Jetsettersblog

Cruisin’

Halong Bay, Vietnam – Halong Cruise’s new Halong Violet junk will be launched in September 2009. With just 6 immaculately decorated cabins, including 4 suites, with king sized beds, Jacuzzis, private balconies and personal butler service, the Halong Violet will provide a unique experience on Halong Bay. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994, Halong Bay’s karst islands rise up out of emerald waters covered in vegetation. Only a few are habitable; many have been sculpted into strange shapes by the wind and weather. This floating boutique hotel will be able to cruise to untouched areas of the Bay whilst providing all the services you would expect from a 5 star hotel; fine dining, a cozy lounge and spacious library, sun deck, spa and gym.

www.cruisehalong.com

Big River

Mekong River, Vietnam-Cambodia – Founded in 2008, Heritage Lines will launch their luxury boutique cruise boat, the Jayavarman in August 2009. Inspired by the golden age of cruise liners, the Jayavarman marries avant-garde French colonial design with enchanting Indochinese architecture to perfection. There are 27 expansive staterooms and junior suites spread over the 4 decks with floor to ceiling panoramic sliding glass doors opening onto private balconies. The boat cruises between Saigon in Vietnam and Angkor in Cambodia, providing explorative journeys of the Mekong River of between 3 and 7 nights.

www.heritage-line.com

On the Beach

Jimbaran, Bali – The much loved luxury Orient Express resort of Jimbaran Puri is set to open 22 new Luxury pool villas in April 2009. Each spacious villa will have its own swimming pool, and hard wood deck where spa treatments can be enjoyed. All villas are set amidst a traditional Balinese garden courtyard, with separate bed and living rooms, and personal, unobtrusive butler service. Villa guests will enjoy all of the facilities that are provided at the hotel. The villas are an exceptional choice for those seeking the luxury of space, privacy, style and comfort in a property on Bali’s beachfront.
www.jimbaranpuribali.com

White Palace

Varanasi, India – With over 100 years of opening and managing hotels in India and beyond, Taj Hotels & Resorts will open the Nadesar Palace in Varanasi in January 2009. Nestled in the heart of this bustling city, amongst mango orchards, marigold and jasmine fields, the 10 roomed Nadesar Palace was built by the East India Company. The meticulously fashioned accommodation, draws inspiration from the city, its culture and its timeless traditions, all accommodation is generously scaled with large windows overlooking the gardens and spacious bathrooms in cool white marble. As with all Taj properties, the newest hotel in their portfolio will provide impeccable service and unparalleled facilities.

www.tajhotels.com

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.

Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts, a leading developer, designer and operator of top-tier hotels, resorts, spas, residences and retail galleries worldwide, announces the opening of new resorts for 2009.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba – March 2009

Mayakoba, an exclusive village-style resort haven, has recently opened on a pristine stretch of land between Playa Del Carmen and Cancun on the Yucatan Peninsula.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba, one of four new resorts, will bring a touch of exotic luxury to the location as the only all pool villa resort in the Maya Riviera. It will blend Mexican flavour and style with Banyan Tree’s renowned Asian influences. The 132 free standing villas all include private pools, outdoor jet-pools, meditation pavilions and spacious poolside terraces. Outdoor spa pavilions line the lagoon and Banyan Tree’s signature Saffron restaurant hovers over a free form pool. Golf enthusiasts will enjoy a game at the Greg Norman-designed championship golf course and beach lovers can soak up the sun on Banyan Tree’s 1km private beach and club.

The resort is surrounded by lush tropical mangroves, natural low jungle, reefs and rich diverse wildlife which will all be protected by Banyan Tree’s conservation efforts. Each area of the resort will be seamlessly connected by the natural freshwater canals and lagoons and visitors will be transported by thatched roof boats.

For those wanting to explore, the Riviera Maya offers the world’s second largest coral reef, shimmering beaches, lush jungles and ancient ruins. Key attractions for those interested to learn more about the native culture and natural landscape include archaeological treasures and Mayan Civilisation ruins such as Tulum, Coba & Chichen Itza (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

www.banyantree.com

Banyan Tree Cabo Marques, Acapulco – (June – August 2009)

Perched atop a dramatic cliff that cascades into the Pacific Ocean, this all- pool villa resort is the first of its kind in Acapulco. The hotel will comprise striking villas boasting an eclectic union of modern design and indigenous influences with floor to ceiling windows that showcase the awe-inspiring vistas from the cliff top retreat.

