Jetsettersblog

With A New Celebratory 35th Anniversary CD Rom

Award winning luxury tour operator ITC Classics is delighted to unveil its Platinum Collection 2009, but not quite as you know it.

A NEW APPROACH FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
To launch the Platinum Collection into the 21st Century and to commemorate International Travel Connections’ 35th Anniversary in 2009, the Platinum Collection will first be launched to ITC Classics’ clients as an interactive CD-Rom, featuring ITC Classics’ best selling luxury hotels and holidays from around the world. ITC Classics prides itself on offering exceptional, wholly bespoke holiday experiences which are exclusively commissioned for their clients.

However, this will not be replacing the “coffee-table” style brochure which will be printed early in 2009.

Jennifer Atkinson, Chief Operations Officer comments, “ITC Classics is continually striving to exceed customer expectations at every level. The Platinum Collection 2009 in CD-Rom format will be another first for ITC Classics and is something clients have been requesting. It includes a selection of tempting ideas and activities available at different resorts that the ITC Classics concierge team would be more than happy to organise.”

A SAFE PAIR OF HANDS

ITC Classics operates within the Civil Aviation Authority guidelines and is a bonded member of the regulatory bodies ATOL and ABTA, ensuring full financial protection.

We operate under a strict code of conduct, ensuring that not only are we responsible for each and every supplier involved in every package we sell but also that our service to our clients – from booking to travel arrangements to our after-sales service - is strictly regulated. So to travel with ITC Classics is to enjoy complete peace of mind.

HIGHTLIGHTS FROM THE 2009 PLATINUM COLLECTION

Six Senses Hideaway Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam

Accessible only by boat, the site of the Six Senses Hideaway on dramatic Ninh Van Bay is quite unique, taking full advantage of its secluded setting. Impressive rock formations, a curve of white sand beach, a playful stream and towering mountains behind, all add to the sense of being luxuriously at one with nature.

ITC Classics (01244 355 527; www.itcclassics.co.uk)  offers 7 nights in a Garden View Villa with breakfast including transfers and return flights with Singapore Airlines from £1,505pp based on two sharing.

The Nam Hai, Vietnam

Located on a secluded 1km stretch of the celebrated China Beach near the ancient port of Hoi An, the award-winning Nam Hai is a luxury resort comprising 60 One Bedroom Villas and 40 Pool Villas. Managed by GHM Hotels, The Nam Hai is no ordinary beachfront getaway. This is a benchmark setting for sybarites in search of real class. Sprawled across 35 hectares, this splendid spa resort opened in December 2006.

ITC Classics (01244 355 527; www.itcclassics.co.uk) offers 7 nights in a One Bedroom Villa with breakfast including transfers and return flights with Singapore Airlines from £2,120pp based on two sharing.

Shanti Ananda Maurice, Mauritius

Located in the south of Mauritius, Shanti Ananda is spread over 36 acres of tropical gardens offering stunning views over the Indian Ocean. The perfect escape for total rejuvenation, this enchanting resort boasts a luxury 50,000 sq ft spa with 17 treatment rooms, surrounded by water to soothe the soul. Dining comes in all different styles, from Spa cuisine, based on the 5,000 year old medical science of Ayurveda, to Pebbles Restaurant serving International cuisine in a relaxed setting.

ITC Classics (01244 355 527; www.itcclassics.co.uk)  offers 7 nights in a Junior Suite Ocean View with breakfast including transfers and return flights with British Airways from £2,579pp based on two sharing.

Hermitage Bay, Antigua

Hermitage Bay is Antigua’s newest luxury boutique resort. Tucked away beside a secluded white sand beach, this all-inclusive property offers 25 Cottage Suites with an intimate and private atmosphere. Guests can watch the sunset from their bathtub, cool off in the crystal clear waters surrounding the resort or indulge in one of the many treatments offered in the spa.

ITC Classics (01244 355 527; www.itcclassics.co.uk)  offers 7 nights in a Beach Cottage Suite on an All Inclusive basis including transfers and return flights with British Airways from £2,270pp based on two sharing.

