Jetsettersblog

Delta Special Fare on between Atlanta and Kuwait

Travel to the Middle East and the world’s fourth richest country now made easier

ATLANTA – Delta Air Lines today announced a limited time introductory, one-way fare of $589 (see restrictions below) on its new nonstop route between Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Kuwait City, Kuwait. The offer applies to tickets purchased before Aug. 15, 2008 for travel between Nov. 7 and Dec. 13, 2008. (*Additional taxes/fees/restrictions/ baggage charges may apply. Round trip purchase required. Details are included below.)

Kuwait is the fourth richest country in the world. The Atlanta to Kuwait flight, which begins Nov. 7**, strengthens Delta’s leadership position in the Middle East, complementing existing service from Atlanta to Dubai and Tel Aviv; and from New York-JFK to Istanbul, Tel Aviv, Cairo and Amman.

“With the Kuwait flight, Delta now offers more service to the Middle East than all other U.S. carriers combined,” said Robert Cortelyou, senior vice president – Network Planning. “With 37 weekly frequencies to six destinations in the Middle East, Delta is the right airline for leisure and business travel, as well as cargo to the region.”

Traffic between the United States and Middle East is one of the fastest growing markets in aviation. The Middle East is a key component of Delta’s international expansion. Since 2005, the airline has added more than 60 new international destinations to its network, and Delta is now the leading carrier across the Atlantic with 44 destinations, more than any other airline.

Passengers on Delta’s flights between Atlanta and Kuwait travel on Boeing 777-200ER aircraft. Customers seated in Delta’s award-winning BusinessElite cabin enjoy all-leather sleeper seats with 60 inches of legroom, innovative food offerings designed by celebrity chef Michelle Bernstein, on-demand personal in-seat entertainment, as well as upgraded pillow, duvet cover and amenity kit. Economy class customers also enjoy all-leather economy seats, amenity kits and recently enhanced food offerings.

On flights to and from Kuwait, Delta’s service also features Arabic-speaking flight attendants, in-flight movies with Arabic subtitles, as well as Halal meal options in BusinessElite and Middle Eastern selections in economy.

Air Arabia service to Kiev

Sharjah - Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa, announced today that it will introduce service to Kiev, Ukraine, in October 2008. The launch of this new destination reflects Air Arabia’s growing expansion into the Eastern European market.

AK Nizar, Head of Commercial Department, Air Arabia said: “Ukraine is one of the fastest growing economies in Eastern Europe, and there is considerable passenger traffic between the country and the Middle East, particularly for tourism and business. We look forward to introducing non-stop service between Kiev and Sharjah in the coming months, and to offering our value-for-money services to everyone seeking friendly and efficient travel between these two dynamic regions.”

With a population approaching 3 million, Kiev is an important industrial, scientific, educational and cultural centre of Eastern Europe. One of the greenest cities in the region, it boasts a range of natural and architectural attractions. Kiev is the capital of Ukraine, which experienced record economic growth of more than 7.3 per cent last year alone.

In addition to Kiev, Air Arabia also serves Istanbul, Turkey, and Yerevan, Armenia, in Eastern Europe.

The Sharjah-based carrier offers the most destinations of any airline in the Middle East, South Asia and North Africa.

Summer Offers at Anantara Spa Emirates Palace

Dubai: Escape the heat and melt away at Anantara Spa, Emirates Palace this summer by booking any spa experience from now until the 31 August 2008 at an inviting 10% off.

Choose from any of the spa’s deliciously indulgent spa journeys and relaxing experiences from full body, scalp and foot massage therapies to facials and body rituals which can all be upgraded to include dreamy, aroma filled baths.

Continue the blissful Anantara Spa experience by purchasing all retail products at a generous 15% discount also valid until the 31 August 2008.

Enjoy Anantara’s own brand of oils made from the finest and freshest indigenous ingredients, nutrient-rich and luxuriously aromatic. For the ultimate treat to nurture the skin and relax the body, Elemis products are pure decadence. Soothing bath products from Ora and natural pampering pleasures from Charme D’ Orient can all be purchased to enjoy at home.

