Jetsettersblog

Kipling & Clark unveiled its 2009 Luxury Family Travel Itineraries: Cambodia-Laos-Thailand for Families, 17 Days; Thailand-Laos-Cambodia Family Tour, 16 Days; Cambodia-Thailand Family Expedition, 13 Days; Japan Spring Break Family Tour-Tokyo-Takayama-Kyoto, seven Days;

Thailand and Laos Travel for Families, 12 Days; Cambodia and Vietnam for Families, 16 Days; India Travel for Families-India Highlights, 11 Days; China Summer Luxury Adventure for Families, 17 Days;

China Summer Tour for Families-Hong-Kong-Yunnan, 17 Days; Chengdu-Yangzi River Cruise-Beijing-Shanghai, 17 Days; China-Hong Kong Summer for Families, 14 Days; and China & Japan Cultural Contrasts for Families, 16 Days.

Kipling & Clark provides high-touch, private, luxury travel arrangements to greater China, Japan and Southeast Asia. Long-standing, intimate relationships and extensive experience with the finest hotels, resorts, restaurants and guides enables Kipling & Clark to create custom, unique journeys for discriminating travelers who want to immerse themselves in the culture, food, art and architecture of the beautiful and exotic Pacific Rim.

For more information, call 312-836-9071 or see www.kiplingandclark.com

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

Singapore Airlines has announced a special value fare available on its exclusive, all-Business Class, nonstop flights from New York (Newark) and Los Angeles. Singapore is rewarding ARC travel agents with a $50 rebate in conjunction with the fare.

Priced at $5,999 inclusive of all taxes and surcharges, this outstanding value will now be valid on a limited number of seats for specific departures through March 31, based on availability. The special fare allows customers with flexible travel schedules to enjoy up to a 39 percent savings off peak travel day prices. The offer is available exclusively on Monday-through-Thursday departures on Singapore Airlines’ nonstop flights from Newark and Los Angeles.

Singapore Airlines’ nonstop flights reduce the travel time between the U.S. and Singapore by up to four hours compared to one-stop services.

Each aircraft offers the industry’s newest and most spacious Business Class seating, 180-degree flat beds, more than 1,000 on-demand entertainment options, oversized 15-inch video monitors with the world’s only in-flight workstations, as well as the industry’s first in-flight iPod and iPhone connectivity.

Travel from the U.S. is restricted to Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday departures only.

Fares are valid for travel between Jan. 1 and March 31, 2009, based on availability, and must be purchased at least 14 days prior to departure. Attractive add-on fares for a range of Singapore Airlines’ destinations in Asia, India and Australia are also available in conjunction with this offer.

For more information, visit www.singaporeair.com/usa

Planning the perfect family getaway? How about spa treatments and discount designer shopping for Mum; fabulous food and gizmos galore for Dad; and theme parks, animal attractions and underwater adventures for the kids? Add in a raft of accommodation options; clean and efficient public transport and an unrivalled reputation for safety – and you’ve got a spectacular summer break in Singapore.

Animal magnetism
To start the day, enjoy a breakfast feast with the orang utans, clawed otter and reticulated python at the Singapore Zoo. Explore 28-hectares of “open” zoo for an up-close-and-personal experience with more than 3,200 mammals, birds and reptiles. Relax as the kids enjoy the newly opened Rainforest@KidzWorld where they can enjoy pony rides, horse carriage rides, splash around in the water wonderland, or ride on the flying fox.

Animal lovers of all ages will delight in the 9000+ colourful, chattering birds of the Jurong BirdPark. Feeding the Lories in their Loft is a firm favourite, as is the daily Birds of Prey Show, which will have them begging for more.

The Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden at the Singapore Botanic Gardens is another must for little nature lovers, and no Singapore visitor should leave without enjoying an incredible adventure aboard the Night Safari, where you can wander amidst a lush 40-hectare forest to discover the active nocturnal creatures of the world’s first night zoo.

Sunny Sentosa

Singapore’s island playground and home to sandy beaches, Sentosa should be high on the priority list for any family vacation. Ride up the hill via the Skyride chairlift before flying down on the Luge, or immerse yourself in a 4-dimensional wonderland at Sentosa 4D Magix.