Each villa will include private swimming pools bordered by flourishing landscaped gardens and timber sundecks. It will also boast an award winning Banyan Tree Spa complex, three restaurants, a bar, a banquet hall and four meeting rooms.

A private beach sits at the foot of the cliff top resort and guests can enjoy breathtaking sunsets over the Acapulco Bay before catapulting themselves into adventure activities like deep sea fishing, kayaking and whale watching in the Pacific Ocean.

www.banyantree.com

Angsana Hotel & Suites Dubai (April - June 2009)

Angsana Hotels and Resorts is poised to bring its refreshing blend of Asian hospitality with a touch of contemporary chic to the bustling city of Dubai. This new property will add a boost of 417 residential suites and 364 hotel rooms to the dynamic hotel industry in the UAE. Guests will enjoy natural Asian spa treatments from the lofty heights of the 45th floor with spectacular views of the city and Persian Gulf. Two rooftop swimming pools, two outdoor tennis clubs and a Health Club will complete the skyline experience. Angsana Dubai also presents an eclectic mix of restaurants and cuisines - ranging from Indian to Middle Eastern and fusion - to tempt even the most discerning of palates. Dine in Middle Eastern style at Bab al Sharq, or enjoy a relaxing aromatic shisha experience at Nara Lounge. www.angsana.com

Banyan Tree Al Wadi, United Arab Emirates (April – June 2009)

The desert resort Banyan Tree Al Wadi will be situated in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah offering an exclusive dune camp experience. The camp will be nestled in the fertile plains and shimmering blue waters of the Arabian Gulf set against the backdrop of the Al Hajjar Mountains and the rolling dunes of the desert.

The elegant façade of the resort emulates an ancient Arabian fortress leading to 70 pool villas and 31 tented pool villas dotted seamlessly across the landscape. Each villa showcases elaborate Arabic touches of lattice woodwork and intricate carvings and will transport guests to an authentic Arabian desert experience. Ideal for eco-explorers, spa enthusiasts and those just seeking a tranquil and spiritual retreat, the resort will offer adventure activities from dune safaris, camel riding and archery to desert pampering with an extensive spa with hydrothermal circuit, hammam and vitality pool.

For those wanting to explore, the resort is 20 km away from the bustling city of Ras Al Khaimah and 10km from the beach where guests will enjoy the seclusion of a private off shore island for sun, sea and sand.

www.banyantree.com

Banyan Tree Ungasan, Bali (April - June 2009)

Perched 73 metres above sea level on the cliffs of Bali’s southernmost peninsula, Banyan Tree Ungasan will be located near the sacred site of Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple. The resort is designed to offer absolute privacy and seclusion but is just 20 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport and the thriving beaches of Kuta, Seminyak and Sanur. The resort’s location offers unrestricted panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and a pristine white-sand beach sits at the foot of the cliff top resort.

The new property will boast 73 spacious pool villas all set in their own lush landscaped garden with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean and will be complemented by the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa offering guests an extensive range of natural holistic massages, beauty and body treatments.

Guests will be able to take their pick from three restaurants. The Ju-Ma-Na restaurant, which means ‘white pearl’ in Arabic, overlooking the Indian Ocean, will offer a selection of international and Indonesian dishes. Tamarind, set in the tranquil surroundings of the Banyan Tree Spa will serve a variety of light organic dishes and Bamboo; the all day dining restaurant will present popular international and local specialties.

www.banyantree.com

Launching Its First Asia Dedicated Brochure

NOVEMBER 2008: QANTAS HOLIDAYS (Tel 020 8222 9124 www.qantasholidays.co.uk) to date most closely identified for its comprehensive holiday options to Australia and New Zealand supported by an extensive range of stopovers, has produced its first Asia dedicated brochure featuring Thailand, Vietnam & Cambodia, Singapore, Bali & Lombok, Malaysia, Hong Kong & China, Japan and India.

The Asia brochure opens with several multi-centre holiday ideas, demonstrating the colourful options this continent has to offer. This section is ideal for the independent traveller seeking ideas and inspiration as each itinerary is totally flexible and has been designed as a template that can be changed depending on individual requirements.

The brochure, which is also available to download on-line from the website, offers something for everyone – beach getaways, cultural experiences, action & adventure and sheer pampering & indulgence – all within a wide range of budget options, from best value to luxury.

