Jetsettersblog

Jetstar Asia flights to Phnom Penh

Visiting Cambodia’s two major cities of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh will soon be more affordable and enjoyable. Starting July 28, 2008, Jetstar Asia passengers flying to Cambodia can enjoy stopovers in the historical city of Siem Reap besides traveling on direct flights to Phnom Penh.

With the new flight schedule, Jetstar Asia passengers will be able to fly to Phnom Penh daily, either with four non-stop flights weekly or via Siem Reap thrice weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. The stopover flights to Siem Reap will also provide travelers departing from Singapore the option of flying between Siem Reap and Phnom Pehn.

Flight reservations for the stopover flights to Siem Reap are only available for Jetstar Asia passengers traveling to Cambodia from Singapore, and must be made through the Jetstar Call Centre.

Jetstar Asia’s CEO Ms Chong Phit Lian remarked, “With this new triangular route and flight schedule, passengers can now travel to both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh on our flights, and enjoy more flexibility and convenience when planning their itinerary. This is in line with our brand proposition to provide our customers with more value and comfort, which include benefits such as checking in and out at Changi Airport Terminal One, free online seat selection, pre-assigned seating and a generous 20-kg baggage allowance.”

Sarovar Hotels adds to portfolio

Sarovar Hotels and Resorts, a multi-brand hotel management company in India, spanning business, leisure and religious destinations, enhanced its portfolio by signing on two more hotels - the Sarovar Portico in Guwahati and Park Inn at Delhi.

Mr. Anil Madhok, managing director Sarovar Hotels said, “Though Guwahati has close to 25 high capacity flights coming to the city - all major airlines such as Jet, Kingfisher, Air India, Air Deccan, Jetlite, and from the main metros of Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata - the city lacks quality accommodation. With the opening of Sarovar Portico, Guwahati will soon have a good quality hotel offering superior accommodation and services to discerning travelers.”

The Park Inn, Delhi will be located in the central business district of Shahadra in East Delhi. According to Mr. Madhok, “With the forthcoming infrastructure related to the Commonwealth Games in east Delhi, the area’s importance has gained significance. The hotel is being planned as a good quality, three-star, full-service hotel. It is scheduled to open before the Commonwealth Games in 2010.”

The opening of Sarovar Portico will come as welcome relief for those traveling to Guwahati. The hotel will be located within close proximity to the State Secretariat, the most posh and largest hospital in the North East and the VIP area of Dispur (the state capital). Unlike other existing hotels, mostly located in the congested part of the city with inadequate parking and inconvenient access during busy hours, the Sarovar Portico is located on a main road with easy access to the National Highway NH connecting the rest of the North East and Upper Assam, giving it a distinct edge.

Sarovar Portico will be a three-tar property, with 70 contemporary rooms. Also planned are a multicuisine restaurant seating 90 with an interactive kitchen offering a sumptuous buffet of hot and cold food and desserts, a bright and lively bar or pub, a recreation area (including a pool table, a cyber cafe, a video games center, a TT table, and an indoor kid’s play area), a swimming pool and a fitness center. In addition, there will be a conference room and a medium-sized banquet hall and a business center for board meetings for up to 10 people.

Sarovar Hotels has signed an agreement with M/s Mahagun Hotels for the development of a 60-room Park Inn in Delhi in the Central Business District of Shahdara.

 Shahdara is one of the oldest settlements in Delhi, flanked by Ghaziabad (UP) on one side and the Yamuna river on the other.

Its importance has risen significantly, as it was one of the first areas to be connected on the Delhi Metro Line. In view of the Metro’s reach, Shahdara has seen major developments such as markets, hospitals, schools and accommodation for travelers.

It has a high population density, as well as many commercial establishments.

Facilities at the Park Inn will include a multi-cuisine outlet, a restobar, banqueting facilities, business center and a roof top swimming pool with a health club

Gutsy Women Ties Discounts to Sex & the City

Gutsy Women Travel, which has been offering trips for groups women travelers since 2001, is well positioned to get a boost from the release of the hotly anticipated “Sex and the City” movie, which has influenced women to reconnect with their own best girlfriends by organizing ladies nights out complete with high-heels and Cosmos.

