Jetsettersblog

St. Regis hotels in Malaysia

SINGAPORE - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. today announced the introduction of its renowned St. Regis brand to Malaysia, with plans to debut a new property in 2014 in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur will feature 200 lavishly-appointed guest rooms and 200 whole-ownership St. Regis branded Residences as well as world-class dining options and spacious meeting facilities. Owned by ONE IFC Sdn Bhd, The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur will offer an unrivaled dimension of luxury, sophistication and personalized service as part of a premier mixed-used development called ONE IFC in the prestigious Kuala Lumpur Sentral Precinct (KL Sentral).

“We are thrilled with the landmark entry of the St. Regis brand into Malaysia. The sustained demand for luxury accommodations, the legendary personalized service of the St. Regis brand, and the unrivaled location of this hotel in the KL Sentral area will make The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur an extremely attractive choice for travelers coming to this dynamic capital city,” said Mr. Miguel Ko, president for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Asia Pacific. “The growth of international arrivals has remained strong as a result of efforts by the Tourism Authority of Malaysia to promote Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur as a destination for business, leisure and meetings.”

Ideally located at one of the city’s best addresses, The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur is within walking distance of the National Museum and Lake Gardens as well as the KL Sentral railway hub and major commercial areas including KLCC and Bukit Bingtang. Spanning 72 acres, KL Sentral is the largest commercial development in Kuala Lumpur today and is regarded by many as the city’s new Central Business District. The capital and largest city in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is one of the best examples of an Asian city that has managed to preserve the best of its cultural heritage while emerging as one of Asia’s fastest growing centers for trade, commerce, finance, and information technology.

“We are excited to embark on this collaboration with Starwood in bringing a luxurious brand like St. Regis to Kuala Lumpur. We have engaged an exciting team of internationally-reputed experts, whose modern outlook in today’s fast-changing environments and technologies share our commitment in turning this iconic project into a reality,” said Carmen Chua, chief executive officer of ONE IFC Sdn Bhd. “Our commitment to this development represents our dedication, belief and confidence in the future of Kuala Lumpur. This signing ceremony marks another important chapter in the KL Sentral growth prospect and more importantly, a step forward in KL’s transformation into a global city, one that will shape and enhance as well as contribute to the overall growth and success of the country.”

Following in the tradition of the legendary St. Regis New York, The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur will feature the famed hallmarks of St. Regis hotels including luxury accommodations, personalized guest and resident experiences and the iconic St. Regis Butler Service. Trained in the English tradition, the St. Regis butlers provide ever-present, yet unobtrusive service while anticipating guest needs and customizing each guest’s stay according to his or her specific tastes and preferences.

The New York-based architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) has been appointed as the main architect for the ONE IFC development. Founded in 1936, SOM is one of the world’s leading architecture, urban design, engineering, and interior architecture firms with a portfolio that features some of the most important architectural accomplishments of the 20th century.

One of the world’s most intriguing destinations, Kuala Lumpur is a bustling metropolis with everything from gleaming skyscrapers and world-class museums to curbside eateries and traditional night markets. This richly-textured cosmopolitan setting is perfect for the latest addition to the St. Regis portfolio. From Kuala Lumpur to Cairo, Beijing to Buenos Aires, Singapore to Shanghai, St. Regis is committed to designing custom-tailored guest experiences in the best addresses around the world.

The Borneo Jungle Beats its own Drum

The Borneo Jungle will come alive this July 11-13th when tens of thousands of music lovers converge for the Rainforest World Music Festival at the Sarawak Cultural Village in Malaysia.

Held against the magnificent backdrop of Mt Santubong, the festival will feature interactive musical workshops, lectures and jamming sessions during the day, with concerts during the evening. An eclectic mix of 16 bands from around the world are expected to take to the stage performing ethnic music with a range of traditional instruments.

