Jetsettersblog

Several Orient-Express Hotels are offering special packages for Valentine’s Day 2009. Among the participating properties is the Inn at Perry Cabin www.perrycabin.com , in Maryland, where the three-night Valentine’s Day package includes dinner for two in Sherwood’s Landing Restaurant, a candlelight turndown, a couple’s spa treatment and yoga class, room service breakfast for two, and a romantic movie delivered to the room as well as a late check-out at 3 p.m. Rates start at $1,590 for arrival on Feb. 13, 2008. Other Orient-Express Hotels with similar Valentine’s Day Getaways include Keswick Hall, Charleston Place and Casa de Sierra Nevada.

For more information, visit www.orient-express.com

Looking for the ideal place to escape with your Valentine to make your summer sizzle without breaking the bank?

Hamilton Island is synonymous with luxury, glamour and above all exceptional quality making it the perfect place to fall deeper in love this February 14… and to sweeten the deal, Hamilton Island is offering couples two complimentary nights accommodation.

The ‘Pay for 5 Nights, Stay for 7’ package includes two free nights for every five paid consecutive nights when staying at Hamilton Island’s Palm Bungalows, Whitsunday Holiday Apartments or Reef View Hotel.

Couples will also enjoy unlimited use of catamarans, paddle skis, windsurfers and snorkelling equipment plus free use of the island shuttle service and return airport / marina - resort transfers.

Hamilton Island is the perfect destination for couples and honeymooners alike.

For the ultimate Valentine’s Day experience, in partnership with Aviation Tourism Australia, take to the skies in a helicopter for the breathtaking flight to Whitehaven Beach where a champagne picnic awaits.

Other experiences for romantics include the Captains Table dinner on the luxury cruiser Denison Star, where couple dine on the upper deck under a canopy of stars, or share an intimate sunset sail on Banjo Paterson, take a scenic flight over Heart Reef or indulge in a dual spa treatment at Hamilton Island’s Relaxation Centre.

Hamilton Island is perfectly situated on The Great Barrier Reef, amongst the 74 Whitsunday Islands and offers Australia’s most diverse island-holiday experience.

Jetstar, Virginblue and Qantaslink flights arrive and depart from Hamilton Island’s airport every day from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Cairns while the Hamilton Island Marina provides a convenient gateway to the mainland and other Whitsunday Islands.

A seven night package starts from just $737.50* per person twin share. Bookings can be made by calling Hamilton Island on 13 REEF (13 7333) or visit www.hamiltonisland.com.au  for more information.

*Subject to availability. Offer valid for travel 18 January 2009 – 31 March 2009

JUMEIRAH GIVES UAE RESIDENTSREASON TO CELEBRATE

To mark the 37th anniversary of the United Arab Emirates, Jumeirah Group, the Dubai-based luxury hotel company and a member of Dubai Holding, will join in the national celebrations and acknowledge the spirit of the UAE and its residents by launching a special rate.

The rate will offer UAE citizens and residence visa holders 15% off the best available room rate. The rate will be available starting December 2nd to UAE citizens and residence visa holders in any Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts in the United Arab Emirates.

Reservations can only be made by calling the Jumeirah central reservation toll free number on 800 58634724

.This offer is valid until April 17th 2009.

Guests will be asked to present a UAE passport or passport with a valid UAE residence visa upon check in.

Your Golf Travel.com is giving trip organisers holiday for free.

Making all the arrangements for a group of friends will no longer be a thankless task as Europe’s fastest-growing golf travel company is giving a free place to anyone making a group booking starting from a party of eight.

Free places are available at more than 50 venues in the UK and Europe and include both accommodation and golf.

Among the destinations available are last year’s Open venue, Carnoustie, and the five-star La Manga Club resort, Murcia.

Your Golf Travel is committed to offering the lowest prices on golfing holidays and breaks on the internet.
For more information call Your Golf Travel free on 0800 043 6644 or visit www.yourgolftravel.com/group-discounts.html

Faithful to the motto, “All around the world, Unique in the world”, Relais & Châteaux has decided to turn its 2009 Guide into a veritable, unique work with a new format, new layout, new column and the exceptional contribution of an ambassador of international renown: Douglas Kennedy.

