Jetsettersblog

There are over 110 worldwide resorts with overwater bungalows and water villas, and now there’s an online guide to every one of them.

The Overwater Bungalows Guide has the details for each hotel in an easy-to-scan format so visitors can quickly determine which resort suits them best when looking to book the trip of a lifetime.

The most famous examples are the overwater bungalows in Bora Bora and the water villas in the Maldives, but there are increasing numbers of these resorts in the Caribbean and in the tropics of Asia including Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines.

The site – www.overwaterbungalows.net  - soft-launched in July, 2011, and among its more popular features is a photo-heavy article about the world’s largest overwater bungalow, by far, which is a 15,000 sq ft (1400 m²) water villa at a resort in the Maldives that goes for US$15,000 per night in high season.

The Overwater Bungalows Guide also features news updates of new resorts being planned or opening, including the much anticipated overwater bungalows coming in 2012 to the Sandals Grande St. Lucia.

Interest in overwater hotels is surging lately, partly due to a 3-episode arc of the Kardashian’s during their stay at the Bora Bora Hilton Nui Resort in April 2011.

There are currently just over 4,500 overwater rooms in the world, almost two thirds of which are at the 60-plus private-island resorts in the Maldives, and many new resorts are being planned and will be opening in years to come.

The Overwater Bungalows Guide will be the best source of information for all of it.

Cebu Pacific has announced a bargain seat-sale with tickets at just CNY 228 for Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai flights to Manila as the Philippines’ largest national flag carrier targets China as a key growth market.

Expansion responds to a 30% growth in mainland China passengers in the 3rd quarter of 2011 compared to the same period in 2010.

Manila-Beijing flights will increase from three to four times weekly from 7 January 2012. The airline is also flying thrice weekly to Guangzhou and daily to Shanghai.
The new seat-sale offers tickets between Manila and Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai at CNY 288 from 1 – 30 December 2011, continuing in the New Year from 01 January – 31 March 2012.

Aboard daily Manila-Taipei flights, tickets are down to TWD 1,328 in December and TWD 1,048 for the first three months of 2012.

Tickets are also discounted for connecting domestic flights to Dumaguete and Cebu.

“China is the next growth area for CEB,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.

“Additional connectivity between our two countries will only benefit tourism and trade. The Philippines is the nearest tropical destination to China, evident in the influx of tourists to Boracay and our top beach getaways.

“A lot of enterprises in the Philippines also source materials in China, so there is a lot of potential for growth as we take delivery of more planes.”

Greater China operations extend to 6 daily flights to Hong Kong from Manila, Clark and Cebu, and 11 weekly flights to Macau from Manila and Clark.

More information is at www.cebupacificair.com, http://weibo.com/cebupacific or http://funtours.cebupacificair.com (for Fun Tours packages). For inquiries on group bookings, visit groupbookings@cebupacificair.com .

CEB currently operates 10 Airbus A319, 16 Airbus A320 and 8 ATR-72 500 aircraft. By the end of 2011, CEB will be operating a fleet of 37 aircraft – with an average age of less than 3.5 years – one of the most modern aircraft fleets in the world. Between 2012 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will take delivery of 23 Airbus A320 and 30 Airbus A321neo aircraft orders with 2 Airbus A320s aircraft on lease.

About Cebu Air Inc. (PSE: CEB)
Cebu Air Inc. is the largest carrier in the Philippine air transportation industry, offering its low-cost services to more destinations and routes with higher flight frequency within the Philippines than any other airline.

More information is at www.cebupacificair.com,  http://weibo.com/cebupacific or http://funtours.cebupacificair.com  (for Fun Tours packages). Inquiries on group bookings can also be made to groupbookings@cebupacificair.com

In the beginning was the word, and the word was Hotel. Then it changed to Five-Star Hotel.Then Boutique Hotel. And then in a quantum leap it metamorphosed to Villa .

For the first time ever, The Asia Villa Guide provides the holidaymaker with a comprehensive and independent review of the leading luxury private villas in Indonesia, Sri Lanka andThailand.

