Jetsettersblog

To celebrate the grand opening of Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai — Palm Jumeirah’s flagship resort — Emirates Airline will give first-class passengers flying to or via Dubai a two-night complimentary stay at Atlantis, The Palm. Business-class passengers will receive a one-night complimentary stay.

This promotion will be available to all U.S passengers, whether traveling on Emirates twice-daily New York service, daily Houston service, or soon-to-be-launched Los Angeles and San Francisco services, starting Oct. 26 and Dec. 15, respectively.

The offer, valid for travel from Oct. 1 to Dec. 24, also includes unlimited access to Aquaventure, Atlantis’ revolutionary waterscape and The Lost Chambers, a maze of underwater halls and tunnels. The package is offered on a bed and breakfast basis and is based on single- or double-room occupancy.

For booking or further information, call 800-777-2999.

Emirates serves 101 cities around the globe with a young and technologically advanced fleet of wide-body aircraft that are equipped with industry-leading comforts in the air. Additionally, Emirates has purchased 60 new wide-bodied aircraft to support the expansion of its international route network. Operations on Emirates from New York and Houston connect America to the world through the airline’s route network with extensive connections to the Far East, Australia and Africa. On Oct. 26, Emirates will introduce service to the West Coast with a non-stop flight from Los Angeles, followed by introduction of service from San Francisco on Dec. 15.

Atlantis, The Palm is a 1,539-room, ocean-themed destination resort located at the center of the crescent of the man-made Palm Jumeirah in Dubai.

This $1.5 billion joint venture project was developed with Dubai government-owned Istithmar. Opened in September, the resort utilizes the 46 hectares site with 17 hectares of water park amusement, marine and entertainment attractions and a collection of some of the most renowned chefs including Nobu, Giorgio Locatelli, Santi Santamaria and Michel Rostang.

Atlantis, The Palm offers a collection of luxury boutiques and shops and extensive meeting and convention facilities. It will be home to one of the largest open-air marine habitats in the world, with some 65,000 marine animals in lagoons and displays including The Lost Chambers, a maze of underwater corridors and passageways providing a journey through ancient Atlantis.

For more information, visit www.atlantisthepalm.com

Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa named 2007’s Hotel of the Year

15th September 2008, Dubai, UAE: Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa once again reigned supreme at the Annual Starwood Awards in Brussels, taking home three accolades, including the highly sought after, “2007 Le Meridien Hotel of the Year” for the second year running. The hotel was additionally recognized as the best hotel in the Le Meridien chain in the EMEA region, and awarded the “EMEA Human Truths Award” for guest satisfaction.

“The leisure and hospitality industry is increasingly becoming more competitive with hotels across the world constantly upping the bar in terms of guest satisfaction and service levels. For Le Royal Meridien to receive these awards demonstrates the constant hard work and extra mile that our associates are willing to go on a daily basis to help ensure we remain at the top,” stated Pam Wilby, general manager Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa and Grosvenor House, Dubai.

The Starwood Awards are part of the Annual Starwood conference held annually at one of the global properties. Attended by over 400 delegates worldwide, the six-day conference presents leading executives with the opportunity to take part in workshops and presentations that illustrate the impact and integration of the new Starwood brand strategies into operations. The presentations include key learnings on sales, marketing, finance, human resources and best practice initiatives within the Starwood brand.

“Starwood operates across more than 100 countries worldwide and the annual conference is a fantastic forum for us to get together and share ideas on the future of our industry – especially in light of the difficulties some economies are facing,” added Wilby. “Tourism is a driving factor for many countries and we need to look at how our industry on a global scale can move with the markets. At Le Royal Meridien we will ensure that guest satisfaction remains top of the agenda, and we look forward to continued growth with Dubai.”

Throughout 2008 Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa has received several highly acclaimed awards, including being crowned the “World’s Leading Beach Resort” at the 2007 World Travel Awards.