Commenting on the new brochure, Esther Ward, Qantas Holidays’ market development manager, says:” Historically we have promoted Asia only as a stopover destination for our Australia and New Zealand itineraries, but over the years our product range has increased to such an extent that an individual brochure was the natural next step allowing us to present our customers with an extensive range of exciting options, considerable availability, great prices and special offers.

“With over 30 years experience, and being one of the world’s largest tour operators, we are able to use our knowledge and buying power to great effect, passing on great savings to our customers, offering them not only an excellent service and great choice, but also value for money.”

MULTI-CENTRE HOLIDAY IDEAS INCLUDE:

SINGAPORE & MALAYSIA DISCOVERY – 11-night Singapore/Langkawi itinerary from £769.
Highlights include a one day “Footsteps of Raffles” tour tracing Singapore’s development as an international trading centre and Langkawi island hopping, whilst activities include snorkelling, scuba diving, wildlife spotting and shopping.

DISCOVER THE CHARMS OF THAILAND & VIETNAM – 14-night Bangkok/Hua Hin/Hanoi / Halong Bay itinerary from £965.
Highlights include a tour of the Bangkok Grand Palace home to one of the Wonders of the World - the Temple of the Emerald Buddha; a visit to Ho Chi Minh’s residence; a wide range of pampering spa and world class golfing options; a water puppet performance and an overnight cruise on a wooden junk.

For travellers wishing to create a totally bespoke itinerary, the brochure goes on to provide detailed information, country by country, providing touring and accommodation options for cities and regions alike.

THAILAND is comprehensively covered in this programme with 26 pages devoted to must see destinations as well as off the beaten track options located within the “Hidden Gems of Thailand” section. Accommodation highlights include:

KAMALAYA, KOH SAMUI: a deluxe, yet affordable luxury resort located on a secluded part of the island offering an impressive selection of wellness packages.
THE ALEENTA RESORT, PHANG NGA: this stylish hideaway is the ideal choice for travellers seeking a romantic escape option.
DE NAGA, CHIANG MAI: this new, contemporary hotel in northern Thailand provides excellent value for money.
CHANDRARA RESORT & SPA, PHUKET: an intimate, secluded boutique resort overlooking the waters of Por Bay on the north east coast.
MERLIN BEACH RESORT: ideal for families, facilities include a kids’ club and a small secluded beach close to Patong.

The 12-night SPIRIT OF THAILAND itinerary is priced from£579 and features Bangkok, Chang Mai and Koh Samui.

BALI & LOMBOK offers visitors an extensive range of hotel and resort options whilst activities include white water rafting, volcano tours, reef cruising and pure pampering. Accommodation highlights include:

CONRAD BALI RESORT & SPA: set in secluded gardens on a lagoon, this contemporary retreat boasts amazing spa facilities.
PITA MAHA RESORT & SPA: this hideaway haven located in the hills of Ubud is ideal for travellers wanting an authentic Balinese experience.

VIETNAM is showcased in the 21-day VIETNAM GRAND EXPERIENCE itinerary priced from £1,413 which starts in Ho Chi Minh City and ends three weeks later in Hanoi. Meanwhile for travellers wishing to go further covering VIETNAM & CAMBODIA one option is the small, personally escorted 14-day two-centre group tour highlighting the best of both countries. This trip starts in Phnom Penh and ends in Hanoi and is priced from £1,755.

MALAYSIA - all the country’s key destinations are featured including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi and Borneo. A holiday suggestion of note is the three-night, four-star LAZE IN LANGKAWI package featuring the Berjaya Beach Resort & Spa from £159.

HONG KONG – great offers include “pay for three, stay for four nights” at the Hotel Jen; buy one get one free Hong Kong Island tour and from the renowned Peninsula hotel a HK$300 gift certificate for spa
treatment between May and September.

CHINA can best be explored on a 10-day BEST OF CHINA tour that travels from Beijing to Shanghai and covering all the key sights. Prices start from £1,368.

JAPAN can best be explored on a eight-day JAPANESE JOURNEY tour which includes Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Hakone and Kyoto and is priced from £1,250.

INDIA – touring highlights include the 16-day FORTS & PALACES OF RAJASTHAN tour which includes 10 different cities incorporating the Taj Mahal, Amber Fort and lakes of Udaipur and costs £1,575.