FURTHER EXCITING ADDITIONS
• The Beach House at Manafaru, Maldives
• Naladhu, Maldives
• Diva Resort & Spa, Maldives
• Baros, Maldives
• Sultans Way, Maldives
• Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor, Cambodia
• Amansara, Cambodia
• Six Senses Hideaway Can Doa, Vietnam
• Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort, Vietnam
• Atlantis, Dubai
• Al Bustan Palace, Muscat
• Ritz Carlton Doha
• Kempinski Soma Bay, Egypt
• Soneva Kiri, Thailand
• La Plantacion, Tenerife

BETTER THAN A BUTLER

ITC Classics has gone one step further in offering their clients the ultimate bespoke holiday experience. ITC Classics’ Concierge is a highly trained team offering a five star service and the best insider knowledge of luxury hotels and destinations. Just a phone call away, they are on hand to ensure every single moment of a guest’s holiday is unforgettable, from swimming with dolphins, to private planes and Christmas trees in suites nothing is too big or too small.

The Concierge team offer a wholly bespoke, gift wrapped service which is 100% tailor-made to suit the wishes of their clients.

To request a copy of the Platinum Collection CD-ROM or for further information please contact ITC Classics (01244 355527; www.itcclassics.co.uk

New for 2009, Elite Vacations has combined its Indian Ocean and Middle East and Africa brochures to offer one new 100-page brochure. Commenting on the decision, Elite Vacations’ Managing Director, Peter Jackson* said, “With such a high proportion of our sales tailor-made and many of them two centres, it has become logical to have a one-stop-shop brochure. We are delighted that this streamlining process has also greatly reduced our carbon footprint.”

As in 2008, the new combined brochure is supported by a smaller-format dedicated 44-page Seychelles brochure** which offers greater detail on the operator’s leading destination.

In the combined brochure the UAE continues to dominate the Middle East programme: 13 properties in DUBAI now including the NEW Atlantis the Palm plus a selection of the emerging Emirates with hotels in AJMAN, RAS AL KHAIMAH and FUJAIRAH.

• LEAD IN for Dubai: Five nights b&b at the 5 star Hyatt Regency Dubai costs from £845pp including return flights with Emirates from Heathrow and private transfers. Regional departures available.

In OMAN, Elite’s private car cultural tour the ‘Oman Adventure’ takes in Muscat, Al Sawadi, Nizwa and Sur, with options to extend in Musandam and Salalah. The choice of hotels in Muscat includes the long awaited re-opening of the newly refurbished Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat.

• NEW: The 5 star Al Bustan Palace InterContinental Muscat costs from £1329 per person for five nights, including return flights with Oman Air, private transfers and b&b accommodation.

The operator’s JORDAN programme is similar to 2008 with the popular ‘Jordan Discovery Tour’ visiting Amman, Jerash and Petra and options to further extend in Petra, Dead Sea or Aqaba (Red Sea).

Elite has devoted a full page of its brochure to Middle East two-centre arrangements of ten to 12 nights. Dubai is linked with Muscat, Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles and Sri Lanka.

• NEW: A 12 night two-centre of Sri Lanka and Dubai leads in for £1595pp including flights with Emirates from Heathrow, eight nights’ b&b at the Taj Exotica in Columbo, Sri Lanka and four nights’ b&b at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai plus private transfers.

For the SEYCHELLES, the operator is offering a total of 45 properties in 2009. Following their success in 2008, the number of Seychelles Secrets - small hotels, guesthouses and self-catering accommodation has been doubled. All these can be found in the dedicated Seychelles brochure, but a selection are in the main brochure along with hotels on the main islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, plus private island resorts including Bird, Denis and the newly refurbished Ste Anne Resort and Spa. A page on recommended island hopping itineraries demonstrates how product can be tailored to accommodate specific requirements.

• LEAD IN for Seychelles in 2009: £899pp for five nights’ b&b at Lazare Picault on Mahé including return flights with Air Seychelles from Heathrow and private transfers. Extra night from £30pp.