Produced and launched by The Villa Guide, the online independent villa experts, this first edition takes searching for that perfect villa to a whole new level.

Listed by country anddestination, over 230 villas ranging from heritage properties in Sri Lanka, billionaire’s pads in Phuket, spa retreats in Bali, to beach hangouts in Lombok have been given a rating andplaced in a one of four collections.The book is built on the belief that once you try a villa you will never look at a hotel again, akin to moving from economy to business class but without the price tag!

To discover a taste of villa luxury and to celebrate the launch of The Asia Villa Guide,100 free nights are being given away.

The competition opens on 1 October 2011, with two stays drawn each week over a fifteen week period from 28 October 2011.To enter the competition all you have to do is visit www.thevillaguide.com/100nights.

The Asia Villa Guide is retailing at S$27.95 (US$23.00) and can be found at most bookstores or online at www.theasiavillaguide.com.

About The Villa Guide

The Villa Guide, previously known as Private Homes & Villas, inspects and reviews over 200 villas ayear across Asia from Sri Lanka, Thailand to Indonesia (specifically Bali and Lombok).

Founded by Jon Stonham, (who originally co-founded asiahotels.com), it is a completely independent websitewhich helps guests select the right villa to meet their needs, tried and tested by seasoned villa expertswho have slept in the beds, sampled the food and been served by the staff. It tells it as it sees it sothat customers get exactly what they are expecting with no hidden surprises. Behind the words, TheVilla Guide has developed a sophisticated customer service booking platform to show which villa isavailable and when.

For more information visit: www.thevillaguide.com

Experience Oktoberfest 2011 on October 20 to 23, 2011 at Sofitel Manila!
MANILA, PHILIPPINES, — Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila Hotel, the only French luxury hotel in Manila, together with the German Club Manila, presents the 73rd Oktoberfest Manila on October 20 to 23, 2011. This is the second time for Sofitel Manila to host this very famous event held annually in Germany. The event is expected to showcase the “Munich” style beer festival that will definitely bring on the beers, bratwursts and Bavarian spirit. The Oktoberfest in Manila is considered as the only authentic Bavarian festival in the Philippines, thus, featuring a celebration of traditions, entertainment, and Bavarian food and beverage that displays classic German folk festivals.

To mark the 201st year of the Oktoberfest, Sofitel Manila houses the event in its spectacular Harbor Garden Tent with a breathtaking natural resort setting to take the Oktoberfest 2011 to greater heights. The Harbor Garden Tent will be decorated in the Bavarian colors, white and blue. Authentic Oktoberfest tables and benches will also be set up to provide a festive beer garden setting. You can also expect ladies in dirndls and gents in lederhosen going around the tent-turned-Oktoberfest village to add to the “Munich” inspired Oktoberfest celebration. Bavarian delights will also be served such as fresh roasted pork knuckles, roasted calf, laugen rolls, grilled sausages and mouth-watering pastries, paired with refreshing, ice cold beer free flowing for everyone. For a more wonderful celebration, The Bavarian Sound Express, well-known from previous Oktoberfests in Manila, will keep guests singing and dancing all night long.

Oktoberfest 2011 will start from 6pm until midnight on October 20 to 22, and from 10:30am to 2pm on October 23, which is Family Day, where inflatable bouncing castles, magicians, face painters and other fun games will delight the young and old alike during Sunday Brunch. For guests celebrating the Oktoberfest, there are special overnight accommodation rates offered on these dates.

For ticket inquiries, please call the German Club Manila at (632) 817.3552 and 818.3552 or email at germanclub@germanclub.ph . For room reservations, please call (632) 551.5555 exts. 1991 to 1994 or email at room.reservations@sofitelmanila.com . Moreover, Oktoberfest 2011 merchandise and goodies will be on sale at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila’s grand lobby on October 10 to 23, 2011.

For more information about Oktoberfest 2011 at Sofitel Manila, please visit http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=100989193344083.

