Jetsettersblog

Luxury accommodation marketing brand, Select Hotels & Resorts International offers sensational package deals this Spring from several Member Properties across Asia-Pacific. See below for packages from a diverse range of Select experiences including the family friendly Couran Cove Island Resort, Queensland, Spring skiers choice Edgewater Resort, Lake Wanaka and Thailand jewel Mom Tri’s Villa Royale, Phuket.

Couran Cove Island Resort, Sth Stradbroke Island, Queensland, Australia
Couran Cove Island Resort, located just 40 minutes by ferry from the Gold Coast mainland, is an idyllic holiday destination where you can find your space… your time… to escape, explore, relax and unwind.

Select Special:
Stay for 3 nights and receive a AU$150 cash-card to spend at the resort.

Package Inclusions:
3 nights accommodation in a Marine Deluxe Room
Full buffet breakfast daily
Return ferry transfers
Daily Bike Hire
AU$150 cash-card to spend

Valued from AUD$555.00 per person/twin share.

Terms and conditions:
Promo valid from 01 April - 26 December 2008 and 05 January - 31 March 2009.
Subject to availability at the time of booking.
AUD$150 cash-card is non-transferable and can not be redeemed for cash

Bookings: www.selecthotels.com or charlotte@selecthotels.com

Edgewater Resort, Lake Wanaka, New Zealand
The days are longer, sunnier and warmer, just perfect for a September ski holiday in Wanaka. Enjoy the spaciousness of our one-bedroom suites for almost a week. Check the snow reports daily from the comfort of your phone and choose where to ski. Not a skier? No problem in Wanaka with its choice of attractions, boating, walks, golf and fun activities.

Select Ski Package

Package includes:
Six night’s accommodation in a one bedroom suite
2 continental breakfasts per day package
Children 12 and under stay FOC when using existing bedding.

Price: NZ$1,600.00 per suite includes GST

Terms and conditions:
Valid until 31 October 2008.
Subject to availability at the time of booking.

Bookings: www.selecthotels.com  or charlotte@selecthotels.com

Mom Tri’s Villa Royale, Phuket, Thailand
The elusive pleasures of traditional Thai calm and elegance are often advertised and rarely found. But cordoned off from the crowds of Phuket is an exception, a true sanctuary of Thai style: Mom Tri’s Villa Royale

Platinum Royale Package

Package includes :
8 days 7 nights Accommodation in our Beach Wing Suite
Airport round trip transfer by a private limousine
A complimentary Villa Royale selection Wine in suite
Daily Royale breakfast
Two Thai set dinner per Guest at Mom Tri’s Kitchen
Two hours of Villa Royale Thai massage per Guest at Mom Tri’s Spa Royale

Price: THB 48,500 (double)

Terms and conditions
Valid until 31 October 2008.
Subject to availability at the time of booking.

Bookings: www.selecthotels.com or charlotte@selecthotels.com

For Media Information:

Kate Gilfillan
kate@davcomm.com.au
+61 (0)2 9907 0020

Celebrate Spring with Select Hotels and book today!

Select Member properties for 2008 are:

AUSTRALIA: Q Station, Sydney; The Observatory Hotel, Sydney, NSW: Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa, Katoomba NSW; Tower Lodge, Hunter Valley, NSW; Kims Beach Hideaway, Toowoon Bay, NSW; Arajilla Retreat, Lord Howe Island, NSW; Meadowlake Lodge, Milton, NSW; Hotel Lindrum, Melbourne, VIC; Select Burnham Beeches, Dandenong Ranges, VIC; Hotel Pension Grimus, Mount Buller, VIC; Kangaroo Island Wilderness Retreat, Kangaroo Island, SA; The Lodge at Tarraleah, Tarraleah, TAS; Couran Cove Island Resort, South Stradbroke Island, QLD; Paradise Bay Eco Escape, Whitsundays, QLD; Lindenwarrah, Milawa; Lindenderry

NEW ZEALAND: Carrington Resort, Karikari Peninsula, Northland; Kourawhero Country Lodge, North Auckland; Mangapapa Petit Hotel, Hawke’s Bay; Select Braemar Lodge and Spa, Hanmer Springs; Grasmere Lodge, Arthur’s Pass; Huntley House, Christchurch; Millbrook Resort, Queenstown; Fiordland Lodge, Te Anau; The Points Villas, Lake Taupo; Queenstown Park Hotel, Queenstown

PACIFIC ISLANDS: Toberua Island Resort, Fiji;

ASIA: Saman Villas, Bentota, Sri Lanka; The Regency Wing of Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka; Mom Tri’s Villa Royale, Phuket, Thailand; Veranda Resort and Spa, Hua Hin, Thailand; Wanakarn Beach Resort & Spa, Phuket, Thailand

CHINA: 88Xintiandi Executive Residences, Shanghai

MIDDLE EAST: Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai, UAE

P&O Cruises has released its 2010 World Voyages program, offering Australian passengers savings of up to 50 per cent on cruises aboard its superliners Arcadia and Aurora as they travel the globe.