Discover the Magic of Arabia at Desert Islands Resort & Spa this October

United Arab Emirates: Explore and experience Arabia in a setting reminiscent of the ancient tales of adventure. Discover a land steeped in history, culture and natural beauty. Follow the winding coast of the Arabian Gulf and discover a land far removed from the hectic pace of everyday life. Starting this October, escape to Anantara’s Desert Islands Resort & Spa located on Sir Bani Yas Island, located just 250km west of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Opening 1 October 2008 and managed by Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, Desert Islands Resort & Spa is situated on Sir Bani Yas Island the once-private Royal Nature Reserve established by the late ruler and founder of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The exclusive resort is surrounded by the wild vastness of the island, transformed into an ecologically-viable, wild-life rich natural preserve and scenic retreat.

At the Desert Islands Resort & Spa, experience a unique brand of service inspired by the local traditions of hospitality and culture. Situated along the resplendent coast line of Sir Bani Yas Island, the hotel-resort offers 64 luxuriously designed rooms with living quarters decked out in state-of-the-art amenities and styled with eye-catching Arabian touches like marble bath-fixtures. Here, wake-up to the alluring melodies of a thousand bird songs and the spectacular view of the distant sea and surrounding natural reserves; while your enclave slowly gets drenched in the warmth of the island’s natural sunlight.

For the ultimate royal indulgence choose one of Desert Islands Resort & Spa’s regal retreats - the two Royal Villas and two Beach Villas come equipped with the best standards of luxury services including a 24/7 butler. These airy abodes feature two bedrooms, living and lounge space, kitchenette, dining area, private splash pools and boast direct access to the beach.

The beautiful and supremely intimate Safaa Spa has four treatment rooms – two for couples and two for individuals - each of them spacious and all offering a wide range of world-renowned luxurious indulgences. Choose from an array of natural treatments - Thai massage, aromatherapy, Ayurvedic therapies, rich facials, and lavish body treatments and scrubs all using the finest ingredients – as well as treatments based on the healing and beautifying properties of gemstones and precious metals. Facilities include a private outdoor relaxation area, separate male and female changing areas, sauna and steam rooms.

Benefit from the well-informed local staff in scoping out pursuits of all sorts throughout the resort. For those with gastronomic adventures in mind, relish the joys of a delectable seafood menu and a waterfront view at Desert Islands’ signature restaurant Samak. Or sample the local cuisine and take the taste buds on a mouth-watering global trip at the tropically-inspired Palm Restaurant.

For lighter bites stop by The Deli and indulge in an outstanding variety of gourmet coffee. Enjoy your favourite beverage and the rich and colourful sea views in the tranquil and private Lounge Bar, situated on the Mezzanine level.

After a day of exploration, enjoy a refreshing beverage from Al Shams Pool Bar over-looking the cerulean waters of the Arabian Sea or relax in the one of the shaded quarters of the hotel pool – cool, private nooks sheltered and divided by exotic plants for visitors to unwind in privacy. For those with extra energy, other facilities include tennis courts equipped with night-playing technology and a health club that’s open around the clock.

The Desert Islands Resort and Spa tastefully merges a luxurious lifestyle experience with a memorable life experience. Combining the beautiful natural reserves of Sir Bani Yas Island and the demand for quality destination activities, the resort is at the forefront of environment based tourism featuring guided tours along some of the region’s most exciting trails and snorkeling into the pristine reefs. Desert Islands Resort & Spa can arrange a number of pursuits ranging from snorkeling to mountain biking to kayaking, tailored to each guest’s specific physical and recreational requirements.

Discovery, Adventure, Culture and Luxury define the Desert Islands experience.

Daily Non-Stop

Qatar Airways has announced its Doha – New York route will operate non-stop with a daily flight,
effective from the beginning of the winter 2008 schedules on October 26.

The airline plans to deploy its brand new Boeing 777-300 Extended Range aircraft on the route
shaving close to three hours off the current 17-hour flying time between Doha and New York.
Qatar Airways currently operates to the New York gateway city of Newark via Geneva.

For Hong Kongers, this means an even easier and quicker journey to New York with Qatar
airways, with economy class fares currently starting from HKD7,800.

As part of the revised operational schedules, Qatar Airways will switch its existing six-flights-a-
week between Doha and Newark Liberty International Airport to New York’s JFK Airport and step
up frequency to daily non-stop services giving passengers greater choice.