The company is offering a special $200 savings on four of its most popular trips. Ladies who book by June 30, and refer to promotion code GWTSC200, will save $200 per person off the land-only price on the following tours: the 11-Day Amazing India, departing Dec. 4; the five-Day Discover New York and the Hudson Valley, departing Aug. 15 and Oct. 10; the eight-Day Enchanting Venice and Lake Como, departing July 12 and Oct. 4; and the eight-Day Beauty of Central Europe: Budapest and Prague, departing Aug. 3 and Oct. 19.

Gutsy Women Travel now offers a guaranteed single share program so no woman will have to pay the single supplement charge if she doesn’t want to have her own room and can share with a like-minded Gutsy gal. As was the case in the movie, traveling with girlfriends isn’t always about a carefree fun vacation, although that is the top objective.

Sometimes it’s about getting away and being there to get a friend through a difficult time, to commemorate a life-changing event, or to celebrate a milestone birthday. Gutsy Women is a division of Gate 1 Travel.

For more information, email info@gutsywomentravel.com  For reservations, call 866-IMGUTSY or 866-464-8879 or visit www.gutsywomentravel.com

India’s New Golden Chariot Train

Bales Worldwide is featuring a new and unique rail adventure across Southern India, aboard the decadent Golden Chariot. This 88 berth luxury train is the latest to launch on the sub continent and joins other great Indian rail experiences, such as the ‘Palace on Wheels’ in Rajasthan, and the ‘Deccan Odyssey’ in Maharashtra. It offers a new and varied circuit which offers heritage, Palaces, monuments and wildlife. Prices start from just £1,430 person* for a 10 day holiday.

The train, named after a famous stone chariot at the World Heritage Site of Hampi, starts and finishes its journey in Bangalore, taking in a wealth of cultural and historical sites. From resplendent palaces and ancient temples, to wonderful wildlife and golden beaches – this is a journey through the very best that the Karnataka region has to offer.

Prices start from £1,430 per person based on two sharing, including seven nights on the Golden Chariot, two nights in the Oberoi Bangalore, full board and British Airways economy class flights. There is also the option to take the shortened six night journey to Goa and combine with a few days on the beaches.

All cabins are fully air conditioned and come equipped with private bathroom, a writing desk, wardrobe, Wi-Fi, LCD television and DVD with six satellite channels.

Each features intricate carvings on the ceiling and the wall panels and furniture are inspired by Mysore and Hoysala architecture. Each coach has been named after the dynasties that ruled Karnataka - Kadamba, Hoysala, Rastrakota, Ganga, Chalukya, Bhahamani, Adhilshahi, Sangama, Shathavashna, Yudukula and Vijayanagar. The Golden Chariot has two restaurants serving excellent food, a lounge bar where passengers can enjoy an evening cocktail and even a gym which offers Ayurvedic massages.

The seven night journey takes in the royal city of Mysore with its majestic palaces and fortresses, Kabini and the wonderful Rajiv Gandhi National Park, the magnificent Hoysaleswara Temple near Hassam, the Jain pilgrimage centre of Shravanabelagola with its 58ft statue of Lord Gomateswara, the stunning World Heritage site of Hampi, the breathtaking temples and ruins of Badami, Pattadakal and Aihole, and finally the relaxing, golden beaches of Goa.

Passengers can recline in comfort and watch the beautiful scenery unfold indulging in a spot of shopping in the perfume market at Mysore, enjoy the excitement of a jeep jungle safari in Kabini, explore the incredible remains of Hampi and experience the Badami caves.

The Golden Chariot is now available as part of Bales’ extensive tailor made travel options in India.

For reservations please call 0845 057 0600 or look online at www.balesworldwide.com

Taj Spa, Taj Tashi Thimphu, Bhutan

Taj Tashi Thimphu, Bhutan, is perfectly located in the heart of the capital city and enjoys panoramic views of the river valley.