Other activities on Sentosa include CineBlast, a state of the art cinema simulation ride, Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom, a must for a budding insect enthusiastic, or the mesmerising Songs of the Sea show.

Action and waterworks
If the tropical weather starts to wear you down, enjoy a splash at the Playground@Big Splash, Singapore’s latest one-stop adventure playground which, besides water attractions, is also home to an indoor mini-golf course and inline skating school, as well as numerous dining, shopping and entertainment facilities.

Wild Wild Wet is still a favourite offering hours of water slide fun, or leave the heat outdoors at Snow City and test your skills at skiing, tubing or the traditional snow ball fight.

Learning and adventure

Why not pack the kids into one of the Lion City’s newest attractions, the Singapore Flyer, and learn Singapore’s history from the world’s largest giant observation wheel, standing a colossal 165 metres tall. The entire family will be impressed by the 360-degree views of Singapore and beyond. The third level Atrium doubles as a lush tropical rainforest with cascading water falls – a sure hit with the littlies.

To learn more about Singapore’s past, pop into the National History Museum and discover Singapore through the eyes of locals, or take a walk back in time to see how the early immigrants lived, worked and played in the Chinatown Heritage Centre.

Fabulous food
After enjoying all the sights and sounds of Singapore, it is time to tuck into a feast. No matter what your stomach desires, Singapore has something to suit – and something for every budget. Singapore’s restaurants and cafes are renowned for their children’s menus and child-friendly attitudes. Whether you fancy eating along the Singapore River, in one of the fascinating cultural enclaves, or in a restaurant surrounded by natural flora and fauna, you’ll be spoilt for choice. One not to miss is the new Disney Naturally restaurant at Anchorpoint – the first Disney food and beverage store outside of Disneyland.

Something for Mum

And don’t forget at the end of a day’s activities, Mum may like to pass a few hours luxuriating at one of Singapore’s myriad spa facilities, from chain reflexology parlours to designated day spas to spa-centric hotels. Singapore is truly becoming the hotspot of South-East Asia for pampering packages. And of course, there’s the shopping. Whether you fancy haggling with street merchants in a bustling bazaar, exploring one of the air-conditioned mega malls or seeking out the latest fashion in global designer boutiques – Singapore has the lot – often at reduced prices. Perfect!

For further information on Singapore’s family friendly activities, or itinerary suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact the Singapore Tourism Board on (02) 9290 2888.

Travel Indochina’s Handmade Holidays Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos NEW brochure for 2009/2010!

Travel Indochina is excited to announce the launch of its new Handmade Holidays for Travellers: Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos brochure.

The brochure is currently being distributed to travel agencies across Australia.

The Travel Indochina Handmade Holidays range provides travellers with a specially-selected range of travel products from across the Indochina region. “Our designers have again produced a brochure that is both stylish and informative – the clear layout means our travel agents and passengers alike can see information about our destinations at a glance, which is great when they are trying to design their own itinerary.” says Katrina Cameron, Communications Manager at Travel Indochina.

This brochure is part of Travel Indochina’s successful Handmade Holidays range including Travel Indochina’s other favourite destinations – India, China, Thailand and Borneo.

You will find an enticing range of options for travelling to Indochina – to help you tailormake the ideal holiday.

The best of our hand-picked hotels and resorts are featured, as well as Travel Indochina’s impressive range of independent journeys. ‘City Stays’, hotel and honeymoon packages, family experiences and unique, local adventures – these itineraries have been designed by our expert staff, who have lived and worked across this region for many years. There is also a wide choice, from half a day to 10 days/9 nights duration, from Budget to Superior and Deluxe accommodations.

NEW! for this year….
As well as some fantastic new hotels (from affordable, boutique guesthouses and home-stays to opulent, once-in-a-lifetime retreat destinations) and independent journeys, this brochure also features more of Travel Indochina’s most popular Small Group Journeys for 2009/2010.

This makes it easier than ever to combine your own hotel stay, City tour or family adventure with the amazing quality and value of a Travel Indochina Small Group Journey. With genuinely small groups of 15 or less like-minded travellers, expert Western tour leaders and local English-speaking guides, unique itineraries, superior boutique accommodation, a genuine commitment to responsible travel, and local offices offering 24/7 support – this is the way to travel in Asia

Crystal Cruises has launched a Save Now, Save Later promotion. When guests sail on any 2009 Europe, Trans-Atlantic or Crystal Symphony Asia cruise, they’ll be guaranteed 20 percent savings on almost every cruise in every category in 2010.