Bands confirmed to perform include Ross Daly Quartet (Greece), Kasai Masai (Congo/UK), Hiroshi Motofuji (Japan), Oikyataan (India), Cholo Valderamma (Colombia), New Rope String Band (UK), Yakande (Gambia/Guinea), Pinikpikan (Philipppines), Adel Salameh (Palestine), Fadomorse (Portugal), Anak Jati Orchestra (Sarawak), Sarawak Cultural Village (Sarawak), and Kani’d (Sarawak).

The festival will give visitors an amazing musical and cultural experience with live music, Malaysian foods, drinks and crafts, all amongst the lush greenery of the Sarawak Cultural Village which is spread across 17 acres at the foothills of Mount Santubong, 35km from Sarawak’s capital Kuching City.

Type of Pass TICKET PRICE
Approximate NZ$

Adult aged 12 years & above

1-Day Pass $37.00
3-Days Pass $100.00

Child aged 3-12 years

1-Day Pass $19.00
3-Days Pass $40.00

The Rainforest World Music Festival is held annually, now in its 11th year, and has won a number of major travel and tourism awards.

For special packages including accommodation, transportation and festival passes visit www.adventureworld.co.nz.

For more on the festival visit the following websites.

www.tourism.govt.my
www.sarawaktourism.com
www.rainforestmusic-borneo.com

Online Course about Malaysia

Categorised into seven modules, the course is specifically designed to help users, be they agents, travellers, travel writers and anyone who is interested in learning more about the fascinating country that Malaysia is.

Director of Tourism Malaysia Sydney, Mr. Shahrin Mokhtar, says the two-hour online course is a quick, easy and convenient way to get acquainted with the widely differing attributes of Malaysia.

“The specific modules provide a comprehensive overview of Malaysia’s history, culture, geography, attractions, nature, events, infrastructure,” says Shahrin.

“This is an effective way to share very useful information, especially with those selling our products, as it not only equips them with the necessary information on Malaysia’s rich background and destinations, but also provides participants a well-rounded sense of what the country offers in terms of activities, events and services.

“The response has been extremely positive; with an average of 600 unique visitors to the site each month and a total of 2,356 users since the course first launched. Journalists are among our most frequent visitors.

“Useful links and tools are also readily available for download and used with articles or presentations when promoting Malaysia. For example, maps of Malaysia and the individual states, images, videos, Power Point presentations, brochures and other sources can all be obtained through the site,” says Shahrin.

To take the course and access all tools available, log on to http://trade.tourism.gov.my/training  Participants who complete the course will receive a certificate and a gift from Tourism Malaysia.

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.

Kids Eat For Free - Malaysia Special

Trips Worldwide’s Malaysian Family Special combines city, jungle and beach, and for those booking by 31st July, for travel between 1st October and 19th December 08, includes complimentary breakfast, plus an extra bonus of free dinners for the kids at the Parkroyal Penang. 14-day holidays depart London daily.

Kick off the adventure with a 2-night stay in the heart of Kualar Lumpur, right opposite the famous Petronas Towers. Leaving the city behind, head for Mutiara Taman Negara Resort, a jungle eco-lodge in Taman Negara National Park. The park’s 130 million-year-old habitat is home to over 600 species of bird, over 100 plant species for every acre, including some of the rarest orchids in the world, and numerous mammals including Tapir and Bear. Activities here include jungle trekking and an opportunity to experience the park’s famous canopy walk; the world’s longest rope bridge at 450 metres. The holiday concludes with a 7-night beachside stay at the Parkroyal Penang on the Malaysian island of Penang. Located on Batu Ferringhi beach, the hotel is popular with families and represents excellent value-for-money. There’s a great choice of eateries ranging from the popular Tiffins Restaurant and Tamarind Brasserie, to the Cool Bananas poolside café – best of all for families, under 12’s get to eat dinner for free!

The holiday costs from £5,040 for a family of 2 adults and 2 children under 12 years, including scheduled flights, transfers, hotel accommodation with breakfast (full board at Mutiara Taman Negara Resort), complimentary dinners at Parkroyal Penang for under 12’s when accompanied by 2 paying adults (1st Oct-19th Dec only) and jungle activities as per itinerary.