During their circumnavigations, the two ships will visit 33 countries and 73 destinations from exotic Mauritius and Sihanoukville, to historic Athens and alluring Christmas Island.

The new World Voyages program offers Australians a choice of 16 line voyages sailing to or from Australian and New Zealand ports, in addition to the full world cruises, with fares starting from $7205* for a 37-night leg from Southampton to Auckland.

The 76,000-tonne Aurora will visit 38 ports in 22 countries on her 104-night Grand Voyage, setting sail from Southampton on January 5, 2010 and heading to the Mediterranean and the Middle East on her way to South East Asia, China and Japan.

The elegant liner will make nine visits to Australian ports on her world voyage, including a maiden call to Geraldton in Western Australia on March 12, 2010.

Meanwhile the child-free Arcadia will include visits to Sydney, Brisbane, Whitsundays and Cairns on her first complete 94-night circumnavigation in 2010, departing Southampton on January 5, 2010 and sailing across the Atlantic to the US and the Pacific before returning through Asia and the Middle East.

The 83,000-tonne, 2000-passenger Arcadia is tailormade for couples, featuring 14 bars, a three-storey West End-style theatre and six restaurants and cafes, including an Asian-fusion restaurant and a fine dining venue created by UK celebrity chef Gary Rhodes.

Double onboard credits are available for full or line voyage bookings made before February 28, 2009, providing spending credits of £250 per person for cruises 35-64 nights long and up to £750 per person for longer cruises.

Line voyages now available include:

• A 39-night voyage on Aurora from Perth to Southampton, departing March 11, 2010, is priced from $8205* per person twin share.

• A 54-night voyage on Aurora from Southampton to Brisbane, departing January 5, 2010, is priced from $11,075* per person twin share

• A 44-night voyage on Arcadia from Southampton to Sydney departing January 10, 2010, is priced from $8565* per person twin share.

• A 48-night voyage on Arcadia from Brisbane to Southampton departing February 26, 2010 priced from $9835* per person twin share

For details of P&O Cruises’ 2010 World Voyages program, see a travel agent, call P&O Cruises on 132 428 or visit www.pocruises.com

*Fares are cruise only, per person in a complete twin cabin and include all main meals and entertainment onboard. Subject to availability, conditions apply.

In conjunction with Children’s Day, Singapore Airlines has begun serving children’s meals with specially designed lunch boxes adorned with highly popular characters from Cartoon Network shows such as PowerPuff Girls and Ben 10. Junior travelers will also be able to take their lunch boxes home with them at the end of their flight.

Available on all flights lasting seven hours or more, the special lunch box contains burgers, chicken nuggets and spaghetti with meatballs, which are available on Singapore Airlines children’s Book-The-Cook program, Yummy. In addition, drinks will be served in an attractive, children-friendly paper cup, also dressed in Cartoon Network livery.

The lunch box is already available on flights leaving Singapore and will be available on flights departing from all other destinations from Nov. 1.

Children will also continue to enjoy the much-loved Cartoon Network giveaways available on all Singapore Airlines flights (with the exception of the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur services). The giveaways, which include activity kits and plush toys, are catered to various age groups. Further enhancing their in-flight experience is the wide range of entertainment options available on the new KrisWorld, Singapore Airlines’ in-flight entertainment system.

This includes the especially dedicated Young Ones section, featuring Cartoon Network shows such as Ben 10, Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends, Hi Hi Puffy Amiyumi and many others. Junior flyers can also tune in to the children’s audio channel and listen to audio stories as well as the latest selection of children’s music, which include albums such as Camp Rock and The Jonas Brothers.

They can also watch the most current children’s movies such as Speed Racer and Kung Fu Panda. In addition, they can enjoy one of the largest games selections in the sky, which include popular games such as Bookworm Deluxe! and Mojo Muncho.

For more information, visit www.singaporeair.com

Orient Lines has revamped its rate structure in response to the current financial crisis. The line’s owner, entrepreneur Wayne Heller, has launched a new Leadership Pricing initiative, with 11-day Europe cruises priced from $1,799 per person, based on double occupancy. “The economy is still in a very, very precarious place,” Heller said.