Designed in traditional Bhutanese architectural style and hand embellished by master craftsmen, the hotel is a magnificent blend of traditional grandeur and contemporary luxury. Taj Spa at Taj Tashi offers luxurious Indian and Bhutanese signature spa therapies and experiences.

Blessed with a beautiful, serene and pristine landscape, Bhutan has long nurtured a reverence for nature, human values, tradition and spirituality. Interestingly, Bhutan is the only country that stresses the Gross National Happiness, rather than material prosperity, of her people. And it is these gracious facets of local culture that are manifest in traditional wellness treatments that gently usher in a harmonious state of being within oneself and one’s surroundings.

Taj Spa at Taj Tashi offers luxurious Indian and Bhutanese signature spa therapies and experiences. Drawing on the rich and ancient wellness traditions of both countries, each Taj Spa experience is thoughtfully designed to luxuriously pamper and indulge, heal and nourish, restore and rejuvenate mind and body.

All experiences at Taj Spa are offered with exclusive handmade natural products. These healing products are made from pure herbs, aromatherapy oils, natural creams and special ingredients that are selected for their time-honoured therapeutic benefits. The soothing fragrances and healing attributes of the aromatherapy oils offer a holistic wellness experience.

Taj Spa unfolds a refreshing design that emanates a harmonious balance of energy. Bhutanese artefacts infuse the serene and luxurious spa with a gracious local touch. Prayag and Sangam, the two elegantly designed treatment rooms, have a wooden and marble floor and hot stone treatment tubs.

The spa menu features a choice of signature experiences including Manda Snana, a luxurious traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath; Jivaniya, an invigorating Indian treatment of a scrub, wrap and massage; Pehlwan Malish, a vigorous Indian massage; Ventoz, an Indian cupping treatment followed by a massage; and Anana Lepa, a nourishing facial.

The Indian therapies offered include Sammardana, a soothing deep tissue massage; Pada Mardana, a relaxing foot massage; Prishta Mardana, a comforting treatment for the back; and Champi, a restful head massage.

The Indian aromatherapy experiences, offered with exclusive oil blends, are Vishram, a relaxing massage; Orja Dayaka, an energizing massage; and Pavithri, a lymphatic drainage treatment. The relaxing, exfoliating and nourishing scrubs and wraps are Narikela, an exfoliating and moisturizing experience with coconut; Masala, a unique scrub with spices; and Prithvi Mrit, a wrap with 22 herbs and clay.

Additionally, Taj Spa also offers three special spa experiences. Sukha includes a scrub, wrap, Pehlwan Malish and facial. Soundarya, unfolds a combined scrub and wrap, refreshments, an aromatherapy massage and an Anana Lepa facial. Soma is an aromatherapy massage for two, in a soothing candle-lit suite, perfectly wrapped up with a bottle of Champagne.

Guests can also enjoy relaxing in the swimming pool, at the wooden relaxing deck and at the steam and sauna facilities.

Taj Spa invites guests to enjoy luxurious, relaxing and rejuvenating spa experiences in a beautiful and private sanctuary of wellness.

Details of the Bhutanese treatments at Taj Spa :

TRADITIONAL BHUTANESE BATH

• MANDA SNÂNÂ Intoxicating Bath * Duration- 120 Mins

A truly luxurious treatment of a deep exfoliation, a hot stone bath and a relaxing massage. Embrace inner harmony through this specially designed experience.

Your journey begins with an invigorating exfoliation with a scrub of poppy seeds and local therapeutic herbs. A traditional bath with hot wood-fired stones then miraculously eases away your stress. The minerals help to ease tired muscles, relieve stiffness, revitalize and re-hydrate the body. A soothing massage wraps up the regal experience leaving you radiant and in a sublime state.

• Hot Stone Bath With Massage * Duration- 90 Mins

A relaxing traditional hot stone bath followed by a massage that effortlessly melts away your tiredness and stress.

Relax in a bath into which hot wood-fired stones are gently released. The stones slowly crack in the water infusing it with minerals which help to relieve aching muscles and stiffness. This is followed by an hour- long soothing massage of your choice that leaves you thoroughly refreshed and renewed.

• Hot Stone Bath * Duration- 30 Mins

A soothing traditional bath to relax the body and calm the mind.