Trips Worldwide
0117 311 4400
14 Frederick Place, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1AS
info@tripsworldwide.co.uk
www.tripsworldwide.co.uk

Witness The Eclipse Of The Century In Asia

…Join the BBC Sky at Night team and Terry Pratchett for a unique experience

A limited number of places have just been made available on an exclusive cruise to view the most dramatic total eclipse of the sun to take place this century. The trip has been organised by travel company, Eclipse of the Century, and will commence in Taipei on the 17th July 2009 for nine days (including the Eclipse Day 22nd July). The BBC’s ‘The Sky at Night’ team will be onboard filming the event live.

Demand is expected to be high for the trip due to its unique nature. The cruise element of the holiday will take place on board the Superstar Libra vessel and will include fascinating lectures from experts from ‘The Sky at Night’ programme such as BBC presenter Dr Chris Lintott. What’s more, one of Britain’s best loved authors, the fantasy and science fiction writer Terry Pratchett, will be on board. Prices start from just £1,395 per person*.

Travellers will be able to view this truly ‘once in a lifetime’ experience from the optimum position at sea, approximately 12 nautical miles off the coast of the Japanese island of Yakushima. At the point of greatest eclipse the totality will last for a massive 6.39 minutes – something that won’t happen again until 13 June 2132.

Nine days in total, including five nights at sea, the tour will include a port call to the tropical Japanese island of Okinawa as well as the opportunity to explore the capital of Taiwan, Taipei.

Dr. Lintott comments, “During a total solar eclipse every single second counts. If you sit at your computer and do nothing for a minute it may seem like quite a long time, but with so much to see under totality’s spell, minutes seem like seconds. A total eclipse is an emotional event; falling under the Moon’s shadow is an experience unlike any other, and I’m looking forward to having time to wallow a little next July.”

Because the eclipse will be viewed on board a ship, rather than on land, the totality will be 30 seconds longer than for those who are in Shanghai. As the ship offers easy mobility, coupled with the captain’s expert knowledge and state-of-the-art technology, passengers can be assured of the best possible chance of seeing totality from start to finish

The tour is priced from £1,395 per person (excluding international flights), based on two sharing a cabin/room and will begin in Taipei on 17 June 2009. It includes a day in this fascinating city, before boarding the ship at Keelung Port. The Superstar Libra’s facilities include 2 swimming pools, a fitness centre, a golf driving range, a basketball court, a sun deck, Jacuzzis, three restaurants, numerous bars, a nightclub, a karaoke bar, games rooms, a medical centre, a casino and a beauty salon. The trip finishes back in Taipei on 25 July 2009.

To book you place on this experience visit www.eclipseofthecentury.com  or call 020 7766 5237 (+44 20 7766 5237 if calling from outside the UK), or email info@eclipseofthecentury.com  Places are limited to 1300 in total.

Raffles Hotel Honoured Best Hotel in Asia

For the second consecutive year, Raffles Hotel Singapore was conferred Best Hotel in Asia and presented with the ULTRA - Ultimate Luxury Travel Related Award, at the ceremony held at a
gala luncheon in London, UK on 13 May 2008.

This is another prestigious addition to the mantle of international accolades bestowed on the hotel since it welcomed its first guests through its majestic doors and vaulted interiors 121 years ago. Other recent honours are the inclusion in Robb Report’s Famed List of “Luxury Hotels: The World’s Ultimate City Escapes” for the second time; and Travel + Leisure’s Top 100 World’s Best
Hotels and Top 50 in Asia.

Organised by Ultratravel magazine, the Ultratravel 100 award is the result of a consumer-driven survey that reconciles votes from readers on their favourite travel partners worldwide including leading airlines, resorts, hotels and travel companies in 20 ultimate luxury travel categories.

With over 500,000 in circulation, Ultratravel, published by The Daily Telegraph, is an acclaimed luxury travel publication that is referred to by industry peers and consumers for inspiring travel ideas and solutions.

