Agua, or enjoy bubbles with a view on rooftop bar Fez. And there’s more to come. Management promises that early 2009 will see the opening of a nightclub, a steakhouse, and a Chinese restaurant on the Legation premises. So much food, so little time.

Complimentary Meals for Children

Introductory Weekend Package at Futian Shangri-La An “Introductory Weekend Package” at the Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen is now available offering accommodation for two persons in a Deluxe room for just RMB1,280, plus complimentary meals for accompanying children at Café Zen, one of the hotel’s signature eateries.

The “Introductory Weekend Package” includes complimentary breakfast for two persons, late check-out at 4 p.m. and free upgrade to the next available category of room. The package is valid from Friday to Sunday until 31 January 2009 and prices are subject to a 15 per cent service charge.

As a part of the offer, a maximum of two children aged six or under accompanying parents are entitled to complimentary meals at the hotel’s Café Zen, which incorporates a dedicated dessert spread that will keep children entertained with creative lollipops, gummy bears, chocolates and ice cream.

Modelled on the successful concept highlighted by a theatrical show kitchen, Café Zen features a line-up of chefs specialised in noodle-making, Peking duck and dim sum, as well as Hong Kong-style dai pai dong favourites and popular Asian and international dishes.

Headed by Australian Executive Chef Michael McCalman, the team combines years of culinary know how and experience. Leading the individual cooking stations is Melvin Kong from Malaysia; Australian Grill Specialist Robert Davis;

award winning and globe trotting Australian Executive Pastry Chef Anthony Collar and Hong Kong Master Chef Ng Wing Kun.

Café Zen is the ideal place for a family dinner, lunch or brunch.

On level one of the hotel with a mezzanine floor, it combines a relaxed environment, outdoor seating and children’s entertainment with first class food and service.

The newly opened Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen is located in the heart of the city’s vibrant new business district, adjacent to the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center and Shenzhen Civic Centre, with easy access to Futian Port and the Huanggang border crossing to Hong Kong.

World Expeditions’ Top 10 Active Adventure Trips for 2009

Make it your 2009 New Year resolution to get fit and healthy on an active adventure holiday with World Expeditions, the trekking and adventure holidays specialists.

From our Classic Mont Blanc Ascent to Alaskan trekking and kayaking, cycling the Glens of Scotland, or trekking the remote wilderness of Bhutan with Rebecca Stevens - the first female to ascend Everest; with World Expeditions’ unbeatable 2009 prices you’ll find our Top 10 New Year Active Adventure Trips for 2009 hard to resist.

You don’t need to be a top-class athlete to join our fun and affordable, all-inclusive holidays. At World Expeditions we have tailored a wide selection of active adventures to suit nearly every level of fitness. Whether you’re looking for an active family adventure or relaxing vineyard amble, a moderately active walk or cycle journey, or a challenging mountain trek or summit ascent, our experienced travel advisors will ensure you plan the right Active Adventure Trip for 2009.

World Expeditions’ Top 10 Active Adventure Trips 2009

1.Experience the highest peak in the European Alps by yourself, or with your family. Join the Classic Ascent of Mont Blanc on a 7-day guided trip. Price from £1,275 pp. Or, a Mont Blanc 7-day Family Adventure from £560 per adult; £430 per child.

2.Trek the un-trodden trails of China’s Yunnan Province and experience Zhongdian, the real Shangri-la, on our 15-day Yunnan Meili trip . Price from £1,350 per person.

3.Not all great adventures have to be a flight away! Cycle the Great Glens of Scotland on an 8-day self guided cycle trip. Price from £670 per person.

4.Looking for a new Himalayan trail? Trek the remote paths of the Manaslu Circuit in Nepal, on a 25-day guided trip. Price from £1,440 per person.

5.Climb the ‘Mountain in the Sea’ on our Crossing Corsica, 7-day self guided walk. Price from £685 per person.

6.Trek the Bhutan Circuit with Rebecca Stevens; the first British woman to ascend Everest (14 days, 9-day trek) Price from £2,495 per person.

7.Discover Italy’s 15th century walking trails high above the sea in Cinque Terre, on an 8-day self guided walk. Price from £455 per person.

8.Spoil your Valentine with a Wine Lovers Burgundy, 8-day self guided cycle trip in France. Price from £995 per person.

9.Trek and kayak the pristine and rugged Wilderness of Alaska, on a 12-day guided trip this summer. Price from £2,190 per person.

10.Climb to the roof of Africa. Experience Kilimanjaro by the remote Shira Route, on a challenging 10-day trip. Price from £1,420 per person. All inclusions.

For more information on our Top 10 Active Adventure Trips for 2009, please visit www.worldexpeditions.co.uk  or call our experienced travel team on 0800 074 4135

Travel Indochina’s Handmade Holidays Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos NEW brochure for 2009/2010!

Travel Indochina is excited to announce the launch of its new Handmade Holidays for Travellers: Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos brochure.

The brochure is currently being distributed to travel agencies across Australia.

The Travel Indochina Handmade Holidays range provides travellers with a specially-selected range of travel products from across the Indochina region. “Our designers have again produced a brochure that is both stylish and informative – the clear layout means our travel agents and passengers alike can see information about our destinations at a glance, which is great when they are trying to design their own itinerary.” says Katrina Cameron, Communications Manager at Travel Indochina.

This brochure is part of Travel Indochina’s successful Handmade Holidays range including Travel Indochina’s other favourite destinations – India, China, Thailand and Borneo.

You will find an enticing range of options for travelling to Indochina – to help you tailormake the ideal holiday.