Designed to restore balance and harmony between body and mind in an oasis of beauty, grace and tranquility, the renowned Anantara Spa, Emirates Palace has something for everybody this summer.

Until 31 August 2008 Anantara Spa, Emirates Palace is offering a 10% discount for spa services and 15% off for retail items.

All rates are in AED and spa services are subject to 10% Service Charge and 6% Tourism Fee. All retail products are subject to 6 % tourism fee only.

Anantara spa is open from 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. For reservations, please call Anantara Spa +971 2 690 9000 at ext 7978

 

Sama Airlines Summer Flight Deals

Riyadh - Sama Airlines; the newest airlines in Saudi Arabia; announced the new initiatives in airports and inside the aircraft to simplify a quick check - in process for passengers without luggage, and to give the priority boarding to families with children and old people. In addition, Sama has implemented an on-board dedicated toilet inside the aircraft for ladies only, to make the travel experience a more comfortable one. These initiatives are part of Sama’s “Just for You” a campaign designed to support the summer getaway.

Mr. Samer Atawi, Sama CCO said: “We allocate a special and fast track for passengers without luggage, to simplify the whole check-in process.When it comes to boarding the aircraft, we give priority to families with children and old people to help them get settled on board. Furthermore, we allocate a one toilet inside the aircraft for ladies use only, helping them to feel more comfortable during the journey These initiatives are the first of their kind in the aviation sector in Saudi Arabia and the region, as part of “Just for You” a campaign to satisfy our traveler guests and for their comfort”

Sama Airlines has allocated a team of staff in Dammam and Jeddah, and sooner in Riyadh, to fast track Check-In for passengers without luggage, and support families with children and old people.

“Previous “Just for you” initiatives, include our frequent traveler program, which rewards the traveler with one free trip for every 9 boarding passes to any Sama destinations (Domestic or International). In addition, our promotion for kids is still valid for 250 SR to any Sama’s international destinations, to reduce the travel costs on families during this summer. “Just for You” a campaign is unique and unprecedented initiatives”, Samer Atawi added.

Sama flies to 12 domestic destinations ( Dammam, Riyadh, Jeddah, Abha, Jizan, Hail, Arar, Jouf, Tabouk, Rafha, and Bisha) and 10 international destinations across the Middle East (Abu-Dhabi, Sharjah, Amman, Damascus, Latakia, Aleppo, Beirut, Alexandira, Asiut and Sharm el Sheikh). Sama offers various ways for booking, such as the website (www.flysama.com) or Call Centre 9200 05588, or Sales Centre in all the main cities (Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah, Madinah, Abha) and the Airports, or our Authorised Travel Agents (Inside Saudi Arabia and outside). There are various payment options also available (Cash, Credit Card, Sadad).

Dubai Summer Spa Surprises 2008

A magnificent tribute to the ancient Moorish palaces, the white exterior and royal blue domes offer a welcoming entrance into this private and secluded spa, where exotic rituals have been created to stimulate the senses, soothe and rejuvenate.

The Amara concierge will customise your experience using the ancient healing philosophies of Diamond, Emerald, Ruby and Sapphire. These precious jewels, each with its own physical and spiritual benefits, combined with the finest products, Arabian teas and authentic delicacies, ensure a quality and personalised experience.

Amara DSS 2008 Spa Packages (Until 22 August)

Package 1: The Summer Ritual - Dhs 890 - 2hrs

• Outdoor rain-shower in your private terraced garden

• A foot and hand rose petal bath
• Start this reviving ritual with an aromatherapy body polish using peppermint, which leaves you with beautifully smooth skin, revived and invigorated.
• A full-body massage follows, with pure essential oils designed for your mood and well being
• Reflexology massage then stimulates and revives

• A selection from the Spa cuisine menu, poolside at the Amara lounge

• An exclusive Phyto-aromatic facial customized to your skin type and results required, will deep cleanse and revive the complexion.