Under the new schedules, Qatar Airways will no longer operate flights between Geneva and New
York, but will significantly increase seat capacity between Doha and Geneva, which will become a
dedicated service.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said the airline had seen significant growth
in traffic on the New York route since launching it in June 2007.

“As we have introduced more aircraft into our fleet, we have been able to increase frequency on
the New York route from four-flights-a-week to six services in just 12 months,” he said.

“We are now preparing to go daily with our brand new Boeing 777s featuring lie-flat Business
Class seats from October and offer unprecedented levels of space and comfort, which will truly
give us an edge over our competitors in the Middle East and around the world.

“The move to New York’s JFK Airport is in response to passenger demand flying to one of
America’s premier airports on the US east coast.”

The Boeing 777-300ER will offer a 78-inch Business Class pitch in a 2-2-2 configuration across
the 42 premium seats and up to 34-inch pitch on the 293 seats in the economy cabin. The
aircraft also features the next generation in-flight entertainment system – the Panasonic eX2 –
with more than 700 individual audio and video entertainment options.
Added Al Baker: “Qatar Airways is committed to the Swiss market and is delighted with the huge
response and popularity of our Geneva service which has enabled us to add capacity as the four-
times-a-week non-stop service from Doha using an Airbus A330 aircraft becomes a dedicated
route.

“Passengers from Geneva and neighbouring cities will be able to take advantage of our excellent
array of onward connections over Doha to key business and leisure cities to the Far East and
south Asia.

“For the immediate future, our existing flights to Zurich will continue to operate four-times-a-
week, but we will shortly be announcing additional frequencies to both Zurich and Geneva with
effect from 2009 offering yet more choice for both business and leisure travellers.”

Qatar Airways operates a modern fleet of 62 aircraft to 83 destinations across Europe, Middle
East, Africa, south Asia, Indian subcontinent, Far East and North America.

Earlier this year, the airline began scheduled services between Doha and the southern Chinese
industrial city of Guangzhou. During the summer, the airline introduced daily flights linking the
Qatari capital with Kozhikode in southern India.

Starting December 8, Qatar Airways is to launch scheduled flights to Houston, which at 17 hours,
will be one of the longest flights in the world non-stop from Doha.

The Doha – New York schedule effective October 26 is:-

Depart Hong Kong– Doha
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday QR813 at 0120, arrive Doha 0545
Monday, Friday and Saturday QR817 at 1850, arrive Doha 2315
Depart Doha International Airport
Daily QR083 at 0820, arrive in New York at 1500

Depart John F Kennedy International Airport to Doha
Daily QR084 at 2235, arrive in Doha at 1910 +1 day

Depart Doha – Hong Kong
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday QR812 at 0235, arrive Hong Kong 1515
Monday, Friday and Saturday QR816 at 0235, arrive Hong Kong 1515

The Doha – Geneva schedule effective October 26 is:-

Depart Hong Kong– Doha
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday QR813 at 0120, arrive Doha 0545
Monday, Friday and Saturday QR817 at 1850, arrive Doha 2315

Depart Doha International Airport
Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun QR065 at 0720, arrive in Geneva at 1215

Depart Geneva International Airport
Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun QR064 at 1345, arrive in Doha at 2135

Depart Doha – Hong Kong
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday QR812 at 0235, arrive Hong Kong 1515
Monday, Friday and Saturday QR816 at 0235, arrive Hong Kong 1515

Arabic Release• The second signed agreement after Bahrain Air

• The agreement introduce more choices for travel between Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, and rest of Sama destinations

Riyadh 25 Aug 2008: Sama Airlines, the newest low-fares airline in Saudi Arabia, announced a commercial agreement has been signed between Sama and Safi Airways, to provide more choices for travel to the customers of both airlines.

 Safi Airways provide daily flights between Dubai and Kabul, enabling onward travel on Sama’s Saudi domestic and international network via Sharjah.

This agreement follows the signing of a similar agreement with Bahrain Air, facilitating for Sama’s guests more choices to Manama, Kabul, Mashad, and Kochi.

Mr. Andrew Cowen, Chief Executive Officer of Sama said: “Sama is continuing its work to expand access to international destinations not directly served by Sama such as Manama, Kuchi, Kabul, and Mashad to its guests.