“This is the time for Orient Lines to take a leadership position in the industry and truly do something that helps consumers. Our new Leadership Pricing translates to savings of up to $5,000 per cabin off brochure rates.” Heller purchased the assets of Orient Lines and is resurrecting the destination specialty line. Under the new rate structure, two 11-day Mediterranean cruises are priced from $1,799 per person, double, reduced from $2,999. Two 16-day Baltic cruise-tours, which include an overnight hotel stay and sightseeing in Berlin, are priced from $2,999 per person, double, reduced from $4,649.

The 11-day Aegean Odyssey departs Port Said, Egypt, on April 29, and visits Cyprus, Rhodes, Antalya, Didim and Kusadasi and Istanbul.

Overnights are scheduled for Cairo and Istanbul. Black Sea Explorer is an 11-day roundtrip from Istanbul departing May 9. Ports of call include Trabzon, Turkey; Batumi, Georgia; Sochi, Russia; Yalta, Sevastopol and Odessa, Ukraine; and Nessebar, Bulgaria.

The round-trip Istanbul voyage includes an overnight aboard ship before departure. The line’s 16-day Great Baltics I and II cruise-tours operate between Dover (London) and Szcezin, Poland, and include a one-night hotel stay and city tour in Berlin. The highlight of the cruise is three full days in St. Petersburg, Russia. Ports of call include Amsterdam; Travemunde (Lubeck), Germany; Copenhagen; Stockholm; Helsinki; Tallinn, Estonia; and Riga, Latvia.

Savings are also offered on fall voyages. The Passage to Rio, departing Nov. 8, 2009, is a 20-day cruise from Barcelona to Rio de Janeiro, priced from $1,799 per person, double. Ports include Malaga and Cadiz (Seville) in Spain; Casablanca and Agadir, Morocco; Lanzarote, Canary Islands; Sao Vicente, Cape Verde Islands; and Salvador de Bahia, Brazil. An overnight is scheduled aboard ship in Rio de Janeiro.

As part of Orient’s Leadership Pricing initiative, the number of air gateways has doubled to 40 in North America. Round-trip economy class air add-on fares to Europe are priced from $695 from the East Coast, $795 from the Midwest and $895 from the West Coast. The maiden voyage of the Marco Polo II is set for April 15. The classic 650-guest Marco Polo II features four open-seating dining venues, six bars, a show lounge, cinema, casino, library and Internet center, card room, fitness center, spa with indoor pool and outdoor swimming pool. Experts from the fields of academia, politics, science and the diplomatic corps will be featured on every voyage.

On longer voyages, gentleman hosts will be along to dance and dine with unescorted female travelers. For more information, call 800-333-7300 or visit www.orientlines.com

Jet Airways is happy to announce a Jet Value Pass - a scheme wherein you can purchase the pass and travel in Club Premiere or in Economy class. This scheme is valid until further notice.

Jet Value Pass in Club Premiere:

No of Coupons Passenger Type Booking Class Base Fare
04 Coupons Adult I USD 1,100
06 Coupons Adult I USD 1,550
08 Coupons Adult I USD 1,950

Jet Value Pass in Economy:

No of Coupons Passenger Type Booking Class Base Fare
04 Coupons Adult U USD 500
06 Coupons Adult U USD 700
08 Coupons Adult U USD 850

Website: www.jetairways.com

Down Under Answers (DUA) has joined with Air New Zealand to offer an exclusive air rebate on vacations to the Cook Islands for travel from now until March 31, 2009.

 “DUA today launched its inaugural Cook Islands Pocket Planner that includes amazing deals with unbeatable savings,” said Down Under Answers President Kirk Demeter.

“The Cook Islands has always been an affordable destination, and with savings up to $800 on a booking, there is nothing stopping clients from enjoying the beauty and charm of the Cook Islands and the warm hospitality of the Cook Islanders.”

The air rebate is simple.

Book a five-, seven-, or 12-night vacation at a participating resort, with flights on Air New Zealand, and qualify for savings. Vacations to the Cook Islands start from as low as $1,359 per person double including airfare, five nights’ accommodation and transfers.

Clients can save up to $800 when booking their next vacation to the Cook Islands by taking advantage of the exclusive air rebate offer.”

For more information about the Cook Islands Pocket Planner, the exclusive rebate offer, and to make reservations, call 800-788-6685 or visit www.duatravel.com

Purchase with MasterCard,

Traveling within the period of 2008/4/1~2008/12/31, purchase with MasterCard on www.evaair.com flights from 20 Asia Pacific cities will enjoy 5% additional exclusive discount.