• Arabian Tea, dates, roasted almonds and apricots will be served for your taste sensation during the ritual

• Full day use of the 25 meter swimming pool with four Jacuzzis, fragranced steam room, lounges, and gymnasium

Package 2: The Spirit of Summer - Dhs 790 - 1hr 45 mins

• Outdoor rain-shower in your private terraced garden

• A foot and hand rose petal bath

• This signature treatment starts with Aleppo Soap, whose recipe dates back to 8th century Syria. Enriched with olive and laurel oils, this is the purest, oldest and most gentle soap in the world. A “kese mitt” is used in your private outdoor rain shower to slough away dead skin, leaving you clean and refreshed.

• This prepares you for a luxurious full-body massage with Amara’s signature massage oil of frankincense, amber, myrrh and sandalwood, replete with the rich Perfumes of the Orient.

• Arabian Tea, dates, roasted almonds and apricots will be served for your taste sensation during the ritual

• Following this, enjoy a complimentary healthy and delicious meal from the spa menu served by the Amara pool.

• Full use of Amara’s facilities, including the gym and pool, is included.

*All treatments are for Ladies and Gentlemen

*You can experience these DSS Spa rituals, together with a partner in one of or magnificent couple’s suites, with its own terrace, majlis and private outdoor rain shower

Set in idyllic surroundings on the north bank of the Dubai Creek, Amara, the day spa at Park Hyatt Dubai, is an exquisite sanctuary of luxury and tranquility. Amara’s treatments promise to take you on journey of the senses, with the finest spa rituals and products available.

Amara features eight spacious luxury suites, each with its own private outdoor terrace, lounge area, and indoor and outdoor rain showers. Amara also offers a stunning 25 m swimming pool featuring a series of palm islands. At Amara, privacy is of the essence and the spa has its own enclosed private entrance, giving guests access without having to go through the hotel.

A unique sense of place is provided by the exquisitely designed Park Hyatt Dubai hotel and its breathtaking views of the Dubai Creek. With its adjoining private courtyards and cascading water features, Amara is in perfect harmony with the sophisticated retreat atmosphere of the hotel.

About Park Hyatt Dubai

Park Hyatt Dubai is a luxury waterfront retreat adjacent to the world-famous Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. Located just minutes from the city centre, world-class shopping and prime business districts, Park Hyatt Dubai is a haven of tranquil elegance in the vibrant city of Dubai.

Promotions At Park Hyatt Dubai

Traiteur restaurant, serving Modern European cuisine, will close for lunch throughout the week, including the Friday ‘Champagne lunch’. The restaurant will remain open on a daily basis to serve a diner menu, between the hours of 7:00pm to 12:00am. Traiteur will re-open for lunch and Friday ‘Champaign lunch’ in October.

THE TERRACE – CHANGE IN SUMMER OPENING HOURS

With floor-to-ceiling windows that offer views of the Dubai Creek, The Terrace is the perfect indoor venue to relax and enjoy the sunset over the water during the summer months. Until the end of September, The Terrace will serve an array of International Cuisine from 4:00pm to 2:00am The indoor bar also features a spectacular central stand-alone raw bar offering a selection of caviar, oysters and Baltic salmon accompanied by a vast selection of some 30 premium vodkas.

AFTERNOON TEA IN THE LOUNGE

August is the perfect time for traditional afternoon tea in The Lounge. Located in the heart of the hotel where large windows overlook Dubai Creek, The Lounge is surrounded by several water features and a central indoor garden, providing a peaceful haven where guests can savour one of the most beloved of English rituals, afternoon high tea.

Served from 3:00pm to 7:00pm daily, this light, elegant meal consists of three courses, starting with assorted crust less finger sandwiches of smoked organic salmon, cucumber and cream cheese, egg mayonnaise and cress, and cheese and ham.

Next, savour the taste of freshly baked raisin scones served with clotted cream and strawberry jam, and, finally, complete your afternoon tea experience with a selection of tea pastries. Taking centre stage is, of course, the wonderful assortment of nine varieties of fine tea, including Imperial English Breakfast, Imperial Earl Grey and Darjeeling.

Afternoon Tea is priced at Dhs 115 per couple.

THE THAI KITCHEN

NEW ITEMS ON THE MENU

Chef Supattra is pleased to introduce some new items on the menu. From the grill, try the Crab Meat Salad with Phak Paew or the Spicy Grilled Beef Salad with Chee Frang. Alternatively, savour the flavours of the Minced Shrimp stuffed with Century Egg or the Spicy Crispy Rice Salad with Pork Sausage.