The cooperation with Safi Airways and Bahrain Air is allowing Sama to direct sell to those destinations with these partner airlines.

This latest agreement supports Sama’s continuing efforts to meet growing demand for travel market in the Middle East, as part of our objective of becoming the preferred low-cost carrier for travelers in the region.”

Atlantis - The Numbers Largest Water Themed Attraction in the Middle East Opens its Doors and Welcomes First Guests

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Atlantis, The Palm, the flagship resort of the revolutionary Palm Jumeirah opened its doors today and welcomed through the first guests. The much anticipated opening of Dubai’s first integrated entertainment resort is set to enhance Dubai’s incredible tourism proposition.

“Following an intense development period of long days and nights by a team of approximately 3,000, we are proud to introduce Atlantis, The Palm to our first guests and the public. Atlantis, The Palm is an entertainment destination that is truly different than anything that currently exists in the resort category in the region. When you combine 1,539 rooms of grand proportion, high design from talents like Jeffrey Beers, David Rockwell, Adam Tihany and Wilson Associates, an incredible water adventure at Aquaventure, a marine habitat of 65,000 marine animals, a beautiful stretch of beach, luxury boutiques, and numerous dining experiences with celebrity chef restaurants, we know we are giving people unparalleled experiences new to the Middle East,” Alan Leibman, President/Managing Director, Kerzner International said.

EXPERIENCES

THE ROOMS
Each of the 1,539 guestrooms and suites in the Royal Towers feature private balconies and views over the Arabian Gulf or The Palm Jumeirah. Rates start at AED 1675++ per night and guests may choose from a variety of accommodation including the indulgent:

* Imperial Club - a ‘resort within a resort’ with over 150 rooms and suites, exclusive services and private club lounge;

* Lost Chambers Suites - each three stories high with mesmerising views directly into the Ambassador Lagoon from the master bedroom, these two suites located within the Lost Chambers create an illusion of being beneath the sea whilst looking directly into the heart of Atlantis;

* Bridge Suite - spanning the Royal Towers, a private lift takes guests 22 storeys above Atlantis for heart-stopping views of The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai and The Arabian Gulf.

WATER DISCOVERY

Water adventures, salt and fresh water attractions and an open-air marine habitat are the focal point of Atlantis, The Palm for both guests and visitors:

* AQUAVENTURE - a water playground of over 18 million litres of water, consisting of extraordinary rides with cascades, tidal waves and rapids, and the Mesopotamian-styled Ziggurat temple reaching over 30 metres into the sky and featuring seven heart-pumping water slides – two of which catapult riders through shark-filled lagoons;

* The Ambassador Lagoon – an 11 million litre OPEN-AIR marine habitat and underwater exhibit home to several hundred species of marine life, with a viewing panel looking right into the mystical ruins of Atlantis;

* The Lost Chambers - bringing the myth of Atlantis to life through a maze of underground tunnels offering underwater views into the boulevards of the ruins of Atlantis; and,

* Dolphin Bay – a 4.5 hectare state-of-the-art dolphin education and conservation centre allowing guests the opportunity to meet and interact with one of the world’s most charismatic animals in an unparalleled facility.

DINING & NIGHTLIFE

17 restaurants, bars and lounges suit every taste – with choices from sophisticated seafood, innovative sushi, quick bites and foods from around the world - the doors are now open to the culinary mecca from our four famed celebrity chefs:

* World-class master chef and sushi mogul Nobuyuki Matsuhisa opens Nobu with partner Robert DeNiro;

* Michelin starred chef Giorgio Locatelli, one of London’s most talked about Italian chefs, welcomes all to Ronda Locatelli;

* Parisian sensation and two star Michelin chef Michel Rostang debuts Rostang- The French Brasserie; and,

* Three star Michelin chef Santi Santamaria, known as ‘The Architect of Food,’ opens his first venture outside of Europe with Ossiano, a gourmet seafood restaurant.

The specialty restaurants are located along The Avenues - also home to Sanctuary – Atlantis, The Palm’s state-of-the art nightclub and Dubai’s newest hot-spot.