Slip into a bath sprinkled with traditional local herbs of ‘kempa’. As you enjoy the cool touch of the herb-infused water, hot stones are gently released in your bath. The stones slowly crack in the water infusing it with minerals that ease tired muscles, relieve stiffness, revitalize and re-hydrate the body. Emerge completely de-stressed from this experience.

Taj Hotels has recently announced the launch of four new luxury projects: The Taj Exotica Golf Resort & Spa (Opening 2008) in Doha, Qatar; the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa (Opening 2008) on the Palm Jumeirah Crescent in Dubai; the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa (Opening 2009) in Phuket, Thailand and a Taj Luxury Hotel (Opening 2008) in Cape Town, South Africa. Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is part of the Tata Group, India’s premier business house.

About Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces

Established in 1903, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is one of Asia’s largest and finest group of hotels, comprising 60 hotels in 42 locations across India with an additional 18 international hotels in the Maldives, Mauritius, Malaysia, Australia, UK, USA, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East. From world-renowned landmarks to modern business hotels, idyllic beach resorts to authentic Rajput palaces, each Taj hotel offers an unrivalled fusion of warm Indian hospitality, world-class service and modern luxury. The Taj, a symbol of Indian hospitality, has recently completed the centenary of its landmark hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Mumbai. Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is part of the Tata Group, India’s premier business house.

For more information on Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces: www.tajhotels.com

World War Two Tour of Europe

Specialist ‘Americans in Normandy’ Battlefields tour launched, $714*

A new specialist European vacation is offering US veterans, their families and military history enthusiasts the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding into the American involvement into World War Two and the Normandy landings.

Launched by the UK’s leader in Battlefields tours with specialist guides, Leger Holidays, the five-day trip will re-trace the steps of the US Invasion Force as it played a vital role in securing the success of the Allied liberation of Europe.

After arriving in Normandy on day one, day two will focus on the Omaha Sector which saw the American 1st and 29th Infantry Divisions as they fought on the beach which will forever be known as ‘Bloody Omaha’.

Day three focuses on the exploits of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions who paved the way for the 4th Infantry landing on Utah Beach. On day four the tour moves on to Operation Cobra and the battle for the Falaise Gap.

The trip will also include visits to the American Military Cemetery (above Omaha Beach) and the American Cemetery at St. James (Brittany), providing an opportunity for visitors to pay their respects to America’s fallen heroes.

The fully escorted five-day vacation includes travel by luxury Silver Service coach, four nights’ accommodation at the three-star Mercure Caen Côte de Nacre hotel situated on the outskirts of Caen, continental breakfast and information and commentary from one of Leger’s specialist expert Battlefields guides.

Silver Service coach travel includes porterage in all hotels, a smaller more personal group, free personal headphones, choice of music, on board DVD player and satellite navigation display.

An ideal short break for people who are in the UK visiting family and friends, the tour departs from 400 joining points across the UK. Departure points also include Heathrow Airport, Dover and central London. Prices start from £359 ($714*) per person departing 15 or 29 September 2008 or 29 March 2009.

For further information about Leger Holidays call +44 845 458 5599 or visit the dedicated website www.normandybattlefields.co.uk

Please note: Participants must arrange their own travel to the UK to join the tour. Click the banner below for Leger tours.

Dining At Banyan Tree Lijing And Banyan Tree Ringha

Against the serene backdrop of time-honoured customs, Banyan Tree has introduced an exclusive selection of evocative destination dining experiences befitting the wonders of historical Lijiang and Ringha, in Yunnan province, China.

Conceptualised to further epitomise the romance of travel, four dining experiences have been introduced to complement the existing restaurants in both award-wining resorts, including the sophisticated banquet-style Bai Yun at Banyan Tree Lijiang and the rustic Tibetan restaurant Llamo at Banyan Tree Ringha. Located just five hours drive apart, the resorts are located amongst pristine highlands, ensuring the seasonal availability of delicacies such as matsutake mushrooms, and rare lean meats such as grass-fed buffalo and yak.