• UPGRADED: Five nights at the newly reopened 5 star Beachcomber Ste Anne Resort and Spa costs from £2169pp including return flights with Air Seychelles from Heathrow, private transfers, and half board accommodation in a Villa Beau Sejour

In MAURITIUS, Elite Vacations offers 25 properties including four NEW hotels, Sugar Beach, La Pirogue, Les Pavilions (recently upgraded) and The Grand Mauritian which opened in 2008.

• LEAD IN: Five nights at Bois d’Oiseaux near Trou aux Biches costs from £899 per person where four people share a two-bedroom self-catering apartment

• NEW: Seven nights’ half board at the 4 star La Pirogue in Flic en Flac costs from £1625 per person including return flights with Air Mauritius from Heathrow and private transfers

Elite Vacations is offering 13 properties in the MALDIVES with the new 5 star Diva Maldives resort on Ari Atoll making its debut.
• NEW: Seven nights’ half board in a junior suite at the 5 star DIVA Maldives costs from £2239 per person including return flights with Sri Lankan Airlines from London Heathrow and transfers.

In SRI LANKA, the programme remains largely unchanged with a seven night Sri Lanka Discovery Tour taking in Colombo, Kandalama, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya plus a choice of three beach hotels.

• LEAD IN: Seven b&b nights at the 5 star Taj Exotica in Bentota costs from £1109 per person including return flights with Sri Lankan Airlines from Heathrow and transfers

In MADAGASCAR, there is a seven night Madagascar Adventure Tour plus three beach hotels for extended stays. Also available are options of two-centre holidays with Mauritius or with an East African safari using the new Kenya Airways service from Nairobi.

• LEAD IN: A seven night Madagascar Adventure costs from £2598pp including return flights with Kenya Airways via Nairobi, transfers and full board accommodation (half board in Tana)

In 2009, Elite Vacations offers a choice of four 4 x 4 safaris in EAST AFRICA plus a choice of seven beach hotels in MOMBASA and ZANZIBAR

• LEAD IN: Seven half-board nights at the 4 star superior Ocean Paradise Resort in Zanzibar costs from £1098 per person including return flights with Kenya Airways from Heathrow via Nairobi and transfers.

WEDDINGS AND HONEYMOONS – Growth in 2008 has prompted Elite to expand the brochure coverage on weddings and honeymoons. The Gift Voucher scheme has proved very popular with honeymooners for reducing their overall cost or for upgrades.

TWO CENTRES - There is a greater emphasis on two centre options this year, and there are a further two pages suggesting popular African and Indian Ocean twin-centres, although different hotels and durations are also available.

SPA - The overall spa offering has been extended in response to the popularity of these properties in 2008, and two pages set out some of the most popular spas featured across a range of destination, and the treatments and products offered in each.

Peter Jackson**, Managing Direction of Elite Vacations, commented, “We continue to offer a cross section of product to appeal to most budgets. Our policy of treating all clients the same, however, means that no matter what the holiday cost our clients receive complimentary lounge passes at the UK airports and private transfers in resort.

Both Elite Vacations’ 2009 brochures are supported by the website www.elitevacations.com  which has been updated to offer greater choice and in many cases, more detailed information and further images.

• All prices are unconditionally guaranteed at the time of booking and include scheduled flights, airport lounge pass and private transfers (where appropriate).

• Contact: Elite Vacations 01707-371000; www.elitevacations.com
**Elite Vacations’ 2009 Seychelles brochure is currently the only one dedicated to the destination available in the market place this year

THE REGENT MALDIVES FACT SHEET The Regent Maldives is surrounded by white-sand beaches, lush vegetation and the wonders of nature in Thaa Atoll. The island compromises 50 individual beach and over-water accommodations, rich with natural wood, stone and indigenous materials that reflect the flavour of the Maldives. This is the place to kick off your shoes and do exactly what you want.

We, at The Regent Maldives are uncompromising in our commitment to quality and to providing luxury for all the senses. Guests become engaged by sincere personal attention and discreet service gestures, which transform their visit to an experience - The Regent Experience.