THE RETAIL COLLECTION

The Avenues, a sophisticated retail promenade of over two dozen shops features top names in fashion, design and local artistry. For those looking to indulge, Cartier, Paspaley, Levant, Harry Winston, Graff, Ahmed Sedeqqi and Sons, Tiffany and Company and Chopard offer the finest jewellery. The latest in fashion can be found at B More offering Roberto Cavalli, Hamac, Lacoste, Rodeo Drive, Leonard Paris, Villa Moda, and OndadeMar. Even children have luxury fashion at Angels. For those looking for cutting edge accessories, Porsche Design, Rivoli, The Counter and Faces. Finally, Bateel Dates offers an authentic taste of Arabia.

DESTINATION DISCOVERY

From surreal sea life to heart-pounding water slides, even the youngest guest will be able to explore Atlantis and its deep connection to water and the ocean. Specialized programmes for toddlers to teenagers feature dedicated facilities and age-appropriate activities with the interactive Atlantis Kids Club (4 to 12 years) and Club Rush, a fully supervised ‘No Adults’ private club for teenagers and pre-teens. The Zone satisfies those looking for the ultimate gaming challenge on the latest SEGA equipment.

RELAXATION

The new two storey 1900 square metre Spa & Fitness Centre at Atlantis, The Palm will truly raise the bar among offerings in Dubai. Guests entering this haven of relaxation and well being are welcomed with earthy hues and streaming water pathways beginning their voyage to tranquillity and onto the entryway of the 27 treatment rooms where both wet and dry therapies are offered. The Royal Spa suite with exclusive entrance includes a private pedestal jetted tub, lounge area and terrace. The Spa also offers full salon services for His and Hers pampering and beautifying sessions.

Further information: visit www.atlantisthepalm.com

For reservations call: +971 4 426 1000 or email reservations@atlantisthepalm.com

About Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai

Atlantis, The Palm is a 1,539 room, ocean-themed destination resort located at the centre of the crescent of the man-made Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. This US$1.5 billion joint venture project was developed with Dubai Government owned, Istithmar. Opened 24 September 2008, the resort utilises the 46 hectares site with 17 hectares of water park amusement, further marine and entertainment attractions and a collection of some of the most renowned world-class chefs including Nobu, Giorgio Locatelli, Santi Santamaria and Michel Rostang. Atlantis, The Palm offers an unprecedented entertainment centre, an impressive collection of luxury boutiques and shops and extensive meeting and convention facilities. It is home to one of the largest open-air marine habitats in the world, with some 65,000 marine animals in lagoons and displays including The Lost Chambers, a maze of underwater corridors and passageways providing a journey through ancient Atlantis.

Bales Worldwide is introducing a raft of new options for its Egypt, Morocco and Arabia programme for 2009/10, including the addition of the Musk, the operator’s fourth dahabiyya on the Nile, new boutique hotels in Tripoli and Cairo, and an increased focus on walking holidays in Jordan. The programme includes 18 escorted holidays and countless independent travel choices to Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Libya, Iran and Uzbekistan, with prices starting £995 for the 11 day ‘Wonders of Ancient Egypt’ itinerary.

THE NILE IN STYLE – A HOST OF CRUISING OPTIONS

Bales Worldwide offers now offers the widest range of luxury Nile cruise options, with a total of 12 different cruise boats featured from the traditional dahabiyya experiences, to the Movenpick Royal Lily Nile cruise ship. Due to a change in flight scheduling, Bales can now also offer a shorter 8 day holiday option featuring the Nile Cruise only.

Bales continues to be one of the few UK tour operators to offer the dahabiyya Nile cruise experience. The company is adding a fourth vessel for 2009/10, as the Musk joins the Nesma, the Zahra and the Amber. The dahabiyyas (19th century style wooden crafted river sailing vessels) revive the elegant days when aristocrats and sophisticated travellers cruised the Nile. All vessels are fitted out in colonial style with oriental and Egyptian touches and each of the six cabins has its own individual decoration. The dahabiyyas are now available on a choice of two itineraries – the original 12 day ‘Nostalgic Nile’ holiday (from £1,595 per person), and a shorter 8 day cruise only holiday (from £1,345 per person). The former includes three days in Cairo staying at the Mena House Oberoi Hotel, before embarking at Luxor or Aswan for a leisurely seven day cruise. The vessel stops at private moorings, away from the larger towns, as well as calling in at little visited Nile islands.