Banyan Tree Lijiang

Luxury seekers may be found at Banyan Tree Lijiang, at the Presidential Villa’s Imperial Feast. A modern six-course degustation menu is served by a personal butler in this regal abode with dramatic views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Diners savour delicacies such as the sesame-encrusted Lijiang trout, and barbecued Yunnan duck with prune relish in a mesclun leaf basket. This once-in-a-lifetime sensuous dining affair is capped by an overnight stay in the villa, whereby an Intimate Moment set-up of a petal-strewn bed and specially drawn aromatic bath await the couple.

Time comes to a standstill in the midst of a tranquil courtyard pond where glowing red lanterns and a galaxy of stars cast reflections on still waters. Located in an iconic handcrafted Naxi-style pagoda, the Moonlight Pagoda meal features Naxi-inspired creations such as flat rice noodle with yak meat and barbecued local matsutake mushrooms. Sweet temptations adapted from local streetside stalls include the buckwheat cake drizzled with honey, both familiar agricultural produce of the area.

Banyan Tree Ringha

For the intrepid thrill seekers, saddle up in the tradition of the Wild West as you participate in Banyan Tree Ringha’s Highland Romance. Guests will ride on horseback through grassy alpine slopes dotted with flocks of grazing cattle, to the lush foothills of the vast Tibetan Plateau. Settle down on a mound of cushions under a colourful picnic tent as the melody of gurgling waters and wind on reed pipes work up an appetite. A hearty four-course Western dinner featuring roasted rib-eye steak flavoured with green peppercorn sauce is served by the banks of the crystal clear Shudugang River.

In the Tibetan First Night experience, guests yearning for an insightful cultural immersion session should be prepared to be swept away by the whirlwind of romance and heady exuberance of a traditional Tibetan wedding dinner recreated in full glory. The journey begins with a wardrobe change after which the participating guests will be specially escorted into a farmhouse that has been elegantly dressed with traditional motifs, floral arrangements and unique dining accoutrements.

This unique experience is accompanied by lively and interactive song-and-dance segments on top of an array of mouth-watering local specialties. Sample creations such as buttered tea, taiji cake, Tibetan deep fried baba and crispy young pigeon. Take home a slice of the experience capturing the jubilant mood and unforgettable moments in a CD of images.

About Banyan Tree Lijiang

Encircled by dramatic mountain terrain, Banyan Tree Lijiang presents many architectural wonders to complement its lush landscape. Each of the 55 stunning Naxi-inspired villas are oriented Northeast, with inspirational views of the towering snow-capped peaks of the 5,600 metre Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

About Banyan Tree Ringha

Set against the backdrop of the enchanting Temple of the Five Wisdom Buddhas in Shangri-La, Banyan Tree Ringha offers 15 beautiful one-bedroom Tibetan Suites, eight rustic two-bedroom Tibetan Lodges, six exquisite Tibetan Spa Suites and three spacious two-bedroom Ringha Lodges.

For reservations, please contact Banyan Tree Main Reservations at +65 6849 5800 or email reservations-lijiang@banyantree.com  or reservations-ringha@banyantree.com  One–stop reservations at the best rates can be made on the award-winning website, www.banyantree.com

Overlands Adventure in Central Asia

For travellers with a thirst for off-the-beaten-track adventure, look no further – Dragoman Overland still has spaces left on Central Asia overlands following the legendary Silk Route.

Travel through Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, exploring remote areas, ancient cities, unique architectural and archaeological sites, or through the fertile plains of Uzbekistan’s Fergana Valley and the Altai Shan Mountains of Kyrgyzstan, staying in the yurt homes of Kyrgyz shepherds by Son Kul Lake – book NOW for an unforgettable summer expedition.

Mountain Kingdoms of Krgyzstan

15-nights, from Tashkent to Bishkek next departing 5th July 2008. (Code KYR38)

Dragoman rate this journey as ‘challenging’, exploring both the heartland of Uzbekistan, including historic Kokand and Fergana City, and its neighbour Kyrgyzstan, with much of the adventure spent traversing some of the most beautiful mountains in the world. The journey offers a real insight into the lives of rural Kyrgyz, a mountain people renowned for their hospitality, and includes time spent staying in traditional yurts amongst local shepherd families – and even having a go at traditional ‘ulak-Tartys’ (goat polo).