Traveling within the period of 2008/4/1~2008/12/31, purchase Economy Class flights with MasterCard on www.evaair.com from New York or Los Angeles to Taipei will enjoy 5% additional exclusive discount.

Terms and conditions apply. During promotion period (“Promotion Period”) from 2008/4/1 to 2008/12/31, MasterCard® branded credit cards primary and supplementary cardholders who use MasterCard® branded credit cards (issued by MasterCard Worldwide) at www.evaair.com and satisfy the eligibility requirement are eligible to receive offers provided by EVA Airways Co. To meet the eligibility requirement for program participation, each transaction has to be made in full by a MasterCard® branded credit card. To meet the eligibility requirement for program participation, cardholders must purchase tickets to Taipei, Taiwan or transfer at Taipei, Taiwan to other cities flied by EVA Airways at www.evaair.com during the promotion period and departure from the following countries (cities):

Japan (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sendai, Chitose, Miyazaki, Komatsu)、Korea (Seoul)、Hong Kong、Macau、Singapore、Thailand(Bangkok)、Vietnam (Ho Chi Ming City)、Philippines(Manila)、Cambodia(Phnom Penh)、Indonesia(Djakarta, Bali, Surabaya)、Malaysia(Kuala Lumpur).
To meet the eligibility requirement for program participation, cardholders must purchase Economy Class tickets to Taipei during the promotion period and departure from the following cities in U.S.A:

BR 31/BR 32 from Newark airport of New York,
BR 167/BR 168 from Los Angeles airport and transfer at Osaka,
Internet booking conditions:

This benefit is limited for e-ticket on internet booking except class H and R.
This benefit only applies to tickets booked through internet booking system for the itinerary provided in this program and departing within the designated period. Tax (including airport tax、security check tax fuel tax) is not included for this benefit.
This benefit can not be combined with other promotion.
Other terms and conditions provided by EVA Airways should apply.

Oberoi Hotels & Resorts for the first time is extending its popular Exotic Vacations package to include the peak season time frame of Oct. 1 to 31 and Nov. 16 to Dec. 19, 2008.

The “Oberoi Exotic Vacations” package offers a great opportunity to experience some of the best hotels in the world and enjoy exceptional value. Priced at $4,194 for a six-night stay and $2,796 for a four-night stay, the package includes accommodation for two persons, breakfast and dinner daily and return transfer from the nearest airport or railway station.

Valid from Oct. 1 to 31 and Nov. 16 to Dec. 19, 2008, this package is available at The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra; The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur; The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur and The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambhore (the package is priced at $4,644 for a six-night stay and $3,096 for a four-night stay in a Luxury Tent). Booked independently of the package the room tariff for a night’s stay for two persons starts from $656.

For more information or reservations, call 800-562-3764 or visit www.oberoihotels.com

Building on established expedition voyages to the Antarctic, Australia’s Kimberley and Papua New Guinea, Orion Expedition Cruises’ 2009-2010 Calendar of Sailings adds three inaugural Voyages of Discovery to the islands of Asia, a visit to Norfolk Island and new sub-Antarctic island wildlife expeditions.

Brand new for 2009 are Orion’s Spice Islands, Gulf of Siam and Vietnam Explorer expeditions to Asia. Depending on the chosen voyage these nine-, 10- and 11-night itineraries, available in September and October 2009, include Bali plus expeditions to the exotic coasts and islands of Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam (including an optional side trip to Angkor Wat in Cambodia).

Departing late October 2009 is a 10-night cruise between Bali and Cairns. This Forgotten Islands expedition will feature the island of Komodo, famous for its dragons, Maluku, Yamdena Island and Thursday Island in the Torres Strait before arriving in Cairns.

In 2009 dedicated Sub-Antarctic Wildlife Adventure expeditions are planned focusing on the extraordinary wildlife found on the islands of World Heritage Macquarie, Campbell, Auckland and Snares Islands and New Zealand fjordlands. Ten voyages between May and September 2009 feature the highlights of the Kimberley coast including the Opera Under the Stars voyage (a one-off voyage on Aug. 21, 2009 that includes a night at the Opera in Broome as a guest of Orion) and a Guide to the Southern Skies voyage.

This 11-night voyage from Darwin to Broome will have a special astronomical focus when Professors Fred Watson, astronomer in charge of the Anglo Australian observatory at Coonabarabran, and David Malin, astronomical photographer, writer and lecturer, reveal the ancient legends and modern science of the universe to Orion’s guests.