The new format of the guide has been increased 20% in order to further enhance the 480 Relais & Châteaux properties in 56 countries.

The new layout features personalised pages for each property (the page layout has been the same for all properties in the previous editions of the guide)

The new column “Unique in the world” highlights the truly unique character of each property: a truffle field with 600 oak trees, a beach reserved for children, a double jacuzzi on the roof of a small bastide. A Relais & Châteaux member is not like anything else, not even another member…

Crafted with the support of Young & Rubicam, 800,000 copies of the Guide will be distributed in 6 languages in 60 countries.

Douglas Kennedy, a successful writer who divides his time between Paris, New-York, London and Berlin, agreed to be the first ambassador of Relais & Châteaux 2009. He contributed to the Guide by putting his name to the completely original preface. He will attend press conferences in Paris, London and New York.

For Jaume Tàpies, International President of Relais & Châteaux: “This is not a new Guide but a completely new work. Relais & Châteaux is undoubtedly today the most beautiful way of discovering the world. When leafing through the pages, the reader will be able to draw inspiration and select his next destinations from amongst the 480 unique experiences proposed by Relais & Châteaux in 2009 all around the world”.

For Douglas Kennedy, the 2009 ambassador of Relais & Châteaux: “We are all searching for places which enable us to see the world from a different angle, even if only for a moment. When leafing through the pages of this Guide, you can’t help but think that there’s nothing wrong with escaping from time to time: it’s even a necessity”.

About Relais & Châteaux

Relais & Châteaux is an exclusive collection of 480 of the finest charming hotels and gourmet restaurants in 56 countries. Established in France in 1954, the Association’s mission is to spread its unique art de vivre across the globe by selecting outstanding properties with a truly unique character.

Furthermore, Relais & Châteaux is also a family of hoteliers and Grands Chefs from all over the world who share a passion for and a personal commitment to ensuring their guests are privy to moments of exceptional harmony, an unforgettable celebration of the senses.

From the vineyards in Napa valley to the beaches in Bali, from the olive trees in Provence to the lodges in South Africa, Relais & Châteaux offers all the stops on the finest route for discovering each special place and country.

The Relais & Châteaux signature reflects this ambition:
“ALL AROUND THE WORLD, UNIQUE IN THE WORLD

Avail of any of the luxurious Talise Wellness signature rituals and receive a complementary Talise robe worth AED 650.

Talise Wellness Day Pass
Enjoy a whole day of relaxing and pampering at Talise Wellness spa with a 50 minute Fingerprint Facial or Fingerprint Massage, beach access, and a two-course lunch or dinner at Magnolia.

Pricing: AED 795 per person

Talise Wellness Morning Ritual
Start your day with yoga on the beach followed by a relaxing 50 minute Fingerprint Massage.

Timings: starts at 8.00am
Pricing: AED 465 per person

For more information, please contact Talise Wellness at Madinat Jumeirah
Tel. No: +971 4 366 6818
Email: mj-talise@jumeirah.com

 

Medina Apartment Hotels, Vibe Hotels, Travelodge Hotels

Australian-owned Toga Hospitality has just launched online gift certificates for Medina Apartment Hotels, Vibe Hotels and Travelodge Hotels - just in time for Christmas.

Convenient and sure to please that tough-to-buy-for friend or relative, a Medina Apartment Hotel, Vibe Hotel or Travelodge Hotel gift certificate is a wonderful gift - giving that someone close to you the chance to take a break.

To purchase an online gift certificate, simply log on to www.medina.com.au, www.vibehotels.com.au, www.travelodge.com.au or www.togahotels.com.au and follow the links to gift certificates. Once the required information such as dollar amount, chosen brand and payment details has been entered, the gift certificate will be emailed to the purchaser instantly. The gift certificate is valid for 24 months and can be used in any hotel across Australia for the brand purchased.

To redeem, the guest can simply book via our central reservations or at their hotel of choice and present their gift certificate upon arrival at the hotel.