Other outstanding cruise options on offer include a 4 night cruise on the Oberoi Philae, which is perfect for those with limited time, a new cruise aboard the luxurious Movenpick Royal Lily and an itinerary that includes time aboard the luxurious Sonesta St. George I cruise ship.

The new 8 day ‘Egyptian Encounters’ (from £1,325 per person) itinerary combines a cruise on the Sonesta St. George I cruise ship with the opulent comforts of the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo. The Sonesta is one of the Nile’s newest boats and this exquisite vessel offers just 49 cabins and 10 suites, as well as the finest in interiors and amenities. The holiday starts with 3 nights in Cairo before you head off for 4 nights cruising along the river.

VILLA BELLE EPOQUE OPENS IN CAIRO

Bales is among the first UK operators to offer the Villa Belle Epoque as part of its tailor made options. Set to be Cairo’s first truly boutique hotel, the Villa Belle Epoque is due to open in early 2009. This 1920’s house is located in the Maadi suburb, set among a garden of date palms and fruit trees, and has been tastefully converted into a 13 bedroom hotel. Relax by the inviting swimming pool, sip a cool drink on your private balcony and soak up the ambience. This is the perfect place to stay for a few days before heading off for a dahabiyya cruise along the Nile.

TREKKING IN JORDAN

Jordan is an incredibly diverse country and Bales is now offering 5 different itineraries that explore its unrivalled splendour – including a number of trekking options. The 8 day ‘Active Jordan’ trip (from £1,795 per person) includes two treks, as well as several guided walking tours. Explore the vibrant capital of Amman on foot, take in Dana Nature reserve on a 15km hike through some of the most beautiful and spectacular scenery in Jordan, and follow a 10km ancient trail traversing the rocky ledges of the Sharah Mountains, to the site of Petra’s spectacular monastery.

Bales’ tailor made options in the country, include the chance to experience truly unique accommodation in the beautiful lunar landscape of the Wadi Rum region - in the form of Desert Camp Wadi Rum. This private camp affords a nomadic experience camping in dome style tents (or out under the stars if you would prefer), with a communal Bedouin tent for dining and entertainment, and delicious, traditional food cooked over hot coals. This really is Jordan with a difference and prices start from £195 per night based on 2 passengers travelling.

BOUTIQUE LIBYA

Bales’ 8 day ‘Images of Libya’ itinerary (from £1,495 per person) now includes time at the brand new El-Khan hotel in Tripoli. The hotel, which is due to open at the end of 2008, aims to be Tripoli’s first boutique hotel. Bales Worldwide is one of very few UK operators who will be offering this stylish, characterful retreat. The Images of Libya holiday kicks off with a night at the El-Khan and the opportunity to enjoy an evening meal with a local family in Tripoli, before you head off to explore the endless vistas of the Sahara and the spectacular ruins of the ancient ‘Pentapolis’ cities. Day 6 sees you return to El-Khan for 2 nights, with sightseeing at the National Museum, time to explore the old souk and a day at the utterly breathtaking, UNESCO Heritage site of Leptis Magna.

For a copy of the new brochure or for reservations please call 0845 057 0600

or look online at www.balesworldwide.com

Thomson Worldwide’s latest Asia & Arabian collection provides even more choice and is guaranteed to cater for all tastes and budgets. From romantic retreats and spa breaks to family holidays full of adventures, a budget conscious base or push-the-boat-out luxury holiday, Thomson Worldwide are confident that their new brochure has something for everyone.

ASIA:

From Post-Olympic tours in China to new spa hotels in Bali, Thomson Worldwide offer a huge range or holidays to Thailand, Indochina, Malaysia, Singapore, Bali, Hong Kong and China.