To discover Sofitel Manila, you may visit the official website at http://www.sofitelmanila.com.

Sofitel, World Class Hotels & French Elegance

Sofitel is the only French luxury hotel brand with a presence on five continents with 130 addresses, in more than 50 countries. Sofitel offers contemporary hotels and resorts adapted to today’s more demanding and more versatile consumers who expect and appreciate beauty, quality and excellence. Whether situated in the heart of a major city like Paris, London, New York or Beijing, or nestled away in a country landscape in Morocco, Egypt, Fiji Islands or Thailand, each Sofitel property offers a genuine experience of the French “art de vivre”.

About Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila

Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila Hotel, a unique 5 star luxury hotel in Manila with a resort setting close to Mall of Asia, Manila Ocean Park, Intramuros, US Embassy, PICC, and major tourist spots in the Philippines. Sofitel 5-star accommodation includes 609 rooms and suites boasting of balconies and spectacular views of world famous Manila Bay sunsets.

Sofitel Manila will resume operations on October 10, 2011.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES– Sofitel Philippine Plaza will resume operations on October 10, following the aftermath of typhoon Pedring last September 27.

“This opening date was determined based on the pre-condition that Sofitel’s standards of quality, safety and security will be 100-percent achieved,” said Sofitel Philippine Plaza General Manager Goran Aleks.

The hotel will be open for business on October 10 and will be operational for guest rooms, Club Millesime, banqueting and events, and its famous pool facility will likewise be open. Outlets on the Plaza level such as Le Spa, SoFit, The Zen Institute, Philippe Tordjman Le Salon and Gymboree are scheduled to open in the first few weeks of November. Spiral will be reconceived and in the meantime, breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served at Snaps Sports Bar, Sunset Bar and Le Bar.

As for the widely popular Spiral restaurant, Aleks said, “Spiral has been an iconic dining destination in the market since it opened in 2006. This now gives us the chance to offer the next generation an even more exciting dining experience, employing the latest concepts, styles and techniques. Plans are currently underway for its design and construction and it is expected to be launched in the first half of 2012.

“We are very grateful that all our guests and all Sofitel ambassadors remained safe and well throughout this difficult period. The Sofitel team was truly united in attending to every detail. We look forward to the opportunity of restoring affected areas of the hotel and emerging at an even higher level than before for the benefit of all our cherished and discerning guests,” Aleks said in closing.

To like Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in Facebook, please visit http://www.facebook.com/SofitelManila 

To discover more about Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, please visit http://www.sofitel.com/6308 

About Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila

Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila Hotel is a unique 5 star luxury hotel in Manila with a resort setting close to Mall of Asia, Manila Ocean Park, Intramuros, US Embassy, PICC, and major tourist spots in the Philippines. Sofitel 5-star accommodation includes 609 rooms and suites boasting of balconies and spectacular views of world famous Manila Bay sunsets.

Sofitel, World Class Hotels & French Elegance

Sofitel is the only French luxury hotel brand with a presence on five continents with 120 addresses, in more than 40 countries. Sofitel offers contemporary hotels and resorts adapted to today’s more demanding and more versatile consumers who expect and appreciate beauty, quality and excellence. Whether situated in the heart of a major city like Paris, London, New York or Beijing, or nestled away in a country landscape in Morocco, Egypt, Fiji Islands or Thailand, each Sofitel property offers a genuine experience of the French “art de vivre”.

About Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila

Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila Hotel, a unique 5 star luxury hotel in Manila with a resort setting close to Mall of Asia, Manila Ocean Park, Intramuros, US Embassy, PICC, and major tourist spots in the Philippines. Sofitel 5-star accommodation includes 609 rooms and suites boasting of balconies and spectacular views of world famous Manila Bay sunsets.

Sofitel Luxury Hotels has created a Resort Experience offer to entice holidaymakers to its most indulgent resort addresses – in both beach and bright light locations – across Asia and the Pacific this season.