For more information, please see any of the following websites:
www.medina.com.au
www.vibehotels.com.au
www.travelodge.com.au
www.togahotels.com.au

About Toga Hospitality

Toga Hospitality is one of Australia’s largest accommodation providers, currently operating 46 strategically located hotels and apartment hotels in Australia, New Zealand and Europe. The hotel brands include Medina Apartment Hotels (22 locations across Australia), Vibe Hotels (six locations in Australia) and Travelodge (15 locations across Australia and New Zealand) and boast over 5,800 apartments and hotel rooms. In Europe, Adina Apartment Hotels are located in Berlin, Copenhagen and Budapest (three locations).

The European Open will be held at The London Golf Club for the second consecutive year from May 28-31, 2009, following its successful return to England last season for the first time since 1994.

A world class field, including defending champion Ross Fisher of England, will contest the £2.4 million tournament which can secure precious earnings towards the inaugural Race to Dubai.

Fisher profited most from the return of The European Tour to his native country in 2008 by claiming his second European Tour victory by an emphatic seven strokes over Sergio Garcia of Spain last July.

The European Open will once again be played over the 7,257 yard, par 72 Jack Nicklaus-designed Signature Heritage Course, which is one of two courses - along with The International - at The London Golf Club, near Brands Hatch in North Kent.

The Club has gained considerable recognition on both an international and national scale in recent years since The Bendinat Group acquired the 700 acre venue back in 2004. No stranger to tournament golf, the Club has hosted four European Senior Tour events and, with the forthcoming edition of The European Open next July, two main Tour events since its opening in 1994.

George O’Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour, said: “Selecting The London Golf Club to host this prestigious event for the second consecutive year demonstrates our absolute confidence in the quality of facilities on and off the course at The London Golf Club.”

Charles Fairweather, Chairman of The London Golf Club, said: “Everyone at the Club is delighted that the venue has once again been chosen to host The European Open. We were immensely pleased in 2008 by the reaction of Europe’s finest golfers to both the golf course and the facilities on offer at The London Golf Club and we look forward to an equally successful tournament in 2009.”

It will be the 32nd edition of The European Open, which began in 1978 and has previously been won by some of golf’s most iconic names, including Nick Faldo (1992), Retief Goosen (2004), Bernhard Langer (1985 and 1995), Sandy Lyle (1979), Colin Montgomerie (2007), Greg Norman (1986) and Ian Woosnam (1988).

Last season was the first time The European Open had been played in England since it was held at East Sussex National in 1994, with The K Club in Ireland hosting the event for 13 successive years from 1995 to 2007.

For further information, please contact:-
The European Tour
Communications Division
Tel: +44 (0)1344 840400
Fax: +44 (0)1344 840444
email: media@europeantour.com

- Jurys Doyle Hotel Group reveals new name and brand identity for its 11 luxury hotels, in addition to capital investment programme -

Jurys Doyle Hotel Group Ltd has unveiled its new brand identity and has announced the withdrawal of the Jurys Doyle brand from the market with immediate effect. The new International Luxury Hotel Group will be known as The Doyle Collection; a portfolio of eleven truly individual hotel experiences, in six major international cities in Ireland, the UK and the United States.

The roll-out of the new brand identity will see each individual hotel re-named and relaunched.
This announcement is the culmination of an ongoing capital investment programme of more than Euro 200 million, which will see a complete refurbishment of nine of the eleven Doyle Collection properties, as well as the repositioning of the hotel group into the luxury five star category.

Commenting on the unveiling of the new name and launch of the new brand identity in The Westbury Hotel today, Bernie Gallagher, Chairman of The Doyle Collection said:

‘The creation of The Doyle Collection signals a new dawn for our organisation. Building on the Doyle family approach to hospitality, founded by my father PV Doyle in 1964, our new identity reflects a long tradition of excellent service, but also embodies the spirit of the new luxury hotel group we are becoming, delivered in each of our 11 luxury city hotels.

A contemporary design ethos of simple, understated luxury has driven our three year intensive refurbishment programme and, as the physical structures are changing, so too is the way we think about the evolution of service and the positioning of our new brand.’