PRICES above include accommodation, meals as specified in each itinerary and transfers. They are exclusive of international flights.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s Meet East package is available at all 11 of the group’s Asian properties from Jan. 1 to May 31, 2009. The package offers:

for 15 or more rooms, special group room rates for each hotel and an upgrade for one room plus VIP recognition and amenities; for 30 or more rooms, an upgrade for one room to a suite; for a meeting of 15 or more people, a special daily meeting package rate, inclusive of the meeting venue, one lunch and two coffee breaks per day with healthy menu options, meeting amenities and technical equipment, benefits including complimentary one-hour daily Internet usage in designated venue and special site inspection rates.

 www.mandarinoriental.com/at_your_service/meetings_and_conferences/meet_east.aspx

or contact the hotels’ meeting consultants directly.

For more information, visit www.mandarinoriental.com

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s Meet East package is available at all 11 of the group’s Asian properties from Jan. 1 to May 31, 2009.

The package offers great value, including complimentary upgrades for delegates. Creative solutions to meeting requirements include complete technological support, gourmet menus with healthy options, innovative meeting spaces and world-class spas for unwinding at the end of the day. Each hotel provides dedicated and knowledgeable event planners to offer support and organizational assistance.

For 15 or more rooms: Special group room rates for each hotel, an upgrade for one room plus VIP recognition and amenities. For 30 or more rooms: An upgrade for one room to a suite (subject to availability). For a meeting of 15 or more people: Special daily meeting package rate inclusive of meeting venue with one lunch and two coffee breaks per day with healthy menu options; meeting amenities and technical equipment; exclusive benefits including complimentary one-hour daily Internet usage in designated venue; and special site inspection rates.

 For more information, visit www.mandarinoriental.com/at_your_service/meetings_and_conferences/meet_east.aspx

 or contact individual hotel meeting consultants directly. For more information on Mandarin Oriental, visit www.mandarinoriental.com

Certified organic therapies, Live Kelp Rituals, a partnership with a renowned men’s grooming establishment, yoga to the sound of Café del Mar and ‘Martini & Manicure’ hedonistic getaways - the launch of Karma Spas by Karma Resorts worldwide represents the next generation in holistic travel and spa culture.

Opening first in Bali followed by Thailand, India and beyond, all Karma Resorts will house a Karma Spa wellness facility. The distinction? Treatments will be more like soulful encounters than your average rubdown. Karma Bodyworker’s, for instance, are being trained by local healers and will receive up to Level 2 Reiki initiation. Karma’s commitment to local and sustainable ingredients will be revealed through a boutique collection of spa products reflecting each of Karma’s destinations around the globe. Most significantly, by the third quarter of 2009, every Karma Spa will be a chemical-free environment inclusive of organic linens & uniforms, amenities and cleaning fluids.

“Karma Spas represents the entire wellness sector of Karma Resorts worldwide,” says John Spence, Chairman of Karma Resorts. “We combine all that one would expect to find at a top 5 star Asian spa, along with many things one would not; such as health and fitness programs led by international sports people, star make-up artists to celebrity healers. Our focus is to deliver holistic and transformative experiences to our guests.”

Opening this December, Karma Spa at Karma Kandara in Bali, is a cluster of cliff hanging Spa Shacks and Healing Huts overlooking the Indian ocean. Its centerpiece, an infrared glass-walled sauna, built on the edge of the cliff will make the ultimate hangover cure. Come sundown, core strength yoga sessions will be offered at the roof top Temple Lounge. Alternatively, guests can splurge on world-class oxygen facials. In keeping with its laid-back ‘Bali meets Mykonos’ atmosphere, guests have the opportunity to indulge in the epic ‘Karma Rubdown’ in beach cabanas. Experiences include sessions by Reiki masters while by night, regenerate in a warmed saltwater sanctuary under a star-filled sky.

Karma Spa has also partnered with well-known London men’s lifestyle salon Gentlemen’s Tonic (www.gentlemenstonic.com) to open South East Asia’s first male dedicated grooming emporium. Originally founded in the heart of Mayfair, London, Gentlemen’s Tonic is a unique establishment affording the modern man a traditional barbershop and a variety of grooming and lifestyle services. With an understated, self-confident philosophy, each visit will be an opportunity for clients to experience the highest level of dedicated care and attention. Gentlemen’s Tonic will be located within the grounds of Karma Resorts, Jimbaran Bay in Bali and is expected to open in early 2009.