HOT POT AT THE THAI KITCHEN

Every Saturday, The Thai Kitchen offers Juhm Jihm, or hot pot. This new dish is brought to you from Chef Supattra’s home province of Esarn and is offered in addition to the à la carte menu. Priced at Dhs 130 per person (minimum order is for two people), the hot pot is in keeping with the much-praised high standards of Chef Supattra and the authenticity of the food that has made The Thai Kitchen such a popular venue in Dubai.

What is hot pot?  Hot pot is a communal Asian meal where everybody cooks their own food right at the table in an aromatic broth. The boiling broth is served in a hot clay pot and all the ingredients, including shrimp, chicken, meat, vegetables and herbs, are presented raw on the side. Each person then places his/her choice of ingredients into the broth until they are cooked, after which they can be enjoyed with three different and very flavourful Thai sauces.

The Thai Kitchen Juhm Jihm Night (Saturdays) is priced at Dhs 130 per person, with a minimum order for two people. For reservations, please call 04 317 2222.

FRIDAY LUNCH AT PARK HYATT DUBAI

TRAITEUR – CLOSED FOR FRIDAY LUNCH DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS FROM JULY – AUGUST.

The Terrace- NEW OPENING HOURS ON FRIDAY

The Terrace is the perfect venue to relax and enjoy the sunset overlooking the marina. Until the end of September, The Terrace will serve an array of International Cuisine from 4:00pm to 2:00am The indoor bar also features a spectacular central stand-alone raw bar offering a selection f caviar, oysters and Baltic salmon accompanied by a vast selection of some 30 premium vodkas.

The Thai Kitchen

The Thai Kitchen features the flavours, colours and aromas of authentic Thai cuisine.Friday Lunch: An extensive menu of authentic Thai dishes prepared in four open kitchens, one each for wok, grill, noodles and desserts.The Thai Kitchen’s Friday Lunch is priced at Dhs 175 per person, including soft drinks, or Dhs 225 per person, including soft drinks, beer and wine.

For reservations, please call 04 317 2222.Café Arabesque

Café Arabesque celebrates the culinary influences of the Levant region.

Friday Family Lunch: More than 40 cold and hot mezze treats, followed by six main courses of traditional specialties from the wood rotisserie, plus a selection of 12 desserts, fruit and authentic kunafa.

Café Arabesque’s Friday Family Lunch is priced at Dhs 129 per person, including soft drinks. Children under 12 receive a 50% discount. For reservations, please call 04 317 2222.

About Park Hyatt Dubai

Park Hyatt Dubai is a luxury waterfront retreat adjacent to the world-famous Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. Located just minutes from the city centre, world-class shopping and prime business districts, Park Hyatt Dubai is a haven of tranquil elegance in the vibrant city of Dubai.

Emirates Palace Opulent Package

This package incarnates pure opulence and includes the following for 2 guests:

First class return trip from any international destination serviced by Etihad Airlines to Abu Dhabi

Seven night stay in a 680 sqm Palace Suite at Emirates Palace on an all-inclusive basis.

Chauffeur driven Maybach at your disposal daily during your stay in Abu Dhabi

Daily spa treatment in the Anantara Spa

Day trip in private jet to Iran to create your own Persian carpet from the most exclusive and well-renowned hand-maker

Day trip in private jet to the Dead Sea Jordan to experience the famous sea and an afternoon Anantara spa treatment in the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar

Day trip to Bahrain in private jet for a pearl deep sea experience. Your pearl will then be hand designed with jewellery settings

Royal Golf experience at Abu Dhabi Golf Club

Make your own perfume with experts from YAS Perfume

Deep sea fishing trip

Gifts including champagne sunset and desert island tour.

Gifts including the rarest pearls in the world from Robert Wang and a selection from Holland & Holland Sporting Guns

So there’s the answer to that million dollar question…

For reservations call 00 800 426 313 55

Jordan Festival 2008

Amman, Jordon, - Featuring 25 of the most prominent icons in the international cultural arena alongside contemporary art gurus, the Festival will be held in different parts of the Kingdom namely Amman, Jerash, Petra and the Dead Sea.