The best of our hand-picked hotels and resorts are featured, as well as Travel Indochina’s impressive range of independent journeys. ‘City Stays’, hotel and honeymoon packages, family experiences and unique, local adventures – these itineraries have been designed by our expert staff, who have lived and worked across this region for many years. There is also a wide choice, from half a day to 10 days/9 nights duration, from Budget to Superior and Deluxe accommodations.

NEW! for this year….
As well as some fantastic new hotels (from affordable, boutique guesthouses and home-stays to opulent, once-in-a-lifetime retreat destinations) and independent journeys, this brochure also features more of Travel Indochina’s most popular Small Group Journeys for 2009/2010.

This makes it easier than ever to combine your own hotel stay, City tour or family adventure with the amazing quality and value of a Travel Indochina Small Group Journey. With genuinely small groups of 15 or less like-minded travellers, expert Western tour leaders and local English-speaking guides, unique itineraries, superior boutique accommodation, a genuine commitment to responsible travel, and local offices offering 24/7 support – this is the way to travel in Asia

Crystal Cruises has launched a Save Now, Save Later promotion. When guests sail on any 2009 Europe, Trans-Atlantic or Crystal Symphony Asia cruise, they’ll be guaranteed 20 percent savings on almost every cruise in every category in 2010.

 The 2009 cruise must be booked by March 31, and the 2010 cruise must be booked by Nov. 30, 2009. Eligible 2009 Save Now cruises include all Crystal Symphony cruises departing March 27 through Sept. 3 and/or all Crystal Serenity cruises departing May 23 through Nov. 12. Included are itineraries through China, Southeast Asia, Dubai, the Middle East, Western Europe, the Baltic, the North Cape, the British Isles and the Black Sea, as well as Trans-Atlantic voyages and more than a dozen seven-, 11- and 12-day Mediterranean cruises.

The 20 percent Save Later offer extends to every 2010 cruise aboard the Crystal Symphony and the Crystal Serenity, except the World Cruise and its segments and the December holiday cruises, for a choice of more than 50 2010 itineraries.

Peregrine Adventures has expanded its China & Central Asia programme for 2009 to include the brand new Tibetan Explorer tour – an enlightening journey from Beijing to Kathmandu via the spiritual ‘roof of the world’, and Trails of the Shogun – a unique adventure following the ancient routes used by warriors and royalty in 8th century Japan.
Peregrine Adventures offers a ‘no currency surcharge’ guarantee on all its China & Central Asia trips departing by 31st August 2009.

Tibetan Explorer: 27-days – first departure from Beijing 23rd March 09 (later dates also available).

Explorations commence in China’s capital Beijing, with visits to the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven and Great Wall – Peregrine heads to Simatai, a largely unrestored and much more authentic section of the wall. An overnight sleeper train transports travellers to Xian, site of the much-acclaimed Terracotta Warriors, considered one of the most important archaeological finds of the 20th century. Also on the itinerary, a chance to meet the Giant Pandas of Chengdu – aim to get there for feeding time when there’s more activity, although sleeping pandas are pretty cute! For more divine inspiration, the mystical mountain kingdom of Tibet is next. Here, travellers can seek enlightenment in the beautiful monasteries, follow part of the spectacular Friendship Highway traversing the precipitous mountain passes and plateau connecting Lhasa with Kathmandu, and get their first glimpses of the world’s highest mountain. A particular highlight is an excursion to Everest Base Camp for closer views of the towering North Face, dominating the horizon. Finally, crossing into Nepal, the tour concludes in Kathmandu with time to explore the city and surrounding valley.

The tour costs £2,680 p/p including all transport, local flight from Chengdu to Lhasa, accommodation, some meals, sightseeing and entrance fees, equipment including kit bag and down jacket for Everest Base Camp, an expert Peregrine tour leader and local guides.
International flights are not included.

Trails of the Shogun: 15-days departing Kyoto 4th & 18th July and 1st & 17th August 09.

Arriving in Kyoto, an orientation tour allows travellers to get their bearings, followed by a hike up Daimonjiyama, for far reaching views. Next day, a fascinating evening exploration of Gion, the geisha district, with its ancient teahouses, some of which feature in Arthur Golden’s novel Memoirs of a Geisha, offers a different perspective. Leaving Kyoto behind, it’s time to board the ‘Ocean Liner’ train for the magnificent coastal journey to Kii Katsuro, bordering the Pacific Ocean. Later, a walk along part of the cedar-lined Kumano Kodo World Heritage pilgrimage trail leads to the ancient Saiganto-ji Shrine, overlooking thundering Nachi waterfall. In Katsuro, visit the Tuna Market, where prize specimens can cost millions of yen, making the early morning auctions pretty exciting, no sudden gestures here or that humungous dead fish could be yours! An overnight in a traditional ryokan in Tsumago precedes a walk along a segment of the famous Nakasendo Highway, an ancient route used by warriors and royalty in the 8th century. Further highlights include hiking the Japanese ‘Alps’, summiting both the ‘Matterhorn’ of Japan - Mt. Yarigatake (3,180m), and by bus to the fifth station of iconic Mt.Fuji (3,776m), before travelling to the neon splendour of Tokyo.

The tour costs £2,720 p/p including all transport, accommodation including two nights in a ryokan, some meals, sightseeing and entrance fees, an expert Peregrine tour leader and local guides.
International flights are not included.

Peregrine Adventures
01635 872 300
sales@peregrineadventures.co.uk
www.peregrineadventures.co.uk