What’s new & What’s hot…

Phuket will see the opening of the new Anantara hotel. Situated on Mai Kao Beach on the North of the Island, with its luxurious collection of expansive pool villas set against lush tropical gardens, the hotel is a new addition to the Thomson Worldwide Elite Collection.
Thomson Worldwide offer a 7 night break at the Anantara, Phuket from £1,634 per person. Price includes accommodation on a b&b basis, flights and transfers and is available from October 2008 onwards.

The new Cape Sienna hotel in Phuket, situated on a dramatic headland backdrop boasting uninterrupted panoramic views across the Andaman Sea, will be the ultimate in chic and exclusive accommodation.

Thomson Worldwide offer a 7 night break at the Cape Sienna Hotel, Phuket from £1,336 per person. Price includes accommodation on a b&b basis, flights and transfers and is available from October 2008 onwards.

Bali has had a huge pick up and is predicted to be very popular in 2009. The cool and trendy Seminyak area is home to the new Anantara Resort, a luxury retreat just steps from the rolling Indian Ocean. Thomson Worldwide offer free nights and added extras such as spa treatments at the resort.

Thomson Worldwide offer a 7 night break at the Anantara Resort, Seminyak from £1,275 per person. Price includes accommodation on a room only basis, flights and transfers and is available from October 2008 onwards.

For bookings and information contact 0871 230 2770 or visit www.thomsonworldwide.com

The Bali Pavilions, part of Thomson Worldwide’s ‘Uniquely Asia’ collection is a new fantastic value property – an enclave of gardens and traditional Balinese style Villas just a few minutes walk from Sanur Beach and with a lovely spa.

Thomson Worldwide offer a 7 night break at The Bali Pavilions, Seminyak from £1,111 per person. Price includes accommodation on a b&b basis, flights and transfers and is available from October 2008 onwards.

Khao Lak is one of Thailand’s most peaceful pockets – with a combination of piercing blue ocean and emerald green national park between which snakes a glimmering golden beach, Khao Lak is a dream destination. Swim in the waterfall pools in the national park, play a round of golf in one of the areas 3 courses, snorkel or dive in the Similan or Surin Islands Marine National Parks and add a stay at Thailand’s first luxury tented camp, Elephant Hills to go elephant trekking and exploring the rainforest.

Thomson Worldwide offer a 2 night break at Elephant Hills, Thailand on a Full Board basis combined with a 2 night stay at the Bel Aire Princess in Bangkok on a Room Only basis and a 3 night stay at the Khao Lak Merlin Resort on a B&B basis from £1,384 per person. Price includes flights and transfers and is available from October 2008 onwards.

The Sarojin Hotel in Khao Lak offers affordable luxury, amazing excursions, cooking courses and much more to maximise the Thai experience.

Thomson Worldwide offer a 7 night break at The Sarojin Hotel, Khao Lak from £1,554 per person. Price includes accommodation on a room only basis, flights and transfers and is available from October 2008 onwards.

For bookings and information please contact 0871 230 2770 or visit www.thomsonworldwide.com

Set to be very popular next year after this year’s Olympic games, Thomson Worldwide offer great tours in China – perfect for travellers wanting to explore a number of cultural highlights in a short amount of time.

Thomson Worldwide offer a 7 night (9 day) China Experience from £1,099 per person. Price includes British Airways flights from London Heathrow and accommodation on a full board basis. Price also includes an English speaking local guide, all entrance fees and transportation and is available from October 2008 onwards.

The China Experience is the perfect introduction to China, covering the most famous sights of Beijing, the Terracotta Warriors and historic Shanghai

ARABIAN GULF:

From desert safaris in Qatar to Emirates beach holidays, Thomson Worldwide offer tailor made holidays to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Bahrain and Qatar.

Thomson Worldwide offer a 7 night break at Atlantis, The Palm for a family of 4 (2 adults and 2 children) from £3,149. Price includes accommodation on a b&b basis, flights from London Heathrow with Qatar Airways and transfers and is available from October 2008 onwards.

Singapore Airlines will commence operations to Riyadh, the largest city and capital of Saudi Arabia, on Dec. 14. Using the Boeing 777-200 aircraft, Singapore Airlines will operate four times weekly to Riyadh via Dubai every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Riyadh will be the second city to which Singapore Airlines operates in Saudi Arabia. The Airline will maintain its current three-times-weekly service to Jeddah, via Abu Dhabi.