All accommodations, the most spacious in the Maldives, feature a private landscaped terrace with sun loungers and plunge pool, a semi open bathroom with deep soaking tub and a private exotic outdoor garden shower. High-tech comforts include 42” and 37” LCD televisions in the living and bed rooms, Bose Lifestyle System featuring DVD/CD player with iPod docking station, a N’espresso coffee machine and a fully stocked private bar. A well-defined work area features wired and wireless high-speed Internet access.

14 Beach Pavilions (265sqm) and 9 Beach Villas (310sqm)

Facing the azure lagoon, the stand-alone beach pavilions and villas are spacious and surrounded by lush tropical gardens with a private plunge pool and a covered day bed. Featuring a foyer, spacious living and dining areas including a comfortable sofa bed and tasteful teak furniture.

The beach villas offer more space with a separate bedroom while the smaller pavilions have the bedroom adjoining the living area. The bedroom overlooks the lagoon and features a four-poster bed, a comfortable sofa and a 37” LCD television. All bedrooms have a dressing room area with extensive hanging space, deep drawers and dressing table. The separate dressing area leads to a large semi open bathroom that is an experience on its own. A deep soaking tub - big enough for two - is an invitation to romantic preludes. The outdoor rainforest shower beneath the sky or alternative indoor shower overlooking the private garden offers a true Maldivian experience.

12 Ocean Pavilions (230sqm) and 13 Ocean Villas (245sqm)
From the private over-water pavilions and villas built on stilts, guests may peer directly below into the waters of the turquoise lagoon and be inspired by the sea life swimming beneath them.

The ocean pavilions and villas are perfectly located for memorable sunrises and romantic sunset’s offering unobstructed views of the Indian Ocean. Out on the water with private sundecks, staircases lead to the turquoise waters offering guests direct access to the lagoon. Adding Maldivian flair to style, each pavilion and villa features endless views.

Outdoor lounging areas have extensive decks for basking in the sun, a covered pool side day bed and outdoor shower. The spacious interior features tasteful living and dining areas, overlooking the plunge pool.

The bedroom, adjacent to the living room has floor-to-ceiling glass and wood doors that slide back to reveal the private deck. The ocean villa’s living area is slightly larger and features a separate and more spacious living room. The semi open bathroom unites the best in architecture and nature. Rejuvenate in a deep soaking tub and experience a sensuous and intimate mood. The outdoor rainforest shower beneath the sky or alternative separate glass-enclosed shower offer a sensuous experience.

2 Ocean Residences (655sqm)

The two-bedroom ocean residences offer one of the finest Maldivian over-water experiences. Located on the North West tip of this island, vistas are unobstructed and inspiring in all directions of the amazing lagoon. Perfect for privacy and relaxation, the residences are overlaid with a sense of peaceful seclusion in tranquil décor. The spacious living room opens onto a furnished deck that is ideal for entertaining or relaxing on the oversize daybed. Ample living space is offered with two bedrooms, dining facilities that seat 8, guest toilet, a library office, and full kitchen. The master bedroom features its own private living area and sun deck. The ocean residences have two full bath suites, each with a separate rain shower and an exotic outdoor shower. For added convenience, the ocean residences offer an option of gym and massage facilities within the residence.

Category Available units Occupancy based on Rates
Beach Pavilion 14 2 adults
Beach Villa 9 2 adults
Ocean Pavilion 12 2 adults
Ocean Villa 13 2 adults
Ocean Residence 2 4 adults

Each category also includes the following features:
• Two satellite LCD televisions
• Bose Lifestyle System featuring DVD/CD player and iPod docking station
• Complimentary high-speed wired and wireless internet access
• Multi-line IDD telephone with voice mail
• Electronic safe
• Fully stocked private bar
• N’espresso coffee machine
• Tea making facility
• Dedicated sun lounges on the beach and deck
• Private veranda
• Private plunge pool
• Covered pool side day bed
• Direct lagoon access
• Spacious semi-open bathroom with dual vanities and indoor and outdoor shower
• Individual climate control for lounge, bedroom and bathroom
• Ceiling fans

Floor plans of each category are available upon request.