The company has developed ambitious plans to grow revenues at The Doyle Collection and the Group will compete exclusively in the luxury segment of the market.

Commenting on the Group’s growth plans, CEO Bill Walshe said: ‘Although there is no doubt that the current economic conditions are challenging, we are convinced that our focus on the creation of highly individual, centrally located luxury hotel experiences, built around the evolving tastes of our guests, will be the driver of repeat business and future growth. Each of the hotels in The Doyle Collection has a different character, but all have a common aim – to provide our guests with a modern interpretation of extraordinary hospitality and expert service that only a hotelier with decades of experience can consistently deliver.’

Walshe concluded: “Our membership of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), an alliance of luxury individual Hotel Groups will also contribute significantly to the realisation of our growth plans and positions us among the worlds’ most recognisable luxury hotel brands.’

The new website www.doylecollection.com also goes live today with full reservation functionality and the first Ireland & UK hotels will be rebranded by January 31st 2009, starting with The Westbury Hotel in Dublin and followed by The Marylebone Hotel in London.

WATERSOUND, Fla. — The St. Joe Company announces that The Origins Course at WaterSound - an innovative “concept” course designed for families and beginners by Davis Love III - will offer unlimited golf for $40, walking and $60 with cart January 1 through March 15, 2009.

Local golfers and visitors to the area can take advantage of the innovative facility to fine tune their games, or to enjoy a day of affordable fun with the entire family. Those without the time to devote to multiple-rounds can take advantage of The Origins Course’s nine- and 18-hole rates, $25 and $35 walking, respectively, and $35 and $50 with cart.

“The Origins Course is truly a local treasure and one of the most affordable and fun options for golf in northwest Florida,” says Camp Creek and Origins Course manager Will Hopkins. “The forgiving and flexible course configurations appeal to both novice and experienced players.”

Origins Course is one of the only golf facilities of its kind in North America, allowing for three distinct course setups: a six-hole layout with regulation par 3s, 4s and 5s, a nine-hole executive course with par 3s and 4s, and a 10-hole par-3 course. The nine-hole executive configuration will be available during the winter-rate period.

Junior golfers age 15 and under play free with a paying adult, perfect for families wishing to expose their children to the game in a supportive environment. Origins Course is very “walker friendly” and at just over 1,800 yards, a round of golf takes less than two hours. Golfers can enjoy lunch and refreshments at the nearby WaterSound Café located just off Highway 30A at the WaterSound Gatehouse.

Located at Watersound, Origins is eight miles east of WaterColor and 11 miles northwest of RiverCamps on Crooked Creek. For more information, call 850.231.7600, or visit www.orginsgolfclub.com

About The Origins Course at WaterSound

The Origins Course at WaterSound’s mission is to make golf more fun, accessible and attractive to families, beginners and casual golfers. A six-hole regulation course that alternatively plays as a nine-hole executive course and a ten-hole par 3 layout, The Origins Course was conceived with the “short course” concept at its core. Designed by Love Golf Design, founded by PGA Tour player Davis Love III, the course is consistent with the Scottish origins of the game, in which six, nine and 12-hole courses were commonplace. The Origins Course appeals and caters to novices via its non-penal design and manageable distance of approximately 1,800 yards. Yet its regulation-length holes and traditionally wrought green complexes provide enough challenge and strategy to retain the interest of experienced golfers. Turfed with “Sealsle Supreme Paspalum,” which requires fewer chemicals for weed and pest control and can be irrigated with salt water, The Origins Course supports St. Joe’s commitment to environmental sensitivity and preservation.

About Troon Golf
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Troon Golf is the world’s largest golf management company, overseeing operations at more than 200 courses located in 31 states and 31 countries. Additionally, 36 Troon Golf facilities enjoy a Top 100 ranking by national or international publications. Troon Golf properties include Oneida Golf and Country Club, Green Bay, Wis.; Talking Stick Golf Club, Scottsdale, Ariz.; The Clubs at St. James Plantation, Southport, N.C.; Classic Club, Palm Desert, Calif.; Playa Mujeres Golf Club, Cancun, Mexico; and The Grove, London, England. For more information about Troon Golf, visit www.troongolf.com