Sofitel is offering guests who book to stay for three consecutive nights at selected resorts a US100 hotel credit to make their stay even more enjoyable.

The credit can be spent on any number of hotel services, including divine day spa treatments, cocktails by the pool or afternoon drinks at the hotel bar, room service or gourmet restaurant dining.

Accor A|Club members who take advantage of the Sofitel Resort Experience offer will also receive Triple A|Club points on all expenses during their stay, exclusive of the hotel credit.

Sofitel has an extensive selection of 18 different ‘dream’ resort destinations to choose from including Queenstown, Fiji and French Polynesia through to Manila and Macau. Various resort addresses are also available across China, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia.

Featured resorts include:

Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa resort – from AUD118 per night

Sofitel Centara Grand Hua Hin – from AUD154 per night

Sofitel Philippine Plaza – from AUD201 per night

Sofitel Shanghai Sheshan – from AUD128 per night

Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa – from AUD293per night

Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa – from AUD341 per night

Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort – from AUD451 per night

Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort & Private Island – from AUD362 per night

Sofitel’s Resort Experience offer is valid for bookings until the 28th of October and for stays from the 1st of September until the 31st of October 2011, at participating resorts.

For more information, or to make an online reservation, please visit www.sofitel.com  or call Terms and conditions apply.

Now largest Philippine carrier to Macau, with most flights to Hong Kong

The Philippines’ largest national flag carrier, Cebu Pacific (PSE:CEB) offers seats as low as HKD 180 / MOP 98 from Hong Kong and Macau to the Philippines in a seat sale from August 2 to 4, 2011 or until seats last, for travel from October 1 to December 14, 2011.

CEB is the largest Philippine carrier operating to and from Macau, and the 7th largest airline in terms of weekly seat capacity, according to an anna.aero article last July 27, 2011. Anna.aero is a weekly e-journal and website on the latest global airport and airline route news.

CEB also operates the most number of flights from Hong Kong to the Philippines, with four daily flights to Manila, and daily flights each to Cebu and Clark.

To highlight CEB’s route network and connectivity from these top two tourist destinations to the Philippines, the airline offers the following lowest fares: HKD 100 from Hong Kong to Clark, MOP 98 from Macau to Clark, HKD 180 from Hong Kong to Manila and Cebu, and MOP 188 from Macau to Manila.

It also lowers its fares from Taipei to Manila as low as TWD 688.

“CEB offers passengers the most options and the lowest airfares to the Philippines’ top beach and leisure destinations. Business travelers can opt for same-day returns, while leisure travelers can choose among the most convenient routes and flight schedules,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.

“We encourage guests to check out Philippine destinations such as Boracay, Puerto Princesa, Vigan, Coron and Davao when mapping out their itineraries. After all, CEB’s trademark lowest fares allow them to spend less on their fare and spend more at their destinations,” she added.

Passengers with check-in luggage may avail of prepaid baggage allowance, for travel savings as much as 63% on domestic and 72% on international flights. The seat sale fare is exclusive of government tax and fuel surcharge.

For more information, guests can go to www.cebupacificair.com , http://weibo.com/cebupacific or http://funtours.cebupacificair.com  (for Fun Tours packages). Inquiries on group bookings can also be made to groupbookings@cebupacificair.com .

CEB currently operates 10 Airbus A319, 15 Airbus A320 and 8 ATR-72 500 aircraft. By the end of 2011, CEB will be operating a fleet of 37 aircraft – with an average age of less than 3.5 years – one of the most modern aircraft fleets in the world. Between 2012 and 2021, Cebu Pacific will take delivery of 23 Airbus A320 and 30 Airbus A321neo aircraft orders, and 2 Airbus A320 aircraft on operating lease agreements.

About Cebu Air Inc. (PSE: CEB)

Cebu Air Inc. is the largest carrier in the Philippine air transportation industry, offering its low-cost services to more destinations and routes with higher flight frequency within the Philippines than any other airline.

After exhausting the usual beach trips and tour itineraries, travelers can quench their thirst for more adventure via the Philippines’ largest carrier and low-fare pioneer, Cebu Pacific (CEB).