Featuring Amr Diab, Abdallah Rowaished, George Wasoufm Omar Al Abdullat, Elissa, Cheb Khalid, Assi Halani, Haitham Shomali, Fadl Shakerm, Hussein Al Salman, Ziad Salim, Diana Karazon, Tony Qattan, Mohammad Hamaki, Cheb Faudel, and Biyouna, this Kingdom wide-event is set to strengthen Jordan’s position on the international map of tourism. Promising an exciting atmosphere for all Jordanians and visitors this summer, the Festival is expected to draw regional and global attraction to Jordan’s most prominent touristic locations.

With its program designed to allure the international traveler, Arab visitors and Jordanian citizen alike, this event will also bring together international icons such as , Placido Domingo, the legendary Spanish opera singer who is performing in Jordan for the first time ever, Monica Yunus,, and International Jazz sensation Diana Krall, pop singer Mika, and Julia Migenes.

Recent studies have shown that the tourism sector in Jordan brings in an annual income of JD 1.63 billion. It represents a total of 14.4% out of the total GDP for Jordan. This sector employs a total of 125,000 Jordanians. These figures confirm the sector’s standing as a prime contributor to the reduction of unemployment rates across the Kingdom.
The Festival will start on Tuesday July 8th, 2008 with a performance by Elissa, Georges Wassouf, and Omar Al Abdullat on the Jerash South Theater. The first night will also feature a performance by the world-famous jazz singer Diana Krall at the Citadel in Downtown Amman.

Ticket sales are made available via an e-ticketing system on http://www.visitjordan.com  and through various Points of Sale (POS) across the Kingdom. The anticipation of the fans eager to attend the concerts is reflected in the ticket acquiring process where tickets are, selling out so quickly.

The Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, H.E Ms. Maha Al Khateeb, expressed her joy for seeing the successful realization of the Jordan Festival, to this effect she said, “Through the Festival, the Kingdom is better able to provide artistic, musical, and cultural ambiances to locals and visitors alike.”

From his end General Manager of JTB Mr. Nayef Al Fayez stated, “The Festival took into consideration the social and economic circumstances of Jordanian and Arab families. The tickets were priced to encourage the citizens and visitors to attend the Festival and to enjoy its pleasant atmosphere. We are confident in that the event will contribute to creating a joyful experience to all family members offering them a nontraditional summer season.”

To raise awareness of the Festival, JTB recently launched a promotional campaign on both the local and regional levels.

Information on the Agenda, locations, and the performing artists are available on http://www.visitjordan.com  or through the automated call centre 962 (6) 5001350.

Silver Wind Cruise 2009 World Leaders Symposium

Following on the success of this year’s World Leaders Symposium aboard the Silver Whisper in March, Silversea Cruises will again host the symposium March 19 through April 3, 2009 aboard the newly refurbished Silver Wind.

Next year’s symposium, themed The Middle East in the 21st Century, will sail to the Persian Gulf states of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman with former U.S. Secretary of State James Baker, former U.S. Secretary of Defense William Perry, and other leading scholars and historians.

The symposium will be produced by High Country Passage, a luxury educational tour operator.

The 2008 symposium, Rising Global Powers: China and East Asia, brought nearly 250 participants to the East Asian cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Seoul, and Nagasaki. Onboard guest speakers included former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, as well as Perry.

Tiberias’ Scots Hotel in Israel for Wine Connoisseurs

Tiberias’ Scots Hotel, originally established in 1894 as a hospital, is now offering a unique collection of boutique wines grown locally including selections from Chateau Golan, Dalton, and Tabor and Golan Wineries.

Special to the region, the wines are stored in a one-of-a-kind underground wine cellar and preserved at precise temperature and humidity.

The hotel’s wine cellar previously served as a hospital storeroom. The underground space is tunnel-shaped and its 19th century basalt stone dates from the hotel’s construction in 1894.

Also used as a dining room for holiday parties, wine workshops and tasting evenings, the Scots Hotel’s cellar offers a memorable experience with tasting of the finest wines that Israel has to offer.

For more information, visit www.scotshotels.co.il