Flights are subject to regulatory approval.

“Give me your fiery red color/ take back my wintry shallowness.” The Red Wednesday, counts among the only two extant one of those fire-connected festivities. It is an annual ritual which is held on the eve of the last Wednesday of the Iranian year.

Tehran, Iran, - From among the Aryan festivals and feasts, some of the most important ones pertained to fire, the symbol of good health, cultivation, light, and purity to the Iranian. Chaharshanbe-Suri, “The Red Wednesday”, counts among the only two extant one of those fire-connected festivities.

It is an annual ritual which is held on the eve of the last Wednesday of the Iranian year. It is believed that the ritual guarantees the dissipation of the misfortunes and evils, and of course, the materialization of people’s hopes and desires for the next year.

It dates back to before the Arab Conquest of Iran; when the Iranian year was made up of 360 days with 5 extra days during which the Zoroastrians would build fires to invite their ancestors’ ghosts to their homes. On the other hand, we know that the Arabs believed that Wednesday was inauspicious. So, the people shifted their ritual to the eve of Tuesday (in the Arabian calendar, a day begins and finishes at dusk) to save the custom against the ill will of the Arabs. The ritual is composed of different rites:

Bute-Afruzi (Bush-igniting)

Bush-igniting is the principal ceremony of the night. Before the dusk, seven, as a symbol for the seven Zoroastrian angels (Amshaaspandan), heaps of bushes (of weed) are gathered before the house-gate or on the roof of the house -some visible place for the “ghosts” to guide. After the night has fallen on, the heaps are kindled and the uproarious tumult begins.

Everybody, ranging from the old to the children and the women, is excited into a passionate, memorable night. Now it is time for everybody to leap over the bonfires. They dance and sing merry notes. The traditional song of the night is: “Sorkhi-e man az to/ Zardi-e to az man”, literally “my redness from you/ your yellowness from me”, but figuratively it means “Give me your fiery red color and take back my wintry sallowness”.

In small cities and villages, the ash of the blaze traditionally is cast off in a stream or some crossroad, due its ill omens, because people have thrown off their former pain and misfortunes into it ( of course, in the northern parts of http://www.irpedia.com/_Iran

, such as Gilan province, people put this ash at the foot of the trees as fertilizer). The girl or woman, who had assumed the errand, on returning is asked for her identity and she would say, in response, that she is getting back from a wedding ceremony, fetching good health and good luck with her.

Qaashoq-Zani (Spoon-hitting)

Very much like Halloween and in full disguise, usually a veil (chador) covering the entire body, longing youths go to seven different houses and make a noise by hitting a bowl with a spoon to signal the household residing in the house. Being presented, by the household, with some treat betokens a positive omen, and vice versa.

Faal-e-Gusheneshini (solitary telling of the fortune)

Young women longing for a spouse make a wish, then having hidden themselves in some invisible dark corner of a passage, listen to the passers-by’s talks, according to which they decide whether their wish will or will not be fulfilled; passers-by’s positive talk signifies good omens, and unpleasant words point to some ill portent.

Kuze-Shekani (earthenware jar-shattering)

The household put some coal, as the sign of ill omen, and some salt, standing for evil eye, plus a cheap coin, signifying poverty, inside an earthenware jar. They turn the earthenware jar around their heads one by one. Then, one of them throws the jar over the roof onto the alley. Thus, ill omen, evil eye and poverty are driven out of the house.

Gereh-Goshaee

Similarly, women yearning to tie the knot or persons who have run into some problem, make a knot at the corner of a handkerchief or some other garment and request the first person whom they come across to undo it. The personâ s willingness will signal a hopeful portent.

Shaal-Andazi (shawl-dropping)

In some parts of the country, young boys, who are engaged, drop a shawl or wraparound down from the roof of their fiancà e’s house and she would present him with some confection or other present. Along with these rites, there are also others such as making soup for the sick, discarding the outworn furniture, etc. In some areas, the young get their horses out and make a performance on it before the night falls on.