Retreats are also integral to Karma Spas. Launching on December 1st is Karma Kandara’s 4-night/5 day ‘Martini & Manicure Retreats’ tailored to those who seek a getaway with a group of girlfriends or someone special that is both healthy and decadent. Sleep in luxurious pool villa accommodations and embark on five lush days of spa therapies, sculpting work-out sessions, rejuvenating breakfasts and detox juices, combined with in-villa martini spa nights and pure pampering. Yoga & Pilates sessions are held at 11am, allowing for sleep-ins and there is plenty of time to relax, shop and experience the beauty of Bali.

Retreats include:
4 nights/5 days luxury villa accommodation
Transfers
Daily healthy breakfasts
Daily detox juices
1 x dinner at di marre
1 x lunch at Namos
In-villa ‘Martini & Manicure’ spa night
1 x Intraceuticals Oxygen Facial
1 x Infrared Sauna Detox Ritual
1 x 1-hour Intuitive Balinese Massage
Daily yoga or pilates sessions
Complimentary gym facilities

Karma Spa is an initiative of Karma Resorts group, which includes Karma Jimbaran, and the recently opened Karma Kandara in Bali. Future properties include Karma Agung in Bali and Karma Margaret River in Western Australia. Karma Resorts is a member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World Group.

www.karmaresorts.com

Karma Samui resort is situated in a tranquil cove, sweeping straight up from the golden sands and turquoise sea of a secluded tropical beach. The resort’s internationally renowned Padma restaurant overlooks the resort’s main pool and now adds a fabulous deck overlooking the Gulf of Thailand to further enhance one of the most amazing settings in the world for cocktails, dinner and music under the stars.

The broad, wooden deck juts out over the beach and is shaded by an enormous tree. Guests can recline on comfortable sun-beds under individual canopies, or sit at the bench that runs across the deck’s frontage on bar-stools, taking in the panoramic view and watching local fisherman hauling in their catch. Tables are set for the ultimate in al fresco dining experiences for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The opening of Padma Deck corresponds with Karma Samui’s Christmas program. It all begins on Christmas Eve with a Deckside cocktail party hosted by the resort management. It is an opportunity to meet the Karma Samui team and be served canapés and cocktails whilst being entertained by live music and a special performance by children from the local school. All in the most idyllic setting imaginable.

On Christmas Day, all guests are invited to join special guest Santa at Padma for a traditional Christmas lunch, Karma Samui style with a special menu designed by Executive Chef Stefano Leone. After lunch, guests are encouraged to relax at Padma and enjoy the afternoon with live music, great food and drinks.

Stefano joined Padma as Executive Chef in August of 2007. His new menu demonstrates a contemporary Mediterranean Tuscan influence, with dishes such as Roasted leg of lamb in parchment paper on ciabatta bread with oven roasted tomato, Tuscan olives, shaved red onions and fresh mint, fennel salad. The menu also has an extensive contemporary Thai element with dishes such as Ped Thod salad - crispy duck, pumpkin and caramelized plum salad with toasted walnuts and young watercress.

The Padma Deck is the venue of Karma Samui’s special Boxing Day wine tasting. Chef Stefano has prepared some delicious menu pairings to accompany the selection of wines. There will also be a blind wine tasting.

On the evening of the 27th of December, the Karma team prepares a gourmet Karma Samui Mediterranean beach BBQ under the stars. Available for groups up to 10 people. Traditional Thai floating candles will be lit after dinner.

On the evening of the 28th, guests can experience the modern Thai or Fresh Market cuisine on the Deck. Fresh seafood is available from the Raw Bar as well as a tasting menu.

December 29th heralds a unique dining experience as Karma presents Regions of Thailand, where guests are taken on a culinary journey through Thailand, all in the comfort of Padma restaurant. Food and beverages specific to the four corners of the country are presented, guaranteeing a truly unforgettable Thai experience. The meal is accompanied by traditional Thai dance.

A quintessential Karma Samui experience is the in-villa BBQ, where Karma’s chef’s come to the guest’s villa to prepare an authentic Thai BBQ meal. Karma also offers personal Thai cooking classes, complete with a trip to the market with the Chef to learn about and buy the freshest of local ingredients.

The Deck at Padma will be the venue for this year’s New Years Eve extravaganza. The evening begins with Mango Bellini’s around the pool before a spectacular six-course dinner is served. After dinner the party really gets going with international dj’s ensuring the beats are kept pumping and the New Year is greeted in absolute style. Padma invites guests to a traditional New Year’s Day brunch to kick start the new year.