Also available will be the seven-night Art of Arnhem Land Voyage, the 19-night Norfolk and Melanesian Islands Discovery voyage, the five-night North Queensland Tropical Reefs and Culture voyage, or the six-night Great Barrier Reef voyage.

For more information, visit www.orioncruises.com.au

Silversea’s 2009 Voyage Atlases Now Available Silversea Cruises has published its new full-color, 120-page Voyage Atlas for 2009, a visually captivating brochure with a focus on luxury and exotic destinations for its four all-suite ships, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper, and the company’s new expedition ship, Prince Albert II.

Now available in print and online at www.silversea.com, the comprehensive guide contains over 130 imaginative itineraries offered aboard the line’s classic fleet as well as 26 exciting expeditions set for the Prince Albert II. The 2009 schedule features all seven continents, over 80 countries, and more than 300 distinct destinations.

The new Atlas opens with an easy-to-read, voyage-by-voyage summary followed by a section revealing the hallmarks of Silversea’s unique luxury lifestyle. The balance of the brochure provides detailed worldwide cruise itineraries by region, including highlights of shore excursions, descriptions of land programs, deck plans, savings programs and general information.

“Our new Voyage Atlas provides a window into an exclusive world where easygoing luxury, exploration and discovery blend together to create the most enriching travel experience,” said Steve Odell, Silversea’s Senior vice president of Asia Pacific. “For our guests, luxury travel is a lifestyle of countless indulgences — from the serenity of breakfast on a private veranda or a soothing body wrap and massage, to an exciting adventure by Zodiac craft to discover an isolated culture. With Silversea, the possibilities are endless.”

GRAND PACIFIC VOYAGE

A highlight of Silversea’s 2009 season is the company’s first-ever Grand Pacific Voyage, a 92-day extended odyssey timed to coincide with prime regional seasons of the Pacific Ocean. Departing Los Angeles on March 7, 2009, Silver Shadow will follow the mild trade winds of spring as they dry the skies south of the equator, find northern Japan’s cherry blossoms in full bloom, and arrive in Alaska as the region awakens from its winter slumber with warmer, longer days. On this epic journey, guests will visit 45 ports, 15 countries and two hemispheres, enjoying overnight stays in Bora Bora, Sydney, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong and Tokyo.

In addition to the US$2,000 per suite onboard spending credit, other special amenities available to guests sailing the full voyage include complimentary hotel accommodations in Los Angeles on the eve of departure, plus transfer and baggage handling between airport, hotel and ship. Fares start at US$53,453 per person, based on double occupancy.

FRENCH POLYNESIA

Also on next year’s schedule is an enticing collection of expedition cruises to French Polynesia aboard Prince Albert II, which will be deployed in Papeete from mid-March to late October 2009. These new itineraries will feature the less-traveled regions of Polynesia ranging from the southernmost Austral Islands to the sprawling Tuamotu Archipelago and the northernmost Marquesas Islands. Other South Pacific voyages of Prince Albert II will include such off-the-beaten-path destinations as the Cook Islands, Tonga, Fiji, Pitcairn Islands and mysterious Easter Island.

In keeping with the company’s commitment to promote the use of environmentally responsible products, the Atlas is printed on paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The brochure displays the FSC’s “Mixed Sources” label, certifying the paper comes from well-managed forests, controlled sources and/or recycled material.

Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard four intimate vessels, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, and Silver Whisper, all designed to offer an atmosphere of all inclusive conviviality and casual elegance. With the addition of the regal expedition ship Prince Albert II in 2008, the company’s itineraries encompass all seven continents.

Silversea Cruises has recently announced major dry-dock refurbishments are planned for its 296-guest sister ships Silver Cloud and Silver Wind to bring their interiors in line with the style of its newest ship, the 540-guest Silver Spirit (scheduled for delivery in December 2009). For Silver Wind , the month-long refurbishment will take place in November 2008 and Silver Cloud’s in May 2009.

For the past four consecutive years Silversea has been named Best Cruise Line by readers of Australia’s Luxury Travel and Style magazine. For nine consecutive years, Silversea has been named “Number One Small Ship Line” in the Readers’ Choice survey conducted by Conde Nast Traveler magazine in the USA and in 2007 was the only cruise line named in the UK edition of Condé Nast Traveller’s “Top 100 Luxury Travel Experiences” at the same time topping the Small Cruise Line award for the eighth time. Silversea has been selected as “World’s Best Small Ship Line” in the US Travel + Leisure readers’ poll for the past seven years, and “Best Luxury Cruise Operator” twice in the TravelWeekly Asia Industry Awards, 2007 and 2008.