One of Asia’s fastest growing airlines, CEB offers fares as low as CNY 308 from mainland China, HKD 278 from Hong Kong and MOP 109 from Macau to the Philippines, allowing more people to discover all the exciting thrills that await them.

Philippine Daredevil Spots

Fly to the southern tip of Luzon via CEB’s thrice daily flights to Naga, and go to Asia’s first world-class watersports complex, the Camsur Watersports Complex (CWC).

The country’s biggest water park, CWC is a six-hectare complex that is fully equipped for all sorts of watersports action. Due to its six-point cable ski system for wakeboarding and waterskiing, its skate park with a six-feet half pipe and other sports facilities, CWC has been dubbed “the best cable ski park in the world” by Wake Magazine.

Moving even further down to Mindanao, one reaches Siargao, where CEB is the only airline with twice weekly direct flights from Cebu. The teardrop-shaped island has a laidback vibe that complements the height and power of its gigantic waves. Surfers from every corner of the globe can be seen here, paddling out to catch the powerful waves of the famous Cloud 9 reef break.

For those looking for a more terrestrial local thrill, try hiking the grandfather of Philippine mountains, the 9,692-feet Mt. Apo. For those who have the endurance, going uphill alone takes one to two days, but the view is worth it. Just book one of CEB’s six daily flights to Davao and get ready to rough it up all the way to the top.

Apart from these, CEB’s flight routes take travelers to other exciting adventures.

Swim up close and personal with the gentle giant whale sharks of Donsol via CEB’s thrice daily flights to Legazpi. Go whitewater rafting in Cagayan de Oro or mountain biking along the country’s longest bridge, the 2.16 kilometers San Juanico bridge from Tacloban.

Get prepped for a wild ride aboard all-terrain vehicles and go sand boarding along the La Paz Sand Dunes of Ilocos Norte, where CEB flies daily to Laoag. Meanwhile, go for some thresher shark-sighting in Malapascua island, via CEB’s 12 times daily flights to Cebu.

Extreme Asia

More one-of-a-kind thrills await the adventurous in top Asian destinations. Fly to Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia via CEB’s thrice weekly flights from Manila, and dare to conquer all 13,435 feet of the mighty Mt. Kinabalu, home of Malaysia’s first world heritage called the Kinabalu Park. Unravel a world of botanical and biological splendor atop this mountain, such as seeing the world’s largest single flower, the Rafflesia, and get an up close rare sighting of the Proboscis monkeys.

Speaking of heights, feel the power of gravity with Singapore’s G-Max Reverse Bungee, BX-5 Xtreme Swing, SKI360 cable-ski and mountain bike trails, via CEB’s four times daily flights from Manila, and daily flights from Cebu or Clark. Or go on a sightseeing whirlwind in Sentosa Island, where the Universal Studios Singapore is located. The Singapore Flyer also provides that ultimate adrenaline rush for extreme adventure aficionados from around the world.

Broaden the adventure horizon by planning these extreme adventure trips, and come home all toughened up and feeling ready to face & embrace life’s other challenges.

The number one airline in the Philippines, CEB flies to Manila daily from Shanghai, and thrice weekly from Beijing and Guangzhou. CEB also operates seven times daily flights from Hong Kong to Cebu, Clark and Manila, as well as daily flights from Macau to Manila and four times weekly flights from Macau to Clark. Book CEB’s trademark lowest fares now through www.cebupacificair.com or http://funtours.cebupacificair.com or visit your nearest travel agents.

About Cebu Air Inc. (PSE: CEB)

Cebu Air Inc. is the largest carrier in the Philippine air transportation industry, offering its low-cost services to more destinations and routes with higher flight frequency within the Philippines than any other airline.

Exotissimo has unveiled an alluring selection of new and exotic destinations in their portfolio of places to visit. Meeting a demand for adventurous and exploratory retreats, the latest tours in Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar offer a relaxing break with hints of exciting activity.