 The 2009 cruise must be booked by March 31, and the 2010 cruise must be booked by Nov. 30, 2009. Eligible 2009 Save Now cruises include all Crystal Symphony cruises departing March 27 through Sept. 3 and/or all Crystal Serenity cruises departing May 23 through Nov. 12. Included are itineraries through China, Southeast Asia, Dubai, the Middle East, Western Europe, the Baltic, the North Cape, the British Isles and the Black Sea, as well as Trans-Atlantic voyages and more than a dozen seven-, 11- and 12-day Mediterranean cruises.

The 20 percent Save Later offer extends to every 2010 cruise aboard the Crystal Symphony and the Crystal Serenity, except the World Cruise and its segments and the December holiday cruises, for a choice of more than 50 2010 itineraries.

LEADING ASIA SPECIALIST LAUNCHES NEW ‘INDOCHINA FOOTPRINTS’
SMALL GROUP JOURNEY

The introduction of a new 13 day “Indochina Footprints” small group journey from Travel Indochina is testament to the operator’s continued commitment to sustainable tourism and further cements the company’s reputation as the leading Asia specialist for responsible travel.

This new addition to the recently-launched Small Group Journeys brochure incorporates all the usual high standards and benefits associated with Travel Indochina’s touring, but also enables travellers to give something back to the destinations they are visiting. Featuring all three of the tour operator’s key destinations, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, the journey highlights many of the issues facing these incredible countries and gives travellers a chance to help out on volunteer programmes for 2 days of the inspiring itinerary.

Travel Indochina’s General Manager, Chris Orme explains: “We are delighted to introduce the “Indochina Footprints” journey to our programme as responsible travel is becoming increasingly important to our customers. To demonstrate our commitment to the destinations we sell, we will donate US$100 to our chosen charities for every traveller who books this journey.”

One of the causes that volunteers can help out with is the Childsafe Centre in Phnom Penh, which was set up to help local street children; guests will also have the chance to eat at a local restaurant run by the disadvantaged kids. Other opportunities include working at the inspiring Angkor Hospital for Children, the Gecko Environment Centre in a floating house on Lake Tonle Sap and taking part in a ‘book party’ organised by Big Brother Mouse, that aims to improve literacy in the rural villages of Laos.

As well as the two days’ volunteering, highlights of the “Indochina Footprints” small group journey include the fascinating sights of Saigon, the mesmerising temples at Angkor, the ornate monasteries of World Heritage-listed Luang Prabang and learning to cook Laos style.

The Small Group Journeys and tailor-made travel arrangements offered by Travel Indochina allow for more genuine experiences with local people and their environments, thus avoiding the negative impacts of mass tourism. With group sizes limited to a maximum of 15 people, Travel Indochina’s customers benefit from opportunities for cultural exchange, with options such as homestays and eco-lodge experiences enabling social interaction with people from different backgrounds.

Travel Indochina differs from many other tour operators in that it employs local staff, wherever possible, in its overseas offices. With a base in several cities across Indochina, the tour operator is better-placed to control the content of its itineraries and the actions of its suppliers. The Asia specialist also involves its customers, enabling them to learn more about responsible travel and how they can help through provision of their ‘Tread Lightly’ booklet. More details on Travel Indochina’s responsible travel policy can be found at:
http://www.travelindochina.co.uk/home/global/responsible-travel

The 13 day “Indochina Footprints” journey starts from £1,530 and is operated on two dates: 13th April and 12th October 2009. Prices are based on twin-share accommodation and include 12 nights’ bed and breakfast, domestic transport, sightseeing as per the itinerary, a western tour leader and local English-speaking guides.

Pacific Delight Tours released its “2009-2010 China & Asia Experience” brochure in tandem with the news of a new preferred partnership with Ritz-Carlton that affords Luxury Gold Experience and Luxury Gold Exclusive tour participants accommodations at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Beijing and Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai. Additionally, all Gold Exclusive travelers are now upgraded to higher room categories in hotels and on Yangtze River cruises aboard Victoria Cruises Premier Series Fleet.