Every day Karma Samui’s complimentary kids club offers a full range of activities. Karma Samui also provides a nanny service upon request.

The Karma Samui Christmas program also features daily happy hours, cocktail classes, and a host of Island activities. Guided tours can be arranged of Koh Samui’s various unique attractions including the spectacular waterfalls, elephant trekking, boat trips to Anthong National Park and more.

Karma Samui is part of Karma Resorts group, which includes Karma Jimbaran, and the recently opened Karma Kandara in Bali. Future properties include Karma Agung in Bali and Karma Margaret River in Western Australia. Karma Resorts is a member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World Group.

www.karmaresorts.com

From Spain to Sri Lanka, Italy to Indonesia, BAILEY ROBINSON (tel 01488 689 700 www.baileyrobinson.com) has handpicked over 170 of the world’s most opulent, lavish and indulgent properties for inclusion in their 2009 LUXURY RESORTS brochure.

Quite simply this portfolio of properties has been selected to offer discerning travellers the best the world has to offer – all the featured resorts are based in stunning locations offering the divine combination of breathtaking views, impeccable service, great architecture and interior design and mouth watering cuisine, not to mention a wide range of activities, health and beauty treatments.

The properties spotlighted below have been selected either because they are brand new products for 2008 or because they are new additions to this Luxury Resorts brochure. The per person price guide below, valid until 30th September 2009, is based on seven nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis with international economy flights and transfers, unless otherwise stated.

EUROPE: Italy, Sardinia, France, Spain/Mallorca/Canaries, Portugal/Madeira, Cyprus, Greece/Santorini/Crete

ITALY - Vigilius Mountain Resort : This year round destination - snow in winter, sunshine in summer - is Bailey Robinson’s first European mountain resort selected for its stunning location, excellent food, environmentally friendly design and extensive range of activities. £1,125.
ITALY - Relais San Maurizio: One of Italy’s hidden treasures, this charming property and former Franciscan monastery boasts a splendid wine cellar, superb cuisine, truffle hunting and the award-winning Caudalie® Spa famed for its Vinotherapie products. £985.
FRANCE - Le Couvent de Minimes Hotel & Spa: This new property and former monastery, located in the lavender rich hills of Provence, marries beautiful accommodation and fantastic food – its gourmet restaurant Le Cloître is overseen by acclaimed chef Philippe Guerin - with a world class spa which is also Europe’s first L’Occitane Spa. £1,125.
SPAIN - Read’s Hotel & Spa: A former manor house, this family owned boutique hotel is considered one of Mallorca’s finest properties. The restaurant is Michelin-starred with cookery courses available, whilst the newly opened Vespasian Spa is a tranquil sanctuary. £870.
GREECE – Eagles Palace: This Halkidiki situated property is ideal for families offering a glorious sandy beach, a selection of restaurants and bars as well as providing great value for money – the ideal blend of ancient Greek history and contemporary luxury. £690.

NORTH AFRICA & ARABIA: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Oman, Dubai

OMAN – Al Bustan Palace: This famous beachfront property is set to re-open its doors in November following a multi million pound refurbishment. Guests will encounter history, culture, lavish opulence, excellent dining, relaxation and activities galore. £2,950
EGYPT – Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh: An ideal Red Sea destination for families offering excellent facilities and an impressive range of activities including dancing and handicraft lessons for children and all within a value for money price. £895.
MOROCCO – Angsana Riad Si Said: Located in the heart of Marrakech’s Medina, this property offers a level of opulence befitting royalty, a perfect haven to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Facilities include a cooling pool and traditional oriental steam bath. £742 for four nights.