Receiving this award at the Ultra Awards Gala Luncheon was Mr Robert Logan, General Manager, Raffles Hotel and the hotel’s iconic Doorman, Mr Sarjit Singh. Mr Logan said, “We are most delighted to be included among the top echelons in luxury travel and are deeply honoured to have been selected as the Best Hotel in Asia for two consecutive years. This award is testimony to the passionate pursuit of excellence by each team member who serves with sincerity. While we endeavour to preserve the hotel’s legendary history, we strive to set industry standards with innovative hospitality concepts, creating a home away from home for our residents who come from all corners of the world”.

Mrs Diana-Ee Tan, President, Raffles Hotels and Resorts shared, “Raffles Hotel Singapore represents the hallmark of elegance, refinement and residential charm, and even after a century these attributes continue to endear the hotel to travellers from around the world. We are delighted that readers of Ultratravel magazine have once again voted Raffles Hotel Singapore as the Best Hotel in Asia for the second consecutive year.”

ABOUT RAFFLES HOTEL

Raffles Hotel features 103 elegantly appointed suites, 18 distinctive restaurants and bars, the world-class RafflesAmrita Spa, Raffles Hotel Arcade housing the best in regional specialities and international brand names, including THOS SB Raffles – an incubator shop offering lifestyle
concepts and products as well as a purveyor of fine food and wines, the Raffles Hotel Museum, the Jubilee Hall theatre playhouse, the Raffles Culinary Academy and extensive lush gardens and courtyards.

RAFFLES HOTELS & RESORTS

Raffles is a collection of luxury hotels and resorts worldwide, each distinguished by its luxury, elegance and residential charm. Each hotel is a landmark in its respective city, positioned at the top of its local market and rated among the very best in the world.

Raffles’ relentless pursuit of service excellence has earned for its hotels and resorts a legion of international accolades, including Condé Nast World’s Best Places to Stay and Travel & Leisure World’s Best Awards. Its flagship Raffles Hotel Singapore was voted Best Hotel in Asia by readers of Ultratravel magazine by The Daily Telegraph and Best Luxury Hotel 2007 by Travel Trade Gazette Asia, while Raffles Beijing Hotel was named Best New City Hotel by Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report. Raffles Dubai, the latest addition to its portfolio, is recognised among the world’s best new hotels by Conde Nast Traveler’s Hot List. Raffles Hotels & Resorts is consistently ranked among the world’s top 10 hotel brands in the annual Condé Nast Traveler
Business Travel Awards.

Raffles Hotels & Resorts is owned by Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, a leading global hotel company with 88 hotels worldwide under the Raffles, Fairmont and Swissôtel brands. The company also owns Fairmont and Raffles branded Residences, Estates and luxury private residence club properties. For more information, please visit www.raffles.com

NEW GRAND MILLENNIUM HOTELS

– New first-class, five-star hotel experience from dynamic global hotelier makes its mark in four key Asian destinations –

Millennium Hotels & Resorts announces Grand Millennium, a new brand from the dynamic global hotelier promising a first-class guest experience exuding elegance and luxury with a contemporary touch. Intended for the well-heeled international traveler who is ready for hospitality that’s a cut above, Grand Millennium offers key city and major gateway addresses graced with distinctive design, indulgent amenities and pampering services.

The rollout of the new brand began in October 2007 with the launch of Grand Millennium Sukhumvit Bangkok (325 rooms and suites) and Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur (468 rooms and suites). Two more properties followed early this year: Grand Millennium Dubai (352 rooms and suites) which was re-branded in March 2008, and most recently Grand Millennium Beijing (521 rooms and suites) whose “soft opening” last month anticipates a vibrant presence in plenty of time for the games of the XXIX Olympiad in August.

“We are excited to roll out our new top-of-the-market Grand Millennium brand, which is designed to deliver an all-encompassing luxury hotel experience,” said John Arnett, President and CEO of Millennium Hotels & Resorts. “The new Grand Millennium brand marks another step into the realm of elegance for Millennium Hotels & Resorts, as well as for discerning travelers who are due a guest experience above and beyond what they’ve come to expect.”