Leading Destination Management Company, Exotissimo Travel, has faced a recent challenge to supply tours in response to an increased demand for exotic, unfamiliar destinations. Working with their in house teams and building new tours from extensive ‘on the ground’ research, they have supplied a selection of mysterious and appealing vacation options. Exo recently announced 3 fantastic emerging destinations. These are Phong Nha Caves in Vietnam, Viengaxay in Northern Laos and the Myeik archipelago in Myanmar.

Phong Nha Caves are a truly fascinating find and need to be seen to be believed. They are still a largely undiscovered area and Exo can now offer the opportunity to take guests into the mouth of these mystical tunnels. Come face to face with giant stalactites and stalagmites, then stare into the entrance of a cave that still nobody knows how far it reaches.

Maeve Nolan, Product Manager for Exotissimo Vietnam said, “The Phong Nha Cave region is an area of both outstanding beauty and intrigue. The cave system is largely unexplored and so far the British Cave Research Association’s two research trips have uncovered some startling discoveries. I believe the area, located just north of the former DMZ and Hue, will only find increased popularity as transportation links and hotel availability improves.”
Viengxay in Northern Laos is a town that oozes historical fascination. Caught up in the Vietnam War during the 1960s, it houses a hidden underground city connected by tunnels that housed during its peak, over 20,000 people. Exo now offers audio tours and an in depth 10 Day/9 Night action packed cycling adventure that takes in the remarkable town of Viengxay.
The Myeik archipelago in Myanmar is a magical destination that cries out to be explored both above and below the waves. Peppered with islands, it’s difficult not to find a beach that boasts pristine white sand. There are an abundance of diving sites offering a visibility range of up to 30m. An attractive alternative to the crowded beaches and islands of nearby Southern Thailand.

About Exotissimo Travel

Exotissimo Travel is a premier destination management company that specializes in tailor made tours in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia and Japan. Established in 1993, the company is now a network of 16 locally-based offices staffing over 500 travel professionals, with sales offices in San Francisco, Paris, Berlin, Barcelona and Melbourne. For more information, please visit www.traveltrade.exotissimo.com

The idyllic tropical oasis of with just 15 private villas and a luxurious spa is the gateway to some of the country’s most spectacular diving.

Its new dive centre Sunrise Reef Divers @ Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa introduces beginners to this extraordinary underwater world with a three-hour ‘Padi Discover Scuba Diving’ programme.

For full certification, a wide range of 15 Padi specialties are also instructed, from Open Water Diver to Divemaster level.

More than 150 beginners were introduced to scuba-diving last year – the eldest seduced to discover the adventure at the age of 63, who enrolled in the entire four-day Padi Open Water Diver certification programme.

Guests staying at least four days are also welcome to a complimentary trial at scuba-diving in the resort pool.

At the luxury resort, an exclusive member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, scuba diving is exceptional with crystal clear waters virtually year-round at over 15 majestic dive sites.

Bohol’s dive sites are among the best in the world and include renowned Balicasag and Pamilacan.

Dophins swim directly offshore from the resort, encountered aboard local sailing vessels, and the nearby reefs are renowned for an incredible diversity of marine life in a coral wonderland of sea turtles, tropical fish and schools of barracudas.

A sunset-dive introduces visitors to an underwater celebrity called the Mandarin fish. The famous ‘Cathedral’ at Balicasag is an amazing drop off that beckons experienced divers.

Amid lush tropical gardens hugging the Bohol Sea, Eskaya is a short distance from Tagbilaran Airport, or a convenient helicopter ride from Cebu.
Alternatively, guests can explore more about Bohol through island hopping, scuba-diving, and dolphin & whale-watching packages which can also be arranged and tailored for guests upon arrival.

Additional recreational activities include jet skiing, kayaking and snorkeling.
One of Asia’s best kept hideaways, Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa is a secluded and seductive corner of paradise to discover the true meaning of indulgence and relaxation.

More package info is available on www.eskayabeach.com