INDIAN OCEAN: Seychelles, Mauritius, Maldives, Sri Lanka

SEYCHELLES – Banyan Lagoon 1: This stunning new catamaran offers Banyan Tree Mahé guests (maximum four) an exciting way of exploring the region’s hidden, uninhabited islands with a little help from a full complement of staff, personal sea host and skipper. £950 three nights full board sailing, based on four people sharing two cabins. Flights are not included.
MAURITIUS – Anahita The Resort: This brand new property will appeal to golfers and families alike. Facilities include a challenging 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course designed by South African golfer Ernie Els, a professionally managed kids club and a great selection of restaurants. £2,100, based on four people sharing.
MALDIVES – Stay at Banyan Tree Maldives Maldivaru and sail on Banyan Velaa: This new “camp & sail” option combines accommodation in Maldives’ only tented villas resort with sailing in superior comfort on a stunning yacht built in the style of a traditional Turkish gulet. £5,365 full board and £585 for three nights full board sailing.
MALDIVES – W Retreat & Spa: Outdoor and indoor living combine perfectly on this beautiful island as peekaboo roofs offer glimpses of the Maldivian sky, glass panelled floors expose the marine life and floor to ceiling glass windows slide open to reveal wraparound verandahs. £2,605.
SRI LANKA – Ceylon Tea Trails: Built for British tea estate managers in the days of the Raj, the four colonial plantation houses offer commanding views of an area rich in dramatic ravines, cascading waterfalls and breathtaking mountains. £1,970 per person, full board.

CARIBBEAN & LATIN AMERICA: Barbados, Bahamas, Anguilla, Antigua, British Virgin Islands, St.Martin, St.Kitts & Nevis, St.Lucia, The Grenadines, Grenada, Turks & Caicos, St.Barths, Mexico, Brazil

BRAZIL – Kiaroa: Ideal for activity seekers, this property is set in an ecological sanctuary in north east Brazil and offers visitors access to the Atlantic Forest, one of the world’s most biodiverse areas, as well as a coral reef teeming with marine life. £2,135 half board.
MEXICO – Rosewood Mayakoba: This new contemporary property sits on a two kilometre long white sandy beach on the edge of the Mayan forests facing the Caribbean Sea. This is an easy destination to twin with others in Latin America, the United States or the Caribbean. £2,365.
GRENADA – Mount Cinnamon: This new Peter De Savary hotel/villa venture boasts a hilltop location overlooking world renowned Grand Anse Beach. When not indulging in the Moi Spa visitors can kayak, snorkel and Hobie Cat sail. £1,895.
ANGUILLA – Cuisinart Resort & Spa: This property is located on a perfect three kilometre stretch of white sandy beach surrounded by lush tropical gardens and its own organic herb and vegetable garden. Unique experiences include hands on lunches where guests pick their own produce before settling back to relax and wait for lunch. £1,995.
ST. LUCIA – Discovery At Marigot Bay: Overlooking the bay described by James A. Mitchener as “the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean”, this is a contemporary resort that boasts a rich and varied maritime history. £1,350.

SOUTH EAST ASIA: Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia/Bali/Bintan/Lombok

INDONESIA – Banyan Tree Bintan: Under an hour by catamaran from Singapore, Banyan Tree Bintan is a collection of private villas epitomising tropical luxury. Ideal for families and couples, the island boasts world class cuisine, the excellent Banyan Tree Spa, tennis courts and a Greg Norman designed 18-hole championship golf course. £1,450 room only.
INDONESIA – The Kayumanis Collection: Consisting of small private estates in three locations across Indonesia in Nusa Dua, Ubud and Jimbaran, these properties come with their own private butlers. Surprisingly the height of luxury comes with a modest price tag - £1,525, £1,550 and £2,120 respectively.
INDONESIA – Spa Village Resort Tembok Bali: Since opening late last year this property has proved to be a popular choice for visitors seeking to embrace a relaxing, rejuvenating lifestyle and for those looking for a greater insight into the island’s unique healing traditions there is the Spa Village Academy inspired by a 75-year-old Balinese healer from the nearby village of Tembok. £1,430 full board with daily massage.

AUSTRALASIA & SOUTH PACIFIC: Australia, Fiji, French Polynesia

AUSTRALIA – Southern Ocean Lodge: This new resort on Kangaroo Island in South Australia has been hailed as Australia’s first true luxury resort akin to the super lodges of New Zealand. This is the place to spot native wildlife when not being indulged and pampered. £4,450 full board.
FRENCH POLYNESIA – Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora: This new addition to Four Seasons’ acclaimed portfolio is the epitome of chic island living, accommodation options are split between over water and beach front bungalows whose architecture is locally inspired. £3,725 room only.
FIJI – Vatuele Island Resort: With Six Senses this year taking over the management, it is expected that luxury, service and indulgence will reach new heights at this barefoot luxury resort. £3,785 all inclusive.
FRENCH POLYNESIA – Nomade Yachting Bora Bora: new for 2008, this is simply the most indulgent way to explore the Society Islands, having no fixed schedule but maintaining the highest levels of luxury that include Philippe Stark bathrooms and Kenzo amenities. £5,930 full board.