So, what to expect of Grand Millennium? Top-of-the-line treatment, services and amenities from check-in to check-out. All hotels in the Grand Millennium portfolio are five-star, and feature distinctive designs such as large-scale atriums, grand lobbies, concept floors and lap-sized swimming pools. Grand Millennium guest rooms are elegantly outfitted for exceptional comfort and high-tech connectivity, with features such as multi-line telephones with data ports, wireless internet connection, pillow-top Millennium bedding by Simmons & Sealy, oversized writing tables, 37-inch LCD televisions, Bose sound systems, and heated towel racks in luxurious bathrooms.

Multiple dining venues at each Grand Millennium address beckon with authentic and wide-ranging international cuisine. Club Lounges with Club Rooms offer smart considerations for business travelers, including dedicated reception areas, business technologies and services, convenient meeting spaces and on-site buffet breakfasts and wet bars. All hotels are outfitted with an abundance of function and event space, as well as in-house event coordinators and catering. And additional facilities such as lifestyle spas, fitness centers, multi-story car parks and even putting greens assure enticements for all.

For more information on the new Grand Millennium brand, or for reservations at any of the existing Grand Millennium properties, please contact 1-866-866-8086 or visit http://www.millenniumhotels.com

Ventura Cruises attracting younger passengers

P&O Cruises has achieved a “breakthrough” in reducing the age profile of passengers with new ship Ventura.

Managing director Nigel Esdale revealed that the average passenger age booked on the 3,6OO-passenger ship in its first season was 44 - ten years younger than the UK cruise market in general and only three years older than Carnival UK’s casual cruise brand Ocean Village.

Esdale attributed the more youthful passenger profile to families with pre-school children booking to cruise outside the school holidays, a “breakthrough” the company had been trying to achieve.

He admitted that the attraction of Noddy on board was a contributing factor to boosting interest among younger parents with toddlers.

Esdale said 45% of passengers booked on the ship this year were new to P&O Cruises and he predicted that the proportion would rise to as much as two thirds over years two and three.

He was speaking on board prior to the formal naming of £3OO million Ventura by Dame Helen Mirren, who admitted to never having been on a cruise before.

But she said she was now considering a cruise for her extended family.

Dame Helen named the ship in a spectaular James Bond-themed ceremony in Southampton last night in front of 1,500 guests.

The keel for a sister ship to Ventura is due to be laid in October in preparation for for the construction process that will see the vessel enter service in 2010.

Free online course about Malaysia

A free online course on Malaysia is rapidly becoming one of the web’s most popular sites among travellers, wholesalers and journalists alike.

Categorised into seven modules, the course is specifically designed to help users, be they agents, travellers, travel writers and anyone who is interested in learning more about the fascinating country that Malaysia is.

Director of Tourism Malaysia Sydney, Mr. Shahrin Mokhtar, says the two-hour online course is a quick, easy and convenient way to get acquainted with the widely differing attributes of Malaysia.

“The specific modules provide a comprehensive overview of Malaysia’s history, culture, geography, attractions, nature, events, infrastructure,” says Shahrin.

“This is an effective way to share very useful information, especially with those selling our products, as it not only equips them with the necessary information on Malaysia’s rich background and destinations, but also provides participants a well-rounded sense of what the country offers in terms of activities, events and services.

“The response has been extremely positive; with an average of 600 unique visitors to the site each month and a total of 2,356 users since the course first launched. Journalists are among our most frequent visitors.

“Useful links and tools are also readily available for download and used with articles or presentations when promoting Malaysia. For example, maps of Malaysia and the individual states, images, videos, Power Point presentations, brochures and other sources can all be obtained through the site,” says Shahrin.

To take the course and access all tools available, log on to http://trade.tourism.gov.my/training  Participants who complete the course will receive a certificate and a gift from Tourism Malaysia.