The new 84-page brochure details many of Pacific Delight’s Asia products, including both categories of the fully-escorted Gold tours, offering the very best in accommodations, sightseeing and cultural experiences: the Luxury Gold Exclusive program, limited to just 16 participants; and Luxury Gold Experience, designed for 26 travelers.

The brochure also details the company’s extensive Yangtze River cruising program, a tour component that is available on most programs: China & Asia SuperValue tours, offering some of Asia’s most popular destinations and sightseeing opportunities, at affordable prices; China & Asia Escapades packages, combining classic Asian cities with culturally-wealthy destinations such as Tibet and Japan; pre- and post options to Tokyo, Tibet, Vietnam and Bangkok among others; and City Highlights packages, allowing travelers to custom design vacations, choosing from among numerous leading Asian cities.

For the 2009-2010 season, Pacific Delight’s Luxury Gold Exclusive and Luxury Gold Experience packages call at China’s most intriguing cities, including Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, Guilin and Hong Kong, combined with luxury cruises on the Yangtze River. The 15-day Grand Yangtze River & Huangshan Mountain Gold Experience package actually traverses the river’s longest navigable length, providing guests the opportunity to embark on an excursion to Huangshan Mountain, celebrated for its spectacular rock formations, unusually shaped pines, hot springs and sea of clouds.

The programs also emphasize culinary experiences that blend Chinese and Western meals, including a Beijing Duck dinner party, a feast in Xi’an featuring the Empress Dowager’s favorite dumpling and a Tang Dynasty dinner banquet with traditional music and dance performances. Gold Exclusive guests enjoy junior suites with private balconies aboard Victoria Cruises’ Victoria Anna and Victoria Jenna, a la carte dining and small group shore excursions. Escorted throughout by knowledgeable, bi-lingual Pacific Delight tour guides, these top-shelf offerings range from 13 to 16 days, with prices for Gold Exclusive tours at $4,990 to $6,590 per person, double, and Gold Experience packages from $2,999 to $4,999.

China & Asia SuperValue programs boast deluxe hotels throughout; outside cabins on Victoria Cruises ships; daily breakfast and most lunches and dinners. In addition to eight, 11-, 12-, 16- and 18-day programs to China, some with the Yangtze River, there is the six-day Tokyo & Kyoto program; 11-day Japan In-Depth package; 17-day Thailand & the Golden Triangle; 14-day Visions of Thailand, Vietnam & Cambodia trip; and 11-day Hong Kong, Singapore & Bangkok vacation — all with sightseeing, special cultural activities and performances. Land and land/cruise packages range from $1,299 to $4,499.

The China and Asia Escapade packages — the company’s mid-range product level — comprise a 14-day Japan & China package; a 15-day Tibet and Yangtze River itinerary; and a 17-day Asian Escapade program combining Hong Kong, Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin, Shanghai and Bangkok. Land and land/cruise packages are $3,199 to $3,899. City Highlight packages, where guests mix and match destinations, include upstream and downstream Yangtze River cruises; and cities such as Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Guilin, Hangzhou, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Suzhou, Yangshuo, Xi’an and Lhasa (Tibet). Other Asian possibilities are Tokyo and Vietnam; Cambodia’s Angkor Wat; and Thailand’s Bangkok, Chang Mai, Chang Rai and Phuket.

 Prices depend on the choices made for the personally designed vacations.

All programs feature pre-confirmed hotels; Asia domestic air/land transportation, most meals, sightseeing, local tour escort, fuel surcharges, hotel taxes, service charges and baggage handling. Pacific Delight offers special airfare to China and Asia from the U.S. on United Airlines, Delta/Northwest Airlines, Continental Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways and Air China. Pacific Delight Tours is the market leader in escorted and independent tours to China, the Orient and Southeast Asia.

For information, call 800-221-7179 or visit www.PacificDelightTours.com

Launching Its First Asia Dedicated Brochure

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

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

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

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

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

MULTI-CENTRE HOLIDAY IDEAS INCLUDE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

or contact the hotels’ meeting consultants directly.

For more information, visit www.mandarinoriental.com