Chill out on one of the sandy beaches surrounding Lake Issyk-Kul (Hot Lake), aptly named, as despite its high altitude, the lake never freezes. Hike in Ala Archa Gorge, an area of outstanding natural beauty and explore the stunning mountains at Djety Oguz, before arriving in Kyrgyzstan’s capital city Bishkek, set in the foothills of the snow-capped Tien Shan (Celestial) Mountains, on the ancient Silk Route.

The tour costs from £695 p/p plus USD$290 (~£147) kitty including transport aboard Dragoman Overland’s Mercedes Benz vehicle, hotel, yurt homestay and wildcamp accommodation (55%/45%), all camp meals, Dragoman Overland’s two person crew and a local guide.

Caucasus & Trans Caspian

25-nights, from Ashgabat to Istanbul next departing 20th July 2008. (Code TCT38)

Begin in Ashgabat, an oasis of modernity in a desert sea of antiquity and home to perhaps the world’s most spectacular local market – the Tolkuchka Sunday Bazaar. From the vast Karakum Desert of Turkmenistan, cross the Caspian Sea aboard an ex-Soviet ferry.

In Azerbaijan, spend a night at a well-preserved ancient Caravanserai, visit the remote metal-smith village of Lahij, the Mud Volcanoes of Gobustan, the fortress towers at Mardyakhan and, if time permits, a Zoroastrian Fire Temple at Surakhany. Enter the Caucasus - spectacular mountain scenery, orthodox churches and monasteries, traditional homestays, great feasts, copious local wines, hundreds of years of history, culture and religion plus ancient sites, all characterise the wonderfully friendly destination of Georgia.

Travel to the moonlike landscape and underground dwellings of Goreme Valley in Turkey’s Cappadocia, before reaching Istanbul - the only city in the world that straddles two continents.

The tour costs from £955 p/p plus USD$700 (~£355) kitty including transport aboard Dragoman Overland’s Mercedes Benz vehicle and local ex Soviet Ferry, hotel, homestay and camp accommodation (55%/45%), all camp meals, Dragoman Overland’s two person crew and local guides.

Flights are not included but are available through Dragoman Overland.

Dragoman Overland
01728 861 133
info@dragoman.co.uk
www.dragoman.com

Kerala takes Responsible Tourism to other states

Kerala’ Tourism Board is looking to take the concept of International Convention on Responsible Tourism to other Indian states including Gujurat. This conference was held in Cochin in March
this year.

Kerala is the first state to involve local communities and self help groups in its responsible tourism concept.

M Sivasankar, Director of Kerala Tourism Board, said “The concept aims at involving the local communities in planning and arranging tour packages across the state and highlighting the right strengths in terms of culture, cuisine and locations. Responsible tourism will also help in
generating local employment and we hope other states will adopt the concept once the pilot results are out.”

The board has begun pilot projects in four destinations including Kovalam, Kumarokam, Thekkady, and Wayanad. These pilot projects will be conducted over one year and later will be replicated in other tourist destinations.

To attract more international tourists, Kerala Tourism Board has taken up standardisation of services like Ayurveda, house boats and house stays.

From 2002 to 2007, the state has seen a huge 122 per cent growth in international tourist arrivals from 2, 32,564 to 5, 15,808.

Taj Mahal gears up for the Commonwealth games

The city of the Taj Mahal is gearing up to meet the expected one million tourists to visit during
the Commonwealth Games in 2010.

The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered a review of the state of preparedness and assess the
infrastructural needs of the city to accommodate around a million tourists, who are likely to visit
the Taj Mahal during the conduct of the games.

Director General of U.P. State Tourism Mr. Sushil Kumar said that 1.5-2 million tourists could
visit the city during the Commonwealth Games.

An official said there was need for expansion of hotels as more rooms would be required to accommodate the tourists. “The state government could come up with some concessional or incentive package to motivate the hoteliers to add rooms to their existing structures,” the official said.