The Maldivian Package offers nightly accommodation in a choice of luxury room categories, daily breakfast, and complimentary dinner. To make travelers stay even more memorable this package include an exclusive Sunset Fishing Trip and the opportunity to have your freshly caught fish prepared as a tantalizing meal by our creative F&B team (for a small fee).

Rate starts from USD560++ from December 1, 2008 and USD375 ++ from May 1, 2009 for the BeachFront Deluxe Room. Valid until August 31, 2009. Minimum of 7 nights stay is required. Terms & Conditions apply.

Feel the welcoming touch of Sheraton. Because you don’t just stay here. You belong.
Reservations at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is now open, bookings can be made via www.sheraton.com/maldivesfullmoon

About Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa

Re-branded as Sheraton Maldives Full Moon on December 1, 2008, the resort enjoys a premium location on its own private island. Furanafushi in the North Malé Atoll with its pristine white-sand beach is just a short speedboat ride from The Malé International Airport.

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

TVNZ Breakfast show reporter Matt McLean wasn’t too happy about having a python wrapped around his neck and another snake on his head at Penang’s Snake Temple, but he braved it all in the name of television.

TVNZ, along with three other journalists, have just returned from a 10 day trip to Malaysia taking in the sights, culture and flavours of Penang, the Cameron Highlands and Kuala Lumpur, including an overnight stay at the stunning stately mansion, Carcosa Seri Negara on the outskirts of KL.

Matt also surfed the man made waves at KL’s Sunway Lagoon Theme Park, sampled tea in the Cameron Highlands, jungle trekked in the footsteps of the famous Jim Thompson who disappeared in 1967 from Moonlight Cottage in the Highlands and braved the heat to climb 272 steps up to the Batu Caves. And of course Matt managed to find some spare time to go shopping at a couple of the massive malls!

The Breakfast show will air 4 x travel segments over the next month or so, with stories also appearing on yahoo’s travel section, House of Travel’s blog www.tripstar.co.nz and the Herald on Sunday.

“Malaysia is enjoying an increase in New Zealand tourists and this media famil is part of an on-going marketing strategy to further increase awareness about the destination with the New Zealand market,” says Simon Bracken, Tourism Malaysia Marketing Manager, Sydney.

For more information access: www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my

This Christmas, for the first time ever, Snow White and Christmas Tree will be playing to enthralled audiences in the Maldives as guests staying at the new Iru Fushi Beach & Spa Resort can take part in underwater adventures to discover the secrets of the aptly-named festive dive sites.

The daily snorkelling treasure hunts around the house reefs are just one of the activities to be found in the festive programme. Christmas is a time for the whole family to have fun together and those staying at Iru Fushi will not be disappointed. On Christmas Eve, swapping a sleigh for a Dhoni boat, Santa will arrive to deliver a stocking to every child. Whilst for adults, there is a grand gala dinner followed by a Christmas cocktail party at the Water’s Edge.

Festive celebrations continue on Christmas Day and Boxing Day with gourmet dining throughout and the chance to sample a Maldivian high tea instead of the usual Boxing Day left over turkey buffet!

At Koamas, Iru Fushi’s dedicated kid’s club, children can enjoy a whole host of activities such as festive face painting, story-telling, wall climbing, treasure hunts and their own personal Christmas party. Little ones can also try their hands at Christmas-themed arts and crafts including candy cane art, collage-making, mural- painting and play dough star-making.

The brand new 180-room Iru Fushi Beach & Spa Resort is the perfect retreat in paradise for both pressured parents and excitable children. Whilst guests can still enjoy season’s greetings in complete serenity on the immaculate beaches and in the Sun Spa, the resort and its staff haven’t forgotten the things that make Christmas such a special and magical time for families.

Thomson (www.thomson.co.uk  / 0871 231 3235) is offering fourteen nights at Iru Fushi Beach & Spa Resort on a half board basis from £2,230 per adult and £2,060 per child based on two sharing. Departing on 12th December 2008 from Manchester Airport, the price includes return flights, accommodation, seaplane transfers and all taxes and charges.

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

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.